How Much Does a Physio Appointment Cost? (Medicare, Private Health, HICAPS)

The cost of a physio appointment depends on the type and length of the session and how you're funded — private health, Medicare, NDIS, DVA or workers compensation. If you have private health extras cover and the clinic offers HICAPS, you claim on the spot and pay only the gap on the day. Because fees change over time, the most reliable way to get an exact figure is to contact the clinic directly.

What affects the fee

Not every appointment is the same, so the fee isn't either. A few things influence what a session costs:

• Initial vs follow-up — your first appointment is usually longer because it includes a full assessment, diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. Follow-up sessions are typically shorter and focused on your ongoing rehabilitation.
• Length of the session — a standard consultation and an extended or complex appointment aren't priced the same.
• Complexity of your condition — some presentations need more time, specialised assessment or additional treatment techniques.

To see how a session is structured and what to expect, visit our physiotherapy page.

Private health insurance and HICAPS

If you hold private health insurance with extras cover that includes physiotherapy, you can usually claim part of the fee back. Where a clinic uses HICAPS, your claim is processed on the spot using your health fund card — so instead of paying the full amount and claiming later, you pay only the gap (the difference between the fee and what your fund rebates) on the day.

How much you get back depends on your fund, your level of cover and any annual limits, so it's worth checking your policy or asking your insurer what you're entitled to for physiotherapy.

Medicare (Chronic Disease Management)

Medicare can help with physiotherapy for eligible patients through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. This requires a referral from your GP, who prepares a care plan outlining your treatment. Under a CDM plan, Medicare subsidises a limited number of physiotherapy sessions per calendar year.

The rebate amount is set by Medicare, and a gap usually applies — meaning Medicare covers part of the fee and you pay the remainder. Your GP is the best person to confirm whether you qualify and how many sessions your plan allows.

NDIS and DVA

If you're an NDIS participant and physiotherapy is included in your plan, your sessions may be fully funded when the supports are approved and the funding is available. You can read more on our NDIS physiotherapy page. Similarly, eligible Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) clients may have physiotherapy fully covered where treatment has been approved and referred.

Workers compensation

If your injury is work-related and you have an accepted workers compensation claim, your physiotherapy is generally covered by the insurer rather than paid by you. Our workers compensation page explains how we work with your claim and treatment approvals.

How to find out what you'll pay

Because fees vary with the type of appointment and your funding, and because prices change over time, the clearest way to know your out-of-pocket cost is to ask us directly. We're happy to walk you through the options, check what your private health, Medicare, NDIS, DVA or workers compensation cover means for you, and confirm current fees.

Get in touch with our Kirrawee or Helensburgh clinic for current fees or to check your cover — you can contact our team or see opening hours and details on our locations page.