Daniel White-Alikakos is the Director and Lead Physiotherapist at Leap Healthcare in Mount Waverley, where he helps clients recover from injury, improve movement, and return to the activities they love. Holding a Doctor of Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Daniel specialises in sports injury rehabilitation, running assessments, and strength-based recovery programs. With over a decade of clinical experience and a background as an elite-level sprinter, he delivers evidence-based care tailored to athletes and active individuals of all levels.

When people search for a physio near them, one of the first questions is cost. Physiotherapy prices in Melbourne can vary widely, which makes it hard to know what is reasonable and what represents good value.

This guide explains current physiotherapy prices in Melbourne, what affects the cost, what the typical gap fee looks like with Medicare or private health insurance, and how to judge value rather than price alone.

Typical physiotherapy prices in Melbourne

Across Melbourne, including suburbs like Mount Waverley, private physiotherapy clinics generally fall into the following price ranges.

Initial physiotherapy appointments

Initial appointments usually involve a detailed assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. These sessions are typically longer and cost more.

Most Melbourne clinics charge:

$110 to $195+ for an initial appointment
Some extended or senior clinician consults may range from $200 to $260+

Standard follow up appointments

Follow up sessions are often shorter and focus on treatment progression.

Most Melbourne clinics charge:

$90 to $155+ for a standard follow up
Longer follow ups may range from $160 to $220+

Extended or long consultations

Longer sessions are common for complex injuries, post surgical rehabilitation, running assessments, or when more time is needed.

These sessions can range from:

$180 to $260+ for 45 to 60 minutes
In some clinics, up to $300 to $360+ for senior or consultant level physiotherapists

These figures reflect published pricing from private clinics across metropolitan Melbourne rather than hospital or bulk billing settings.

Why physiotherapy prices vary

Physiotherapy pricing is influenced by several factors.

Appointment length

Shorter sessions are usually cheaper but may allow less time for assessment, treatment, and education. Longer sessions cost more but often provide more one on one care.

Level of assessment

Initial consultations cost more because they involve history taking, physical examination, diagnosis, and planning rather than just treatment.

Experience and specialisation

Physiotherapists with additional training in sports injuries, post surgical care, running injuries, or complex pain often charge higher fees.

Clinic setup and location

Clinics with higher overheads or specialised equipment may charge more. Location can influence price, but higher cost does not automatically mean better care.

What is the typical gap fee for physio?

The gap fee is what you pay after a Medicare or private health insurance rebate is applied.

Medicare gap fees

If you are eligible for Medicare physiotherapy under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan:

The Medicare rebate is around $61 per session
Medicare covers up to five allied health sessions per calendar year
Clinics charge their standard private fee

Typical Medicare gap fees in Melbourne are:

$60 to $130 per session
Higher for longer or premium consults, sometimes $150 or more

Example:
If a physiotherapy session costs $150 and the Medicare rebate is $61, your gap fee would be about $89.

Medicare helps reduce the cost but rarely covers the full session fee in private practice.

Private health insurance gap fees

Private health insurance extras can also reduce the cost of physiotherapy, depending on your policy.

Typical private health rebates for physiotherapy include:

$30 to $80 per session
Annual limits commonly between $300 and $900
Combined limits across allied health services often apply

Typical private health gap fees in Melbourne are:

$50 to $120 per session
Higher once annual limits are reached

Example:
If a session costs $140 and your rebate is $50, your gap fee would be around $90.

Is cheaper physiotherapy always better value?

Not necessarily.

Lower priced sessions often reflect:

Shorter appointment times
Less one on one treatment
More generic exercise programs

Higher priced sessions often include:

Longer one on one appointments
Thorough assessment and explanation
Individualised treatment and exercise planning
Ongoing progress reviews

For many patients, paying more per session can reduce the total number of sessions needed.

Is private physiotherapy worth paying for?

For many people, yes.

Physiotherapy is not just about short term pain relief. It aims to identify the cause of symptoms, restore movement, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

When treatment is thorough and well planned, it often saves time and frustration in the long run.

Physiotherapy costs in Mount Waverley

In Mount Waverley and surrounding Melbourne suburbs, physiotherapy prices generally sit within the ranges outlined above.

Most patients in the area can expect:

Total session fees between $115 and $195
Medicare gap fees between $60 and $130
Private health gap fees between $50 and $120

Key takeaways

In Melbourne, physiotherapy typically costs $110 to $195 per session, with longer or specialised consults reaching $260 to $360. After rebates, most patients pay a gap fee between $50 and $130, depending on Medicare or private health insurance and appointment length.

Important information

This article provides general information only and does not replace individual medical or financial advice. Please consult a qualified physiotherapist to discuss your specific needs.