How much does a physio cost in Australia?

Typical prices

Most private physio clinics charge a higher fee for the first appointment, because it is longer and includes your assessment. As a rough guide, an initial appointment often falls somewhere between $90 and $140, and follow-up appointments between $70 and $110. Prices can be lower or higher than this, so treat these figures as a starting point and check with the clinic.

These are examples of common fees, not a price list or a recommendation, and clinics set their own prices.

What changes the price

• Location: clinics in capital-city centres often charge more than regional clinics
• Length of appointment: a 45-minute session costs more than a 30-minute one
• Experience and extra training: some practitioners have advanced training in an area such as pelvic health or sports
• Type of service: group classes, hydrotherapy and home visits are usually priced differently
• Funding scheme: some schemes, such as workers compensation, set their own fee schedules

How rebates reduce what you pay

If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you can usually claim part of the fee back, up to the annual limit on your policy. Many clinics process the claim on the spot, so you only pay the gap. Rebates differ a lot between funds and levels of cover, so check your policy before you book.

Medicare covers physio only in limited cases. See Does Medicare cover physio? for how that works.

Other funding that may apply

• Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA): eligible card holders may have treatment covered when it is for an accepted condition
• NDIS: physio can be funded when it supports your plan goals. Read our NDIS physio guide.
• Workers compensation: covered for an accepted work injury, usually with a claim number
• Transport accident schemes: injuries from a road accident may be covered by your state scheme

Rules and paperwork differ between schemes, so ask the clinic whether they accept yours and what you need to bring. Our referral guide explains when a referral or plan is needed.

Ways to keep costs down

• Ask the clinic about its fees and rebates when you book, not at the end of the visit
• Ask which exercises you can do at home, so you may need fewer visits
• Check whether your fund has preferred providers that offer higher rebates
• Compare a few clinics, since prices in the same suburb can differ
• Ask if shorter follow-up appointments suit your problem

How many sessions will you need?

It depends on the problem. A simple strain may need only a few visits, while a long-standing issue or recovery after surgery can take longer. Your physio should give you an idea at the first visit and review it as you go. Our first appointment guide covers this in more detail.

Questions to ask about cost

• What does the first appointment cost, and how long is it?
• What do follow-up appointments cost?
• Can you claim my private health rebate on the spot?
• Do you accept my funding scheme?
• Is there a fee if I cancel or miss an appointment?

Compare clinics near you

Our physio directory lets you compare clinics by cost, rebates and opening hours, so you can find one that suits your budget.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.