Is Physiotherapy Covered by Insurance on the Sunshine Coast?

Let’s Clear the Confusion About Physio & Insurance

If you’ve ever needed physio and found yourself wondering, “Can I claim this on my health insurance?” — you’re definitely not alone.

At Good Vibes Physio, we get this question all the time, especially from new clients visiting us on the Sunshine Coast. The good news?
✅ Yes — most private health funds cover physiotherapy as part of their extras cover.

Here’s how it all works and what to expect when you come in for your first appointment.

1. Private Health Insurance & Physio: What’s Covered

If you have extras cover (also known as “ancillary cover”) with your private health insurance, there’s a good chance it includes physiotherapy.

Your rebate amount depends on:

• Your level of cover — basic, medium, or comprehensive

• Your yearly limit — most funds renew every calendar year

• Your insurer — some offer higher benefits for preferred providers

Every fund is a little different, but most will cover a portion of each physio session, leaving you to pay only the gap fee.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, log into your health fund’s member portal or call them — they can tell you exactly how much your cover includes for physiotherapy.

2. Claiming Your Physio Session: Easy With HICAPS

At Good Vibes Physio, we make claiming simple.
After your session, we’ll swipe your private health card through HICAPS, which instantly processes your rebate.

✅ No forms
✅ No waiting
✅ You only pay the difference (the gap)

Forgot your card? No problem — we’ll email your invoice so you can claim directly with your health fund online.

3. What If You Don’t Have Private Health Cover?

You can still see a physiotherapist without private insurance. Physiotherapy is a primary healthcare service — that means you don’t need a doctor’s referral or insurance to book an appointment.

You’ll simply pay the full consultation fee at the time of your visit. Many clients still choose physio privately because of the long-term value it provides in preventing injury and improving performance.

4. Medicare & WorkCover Physio Options

While most clients use private health insurance, there are also other ways physio can be covered:

✅ Medicare (EPC/CDM Plan)

If your GP refers you under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, Medicare can cover part of your physio treatment (up to 5 sessions per year).
You’ll need a referral from your GP before your first session.

✅ WorkCover QLD

If your injury happened at work, WorkCover Queensland may cover your physiotherapy sessions once your claim is approved.

✅ DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs)

If you’re a DVA Gold or White Card holder, you can access fully covered physiotherapy with a valid GP referral.

5. Why Physio Coverage Is Worth It

Even if you’re paying a gap fee, regular physio care is an investment in your health. It helps you:

• Recover faster from injury

• Prevent future pain or dysfunction

• Maintain strength, flexibility, and mobility

• Improve athletic and everyday performance

And when your private health fund covers a portion of the cost, it makes ongoing care much more affordable.

Our Takeaway: Check Your Cover, Then Book With Confidence

You don’t need to wait until something hurts to see a physio — and you don’t need to stress about the cost, either.
At Good Vibes Physio Sunshine Coast, we make claiming easy and transparent.

Whether you’re using private health insurance, Medicare, or WorkCover, our team will guide you through the process step by step — so you can focus on moving and feeling your best.

Here’s a little reminder:

The end of the year always sneaks up fast 👀

Most private health extras reset on December 31, which means now’s the perfect time to use your remaining benefits — and book in that physio check-up you’ve been putting off.

Let’s finish the year strong, feeling good, and moving even better 💚

📍 Book your session at Good Vibes Physio, Sunshine Coast, and we’ll help you make the most of your cover before it resets.