Private health insurance reforms

Did you know there were changes to the way that natural therapies are covered by private health insurance from 1 April 2019?

Even though we're now heading into July, you may have missed that in October 2017, the Australian Government announced changes to private health insurance, in an effort to make it more affordable and easier to compare.

One of the key changes was the removal of 16 natural therapies from complying health insurance extras/combined policies.

From 1 April 2019 the following natural therapies will be excluded from the definition of private health insurance general treatment and will no longer receive the private health insurance rebate as part of a general treatment policy: Alexander technique, aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, Western herbalism, homeopathy, iridology, kinesiology, naturopathy, Pilates, reflexology, Rolfing, shiatsu, tai chi, and yoga.

Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hypnotherapy, and Remedial Massageare still covered and there are no changes to Physiotherapy or Exercise physiology.

For more information, head to: https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/private-health-insurance-reforms-fact...

Or check with your private health fund.