Physio Cover

Help pay for physiotherapy treatments with Australian Unity.

Claim benefits for eligible physiotherapy treatments
Choose your own physiotherapist¹
Compare cover options with Physio to suit your needs and budget

¹Provided they are a recognised provider, in private practice.

My cover needs

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My personal details

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My income details

Please enter your income to show pricing inclusive of the Australian Government Rebate (AGR) or select ‘No Rebate’ for no AGR.

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My insurance history:

Please answer these questions about your history of holding private hospital cover to help us determine whether a Lifetime Health Cover loading will apply to your price.

I have held private hospital cover continuously for the previous 10 years, or since turning 31 years old.

Yes, for the entire time

No, for the entire time

Only for some of the time*

Please select an option.

My partner has held private hospital cover continuously for the previous 10 years, or since turning 31 years old.

Yes, for the entire time

No, for the entire time

Only for some of the time*

Please select an option.

*If you tick this option, the price we show will not include any Lifetime Health Cover loading (LHC). Any applicable LHC loading will be confirmed once we receive a Transfer Certificate from your previous insurer.

Compare Extras Cover with Physio Benefits

Choose the level of extras cover that matches your physiotherapy needs and budget.

Why choose Australian Unity for physio cover?

Freedom to Choose Your Own Physio

You are not restricted to a preferred provider network. You can visit a recognised physiotherapist in private practice and claim eligible benefits according to your cover.

Flexible Cover To Match Your Needs

Choose from a range of Extras options with different benefit levels and annual limits to suit your health needs and budget.

More Than Just Standard Physio

If you have joint replacement in your hospital cover you could access additional physiotherapy support, via the Kieser program that helps with hip and knee osteoarthritis

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Physio Cover at a Glance

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy helps improve mobility, manage pain, prevent injuries and support recovery after illness, injury or surgery.

A physiotherapist assesses how your body moves and develops treatment plans that may include:

Exercise programs
Manual therapy
Rehabilitation programs
Strength and mobility training
Injury management
Post-surgical recovery support

Can I get physio cover without hospital cover?

Yes. Australian Unity offers Extras cover options that include physiotherapy benefits without requiring Hospital cover. Hospital cover with Australian Unity may also give eligible members access to physiotherapy support programs, such as Kieser, where the relevant Hospital cover includes joint replacement.

What does physiotherapy cover help pay for?

Physio benefits may help contribute towards the cost of treatment for:

Back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder injuries
Sports injuries
Joint pain
Arthritis management
Mobility issues
Post-surgery rehabilitation
Exercise-based treatment programs

Benefits are subject to your level of cover, annual limits, waiting periods and recognised provider requirements.

Physiotherapy Through Private Health Insurance vs Medicare

Medicare may help cover a limited number of physiotherapy visits for people with a chronic condition through a GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement. Private health insurance with physiotherapy cover can help contribute towards the cost of ongoing physio treatment beyond Medicare arrangements, up to your cover limits.

	Medicare	Extras Cover with Physio
Who can use it	Those with a chronic illness	Members with eligible Extras cover, subject to waiting periods, annual limits and recognised provider requirements
Other criteria	A number of criteria must be met, including having a chronic condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, at least 6 months and having a formal plan from a GP	A waiting period applies before you can claim physiotherapy benefits. Transfer arrangements may recognise equivalent waiting periods already served.
Benefit	Max 5 sessions	Depends on the cover you have selected e.g. 60% back up to $400

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FAQs

Does Australian Unity health insurance cover physiotherapy?

Yes. Physiotherapy benefits are included in Australian Unity products that include Extras cover. The amount you can claim depends on your level of cover, benefit amount, annual limits and remaining benefits.

How does health insurance with physiotherapy work?

You pay for treatment and claim benefits according to your cover, limits and eligibility requirements. E.g. if your physio consult costs $100 and you get 60% back you will receive $60 every consult until your annual limit runs out.

Is physiotherapy covered by Medicare?

Medicare may cover a limited number of allied health visits, including physiotherapy, through a GP Management Plan for eligible people. If a physiotherapy service is eligible to be claimed as an outpatient Medicare service, you cannot also claim a private health insurance benefit for the same service. Ask your provider which claiming pathway applies before the claim is submitted.

Why take out cover for physiotherapy?

It can help reduce the cost of treatment and support ongoing health and recovery needs.

What physiotherapy services does health insurance cover?

It can help pay towards the cost of treatment for injuries, pain, mobility issues and rehabilitation through a physio. This can include appointments for things like back and neck pain, sports injuries, post-surgery recovery and exercise-based treatment plans.

