Cost of Botox
Do you know which Botox costs can be covered by private insurance? Have a quick chat with one of our experts and they can help you look for a policy that covers the treatment you’re after.
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What is Botox?
Botox is botulinum toxin type A, which is a neurotoxin that targets the nervous system to block signals reaching muscles and causes them to relax.1 Small amounts of Botox can be injected into your skin or muscles, and the number of shots you’ll need will depend on the size of the area you’re treating.
Botox is actually a brand name, though the word is often used to describe all botulinum toxin type A injections. The three approved brands of botulinum toxin type A in Australia are Botox, Dysport and Xeomin.2 Some clinics will advertise Botox treatment as an anti-wrinkle injection or wrinkle-reducing treatment.3
Though probably best known as a wrinkle treatment, Botox can be used as a medical solution to help with various issues. This includes Botox for migraines, muscle spasms and teeth grinding.4 While Botox doesn’t cure any conditions, it can help manage symptoms.
The effects of Botox usually take about 2-7 days to work and last 3-4 months, depending on the patient and the issue being treated. Your doctor will give you some instructions to follow after your injection, but you’ll usually be able to return to your everyday activities after the procedure. By following your doctor’s instructions for aftercare, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of side effects.
Remember, some patients don’t experience any relief from symptoms or a noticeable change in appearance after receiving Botox injections, so there’s no guarantee you’ll get your desired results.
Is Botox safe?
When administered properly, Botox is safe. However, some people experience side effects such as bruising, droopy eyelids, headaches, pain in the injection area, swelling, redness and numbness.5 In rare cases, people can have an allergic reaction, or the toxin effects can spread and lead to problems breathing and swallowing.
Botox injections are now offered in various facilities, including doctors, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, dentists and beauty parlours. Botox is a potent neurotoxin and can be dangerous when misused. Therefore, it’s important that whoever your injector is knows the correct dosage to give.
Sometimes, inexperienced or unqualified practitioners will attempt to perform Botox treatment, and this can lead to botched results. Therefore, we highly recommend researching your options and only receiving treatment from a high quality, qualified health practitioner.
What is the difference between Botox cosmetic and Botox therapeutic?
Cosmetic Botox is when the purpose of the procedure is to improve physical appearance (e.g. wrinkles). Therapeutic Botox is when the product is used to treat medical conditions (e.g. Botox for migraines). Both treatments use the same product, just for different reasons. Where and how many injections you receive will depend on the size of the area being treated and why you’re having the treatment.
| Examples of cosmetic Botox | Examples of medical Botox |
|---|---|
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There are alternative treatments to all of the above, and your GP may try other solutions before suggesting Botox. Often, a condition of receiving a Medicare rebate for Botox injections is that your doctor has tried different medications and treatments without success. You’ll also need to meet all Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) requirements. Even if you’re using Botox to treat a medical condition, it may still affect your appearance.
How much does Botox cost?
The cost of Botox will vary depending on where you’re targeting and how many units are required. The more areas you want treated, the more units you’ll need. Prices for medical Botox injections will vary depending on your specific condition, the specialist you see, and various other factors.
Here is a list of medical Botox treatments, including MBS number and average costs. Costs can vary for various reasons, so use the below as a rough guide rather than a quote.
| Type of Botox treatment | Typical cost | Typical amount paid by Medicare | Typical amount paid by patient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontrollable neck spasms (MBS item 18353) | $300 | $224 | $76 |
| Muscle Spasm around eyes (MBS 18372) | $170-$180 | $112 | $58-$68 |
| Chronic migraines (MBS item 18377) | $260 | $112 | $58-$68 |
| Moderate to severe muscle spasms (MBS item 18360) | $150-$160 | $112 | $38-$48 |
| Excessive sweating in the armpits (MBS item 18362 | $500 | $222 | $278 |
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Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care: Medical Costs Finder. Accessed 12 August 2024.6 |
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Cosmetic Botox can cost you anywhere between $130 and $700, depending on what you’re having done and who is doing it. These types of procedures are highly unlikely to be covered by your health fund, so all expenses will be paid by you. The cost of each procedure will vary depending on a range of factors, including the size of the treatment areas, how many wrinkles you have, your choice of specialist and even the city where you’re receiving the treatment.
| Cosmetic Botox procedure | Average advertised costs* |
|---|---|
| Forehead lines | $99-$330 |
| Frown | $150-$200 |
| Crow’s feet | $199-$300 |
| Treatment of two areas | $290-$400 |
| Treatment of three areas | $320-$700 |
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*Most clinics advertise their prices with the word ‘from’ (e.g., “prices from $200”). This means that the advertised price is the minimum amount you’ll be charged, but you could be charged more, depending on your procedure. Source: The above price list is a rough guide based on a random selection of ten clinics across Australia.3 Other clinics may charge more or less for the same procedure. Many clinics offer a complimentary consultation. |
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Does health insurance cover Botox treatment?
Most health insurance funds won’t cover Botox (or any cosmetic injections, filler or surgery) unless deemed medically necessary. In other words, if you’re going to use Botox for purely cosmetic reasons, you’ll have to cover all costs from your own pocket.
If you’re getting Botox to treat medical conditions, such as migraines, your health fund may pay towards your costs, depending on your policy. For it to qualify, the procedure will need to hold a Medicare item number. But you’ll also need to check whether the treatment for your particular need for medical Botox is actually covered by the policy you hold. In addition to this, your fund may have additional requirements that you need to meet, such as a supporting letter from your medical practitioner. The best way to know for sure is to talk to your health insurance provider or review your policy brochure.
Does Medicare cover Botox treatment?
Meet our health insurance expert, Steven Spicer
As the Executive General Manager of Health, Life and Energy, Steven Spicer is a strong believer in the benefits of private cover and knows just how valuable the peace of mind that comes with cover can be. He is passionate about demystifying the health insurance industry and advocates for the benefits of comparison when it comes to saving money on your premiums.
Want to learn more about health insurance?
1 The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the National Boards ‒ Fact sheet on injectables. Accessed August 2024
2 Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care: MBS Online. Accessed August 2024
3 Average cost of Cosmetic Botox was taken from a random selection of ten clinics across Australia. August 2024
4 Health Direct ‒ Botox. Accessed August 2024
5 Victoria State Government: Department of Health: Better Health Channel. Accessed August 2024
6 Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care: Medical Costs Finder. Accessed August 2024
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