5 Best Health Insurance Plans That Cover Chiropractors in Australia
When it comes to healthcare in Australia, chiropractic care is essential when you’re recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or just trying to stay in peak physical form. Private health cover that pays for your chiropractor visits can make a huge difference.
But not all health funds cover chiropractic care equally. From our research, some offer generous chiro benefits, while others? Not so much. This guide will explore which Australian health insurers provide solid chiropractic cover in 2025. Here’s what you can read about:
- How Much Can You Save on Chiropractic with Private Health Insurance?
- 5 Best Health Insurance Plans That Cover Chiropractors in Australia
- Why Chiropractic Care Is an Essential Part of Modern Healthcare
- How Private Health Insurance Supports Preventive Care Through Chiropractic Services
and much, MUCH more!
How Much Can You Save on Chiropractic with Private Health Insurance?
If you’ve ever paid for a chiropractor out of pocket, you know how expensive it can be. In most parts of Australia, a standard session costs anywhere from $60 to $90. The first appointment is usually more expensive, closer to $120, especially if it includes an assessment.
With private health cover, though, that price can drop quite a lot. Most extras policies pay a set dollar amount or around 50% to 60% back per visit. Some funds give you $25 to $35 back each time, depending on your policy and limits.
That might not sound huge, but if you’re going once a fortnight (which many people do), you’re looking at 20–25 sessions yearly.
Without cover, that’s over $1,500 out of pocket. With the right extras plan, you could get back $500–700 of that. Some funds also bundle chiro with physio or massage, which can stretch your limits further.
5 Best Health Insurance Plans That Cover Chiropractors in Australia
We’ve done the heavy lifting by reviewing the health insurers in Australia that cover chiropractor care, and here are the top 5 we’ve identified:
- Onemedifund
- Queensland Country Health Fund
- Mildura Health Fund
- HIF (Health Insurance Fund of Australia)
- Phoenix Health Fund
Onemedifund
Onemedifund includes chiropractic in its extras cover, but only under its combined Gold Hospital + Comprehensive Extras plan.
You won’t find a standalone extras option. Thus, this setup might be more than you need if you’re only after chiro cover. That said, the policy is pretty generous regarding how much you can claim if you see physios, massage therapists, or acupuncturists.
The cover is flexible enough to suit regular users of natural therapies. You can use any registered provider and aren’t locked into any network.
Which Plans Cover Chiropractic Services?
There’s only one plan:
- Gold Hospital with Comprehensive Extras.
You can’t mix and match. If you’re with Onemedifund, that’s the only setup you can use. The extras component includes chiro alongside dental, optical, physio, massage, acupuncture, osteo, and other services.
Annual Limits, Rebates, and Claiming Rules
The current annual limit for chiropractic is $750 per person, but that’s shared across multiple services like remedial massage, acupuncture, podiatry, and dietetics. The limit can disappear quickly for a single person who uses a few of these regularly. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Initial chiro consultation: $40 back
- Follow-up visits: $30 back per session
- Claims: Easy to lodge via the app or online portal
You can use any chiro, as long as they’re registered. You won’t need to stay in a provider network, and no annoying “preferred practitioner” fine print.
Waiting Periods and Special Conditions
You’ll need to wait two months before claiming for chiropractic. That’s standard across most Australian funds. There are no loyalty boosters or tiered increases based on how long you’ve held the policy. Also worth noting: there’s no rollover, and unused limits don’t carry into the next year.
If you cancel or downgrade, your cover ends immediately and resets the clock if you rejoin later.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
$750 annual limit (shared) is higher than what many bigger insurers offer. | Chiropractic shares a combined limit, so you’ll need to balance usage. |
No referral or provider network required - you can choose your chiro. | No standalone extras - hospital cover is mandatory. |
Straightforward, single policy with everything bundled. | Per-visit rebates don’t always match real-world costs. |
Claiming is simple via the app or online. | No loyalty rewards or annual increases in limits. |
Who Is This Best For?
This policy is best suited if you use a few natural therapies, not just chiropractic. It’s best if you also value strong hospital cover and want one streamlined policy without juggling extras separately. It won’t be ideal if you only need occasional sessions.
Queensland Country Health Fund
If you have Queensland Country Health Fund’s extras cover, chiro is included, and the limits are decent if you use it regularly. You must pair extras with hospital cover, so this plan is better if you’re already looking for full health insurance, not just a bit of out-of-hospital support.
There’s no need to use specific providers or stay in a preferred network. If your chiropractor is registered, you’re covered.
Which Plans Cover Chiropractic Services?
Chiropractic falls under the Ultra Extras plan. It’s the fund’s top-level extras option, and you must package it with hospital cover because there’s no standalone version.
It also includes physio, dental, optical, massage, and other therapies. Chiro is grouped with a few under a combined limit, so keep an eye on how much you claim across the board.
Annual Limits, Rebates, and Claiming Rules
The combined annual limit for chiropractic and other therapies (like massage and osteo) is $1,400 per person, which is generous compared to most. Here’s how it breaks down:
- $35 back for your first session.
