Physiotherapy extras cover pays part of the cost of physio visits outside hospital. Funds paid an average of $43 per physio service in the June 2026 quarter. Medicare only covers a few physio visits a year, and only with a GP care plan for a chronic condition.
Key points
- Physio outside hospital is claimed through extras cover, up to an annual limit.
- Funds paid an average of $43 per physiotherapy service in the June 2026 quarter, across 3.3 million services.
- Medicare can pay a rebate for up to five allied health visits a year, including physio, if your GP sets up a chronic condition management plan.
- Physio while you're admitted to hospital is covered by hospital cover, not extras.
- Extras waiting periods for physio are commonly around 2 months.
What physio cover pays for
Extras with physiotherapy pays a benefit for each consultation with a registered physiotherapist, usually an initial and subsequent visit amount, up to an annual limit. Some policies also include exercise physiology, hydrotherapy or clinical Pilates under related limits.
What members get back
| Extras service, June 2026 quarter | Services claimed | Average benefit per service |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | 14.7 million | $68 |
| Physiotherapy | 3.3 million | $43 |
| Optical | 2.7 million | $84 |
| Chiropractic | 2.3 million | $36 |
Source: APRA, Quarterly private health insurance membership and benefits summary, June 2026. Members paid an average of $64.05 out of pocket per extras service.
Does Medicare cover physio?
Only in limited cases. If you have a chronic medical condition and your GP prepares a chronic condition management plan, Medicare can pay a rebate for up to five allied health services a year, which can include physio. You can't claim the same visit on Medicare and extras.
Physio in hospital vs outside hospital
If you're admitted to hospital, for example after a joint replacement, physio during your stay is covered by hospital cover. Rehab after you go home is usually outpatient physio, claimed on extras.
Waiting periods: extras waits are set by each fund. privatehealth.gov.au says they're generally 2 to 6 months for things like general dental, optical and physio, and 12 months or more for major items such as orthodontics or hearing aids.
Four examples
These use illustrative fees, benefits and limits, not real policy terms.
Single, 28, sports injury
Ten visits at an illustrative $95 each: the fund pays $450, she pays $500.
Couple, 55 and 57, back pain
Each can claim up to their own limit. Check whether physio shares a limit with chiro.
Single, 70, chronic arthritis
Medicare can pay a rebate for up to five allied health visits a year; extras can help beyond that.
Family, post-surgery rehab
Hospital cover pays for physio while admitted; outpatient visits are claimed on extras.
Illustrative only. Fees, benefits and limits are made up for the examples. Average benefit: APRA, June 2026 quarter.
Compare extras policies with physio benefits.
Compare health insurancePhysio extras cover: your questions answered
Does health insurance cover physio?
Yes, extras cover with physiotherapy pays a benefit per visit, up to your limit.
How much does extras pay for physio?
It varies by policy. The industry average benefit was $43 per physio service in the June 2026 quarter.
Can I claim physio on Medicare?
Up to five allied health visits a year with a GP chronic condition management plan, for eligible patients.
Is there a waiting period for physio?
Usually, commonly around 2 months. Check your policy.
Does hospital cover pay for physio?
Only while you're admitted. Outpatient physio is extras.
Do physio and chiro share a limit?
Some policies combine them. Check your policy's limits.
Sources
- APRA, Quarterly private health insurance membership and benefits summary, June 2026
- Australian Government, privatehealth.gov.au, General treatments (extras) definitions
- Australian Government, privatehealth.gov.au, Waiting periods
Things you should know
This article is general information only and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Konkrd compares policies from a range of funds. Prices, products and offers change often and vary by state, excess and rebate tier. Read a policy's Private Health Information Statement before buying.
