If you've ever held off seeing a naturopath because of the cost or wondered if Medicare or private health insurance might help, this article has everything you need to know. And if you haven't heard the latest news, there's a genuinely exciting development worth knowing about.
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💡 The Short Answer 💡
Medicare does not cover naturopathy in Australia – naturopaths are not registered under AHPRA, so no Medicare rebate applies.
However, in a significant win for natural medicine: the Australian Government approved the reinstatement of private health insurance rebates for naturopathy and Western herbal medicine in 2025, following a review by Professor Michael Kidd. Rebates are not yet active – insurers are still updating their policies – but they are coming.
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🎉BREAKING: Private Health Rebates for Naturopathy Are Coming Back 🎉
After private health insurance rebates for 16 natural therapies were cut in 2019, the Australian Government's 2024 Natural Therapies Review – led by Professor Michael Kidd – found sufficient clinical evidence to reinstate rebates for naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and several other therapies.
The government said yes in 2025. Regulations are being finalised, and health insurers are updating their policies. This means rebates are not yet active, but the path is clear. Organisations including the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) have celebrated the decision.
What should you do right now? Call your health insurer and ask whether naturopathy rebates have been reintroduced under your extras policy – some funds may move faster than others.
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What Does Medicare Actually Cover?
Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance scheme. It covers services provided by registered medical practitioners – GPs, specialists, and allied health professionals registered under AHPRA or listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
To attract a Medicare rebate, a health professional must be registered with AHPRA or specifically listed under the MBS. Think GPs, physiotherapists, psychologists, registered dietitians, optometrists, and dentists (through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule).
Naturopaths are not registered under AHPRA and are not listed on the MBS. This means that regardless of their qualifications or experience, naturopathy consultations do not attract a Medicare rebate – and this is unlikely to change in the near future, as AHPRA registration is a separate process from private health insurance rebates.
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What Happened to Private Health Insurance Rebates for Naturopathy?
This is where the story gets interesting – and where the good news lives.
2019: Rebates Were Cut
In 2019, the Australian Government removed private health insurance rebates for 16 natural therapies – including naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, homeopathy, and others – citing insufficient evidence of clinical effectiveness. From that point, health insurers were no longer required to offer rebates for these services under general treatment (extras) policies.
This was a significant blow for natural medicine practitioners and their patients, many of whom had relied on extras cover to make regular consultations more affordable.
2024–2025: The Government Review & Reversal
In 2024, the Australian Government commissioned a new Natural Therapies Review, led by Professor Michael Kidd. The updated review examined more recent clinical evidence and found that naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and five other therapies had sufficient evidence to justify reinstatement of private health rebates.
The government approved the reinstatement in 2025. Professional bodies including ATMS and NHAA welcomed the decision as long overdue recognition of the clinical value of these therapies.
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⏳ Where Things Stand Right Now ⏳
Rebates are approved but not yet active. Health insurers are still working through the regulatory changes and updating their policies. Some funds may reintroduce naturopathy rebates sooner than others.
Action step: Contact your health fund directly and ask – "Has naturopathy been reintroduced under my extras policy?" – before booking a consultation, so you know where you stand.
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Will My Private Health Insurance Cover Naturopathy?
Once insurers have updated their policies, the answer for many Australians will be yes – if you have extras cover. But the timing varies between funds, and coverage levels will differ.
Questions to Ask Your Health Fund:
- Has naturopathy been reintroduced to my extras policy yet?
- What is my annual limit for naturopathy consultations?
- Is there a waiting period before I can claim?
- Does my naturopath need to be registered with a professional body (such as NHAA, ANTA or ATMS)?
- Are telehealth naturopathy consultations covered, or in-clinic only?
Even after rebates are live, it's worth calling your insurer directly rather than assuming. Claim limits and eligibility criteria vary significantly between funds.
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How Much Does a Naturopath Cost in Australia?
Without active insurance rebates, most patients are paying the full consultation fee out of pocket. Here's a general guide to what you can expect:
| Appointment Type | Typical Cost Range |
| Initial consultation (60–90 min) | $150 – $250 |
| Follow-up consultation (30–45 min) | $80 – $150 |
| Telehealth initial consultation | $125 – $250 |
| Telehealth follow-up | $80 – $130 |
NOTE: These fees don't include the cost of any supplements, herbal medicines, or functional testing your naturopath may recommend as part of your treatment plan – which can add up quickly if you're purchasing through a clinic at marked-up prices.
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Is Telehealth Naturopathy Covered by Medicare?
No. While Medicare expanded telehealth coverage significantly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, this applies only to AHPRA-registered practitioners on the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Telehealth naturopathy consultations are not covered by Medicare regardless of the platform used.
However, once private health rebates are reinstated, telehealth naturopathy may be eligible depending on your fund's policy – this is definitely worth asking your insurer about.
The upside? Telehealth naturopathy is often more affordable than in-clinic visits, and it means Australians anywhere in the country – whether in Sydney, regional Queensland, or rural WA – can access high-quality, personalised natural healthcare without the travel time or clinic waiting room.
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NDIS and DVA – What About These?
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Naturopathy is not a standard NDIS-funded support. In some cases, where a naturopath is part of a broader health management plan with a clear link to NDIS goals, participants have accessed plan funds – but this is not common and would require discussion with your NDIS planner or support coordinator.
DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs)
DVA does not typically fund naturopathy as a standalone service. Veterans should speak with their DVA coordinator about which complementary therapies may be approved under their healthcare card or individual treatment plans.
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How to Make Naturopathy More Affordable Right Now
While the private health rebate reinstatement works its way through, here are practical ways to reduce the cost of naturopathic care:
- Call your health fund – some insurers may already be reintroducing rebates ahead of others
- Choose telehealth – lower overheads often mean lower consultation fees
- Buy practitioner supplements from an online dispensary rather than at clinic prices
- Ask about package pricing for multiple sessions once your plan is established
- Look for a naturopath who uses a longer review interval as your health stabilises
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will private health insurance rebates for naturopathy start?
The Australian Government approved the reinstatement in 2025, but health insurers are still finalising their updated policies. The timeline varies between funds – some may move faster than others. The best approach is to contact your insurer directly and ask whether naturopathy has been reintroduced to your extras policy yet.
Can a GP refer me to a naturopath for a Medicare rebate?
No. GPs can refer patients to certain allied health professionals under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, but this only applies to AHPRA-registered practitioners. Naturopaths are not eligible for Medicare referrals.
Is naturopathy tax-deductible in Australia?
In most cases, personal healthcare expenses, including naturopathy, are generally not tax-deductible for individuals. If you're self-employed and naturopathy is directly related to your capacity to work, speak with your accountant about your specific circumstances.
Is naturopathy worth it without a rebate?
Many people find that addressing the root cause of health issues through naturopathy reduces their need for ongoing medical appointments, prescription medications, and sick days over time. The value is deeply personal – but for many patients, the long-term investment pays off in both health and financial terms.
How do I find a registered naturopath in Australia?
Look for a naturopath who is a member of a recognised professional body – such as NHAA (National Herbalists Association of Australia), ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society) or ANTA (Australian Natural Therapists Association). Membership of these organisations is often required for private health insurance rebates.
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