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.

Medicare can help reduce the cost of physiotherapy, but the rules are not always clear. In 2026, many patients are still unsure how rebates work, how many sessions are available, and what paperwork is required.

This guide explains how Medicare physiotherapy rebates work in Australia, what has changed in recent years, and how patients in Melbourne can plan their care with fewer surprises.

Does Medicare cover physiotherapy in Australia?

Medicare does not cover unlimited physiotherapy. However, it does provide rebates for eligible patients under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

To qualify, you must:

Have a medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, six months or more
Have a GP prepare a Chronic Condition Management Plan
Receive a referral from your GP to a physiotherapist

Medicare support is designed to assist with ongoing conditions rather than short term injuries.

How many physiotherapy sessions does Medicare cover?

Under Medicare, eligible patients can receive rebates for up to five allied health sessions per calendar year.

Important points to understand:

The five sessions are shared across all allied health providers
Physiotherapy is one of several eligible services
Unused sessions do not roll over into the next year
The session count resets each January

This means that if you use all five sessions on physiotherapy, none remain for other allied health services that year.

What is the Medicare rebate amount in 2026?

For physiotherapy services claimed under Medicare, the rebate is around $61 per session.

Most private physiotherapy clinics charge their standard fee and then apply the Medicare rebate, leaving a gap fee for the patient.

For example:

A $130 session minus a $61 rebate results in a $69 gap fee
A $180 session may result in a gap fee over $100

The exact gap depends on the clinic fee and appointment length.

What paperwork do you need for Medicare physio?

To claim a Medicare rebate for physiotherapy, the following are required:

A current GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
A valid referral to a physiotherapist
Correct patient and provider details

Referrals may need to be reviewed periodically by your GP. If paperwork is out of date, the rebate may not be claimable.

Do you need to see your GP again in the new year?

Not always.

If your Chronic Condition Management Plan and referral are still valid, you may be able to use your new sessions without another GP appointment. However, many plans require regular review.

It is a good idea to check:

When your plan was last reviewed
Whether your referral has an expiry date
If your GP has requested a review before continuing care

Your physiotherapist can often help guide what to check.

Can Medicare physio be bulk billed?

Bulk billing means the clinic accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment.

While some services offer bulk billing, it is uncommon in private physiotherapy clinics. Most clinics charge a gap fee even when Medicare is used.

Bulk billed physiotherapy may be available through:

Public hospital outpatient services
Community health organisations
Some not for profit or teaching clinics

These services often involve eligibility criteria and longer wait times.

Medicare versus private health insurance

Medicare and private health insurance work differently for physiotherapy.

Medicare:

Covers up to five allied health sessions per year
Requires a GP plan and referral
Provides a fixed rebate

Private health insurance:

Rebates vary by fund and policy
Annual limits apply
No GP referral is required

Some patients use Medicare first, then rely on private health insurance once Medicare sessions are used.

How to make the most of your Medicare physio sessions

To maximise value from Medicare funded physiotherapy:

Use sessions during periods of higher pain or limitation
Book sessions close enough together to allow progress
Follow home exercise guidance between appointments
Check referral validity before booking

Medicare sessions are most effective when combined with active participation in care.

Physiotherapy and Medicare in Mount Waverley

In Mount Waverley and surrounding Melbourne suburbs, most physiotherapy clinics operate as private practices.

Medicare rebates can reduce costs for eligible patients, but a gap fee usually applies.

Key takeaway

Medicare physiotherapy rebates in 2026 provide valuable support for eligible patients, but they do not fully cover the cost of private physiotherapy. Understanding eligibility, session limits, and referral requirements helps patients plan care with confidence.

Important information

This article provides general information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP or physiotherapist about your individual circumstances.