Health insurance for kidney dialysis

*Pricing based on a single individual with less than $97,000 income and living in Sydney.

How much is private health insurance with cover for kidney dialysis?

Below you can find sample quotes from Finder partner funds. All policies include treatments for chronic kidney failure. All prices are based on a single individual with less than $97,000 income and living in Sydney.

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What is a kidney dialysis?

A kidney dialysis is a type of treatment that's used when a patient develops end-stage kidney failure. Dialysis helps to return the body to balance by preventing waste, salt and water from building up in the body. It also helps to maintain a safe level of chemicals in your blood and helps to control blood pressure.

How can I cover the cost of chronic kidney disease and dialysis treatment?

There are a number of ways for you to potentially receive benefits for chronic kidney disease and dialysis, both through the public and private health systems.

• Public health system
• Private health insurance

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Frequently asked questions

• What are the symptoms of reduced kidney function?

  Chronic kidney disease can often go undetected in the early stages due to lack of or few symptoms. Some symptoms are indicative of kidney failure, while other symptoms such as high blood pressure can be confused with other conditions. Symptoms can include:

  • Kidney pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Headaches
  • Swelling in the legs and ankles

  • Change in the frequency and appearance of urination
  • Bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth
  • Disturbed sleep and tiredness
  • Appetite loss and problems concentrating

• What are the five stages of chronic kidney disease?

  Chronic kidney disease has five stages. Stages one to three can be managed with medication, while stage five is the most severe and requires a kidney transplant or ongoing dialysis treatment.

  Disease progression	Physiological changes	Physical symptoms
  Stage 1	No decrease in GFR*	No symptoms
  Stage 2	Small reduction in GFR* Defects in other organ systems High blood pressure	Usually no symptoms
  Stage 3	Significant reduction in GFR* Defects in other organ systems High blood pressure Increase in proteins in urine	In some cases no symptoms
  Stage 4	Significant reduction in function of kidneys Defects in other organ systems High blood pressure Significant increase in proteins in urine	Abnormal function of organ systems
  Stage 5	Kidney failure	Abnormal function of organ systems, fatigue, swelling, change of skin colour

  _{*GFR: Glomerular Filtration Rate is an indicator used to measure kidney function.}

   

• What are the common treatments for kidney-related ailments?

  Chronic kidney disease treatments vary based on the severity of the condition. However, patients suffering end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) will require kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are two types of KRT treatments:

  • Haemodialysis. Although this can be done at home with assistance, haemodialysis is generally carried out at a medical facility. A patient's blood is filtered using an external machine and transferred back into the body. Patients requiring this type of treatment may be required to visit a hospital or clinic multiple times per week and the procedure can last up to six hours each session.

  • Peritoneal dialysis. This type of dialysis is performed in the home and can be done by the patient. Unlike haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis filters the patient's blood using PD fluid in the stomach. Two types of peritoneal dialysis exist:
    • Home continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which is performed during the day.
    • Home automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), which is performed overnight while the patient is asleep.

• Can I access my superannuation early to pay for my treatment?

  Early access to preserved superannuation is available in the event of financial hardship. Superannuation savings can help pay for the cost of chronic kidney disease treatment if:

  • You have been receiving Centrelink benefits for six months or longer and you can no longer pay your living expenses.
  • You need your superannuation to cover loan payments so you can keep your home.
  • You require palliative care resulting from chronic kidney disease.

  If your superannuation fund includes benefit payments for total and permanent disablement, you can claim these if your chronic kidney disease prevents you from returning to your regular job. You may also be able to claim a disability benefit lump sum if your chronic kidney disease reaches stages four or five and you have to stop work.

• Are there any other funding options I could make use of?

  Additional sources of financial support may be available to you if you are undertaking home dialysis treatment. These include:

  • Water and electricity cost reimbursement from the state government.
  • Centrelink Sickness Allowance.
  • Centrelink Carers Payment – Long-term Dialysis Support.
  • Centrelink Essential Medical Equipment Payment.
  • Paid sick leave from your employer.