Where do I start ?

The team on the BUPA helpline are pretty knowledgeable. I've just been through this process with them. 

Sleeve gastrectomy is item 31575, comfirm that your insurance covers this surgery. 

The private hospital cover network and member hospitals are listed on the BUPA website. You need to check where your preferred doctor operates. If it is one of the network or member hospitals you are in luck.

Your preferred surgeon will be able to give you a quote. 
You need to ask if they participate in the no gap with BUPA, but most likely you won't be able to claim any of the costs back. If you have top level extras you may get some of your dietician costs back, you can log in to BUPA and check this online.
The quote should detail
Surgeons costs, 
the surgical assistant costs,
the anaethatist and 
dietician.
Some surgeons also require a psychologist assessment.

Once you decide to go ahead you pay the amount in your surgeons quote and book in to the private hospital. You will need to pay any hospital excess and copayment when you go in for admission.

Good luck:43227:

Hi there,

My experience with my health fund was very different.  I googled the item numbers, and then contacted my health fund (HCF) and asked if I was covered for the item number.  As it turns out I am - and my surgery is next week.  Very nervous, but very determined.  

They shouldn't need to know what doctor you're seeing at this stage.  But, pick any specialist who does the procedure you want to have, call their reception team and ask for item numbers - most I've found are really helpful. (Reception teams - not health funds!!)

Am so confused and no idea where I need to start. I have cover with Bupa (matures 1 year old June 2017). I'm trying to find out how much I'm covered for but totally confused as they need doctors details etc. I haven't picked a doctor yet as don't want to start that process until I know what I'm covered for, if that makes sense? Where did you start, how did you get going? Am feeling very deflated at the moment. Thanks in advance.