Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for therapists getting set up on TherapyList, and for visitors trying to understand what's covered by private health insurance.
Last reviewed 22 August 2026 (2 weeks ago)For Therapists
What is a health fund provider number, and why do I need one?
A health fund provider number is a unique identification code issued to allied health, natural therapy, or medical practitioners. It allows private health insurers to recognise your practice location so patients can claim rebates via systems like HICAPS.
How do I get a health fund provider number in Australia?
- AHPRA registered professionals: Usually use your standard Medicare/AHPRA provider location details, or register directly with major funds — or HBF Health Insurance if you're based in Western Australia.
- Natural therapists & counsellors: Must join an approved professional association (such as AMT, the Myotherapy Association, or PACFA), which coordinates with the Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG) or individual funds for allocation.
- Existing applications: Log into your peak body association portal (e.g. PACFA) or contact individual private health fund provider relations teams directly.
For Visitors
Does my private health insurance cover natural and complementary therapies in Australia?
Almost all Australian private health insurance providers cover some form of natural and complementary health, provided you hold an eligible Extras policy. However, the specific therapies you can claim depend entirely on strict federal government regulations and whether your fund has adopted recent rule updates. Following an independent clinical review, several previously banned natural therapies are back on health fund menus under specific health management conditions.
The following core therapies have remained continuously eligible for rebates across almost all health funds, provided the practitioner is properly qualified and registered:
- Remedial Massage
- Acupuncture
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Nutrition / Dietetics
- Chiropractic & Osteopathy (often grouped under general physical therapies)
Which natural therapies were reintroduced to private health insurance cover?
A government ban previously removed 16 natural therapies from private health insurance. Thanks to an independent review, health funds are now legally permitted to offer rebates for seven reintroduced therapies, if used to manage a diagnosed health condition:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Tai Chi
- Shiatsu
- Naturopathy
- Western Herbal Medicine
- Alexander Technique
Which health funds cover natural and complementary therapies?
Because the reintroduction of certain therapies is optional for insurers, coverage varies by company.
Major national funds
- CBHS Health: A leader in expanding coverage, officially including the newly approved natural therapies (like Naturopathy, Yoga, and Pilates) across eligible Extras policies.
- Medibank & ahm: Both widely cover core therapies like acupuncture and remedial massage. For the newer rollouts, ahm covers Yoga and Pilates under "Health Improvement Benefits" when approved by a practitioner to manage a condition.
- Bupa & HCF: Offer comprehensive coverage for traditional complementary therapies (remedial massage, acupuncture) on mid-to-high tier extras.
- nib & Australian Unity: Provide strong rebates for core natural therapies, nutrition, and acupuncture on standard extras packages.
Regional & industry funds (via ARHG)
The Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG) approves natural medicine practitioners for 30 smaller regional and industry health funds. If your therapist is ARHG-registered, you can claim through funds such as Police Health, Emergency Services Health, Teachers Health, Defence Health, HIF (popular for its flexible "Complementary Therapies" extras), St.Lukes Health, Westfund, Latrobe Health, and Health Partners.
Which natural therapies are not covered by private health insurance?
Due to a lack of clinical evidence required by the Department of Health, private health insurers remain prohibited from paying rebates for these specific modalities:
- Aromatherapy
- Bowen Therapy
- Buteyko
- Feldenkrais
- Homeopathy
- Iridology
- Kinesiology
- Reflexology
- Rolfing
How do I check my eligibility for a natural therapy rebate?
- Ask for the association: Ensure your natural therapist belongs to a recognised body like the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) or ATMS.
- Verify the condition rule: If you're claiming for things like Yoga, Pilates, or Naturopathy, ask your fund whether you need a Letter of Non-Admission or a Chronic Disease Management form signed by a GP to unlock the rebate.
This is general information, not financial or health advice — always confirm current rules and your specific eligibility directly with your private health fund.