What is the waiting period for physiotherapy?

A 2 month waiting period applies before you can claim physiotherapy benefits. If you transfer from another registered Australian health fund, Australian Unity may recognise equivalent waiting periods already served, subject to transfer rules.

How much can I claim on physiotherapy and are there limits?

The amount you can claim depends on your level of cover. Most policies have a benefit per visit and an annual limit. For example, if your cover pays 60% back up to $400 per year, and your physiotherapy appointment costs $100, you could claim $60 back. Once you reach your annual limit of $400, no further benefits would be payable until your limits reset on 1 January the following year.

Does health insurance cover treatment from any physiotherapist?

Australian Unity gives you the flexibility to choose your own physiotherapist, provided they are recognised by Australian Unity for the service being claimed. Other health funds may have preferred provider networks that can influence where members choose to receive treatment.

Can I choose my own physiotherapist?

Australian Unity allows members to choose their own physiotherapist, provided the physiotherapist is recognised by Australian Unity for the service being claimed and provides services in private practice.

Who should consider getting private health insurance for physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy benefits may be useful if you have ongoing treatment needs, recurring injuries or want help with the cost of future appointments.

How many physio visits are covered with Australian Unity Extras?

The number of visits depends on your benefit amount, annual limits and treatment costs.

How do I check if my physiotherapist is recognised by Australian Unity?

Before booking, contact Australian Unity or ask the physiotherapy clinic whether the provider is recognised by Australian Unity for physiotherapy claims. Benefits are only payable for eligible services from recognised providers.

What happens when I reach my annual limits?

Once your annual limit is reached, no further benefits will be payable until your benefits reset on 1 January the following year. This means you’ll need to pay the full provider charge for any further treatment during that time.

What types of consultations are covered?

You may be able to claim benefits for eligible physiotherapy consultations, including sports physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, subject to your cover, annual limits, waiting periods and recognised provider requirements.

Why choose Australian Unity Extras for physiotherapy?

Australian Unity gives you choice across different levels of physiotherapy benefits, from 50% back up to $300 a year on Easy Extras, through to $70 back per consultation up to $600 a year on Top Extras. You can also choose your own recognised physiotherapist, with benefits subject to your cover, annual limits, waiting periods and recognised provider requirements.

How do I claim for physiotherapy?

Claiming is simple:

Attend your appointment with a recognised physiotherapist in private practice.
Tap your membership card on the HICAPS machine to claim on the spot.
Receive benefits based on your level of cover and remaining annual limits on the spot.
Pay the difference

Alternatively, you can:

Attend your appointment with a recognised physiotherapist in private practice.
Pay for your treatment.
Claim using the Australian Unity app or online member services portal
Receive benefits based on your level of cover and remaining annual limits.

How much does physiotherapy cost?

The cost of physiotherapy can vary depending on the clinic, location and type of treatment. Initial appointments are often more expensive than follow-up visits. Australian Unity Extras cover with physiotherapy benefits can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Does Australian Unity Extras cover physiotherapy?

Yes. Physiotherapy is included in all Australian Unity Extras covers. The amount you can claim will depend on your level of cover, benefit amount and annual limits.

Can I claim physiotherapy straight away?

A 2 month waiting period applies before you can claim physiotherapy benefits. If you transfer from another registered Australian health fund, Australian Unity may recognise equivalent waiting periods already served, subject to transfer rules.

Is remedial massage covered under physiotherapy?

No. Remedial massage is a separate service and has its own benefits. However, both physiotherapy and remedial massage are often included under the same Extras cover, depending on the product you choose.

What's the difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment?

Physiotherapy focuses on movement, rehabilitation and recovery, while chiropractic treatment focuses on the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions, often involving spinal adjustments. Both can help with back, neck and joint pain, but they use different techniques and treatment approaches.

What's the difference between physiotherapy and exercise physiology?

Physiotherapy and exercise physiology are both allied health services, but they focus on different aspects of health and recovery.

A physiotherapist diagnoses and treats movement problems, pain and injuries using techniques such as manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises and physical treatments. An exercise physiologist focuses on exercise-based treatment and lifestyle programs to help manage chronic health conditions, improve physical function and support long-term health goals.

Both practitioners may work together as part of a person's treatment and recovery plan.

At Australian Unity, most Extras products cover both physiotherapy and exercise physiology. These services are often combined under the same annual limit, giving you the flexibility to use your available benefits in a way that best suits your healthcare needs.