Funding rehabilitation in Australia: an overview

Medicare and GP Chronic Condition Management Plans

A GP may prepare a Chronic Condition Management Plan for a person living with a chronic or terminal medical condition. Where appropriate, the plan can include referrals for a limited number of subsidised allied health services in a calendar year. The number of services, eligible providers and rebate amounts are set by Services Australia and can change over time.

Private health insurance and self-funded services

Private health insurance may cover some inpatient rehabilitation and certain allied health services under extras cover. Cover varies between funds and policies. Many people also pay for some or all of their care directly. Confirm what your policy covers before booking.

NDIS therapy supports

The National Disability Insurance Scheme can fund therapy supports for eligible participants where supports are reasonable and necessary in relation to their disability. The NDIS does not fund every health or post-acute rehabilitation service, and decisions are made by the NDIS based on individual plans.

DVA allied health treatment cycle

Eligible veterans with a Department of Veterans' Affairs card may access allied health services under the allied health treatment cycle. This involves an initial GP referral and periodic reviews. Specific arrangements are set by DVA.

Workers compensation and motor accident schemes

If an injury is work-related or follows a motor vehicle accident, treatment may be funded through a workers compensation or motor accident scheme. Requirements differ by state, territory and Commonwealth scheme, including how to lodge a claim, which providers are approved and what approvals are needed before treatment.

Aged care pathways (Support at Home)

Older people may access allied health and reablement supports through aged care programs, subject to assessment and eligibility determined through My Aged Care.

In-home aged care changed on 1 November 2025, when the Support at Home program replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme continues for now and is scheduled to transition to the new program no earlier than 1 July 2027. References to Home Care Packages in older material no longer describe current arrangements.

Documents people may need

• A current GP referral, care plan or specialist letter.
• Medicare, DVA or private health membership details.
• NDIS plan information for participants accessing therapy supports.
• Claim numbers, certificates of capacity and insurer contacts for compensation schemes.
• Identification and contact details for assessment services.

Questions to ask before starting treatment

• Which funding pathway applies to me, and what does it cover?
• What approvals or referrals are needed before treatment can start?
• What fees will I be charged, and what is the expected rebate or gap?
• What happens if my plan, claim or referral ends during treatment?