Good News! Insurance Rebates for Naturopathy Will Be Coming Back

This is amazing news, and our Naturopaths and Herbalists are very excited!  Aussies will very soon be once again able to claim private health insurance rebates for Naturopathy and Western herbal medicine.

After health insurance rebates were cut for 16 natural therapies (including naturopathy and herbal medicine) in 2019, there has been lots of pressure from practitioners and the public to reinstate this.  Following the latest government review by the Natural Therapies Review team, led by Professor Michael Kidd in 2024 the updated research and clinical evidence for these therapies showed that these therapies, and 5 others DO have enough evidence to support their effectiveness and so will be reinstated onto rebates.

This is a big win for anyone who relies on these therapies as part of their regular health routine. Not only is it an acknowledgment of their clinical benefits, but it also means more affordable access for people who want to go beyond conventional medicine.

What Does This Mean for You?

While the government has said “yes” to bringing these therapies back, there’s still a bit of a waiting game. The actual regulations and fine print are still being finalised now, and health insurers will need to update their policies accordingly.

So, if you’ve got extras cover or are looking to get some, keep an eye on what your insurer is offering. Some may move quickly to reintroduce rebates, while others might take a bit longer.

Your practitioner may not be aware of the changes for all insurance companies so it’s worth calling your insurer directly or checking their website for updates over the coming months before trying to process a claim onsite.

Practitioners & Patients Are Celebrating

The response from natural health communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Groups like the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) have welcomed the update, saying it gives Aussies more choice when it comes to their health.

It also means that once this change has been processed, people won’t have to carry the full cost of these services out of pocket anymore — a huge relief for many who rely on them regularly for chronic conditions, stress management, and general wellness.

At a time when more Australians are turning to preventative and holistic approaches to health, this update couldn’t be more welcome. Whether you’re a long-time devotee of Naturopathy or you’ve been curious about trying Herbal Medicine, the reinstated rebates make these services more accessible and financially available.

Herbal Dispensary @ ATUNE Health Centre