- $28 for each follow-up.
Claims are easy to submit through the app or via HICAPS at your provider.
Waiting Periods and Special Conditions
Like most insurers, you’ll need to wait two months before you can claim on Chiropractic services. There’s no way around it – even if you’ve held a similar policy elsewhere, you’ll need to check if you can transfer waiting periods.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
Higher-than-average combined limit for natural therapies. | Chiropractic shares a limit with other therapies, and benefits can run out quickly. |
Clear per-visit rebates. | Must bundle with hospital cover. |
Freedom to choose any registered chiropractor. | No rollover or rewards for long-term members. |
Easy claims via app or at the provider. | No ability to choose extras as a standalone option. |
Who Is This Best For?
This is a good option if you use multiple therapies yearly, not just chiropractic. If you live regionally, Queensland Country Health Fund has a strong presence in rural areas, and the app makes it easy to keep track of your claims.
It’s probably not the best choice if you’re just after extras and don’t need hospital cover.
Mildura Health Fund
Mildura Health Fund includes chiropractic in two extras plans: Mid Extras and Five Star Extras. Both allow you to claim for regular visits and don’t need to be part of any provider network to access the benefits. You’re free to see whichever registered chiropractor you prefer.
The cover is straightforward and practical if you’re after a smaller fund that offers proper benefits without hoops.
Which Plans Cover Chiropractic Services?
Chiropractic services are included in the Mid Extras and Five Star Extras plans. These can be taken on their own or combined with any of Mildura’s hospital policies, giving you more flexibility than funds that only bundle extras with hospital cover.
Chiropractic is grouped with osteopathy, so the benefit limit you’re working with is shared.
Annual Limits, Rebates, and Claiming Rules
Here’s how each plan compares:
Mid Extras
- Annual limit: $540 per person (shared with osteopathy)
- Initial consultation: $32 back
- Follow-up visits: $27 back
Five Star Extras
- Annual limit: $600 per person (shared with osteopathy)
- Initial consultation: $40 back
- Follow-up visits: $34 back
You can claim online or through the mobile app, and if your provider uses HICAPS, claims are processed on the spot.
Waiting Periods and Special Conditions
Like most funds, Mildura applies a two-month waiting period before you can start claiming chiropractic services. If you switch from another fund with similar cover, they may recognise the time you’ve already served, but you should check this before switching.
There are no loyalty-based increases or bonus boosts for long-term members; benefits don’t roll over to the next year if you don’t use them.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
Both plans offer solid annual limits for chiropractic care. | Limit is shared with osteopathy, which can chew through the total quickly. |
Per-visit rebates are clear and upfront. | Per-visit benefits might not fully cover each session. |
No network restrictions — see the chiropractor you prefer. | No increase in limits for loyal members. |
Extras can be taken on their own without hospital cover. | No rollover – unused benefits expire at the end of each calendar year. |
Who Is This Best For?
Mildura is perfect if you want a fund that’s easy to deal with, doesn’t force you into hospital cover, and supports natural therapies. It’s also useful if you use osteopathy. However, remember that both services share the same pool of benefits.
If you see your chiropractor often, the Five Star Extras plan is better for higher limits and rebates.
HIF (Health Insurance Fund of Australia)
HIF includes chiropractic care in a few of its extra options, and the benefit structure is flexible enough to suit occasional or regular treatment. You’re not limited to a provider network; if you already have a chiropractor you trust, you’re covered.
This fund lets you choose how much you want to claim back and what your overall annual limits look like, depending on which extras level you choose. Chiropractic isn’t lumped in with a dozen other therapies, which gives it a clearer benefit cap in most cases.
Which Plans Cover Chiropractic Services?
You’ll find chiropractic benefits included in HIF’s:
- Basic Extras
- Standard Extras
- Advanced Extras
- Premium Extras
The higher the tier, the more you get back per visit, and the higher your annual limit. Most people who want chiropractic support choose Advanced or Premium Extras, since the Basic and Standard plans can reach their caps early.
You can combine these extras with HIF’s hospital cover or take them independently.
Annual Limits, Rebates, and Claiming Rules
Here’s what you’re working with under HIF’s Advanced Extras plan, which is a safe average between the options:
- Annual limit: $350 per person for chiropractic care (not shared with other therapies).
- Rebate: 60% of the consultation fee.
- Claims: Processed through HICAPS at the provider or online via their member portal.
- On Premium Extras, the percentage stays the same (60%), but the annual limit jumps to $500 per person.
There’s no dollar cap per visit – you’re reimbursed 60% of what the chiropractor charges, up to your yearly limit.
Waiting Periods and Special Conditions
You’ll need to wait two months before claiming chiropractic services. That applies across all extra tiers. No loyalty program boosts your annual limit the longer you’re a member, and any unused benefits don’t roll over into the next year.
