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.

Many people search for bulk billed physiotherapy when trying to manage pain or injury. With rising healthcare costs, it is understandable to want to reduce out of pocket expenses. However, Medicare funding for physiotherapy works differently to GP visits, and bulk billing is not always available.

This article explains how Medicare physiotherapy rebates work, what bulk billing actually means for physio, and how patients in Melbourne can make the most of their available funding in 2026.

Does Medicare cover physiotherapy in Australia?

Medicare does not usually provide unlimited or fully funded physiotherapy. However, it can help reduce costs for eligible patients.

If you have a long term or chronic condition, your GP may create a Chronic Condition Management Plan. This plan allows access to Medicare rebates for allied health services, including physiotherapy.

Under Medicare:

You may be eligible for up to five allied health sessions per calendar year
These sessions are shared across all allied health providers
A rebate applies to each session

The rebate does not usually cover the full cost of a private physiotherapy appointment.

What is the Medicare rebate for physiotherapy?

The current Medicare rebate for allied health physiotherapy sessions is around $61 per appointment.

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

For example:

If a session costs $130 and the rebate is $61, the gap fee is around $69
If a session costs $180, the gap fee may be over $100

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

What does bulk billing mean for physio?

Bulk billing means the provider accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment and the patient pays nothing out of pocket.

While bulk billing is common for GP appointments, it is much less common for physiotherapy.

In private physiotherapy clinics:

Bulk billing is rare
Most clinics charge a gap fee
Some clinics may bulk bill in limited circumstances

Public hospitals and some community health services may offer bulk billed physiotherapy, but access is often restricted and wait times can be long.

Can you find bulk billed physio in Melbourne?

Bulk billed physiotherapy does exist in Melbourne, but it is limited.

It may be available through:

Public hospital outpatient services
Community health organisations
Not for profit clinics
Some university teaching clinics

These services often have eligibility requirements, limited appointment availability, or longer wait times. Choice of provider and appointment frequency may also be restricted.

How Medicare compares to 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
Does not require a GP referral

Some patients use Medicare first and then switch to private health insurance once sessions are used.

How to maximise your Medicare physio sessions

To get the most value from Medicare funded physiotherapy:

Book sessions strategically rather than spacing them too far apart
Use sessions during periods of higher pain or functional limitation
Combine physiotherapy with a home exercise program
Check referral validity before booking

Your physiotherapist can help guide how sessions are best used.

What if you run out of Medicare sessions?

Once Medicare sessions are used, physiotherapy can continue privately.

Options may include:

Using private health insurance extras
Continuing with private fees
Exploring community health options if eligible

Ongoing care is often important for long term improvement, even without Medicare rebates.

Physiotherapy funding options in Mount Waverley

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

Medicare rebates, private health insurance, or NDIS funding may reduce costs depending on eligibility.

Key takeaway

Medicare can help reduce the cost of physiotherapy, but bulk billed physio is limited in private practice. Most patients will pay a gap fee even with a valid GP plan. Understanding how rebates work allows you to plan treatment with fewer surprises.

Important information

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