These questions are really meant for US patients. Feel free to comment with experiences in other countries, just please make it clear in your post.
What is your experience?
Did you have to pay anything upfront?
How much did your insurance cover (percent is fine)?
Was the surgeon's fee paid for by insurance?
For my 1st surgery in 2008, The hospital was covered 100% after a $1500.00 deductible. (try and find a plan like that today)
The surgeon was out of network. The insurance company valued his services @ $863.00, which did not come close to the $1500.00 out of network deductible. I was responsible for the $5,000.00 surgeon's fee.