Is naturopathy covered by private health insurance in Australia?
Yes, naturopathy became eligible again for private health insurance extras cover from 1 July 2025 under Australian Government legislation. However, each health fund decides whether to include naturopathy, what rebate applies, and what conditions must be met. Patients should confirm their own extras policy, waiting periods, annual limits, telehealth eligibility, and practitioner requirements directly with their health fund before booking.
Is Naturopathy Covered by Medicare?Reviewed by Shenaz Morkas, B.H.M.S. | Director, Morkare Natural Clinic Brisbane | 20+ years clinical experience | 32,000+ consultations
Is Naturopathy Covered by Private Health Insurance in Australia? 2026 Update
Introduction
If you have been wondering whether you can claim a naturopathic consultation through private health insurance, the answer has changed. After several years of exclusion, naturopathy is once again eligible to be included under private health insurance extras cover in Australia.
This does not mean every patient can automatically claim. It means health funds are allowed to include naturopathy again, depending on the fund, the extras policy, and the practitioner requirements.
At Morkare Natural Clinic Brisbane, we often see patients who are seeking support for hormonal health, gut health, fatigue, skin concerns, children’s health, fertility, and long-term chronic symptoms. This guide explains what changed, what patients need to check, and how to understand naturopathy and private health insurance in 2026.
What Changed for Naturopathy and Private Health Insurance?
From 2019 until 30 June 2025, naturopathy was excluded from private health insurance rebates in Australia. This changed from 1 July 2025, when the Australian Government re-included naturopathy as one of seven natural therapies eligible for private health insurance extras cover.
The seven natural therapies re-included were:
- Naturopathy
- Western herbal medicine
- Alexander Technique
- Pilates
- Shiatsu
- Tai chi
- Yoga
This means private health insurers can now pay benefits for naturopathy under complying extras policies. However, the legislation does not force every health fund to cover naturopathy. Each insurer still decides whether to include it and what benefit level applies.
Naturopathy Coverage at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can private health insurance cover naturopathy? | Yes, if your extras policy includes it. |
| Does every fund cover naturopathy? | No. Each fund decides independently. |
| Does Medicare cover naturopathy? | No. Medicare does not cover naturopathy. |
| Can telehealth naturopathy be covered? | Possibly, but you must check with your fund. |
| Do waiting periods apply? | Often yes, especially for new extras benefits. |
Does Every Health Fund Cover Naturopathy?
No. Naturopathy is now eligible for private health insurance extras cover, but not every health fund or policy includes it. Coverage depends on your individual extras policy.
Your rebate may depend on:
- Your health fund
- Your extras policy tier
- Your annual benefit limits
- Your per-consultation rebate limit
- Whether your waiting period has been served
- Whether telehealth consultations are included
- Whether your naturopath’s professional registration is recognised by your fund
Before booking a consultation, contact your health fund and ask specifically whether your current extras policy includes naturopathy.
How to Check If You Can Claim a Naturopath
Before your appointment, call your health fund and ask these questions:
- Does my extras policy currently include naturopathy?
- What is my rebate per naturopathic consultation?
- What is my annual limit for naturopathy or natural therapies?
- Do I have a waiting period?
- Are telehealth naturopathic consultations covered?
- Does my naturopath need to be registered with a specific professional association?
- What information must appear on the receipt for me to claim?
This step is important because Morkare Natural Clinic cannot guarantee your rebate, benefit amount, or claim outcome. Your health fund makes the final decision based on your policy.
Quick Claim Checklist Before You Book
- Check that your extras policy includes naturopathy.
- Confirm whether a waiting period applies.
- Ask whether telehealth naturopathy is covered.
- Confirm your annual and per-consultation rebate limits.
- Ask whether your naturopath’s professional registration is recognised.
- Keep your receipt for claiming purposes.
Your Responsibility as a Patient
Private health insurance coverage for naturopathy varies between funds, policies, and individual circumstances. It is the patient’s responsibility to confirm their own eligibility before booking an appointment.
