Is physiotherapy covered in Australia? Medicare, extras cover and cost

Medicare

• Medicare does not cover most physiotherapy.
• With a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (which replaced GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements from 1 July 2025), you can get up to 5 Medicare-rebated allied health visits a year, including physio. Item 10960 is for a visit of at least 20 minutes; check MBS Online for the current schedule fee and rebate.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get up to 10 eligible allied health visits a year after a health assessment or plan.
• Public hospitals also provide physiotherapy; outpatient access usually needs a referral, and availability and waits vary.

Extras (general treatment) cover

APRA reported that 55.5% of Australians had some form of general treatment (extras) cover in June 2026. Funds pay a set benefit per physiotherapy service, and benefits and annual limits vary by fund and policy, sometimes shared with other services such as exercise physiology. Funds set their own waiting periods for extras.

What it costs

Published prices we found were about A$130 to A$160 a visit, with the first consultation at the higher end. Workers’ compensation schemes such as WorkSafe Victoria set their own fees.

Workers’ compensation schemes, such as icare NSW and WorkSafe Victoria, pay for reasonable treatment of work injuries.

No referral needed

You don’t need a GP referral to see a private physiotherapist, but you do need a GP plan for a Medicare rebate.

Tax

There is no tax offset for physio costs. The net medical expenses tax offset, which in its last years covered only disability aids, attendant care and aged care, ended on 1 July 2019.

If you are refused

• Ask your insurer which clinical category and policy rule applies, and get it in writing.
• If you can’t resolve it, the Commonwealth Ombudsman handles private health insurance complaints for free.
• Complaints about a health service go to your state’s health complaints body, such as the Health Care Complaints Commission in NSW or the Health Complaints Commissioner in Victoria.

Looking for a physio? See how to find a physiotherapist or physical therapist, including how to check registration, and our exercise guides for before and after surgery.

Frequently asked questions

How many physio sessions does Medicare cover?

Up to 5 allied health visits a year (shared across eligible services) with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, with a Medicare rebate for each physio visit.

Does private health insurance cover physio?

Extras cover usually pays part of each visit, up to an annual limit. Check your fund’s per-visit benefit and waiting period.

This page explains how coverage usually works, using public Australian Government, insurer, ombudsman and clinic sources listed above. It is general information, not medical, insurance, financial or legal advice, and it does not recommend any treatment, policy or provider. Rules differ by policy and can change, so confirm with your doctor, your insurer or the hospital before you decide. Protocol Archive is independent and is not affiliated with Medicare, the Australian Government or any insurer.