How much does physiotherapy cost in Melbourne? Fees, rebates, and what you pay after rebates
A standard physiotherapy session at a private clinic in Melbourne typically costs somewhere between $110 and $195. The exact amount you pay out of pocket depends on the type of appointment, whether you have a Medicare plan or private health insurance, and what your specific policy covers. Inner North Physiotherapy is a musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice in Fitzroy North, and current fees are listed on the clinic's website. The figures below apply broadly to private physio clinics across Melbourne's inner north, though individual clinic fees do vary.
Typical physiotherapy fees in Melbourne
Most private physiotherapy clinics in Melbourne charge differently for an initial consultation compared to a follow up appointment.
An initial consultation is longer. It usually runs for 45 to 60 minutes and includes a detailed assessment of your injury or pain, a discussion about your history, and the beginning of a treatment plan. Because of the time involved, the fee is higher. At many Melbourne clinics, initial consultations sit in the range of roughly $130 to $195.
Follow up appointments are shorter, typically 30 minutes, and focus on hands on treatment, exercise progression, and checking how things are tracking. These generally cost around $110 to $150.
Some clinics also offer extended consultations for complex injuries, post surgical rehabilitation, or situations that need more time. These attract a higher fee. If you're unsure which appointment type suits your situation, most clinics can advise you when you call to book.
Medicare rebates and chronic disease management plans
Medicare does not cover standard physiotherapy visits. However, if you have a chronic condition, your GP can set up a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, sometimes still called an Enhanced Primary Care plan. This gives you access to up to five Medicare subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year.
Those five sessions are shared across all allied health providers. So if you also see a dietitian or psychologist under the same plan, those visits count toward your five.
The Medicare rebate covers part of the fee, not all of it. To give you a rough idea: the Medicare rebate for a standard allied health consultation is around $56. If a clinic charges $140 for a follow up session, you'd pay roughly $84 out of pocket. The exact rebate amount can change, so check with your GP or Medicare when your plan is set up. Your GP needs to prepare the plan and provide a referral before you can claim.
A CDM plan can be a good option if you're managing something like persistent lower back pain or osteoarthritis. Ask your GP whether you're eligible.
Private health insurance rebates
If you have extras cover through a private health fund, you can claim a portion of your physiotherapy fee back. How much you get back depends on your fund, your level of cover, and your annual limits. As a rough guide, rebates commonly fall somewhere between $30 and $70 per session. On a $140 follow up appointment, that could put your out of pocket cost between $70 and $110.
You do not need a GP referral to claim physiotherapy through private health insurance. You can book directly with a physiotherapist and claim at the time of your appointment.
Many physiotherapy clinics offer on the spot claiming through HICAPS or a similar system. You swipe your health fund card at the front desk and pay only the gap. This means you don't need to submit a separate claim later. Check with the clinic when you book to confirm what claiming options are available.
Before your first appointment, it's worth checking with your fund to find out your rebate amount per session and how much of your annual limit remains. Some funds also have waiting periods for new members, so check that too if you've recently joined or changed your cover.
WorkCover and TAC
If you've been injured at work, you may be able to access physiotherapy through a WorkSafe Victoria claim. If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) may cover your treatment.
In both cases, your claim manager or insurer will need to approve physiotherapy as part of your treatment. Your physiotherapist can help with the paperwork, but the approval process sits with the insurer. If you think your injury might be covered, contact your claim manager before booking to confirm what's included.
Getting good value from your physiotherapy
If you need six sessions, the total cost matters more than the price of any single one. That's where the quality of your initial assessment makes a difference.
When your physiotherapist takes time to understand the full picture early on, the treatment plan tends to be more focused. That may mean fewer sessions overall, though every injury is different and your physiotherapist will give you an honest estimate based on your assessment.
Active rehabilitation, where you're given exercises to do between sessions, also plays a role. The work you do at home or in the gym extends what happens in the clinic. For many musculoskeletal conditions, the exercise component is where a large portion of the progress comes from.
If cost is a concern, it's reasonable to ask your physiotherapist how many sessions they expect you'll need and what the plan looks like. A good clinician will give you an honest answer, not a vague open ended schedule.
At Inner North Physiotherapy in Fitzroy North, initial consultations include a full musculoskeletal assessment and an individualised exercise plan from the first visit. For patients across Fitzroy, Carlton, Brunswick, Clifton Hill, and the wider inner north, the clinic is on your doorstep. A single follow up session, after your health fund rebate, may cost less than you expect.
This article provides general information only. It is not a substitute for professional health advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified physiotherapist.
