Health insurance for acupuncture
Health insurance for acupuncture is included with many extras policies. Compare policies with acupuncture cover.
Key takeaways
- Acupuncture is covered under extras health insurance and only very rarely under Medicare.
- The benefit limit is normally shared with other so-called 'natural therapies', like massage.
- You can expect a 2-month waiting period before you can claim on most policies.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine and involves putting thin needles into the skin at specific spots. The theory is that pathways in the body can prevent the flow of 'qi' (pronounced 'chee' - great scrabble word). Acupuncture is thought to restore that flow, relieving illness and pain.
Now if you're skeptical, that's a good impulse. But the scientific consensus is that acupuncture works. It's not entirely understood why, but the evidence is pretty robust and repeatable.
Does Medicare cover acupuncture?
Medicare will generally not cover the cost of acupuncture, as most people use it. If your GP treats you with acupuncture as part of a broader treatment plan then it may be covered by Medicare. If you have a physiotherapy plan from your GP that's covered under Medicare they may also use dry needling, which would also be covered.
For most non-GP acupuncture clinics, you'll be paying out-of-pocket, or having it covered by private extras health insurance.
How does private health insurance cover acupuncture?
Most acupuncture treatment is done outside of hospital, in a private clinic, which is covered by extras insurance. Pretty much every health fund will have a few extras policies that will cover acupuncture.
Acupuncture is generally covered on mid-tier extras policies, as well as top-tier. Some basic policies may have cover, but it will likely be pretty limited cover.
Here are a few things to look out when comparing funds:
- Benefit limit: You'll have a maximum amount you can claim per year - $300 for example.
- Combined benefits: Acupuncture benefits may be combined with other treatment, like massage or physiotherapy.
- Waiting periods: You'll need to hold your extras policy for a few months before you can claim - typically it's 2 months for acupuncture.
- Benefit back: The actual amount you'll get back for each appointment will either be a percentage of your bill or a set amount of money for a particular treatment.
"It's important to read the policy conditions for your extras to see whether extras are bunched together and have a combined limit. When I used to be with Medibank which has a combined limit for acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic and Chinese medicine, I soon found that I hit my annual limit very quickly after only two visits each to my chiro, physio and acupuncturist. That's why I'm now with nib which splits out chiro/physio and natural therapies under separate limits."
Acupuncture vs dry needling
Acupuncture and dry needling are similar, but subtly different treatments. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that aims to balance the flow of Qi (life energy) through the body by inserting thin needles into specific points. Dry needling is a newer technique that targets trigger points within muscles to release tension and alleviate pain.
Acupuncture is typically performed by acupuncturists, who may have training in traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling, on the other hand, is generally performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, and some medical doctors. Here are a few other key differences:
- Philosophy: Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles, while dry needling is based on Western anatomical and physiological concepts.
- Focus: Acupuncture aims to address overall energy balance and well-being, while dry needling primarily focuses on resolving musculoskeletal issues.
- Effectiveness: Both acupuncture and dry needling have shown some evidence of effectiveness for certain conditions, such as pain relief. However, the specific conditions and the strength of the evidence vary between the two.
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Hi there,
I am looking for a good Extra Insurance for Acupuncture. Please let me know which one has the lower than or equal to AUD 55 per month, higher % back and fixed rate return. It will be best if it is a combined limit with other Extra Items.
Thank you;
Hi Kamyin,
A number of variables will impact the price you’ll pay for your extras insurance. Some of these factors include where you live/your location including your state, the type and level of extras cover you want, the amount you can claim back for each service (eg fixed return or percentage), and your income (as you may be entitled to a government rebate towards your extras policy). You can review a number of options on this guide; note that these prices are based on an Extras policy for a single person living in Sydney, earning less than $97,000.
Hope this helps!