Private health insurance rebates restored for natural therapies: a win for patient choice and evidence-based care

The seven natural therapies to be returned are:

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Tai Chi
• Shiatsu
• Naturopathy
• Western herbal medicine
• Alexander Technique

The policy shift follows the release of the 2024 Natural Therapies Review, led by Professor Michael Kidd AO and supported by the Natural Therapies Review Expert Advisory Panel. The Review provided evidence-based recommendations – accepted this week by the federal government – to improve patient access to holistic healthcare options through private health insurance.

In addition to Professor Wardle, the late-Southern Cross University Emeritus Professor Stephen Myers also served on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Natural Therapies Committee assisting the Review, bringing decades of research and leadership in complementary medicine to the national conversation.

The reinstatement of rebates is expected to significantly improve accessibility to these therapies, particularly for Australians managing chronic conditions or seeking preventive health approaches. It also supports the broader health system by offering options that reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals.

Since its establishment in 2020, the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) has become a global leader in integrative medicine education and research. NCNM researchers have been at the forefront of evaluating the therapeutic benefits of natural therapies in diverse settings – from group naturopathic visits for women with endometriosis, to integrative health programs for veterans, to the use of yoga for individuals recovering from natural disasters.

NCNM has also contributed to international research demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of naturopathic services when incorporated into national insurance systems, including in Brazil, Germany and the United States.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first naturopathic program at Southern Cross University – the first to be taught at a public university globally,” said Professor Wardle.

“Thousands of Southern Cross naturopathic graduates are currently working across Australia and the world, doing incredible work. This policy change will help make their expertise more accessible to Australians and reinforce the value of a preventive, integrative approach to healthcare.”

Professor Wardle added that this announcement is a strong signal that evidence-based complementary therapies are being recognised for their role in improving individual wellbeing and supporting the future sustainability of the healthcare system.