The Importance of Health Cover- Sally’s Life Example  

" I was young and didn't believe it to be a serious injury " Sally (not her real name) is a 24-year-old female, who loved her sport. She was a player for a district netball team when she injured her knee. After consulting with a physiotherapist she resumed playing netball although the activity continued to cause minor discomfort. Being uninsured Sally was reluctant to fully pursue appropriate medical recommendations. In November 2002 Sally underwent surgery to her knee.

Her out of pocket expenses after the applicable Medicare rebates amounted to the following:
Prothesis x 3 (pins and plates) $1012.20
Hospital Bed 1 night* $579.00
Theatre costs $974.00
Surgeon $368.00
Surgeons Assistant $58.60
Scripts on discharge $20.95
Knee Brace – basic** $48.00
Physiotherapy treatment*** (6 x 1 visit per week) $275.00
Anti inflammatory medication $60.00
Total out of pocket expense $ 3395.75

* Sally was recommended to stay an additional night in hospital but could not meet the cost so discharged herself early.
** Sally was recommended to have had a more advanced knee brace but opted for a basic less expensive version.
*** Sally limited the amount of visits she had to the physiotherapist due to it being cost prohibitive.
Sally was advised that she would have avoided the major surgery if she had necessary exploratory surgery in the beginning. The cost of procedures of this nature stopped Sally from having them done.
Sally's recovery period has been lengthened due to additional costs attached to postoperative rehabilitation. She estimates she lost approximately 5 weeks of income due to her surgery and recovery period. She has also been faced with reduced occupational choices due to her longer than normal recovery.
Could you afford $3395.75 out of your pocket? Could you afford 5 weeks of work without pay?
Or would you have to change jobs if your injury limited your mobility and caused discomfort?