Osteopathy and Private Health Insurance: What Rebates Can You Expect?

One of the most common questions we hear at Principle Four Osteopathy is: “Can I claim osteopathy on my private health insurance, and how much will I get back?”

The short answer is yes — most Australian private health funds offer rebates for osteopathy under Extras cover. However, the amount you receive back (and your out-of-pocket cost) depends on your insurer, policy level, and annual limits.

This guide explains how private health rebates for osteopathy work, what you can typically expect, and how to check your cover before booking.

Is Osteopathy Covered by Private Health Insurance?

Yes. Osteopathy is a recognised allied health profession in Australia, and osteopaths are registered with AHPRA. This means consultations are eligible for private health rebates provided that:

• You have Extras cover that includes osteopathy
• You have not exceeded your annual limit
• Your osteopath is appropriately registered

No referral is required to claim a private health rebate for osteopathy.

How Do Osteopathy Rebates Work?

Private health rebates for osteopathy are:

• Paid per consultation
• Claimed under Extras cover
• Subject to annual and per-visit limits
• Usually processed instantly via HICAPS

At the time of your appointment, the rebate is deducted and you pay the remaining gap.

Typical Private Health Rebates for Osteopathy

Below is a general guide to typical rebate ranges across major Australian private health funds. Exact rebates vary depending on your individual policy.

Indicative Osteopathy Rebates & Gaps

Private Health Fund	Typical Rebate Range	Example Gap on $120 Consult*
Bupa	$35  – $60	$60 – $85
Medibank	$30 – $55	$65 – $90
HCF	$35 – $60	$60 – $85
nib	$30 – $55	$65 – $90
AHM	$25 – $50	$70 – $95
Australian Unity	$35 – $60	$60 – $85
CBHS	$40 – $65	$55 – $80
Defence Health	$40 -$65	$55 – $80
Teachers Health	$35 – $60	$60 – $85
GMHBA	$30 – $55	$65 – $90

*Examples only. Fees, rebates, and gaps vary by policy.

What Affects How Much You Get Back?

Several factors influence your rebate amount:

1. Your Extras Cover Level

Higher-tier extras policies generally provide higher rebates per visit.

2. Annual Limits

Most policies cap how much you can claim for osteopathy or allied health each year.

3. Per-Visit Limits

Some insurers limit the maximum rebate per consultation, regardless of the treatment fee.

4. Remaining Balance

If you’ve already used part of your annual limit, your rebate may be reduced.

Is Osteopathy Covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not routinely cover osteopathy unless you are eligible under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan arranged by your GP.

Even with a CDM plan:

• Rebates are limited
• Only a small number of sessions apply per year
• A gap payment is still common

Most clients choose to use private health insurance instead.

Do I Need a Referral?

• No referral is required for private health insurance claims
• Referrals are only needed for Medicare, WorkCover, TAC, or DVA claims

You can book directly with an osteopath at Principle Four Osteopathy.

Claiming at Principle Four Osteopathy

We offer:

• On-the-spot private health claiming (HICAPS)
• Registered osteopaths recognised by all major health funds
• Clear explanations of fees and expected out-of-pocket costs

Not Sure What Your Rebate Will Be?

To check your exact rebate:

1. Review your policy via your insurer’s app or website
2. Call your private health fund directly
3. Ask our reception team — we’re happy to help guide you

Ready to Book?

If you’d like to book an appointment or have questions about rebates, our team is here to help.

👉 Book an osteopathy appointment online

Important Disclaimer

Private health insurance rebates vary by insurer, policy, and individual circumstances. The information above is a general guide only. Please confirm your entitlements directly with your private health fund.