The short answer
Yes. Since 1 July 2023, the Medical Board of Australia requires everyone seeking cosmetic surgery to have a referral, preferably from their usual GP. The referring doctor must be independent of the surgeon and must not perform cosmetic procedures themselves. Non-surgical procedures such as injectables don't need a referral, and Medicare doesn't cover cosmetic surgery.
On this page
Do you need a referral for cosmetic surgery?
Yes. The Medical Board of Australia's guidelines for doctors who perform cosmetic surgery took effect on 1 July 2023. They say all patients seeking cosmetic surgery must have a referral, preferably from their usual GP [1][2].
This is a professional rule set by the Medical Board for the doctors who perform surgery. The Board doesn't set Medicare billing rules [3], and the referral is needed even though Medicare doesn't pay for cosmetic surgery [2].
What counts as cosmetic surgery?
The guidelines define cosmetic surgery as operations and other procedures that revise or change your appearance, where the dominant purpose is achieving what you see as a more desirable appearance. Cosmetic surgery involves cutting beneath the skin [2].
| Type of procedure | Examples | Referral needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic surgery | Breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction [1] | Yes [1][3] |
| Non-surgical cosmetic procedures | Cosmetic injectables such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser treatments, thread lifts [1][3] | No general requirement [1][3] |
| Reconstructive or gender affirmation surgery, and procedures with a medical justification | Varies | Outside these guidelines [1] |
Non-surgical procedures have their own set of guidelines, which Ahpra and the National Boards introduced from 2 September 2025 for all registered health practitioners who perform them [6].
Who can write a cosmetic surgery referral?
The Medical Board's FAQ sets out who can refer [3]:
- an Australian-registered GP or another medical specialist who doesn't provide cosmetic surgery or cosmetic procedures
- your usual GP is preferred, but you can choose another GP
- GP registrars can refer
The referring doctor must work independently of the doctor who'll do the surgery [2]. That means they can't share a clinic location, employer or business, have a financial relationship, or be close relatives [3]. The surgeon also can't have an arrangement to direct patients to a particular GP for referrals [3].
A doctor who performs cosmetic surgery or non-surgical cosmetic procedures can't write the referral, even if they only do this part time alongside general practice [2][3]. Once you have an initial referral from a non-cosmetic doctor, a cosmetic practitioner can refer you on to another cosmetic practitioner [3].
What does the referring doctor check?
The referral isn't a formality. The Board expects the referring GP to [3]:
- consider your medical history, other health conditions and medicines
- assess your physical and mental health
- talk with you about your reasons for wanting surgery
- screen for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or similar conditions
If you have BDD or another condition that makes surgery unsuitable, the GP shouldn't refer, and a GP can decline to give a referral [3]. If body image concerns are affecting your daily life, your GP can also talk with you about support, such as seeing a psychologist.
The referral should include at least the reason for referral and relevant history, and indicate the nature of your request [3]. It doesn't have to name a specific procedure or surgeon, so you can use it to see a practitioner of your choice [3]. The surgeon, not the referring GP, is responsible for informed consent, the surgery and your care afterwards [3]. For general tips, see what goes in a referral letter.
Can you get a cosmetic surgery referral by telehealth?
Yes, by video. The Medical Board says the referring practitioner must have a real-time consultation with you, in person or by video, and that in person is preferred [3]. A referral based on a questionnaire you fill out without a real-time consultation isn't acceptable [3]. The FAQ doesn't list phone consultations, so book a video consultation if you're using telehealth. More on getting referrals online.
What happens after you're referred?
The guidelines set out steps the surgeon must follow before operating [1][2]:
- at least two pre-operative consultations
- the first with the surgeon or a registered health practitioner who works with them, not a patient advisor or agent
- at least one in person with the surgeon who will operate, and the other in person or by video
- no consent forms signed at the first consultation
- assessment for conditions such as BDD using a validated psychological screening tool
You must also get plain-language written information on the total cost, deposits, payment dates and refund terms, and be told that Medicare doesn't cover cosmetic procedures [1]. Doctors can't promote loans or commercial payment plans, or encourage early access to superannuation, to pay for surgery [1].
Cooling-off periods
| Who | Minimum cooling-off period |
|---|---|
| Adults | At least 7 days after both consultations and informed consent, before surgery is booked or a deposit is paid [1][2] |
| Under 18 | At least 3 months between informed consent and surgery, plus a referral for psychological evaluation before any procedure [1][2] |
Apart from initial consultation fees, no money is payable until the cooling-off period ends [1]. For under-18s, doctors must also comply with any state or territory laws on cosmetic procedures [1].
Plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon: what's the difference?
"Surgeon" is a protected title. Since 20 September 2023 in most states and territories, and now nationally, only doctors with specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, or ophthalmology can call themselves a surgeon, including "cosmetic surgeon" [4]. GPs and doctors with general registration can't use it, and a cosmetic surgery endorsement doesn't allow a doctor to use it either [4].
You can check any doctor's registration type and specialty on the public register [4]. Ahpra has also created an endorsement for cosmetic surgery, which shows on the register when a doctor holds it [5].
Not all plastic surgery is cosmetic. Medically necessary plastic and reconstructive surgery treats a physical deformity, such as burn grafts or cleft palate repair [9]. Reconstructive surgery sits outside the cosmetic guidelines [1], so the usual specialist referral rules apply instead, explained in how long a referral lasts.
Does Medicare or private health insurance cover cosmetic surgery?
Medicare: no. Surgeons must tell you cosmetic surgery isn't covered by Medicare [2], and Services Australia lists non-therapeutic cosmetic surgery among services that don't attract Medicare benefits [7]. The GP consultation to assess you and write the referral is different: Medicare advised in February 2023 that benefits would most likely be payable, provided the requirements of a relevant item are met [3].
Some procedures that can look cosmetic have Medicare items when strict clinical criteria are met. For example, item 45617 covers upper eyelid reduction for reasons such as demonstrated visual impairment, with photographic or imaging evidence of clinical need in your notes [8]. The related MBS note confirms Medicare doesn't cover non-therapeutic cosmetic services [8].
Private health insurance: generally no. Hospital cover's plastic and reconstructive surgery category covers hospital treatment that's medically necessary to investigate and treat a physical deformity [9]. Purely cosmetic surgery isn't treatment of a deformity, so don't expect your insurer to pay. Check your policy and ask your insurer before booking.
Getting a referral
Referral GP offers telehealth consultations, by phone or video, with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs. For a cosmetic surgery referral, choose a video consultation. If it's clinically appropriate, your GP can write a referral that you can take to a surgeon of your choice.
A consultation doesn't guarantee a referral. Your GP decides what's clinically appropriate.
Bulk billed for eligible patients. If you're not eligible, a consultation fee may apply, and we'll confirm it with you before your consult.
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.
Common questions
Is a GP referral required for cosmetic surgery in Australia?
Yes. Under the Medical Board of Australia's guidelines, which apply from 1 July 2023, all patients seeking cosmetic surgery must have a referral, preferably from their usual GP [1][2]. Another GP or a medical specialist who doesn't provide cosmetic surgery or cosmetic procedures can refer if needed [3].
Can I get a cosmetic surgery referral through telehealth?
Can the surgeon's clinic arrange the referral for me?
Do I need a referral for anti-wrinkle injections or fillers?
Is cosmetic surgery covered by Medicare?
References
- Medical Board of Australia. Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures (web page; guidelines effective 1 July 2023). Accessed November 2026. medicalboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines-policies/cosmetic-medical-and-sur
- Medical Board of Australia. Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures (PDF, 1 July 2023). Accessed November 2026. ahpra.gov.au/documents/default.aspx?record=WD23%2F32712&dbid=AP&chksum
- Medical Board of Australia. FAQ: Cosmetic surgery, requirement for GP referral. Accessed November 2026. medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/FAQ/FAQ-Cosmetic-surgery
- Medical Board of Australia. FAQ: Protection of the title 'surgeon'. Accessed November 2026. medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/FAQ/FAQ-Protection-of-th
- Ahpra. Cosmetic surgery hub: about endorsement (reviewed 2 September 2025). Accessed November 2026. ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Cosmetic-surgery-hub/About-endorsement.aspx
- Ahpra. New guidelines for non-surgical cosmetic procedures (news, 3 June 2025). Accessed November 2026. ahpra.gov.au/News/2025-06-03-New-cosmetic-procedure-guidelines
- Services Australia. Health Professionals Operational Blueprint: General assessing information for Medicare (011-42020000). Accessed November 2026. operational.servicesaustralia.gov.au/public/Pages/your-health/011-4202
- MBS Online. Item 45617: upper eyelid reduction, and explanatory note TN.8.103 (schedule fee updated 1 July 2026). Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?q=45617
- privatehealth.gov.au (Commonwealth Ombudsman). Clinical categories. Accessed November 2026. privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/howitworks/clinical_categories.h
Published by Referral GP. Last updated 6 November 2026. This page is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice about your own situation. If you or someone else is in danger, call 000.