Please contact your health fund directly to confirm:
- Whether naturopathy is included in your extras cover
- Whether your practitioner is recognised by the fund
- Whether telehealth appointments are included
- Whether waiting periods apply
- Your annual limits and rebate amounts
- What invoice or receipt details are required for claiming
Morkare Natural Clinic provides naturopathic, nutritional, and homeopathic care. We do not provide financial or insurance advice and cannot guarantee private health insurance rebate eligibility, benefit amounts, or claim outcomes.
What Does a Naturopathic Consultation Include?
A naturopathic consultation at Morkare Natural Clinic Brisbane includes a detailed health history, assessment of current symptoms, review of diet and lifestyle, and a personalised plan that may include clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, testing recommendations, and practical treatment steps.
Shenaz Morkas and the Morkare team support patients across a wide range of areas, including:
- Women’s health naturopathy
- PCOS and hormonal imbalance
- Perimenopause and menopause support
- Gut health and digestive concerns
- Skin health, acne, eczema, and dermatitis
- Children’s health and paediatric naturopathy
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Clinical nutrition
- Functional testing
Appointments are available in clinic in Brisbane and online through telehealth naturopathy.
Why Practitioner Qualifications Matter
Health funds may require naturopaths to meet specific professional registration or association requirements before patients can claim a rebate. This is one reason it is important to choose a qualified practitioner and confirm provider eligibility with your fund.
When choosing a naturopath, consider:
- Clinical qualifications and training
- Professional experience
- Clear treatment planning
- Transparent fees and follow-up structure
- Experience with your specific health concern
- Whether their professional registration is recognised by your health fund
Does Medicare Cover Naturopathy?
No. Medicare does not cover naturopathy in Australia. The 2025 change applies to private health insurance extras cover only, not Medicare.
If you do not have private health insurance, naturopathic consultations are paid out of pocket. If you live outside Brisbane, telehealth naturopathy may provide a more convenient way to access care from home.
Can You Claim Telehealth Naturopathy?
Some health funds may cover telehealth naturopathic consultations, while others may only cover in-person appointments or may have different rules for online care.
If you are booking a telehealth appointment with Morkare Natural Clinic, check with your fund before your consultation and ask whether online naturopathy appointments are included in your extras policy.
Book a Naturopath in Brisbane or Online
If you are ready to see a naturopath, Morkare Natural Clinic offers in-clinic appointments in Brisbane and telehealth consultations across Australia.
You can learn more here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim naturopathy on private health insurance in Australia?
Possibly. From 1 July 2025, naturopathy became eligible again for private health insurance extras cover. However, your ability to claim depends on your health fund and policy.
Does every health fund cover naturopathy?
No. Each fund decides whether to include naturopathy in its extras policies. You need to check your individual policy before booking.
Can I claim naturopathy on Bupa, Medibank, HCF, NIB or HBF?
Possibly, but it depends on your specific extras policy. Contact your health fund directly and ask whether naturopathy is included, whether waiting periods apply, and what rebate limits are available.
Does Medicare cover naturopathy?
No. Medicare does not cover naturopathy. Naturopathy is only potentially claimable through private health insurance extras cover.
Can I claim telehealth naturopathy?
Some funds may cover telehealth naturopathy, but not all. Always check with your fund before booking an online appointment.
Is there a waiting period for naturopathy?
There may be a waiting period, especially if naturopathy has recently been added to your extras policy. Ask your fund directly.
How do I find a naturopath covered by my health fund?
Ask your health fund what practitioner registration requirements apply. Then confirm with your naturopath whether they meet those requirements before booking.
Can Morkare Natural Clinic guarantee my rebate?
No. Morkare Natural Clinic cannot guarantee rebate eligibility or claim outcomes. Your health fund determines whether your consultation is claimable under your policy.
Reviewed by: Shenaz Morkas, B.H.M.S. | Director, Morkare Natural Clinic Brisbane | 20+ years clinical experience | 32,000+ consultations
Last updated: June 2026
This article is general information only and does not constitute medical, financial, or insurance advice. Private health insurance policies and rebate rules can change. Always confirm your current entitlements directly with your health fund before booking.
“`