Omari Gates
Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world, resulting in high skin cancer rates. As a result, regular skin checks are recommended to facilitate early detection and prevention. Skin checks may be conducted by a general practitioner (GP), a dermatologist, or a skin cancer detection clinic. Some skin checks may be bulk-billed, while others require upfront payments, with costs varying between providers. Certain providers, such as MoleMap, offer free skin checks for eligible members of specific health funds or insurance plans. These free checks are often contingent on having both hospital and extras cover and being aged 18 or over. It is recommended to verify the cost of skin check services in advance and explore payment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of skin checks | Between $90-$175 before Medicare rebate |
| Cost after Medicare rebate | Capped between $90-$100 |
| Cost of spot checks | Capped at $63 |
| Cost covered by insurance | Yes, by HCF Life Protect Insurance |
| Cost covered by HCF membership | Yes, for members with hospital and extras cover |
| Free skin checks | Yes, unlimited free spot checks offered by MoleMap Australia |
| Qualifications of skin check providers | Registered nurses with specialised training in skin cancer detection |
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What You'll Learn
Free skin checks for HCF members
Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world, increasing the risk of skin cancer for its residents. In fact, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
HCF members can access free skin checks at selected HCF locations throughout the year. These skin checks are free for members aged 18 or over with both hospital and extras cover. Overseas Visitors Health Cover is excluded from this benefit.
The skin checks are conducted by MoleMap, who are experts in skin cancer detection, diagnosis and proactive monitoring. They offer unlimited free spot checks between annual Full Body MoleMap visits. The mole check is performed by a dermatologist or a registered nurse who specializes in skin cancer triage.
Skin checks are an important way to detect skin cancer early and improve treatment outcomes. It is recommended that you perform an at-home skin check every three months to help spot changes early. Some signs to look out for include changes in the colour, size, shape, elevation and feel of moles.
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Spot checks
Skin checks are not free in Australia, however, there are some options for free spot checks and rebates.
Free Spot Checks
MoleMap Australia offers unlimited free spot checks for 12 months between annual Full Body MoleMap visits. These checks are performed by a melanographer, a registered nurse who specializes in skin cancer triage. If the melanographer identifies a suspicious spot, it will be sent to a consultant dermatologist for further checking and diagnosis. This service provides accurate results without the lengthy wait associated with referrals.
Medicare Rebates
After a full skin check, which typically costs between $140 and $175, patients can receive a Medicare rebate, resulting in an out-of-pocket expense capped between $90 and $100.
Free Skin Checks for HCF Members
HCF members aged 18 or over with both hospital and extras cover can receive free MoleMap skin checks at select HCF Dental and Eyecare Centres on specific dates throughout the year.
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Full-body checks
Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world, which increases the risk of skin cancer. As a result, it is important to regularly check your skin for any changes. The first warning sign is often a new mole or a change in an existing mole. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and, if left untreated, can easily spread to other parts of the body. Thus, it is important to regularly check your skin for any changes.
Full-body skin checks are typically performed by a general practitioner (GP) or a dermatologist. Some skin checks may be bulk-billed, while other providers may require upfront payments. The cost of a full skin check can vary depending on the level of sun exposure, the number of moles, freckles, and lesions, and the expertise of the practitioner. The average cost of a full skin check appointment ranges from $140 to $175 before any Medicare rebate is applied. After the rebate, the out-of-pocket cost is usually capped between $90 and $100.
MoleMap Australia offers free skin cancer spot checks for eligible members at selected HCF locations throughout the year. These checks are performed by melanographers, who are registered nurses with specialised training in skin cancer detection. Digital images of suspicious moles are then sent for expert dermatologist diagnosis. Additionally, some health funds may cover part or all of the cost of a skin check at a skin cancer clinic.
It is recommended to do an at-home skin check every three months to help spot any changes early. Changes to watch for include colour, size, shape, elevation, and feel. If you notice any changes or have concerns, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a full-body skin check.
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Bulk-billed skin checks
Skin cancer checks are free for Medicare cardholders at some clinics in Australia, such as Bondi Skin Cancer Doctors and Skin Check WA. These clinics offer bulk-billed skin checks, meaning there is no out-of-pocket expense for patients with a Medicare card. Some clinics may also offer bulk-billing for veterans with Gold or White Cards that include skin cancer as a condition.
In addition to annual checks, some clinics offer unlimited free spot checks between full-body visits. These spot checks are designed for patients who notice new lesions or changes to existing lesions and want to get them checked promptly. MoleMap Australia, for example, offers unlimited free spot checks for 12 months after a full-body mole map appointment.
It is important to note that skin cancer checks may also involve additional procedures, such as mole monitoring programs, self-skin examination plans, and skin lesion biopsies. These procedures may or may not be included in the bulk-billing and may vary depending on the clinic and the patient's individual circumstances.
While bulk-billed skin checks remove the financial barrier, it is still essential to choose a reputable clinic with skilled practitioners to ensure accurate results and proper care. Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels globally, contributing to its high skin cancer rates, so regular skin checks and sun safety practices are crucial for early detection and prevention.
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Skin checks at GPs, derms, or skin clinics
Skin checks are not free in Australia, and the costs vary depending on the type of skin check and the clinic. However, some people may be eligible for bulk billing or Medicare rebates to reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
Skin Checks at GPs
General practitioners (GPs) in Australia often provide skin checks for their patients, despite a lack of recommendation for systematic skin cancer screening. The cost of a skin check at a GP's office will vary, but you can expect to pay an out-of-pocket expense of around $90 to $100 after the Medicare rebate.
Skin Checks at Dermatologists
Dermatologists in Australia, such as those at Sydney Skin, specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin conditions, including skin cancer. They are often fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and work in teaching hospitals, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest developments in dermatology. The cost of a skin check at a dermatologist's office may be higher than at a GP's, but it can vary depending on the specific clinic and the procedures performed.
Skin Checks at Skin Clinics
Australian Skin Cancer Clinics (ASCC) provide services for the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management of skin cancer. They also offer additional services for the removal or treatment of other minor skin lesions, such as skin tags, age spots, and moles. The cost of a full skin check at an ASCC clinic is typically between $140 and $175 before any Medicare rebate, with an out-of-pocket expense of $90 to $100 after the rebate.
It is important to remember that skin cancer management is typically conducted face-to-face, but telehealth appointments may be available for discussing results and reviewing treatments if you are unable to return to the clinic.
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Frequently asked questions
Skin checks in Australia vary in cost. Some MoleMap skin checks are free for eligible HCF members aged 18 or over with both hospital and extras cover. However, fees for a full skin check can range from $90 to $175 before any rebates are applied.
MoleMap is a skin cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment clinic. They offer free skin cancer spot checks and full-body mole map visits.
A full skin check typically includes an examination of sun exposure, moles, freckles, and lesions of concern.
A full skin check appointment typically takes around 20 minutes.
