Is Clinical Exercise Physiology Covered by Medicare in Australia?

If you’ve been told you might benefit from seeing an Exercise Physiologist, one of the first questions you probably have is: “Does Medicare cover this?” The good news is yes — Medicare does provide rebates for accredited Exercise Physiology services in certain situations.

Like many health services, there are some eligibility rules and limits you need to know about. Let’s break it down in plain English.

When Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Medicare will contribute towards the cost of seeing an Accredited Exercise Physiologist if:

• You have a chronic medical condition (something that’s been present or is likely to last for 6 months or more).

• Your GP prepares a Chronic Condition Management (CCM) Plan for you.

• The GP refers you specifically to an Exercise Physiologist under this plan.

Once those steps are in place, you can access Medicare rebates for up to 5 individual allied health sessions per calendar year. These 5 sessions are shared across all allied health providers you might be referred to (such as physiotherapy, dietetics, or podiatry), not just Exercise Physiology.

What Does Medicare Pay?

For an individual Exercise Physiology session (item number 10953 on the Medicare Benefits Schedule), the rebate as of July 2025 is $61.80. The full schedule fee is $72.65, but it’s important to know that clinics set their own fees.

This means:

• If a clinic bulk-bills, you won’t pay anything out of pocket.

• If a clinic charges above the rebate amount, you’ll pay the difference (often called the “gap”).

What About Group Sessions?

If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, there’s a separate pathway. Medicare recognises the importance of exercise for diabetes management and allows rebates for group Exercise Physiology programs.

Here’s how it works:

1. You’ll have an initial assessment with an Exercise Physiologist.

2. If you’re suitable for group care, you can access up to 8 group sessions per year, each lasting at least 60 minutes.

These group programs can be a more affordable option while still providing expert guidance in a supportive setting.

Can I Use Telehealth for Exercise Physiology?

In recent years, telehealth has been added for some allied health services, including Exercise Physiology. Whether you can access telehealth under Medicare depends on your referral and the specific rules at the time — so it’s best to confirm with your GP and chosen Exercise Physiologist.

Steps to Access Medicare Rebates

1. Book an appointment with your GP. Discuss your health condition and ask whether a Chronic Condition Management Plan is appropriate.

2. Ask for a referral to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

3. Ask for a referral to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

4. Check fees beforehand so you know if there will be a gap payment.

Final Thoughts

Medicare rebates make Exercise Physiology more accessible for Australians living with chronic conditions. While the subsidy won’t usually cover the full cost of treatment, it can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and support long-term management of conditions like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or persistent pain.

If you’re considering Exercise Physiology and want support that’s tailored to your needs, Movement Therapy EP offers experienced practitioners who can guide you through both Medicare and private pathways. It’s worth having a chat with your GP and then booking in with a team who can help you move better, manage your health, and get the most out of your sessions.