Is speech therapy covered by Medicare in Australia?

Yes, in certain cases. Medicare covers a limited number of speech therapy sessions through specific referral pathways:

  • Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan – Up to 5 sessions per calendar year, referred by a GP.

  • Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) – For children under 13 (closed to new participants but still valid for some).

  • Better Start for Children with Disability – Legacy support for eligible conditions.

  • NDIS – For eligible individuals with ongoing support needs.

However, Medicare rebates are modest and often do not cover the full session fee. Many families choose to access services under the NDIS, which offers broader funding based on individual goals. To explore the best funding options for your child’s therapy, contact us now.