Medicare Physiotherapy in 2025: Don’t Leave Your Care on the Table

Australia faces an ongoing gap in chronic care. Many people living with long-term conditions aren’t fully using their Medicare-funded physiotherapy and allied health services, services that can improve outcomes, reduce flare-ups, and help you avoid hospital visits. But they only work if you use them.

What Can You Access with Medicare Physiotherapy?

Eligible Australians with a chronic condition can access up to five Medicare-supported physiotherapy or allied health sessions each calendar year under a GP management plan. These may include physiotherapy, dietetics, psychology, and more.

You can use all five sessions for one discipline or share them across multiple allied health services, depending on your goals and what your GP includes in your plan.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare Physiotherapy?

The best care plan is the one you actually use. A quick chat with your GP can unlock it.

Medicare physiotherapy is available to patients with a chronic or terminal condition expected to last six months or longer. Eligibility must be documented in a care plan prepared by a GP or referring medical practitioner, and the services provided must align with the treatment goals in that plan.

Key Medicare Changes in 2025 – What’s New?

From 1 July 2025, the referral process for Medicare physiotherapy and other allied health services will be streamlined. While the five-session limit remains the same, the simplified referral process will make accessing care quicker and more efficient.

Why Early Physiotherapy Matters for Chronic Conditions

Accessing physiotherapy early, and consistently, can:

• Reduce pain and flare-ups
• Improve mobility and movement
• Prevent future complications
• Support long-term condition management

Underuse of these services highlights a gap in our healthcare system, but it’s a gap we can close together.

How Switch Physiotherapy Is Helping

At Switch Physiotherapy, we provide targeted support for people managing chronic conditions. Our team delivers specialised programs such as movement and stability classes, along with personalised care plans built around measurable functional goals.

We also offer services including post-surgical rehabilitation, sports injury physiotherapy, pelvic floor physiotherapy, back pain physiotherapy, and chronic pain management, always adapting your program to support ongoing progress.

Our approach combines clinical expertise with warmth and accessibility. Each session is designed to deliver meaningful assessment, treatment, and education, not just a tick-the-box appointment.

If you’re living with a chronic condition, now is the ideal time to check in with your GP, review your care plan, and allocate your five Medicare-funded physiotherapy or allied health sessions toward your current health goals.

Working closely with GPs under the 2025 framework, Switch Physiotherapy helps Australians not only access care but achieve results that genuinely improve how they feel and function. Don’t wait to take control of your health, book your physiotherapy session with Switch today.

Frequently asked questions

What does Medicare cover for physiotherapy?

Under a Chronic Disease Management plan from your GP, Medicare can subsidise up to five allied health sessions a year.

Do I need a referral to see a physio?

Not for a standard private appointment. A referral is only needed for the Medicare subsidised pathway.

How many physio sessions does Medicare cover?

Up to five subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year under an eligible plan.

How do I get a Medicare referral?

Your GP assesses whether you qualify for a Chronic Disease Management plan and provides the referral.