Does Medicare cover chiropractic care? Yes, but only in specific circumstances. Since 1 July 2025, you need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) referral from your doctor, and the Medicare rebate is shared across all allied health providers you see during the calendar year, not just chiropractic. Without a GP referral, Medicare does not provide a rebate for chiropractic visits.
How Does a Medicare Chiropractic Referral Work?
As of 1 July 2025, the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) replaced the previous Chronic Disease Management (CDM), Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Team Care Arrangements programs. To access a Medicare rebate for chiropractic care, your GP needs to assess your condition, confirm it has lasted (or is expected to last) six months or more, and provide a written, signed GPCCMP referral.
Your GP’s referral will usually state how many allied health visits it covers and over what timeframe. If no timeframe is specified, the referral is generally valid for up to 18 months from your first service. It’s a good idea to discuss your goals for chiropractic care with your GP before the referral is written, so it reflects what you’re hoping to achieve.
How Many Chiropractic Visits Does the Medicare Rebate Cover?
A GPCCMP referral covers up to 5 allied health services per calendar year in total. This is a shared pool across every allied health provider you see, such as chiropractors, physiotherapists and podiatrists, not 5 chiropractic visits on top of other therapies.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients may be eligible for up to 10 allied health services per year under a separate Medicare item, depending on individual circumstances. Your GP can advise whether this applies to you.
Does Medicare Cover the Full Cost of a Chiropractic Visit?
A Medicare rebate is not the same as bulk billing. Each clinic decides whether to accept the Medicare rebate as full payment for a visit or to charge a gap fee on top of it. It’s worth checking directly with your chiropractic clinic how they apply the rebate before your appointment, so there are no surprises on the day.
What If I Don’t Have a GP Referral?
Without a GPCCMP referral in place, Medicare does not provide a rebate for chiropractic care. Many patients instead use private health insurance extras cover, where available, or pay privately for their visits. Your private health fund can confirm what chiropractic benefits, if any, apply to your policy.
Chiropractic Care at Be Amazing Chiropractic, Charlestown
Whether or not you have a Medicare referral, new patients at Be Amazing Chiropractic can start with our $99 New Patients Experience, which includes a comprehensive initial consultation and a report of findings with your first adjustment. If you have questions about Medicare eligibility or referrals, our Charlestown clinic team is happy to help you understand your options before you book. Get in touch with Be Amazing Chiropractic to find out more.
Pregnant and wondering about chiropractic care and coverage? See our guide, Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
Other Ways Chiropractic Care May Be Covered
Medicare isn’t the only way chiropractic care can be covered. If you hold a Veteran Gold or White Card, see our guide, Does DVA Cover Chiropractic Care? If your injury happened at work, see Does Workers Compensation Cover Chiropractic Care? And if you were injured in a car accident in NSW, see Does CTP Cover Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a GPCCMP referral for chiropractic care myself?
No, only your GP can assess your condition and issue a GPCCMP referral. Book a standard GP appointment and mention you’re seeking chiropractic care as part of managing a chronic condition.
Can I use my Medicare rebate and private health extras together?
In many cases patients use their Medicare rebate for referred visits and private health extras for additional sessions, but rules vary by fund, so it’s worth checking with your insurer directly.