One thing to watch: if you claim other therapies under Premium Extras, it’s easy to mix them up, but chiropractic has its line item with a dedicated limit. That means it won’t be drained by physio or massage, which is a major advantage.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
Chiropractic has its separate benefit cap, and isn’t bundled with other therapies. | Lower limits on the Basic and Standard plans don’t suit regular chiropractic users. |
Flexible extra options depending on how often you use the service. | No loyalty rewards or increasing limits over time. |
60% rebate is strong, especially for short appointments. | No carryover of unused benefits into the next year. |
No provider restrictions — use any registered chiropractor. | Out-of-pocket costs can be high if your chiropractor charges above average. |
Who Is This Best For?
HIF works if you want a fair amount back per visit without getting caught in shared limits. The rebate structure makes it better if your chiropractor charges a moderate fee, because that 60% goes further when sessions stay under $90.
If you don’t need hospital cover, the flexibility of taking extras only is another point in HIF’s favour.
Phoenix Health Fund
Phoenix Health Fund includes chiropractic services across all three of its extras tiers: Kick Start Extras 50, Healthy Flex Extras 50, and Value Extras 60. You can take extra cover independently or bundle it with hospital cover, depending on your needs.
Each plan offers a percentage-based rebate (either 50% or 60%) on chiropractic services, up to your annual limit. There are no preferred provider restrictions, so you can see any registered chiropractor and still receive the same benefits.
Which Plans Cover Chiropractic Services?
Chiropractic services are covered under:
- Kick Start Extras 50: Provides 50% back on chiropractic services, up to annual limits.
- Healthy Flex Extras 50: Offers 50% back, with flexible limits across various services.
- Value Extras 60: Gives 60% back on services, with higher annual limits.
Kick Start Extras 50 can be taken as a standalone extras policy, while the other two require bundling with hospital cover.
Annual Limits, Rebates, and Claiming Rules
- Kick Start Extras 50: $200 combined annual limit for chiropractic, osteopathy, remedial massage, and acupuncture.
- Healthy Flex Extras 50: Flexible limits across services, with 50% back on chiropractic visits.
- Value Extras 60: $400 sub-limit for chiropractic and osteopathy, with an overall $800 limit for core wellbeing therapies.
Claims can be made via the Phoenix Health app, online portal, or HICAPS at your provider.
Waiting Periods and Special Conditions
- Waiting Period: 2 months for chiropractic services.
- Special Conditions: For Value Extras 60 and Healthy Flex Extras 50, the extras cover must be combined with a hospital cover.
There are no loyalty bonuses or increasing limits over time, and unused benefits do not roll over to the next year.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
Chiropractic services are included across all extras tiers. | Combined limits with other therapies may reduce available funds for chiropractic specifically. |
No preferred provider restrictions — freedom to choose your practitioner. | Mandatory bundling of certain extras plans with hospital cover may not suit everyone. |
Percentage-based rebates provide clarity on out-of-pocket costs. | No loyalty rewards or increasing limits over time. |
Option to take Kick Start Extras 50 as a standalone extras cover. | Unused benefits do not roll over to the next year. |
Who Is This Best For?
Phoenix Health Fund is suitable if you want flexible extras cover that includes chiropractic services. Phoenix Health Fund provides options if you value the freedom to choose your practitioner and prefer percentage-based rebates.
Why Chiropractic Care Is an Essential Part of Modern Healthcare
Chiropractic care is no longer seen as a last resort when your lower back gives up halfway through carrying groceries. These days, it’s a regular part of many Australians’ health routines, used for everything from pain management to improving mobility and posture.
Whether you’re dealing with headaches, tech-neck from your laptop, or long-term joint stiffness, chiropractic care can keep you moving.
More Australians Are Using It (and Sticking with It)
As of late 2024, over 6,500 chiropractic practices are operating across the country, according to IBISWorld. The industry has grown steadily over the past five years (±3.2% yearly), which says a lot about demand.
People aren’t just trying it once and moving on. They return regularly, often combining chiropractic care with other treatments like physiotherapy or massage.
The Evidence Is There – Especially for Common Issues
Research in Australia supports chiropractic care for:
- Lower back pain
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Headaches caused by poor posture or muscle tension
- Mobility issues (due to age or after an injury)
Studies published over the last few years have also pointed out that chiropractic care may help reduce reliance on pain medication in some patients, which makes it a useful option for those looking to avoid long-term scripts.
Modern Life Is Wrecking Our Posture
The Australian Chiropractors Association focuses on what they’re calling “tech-neck.” If you’ve spent any time hunched over your phone or laptop, you’ll know exactly what they mean.
Hours of screen time lead to tight necks, sore shoulders, and poor posture. It’s a common issue now, especially for office workers and teenagers.
Chiropractic care aims to improve spinal alignment and release pressure in the neck and upper back, giving your body a better chance to reset and rebalance.
Yes – It’s Regulated Like Any Other Healthcare Field
Chiropractors in Australia are qualified, registered health professionals. They study at university, are regulated by AHPRA (same as doctors and physios), and are required to keep up with professional development. So, if you’re seeing someone with the right credentials, you’re in good hands.
How Private Health Insurance Supports Preventive Care Through Chiropractic Services
Private health insurance in Australia doesn’t just kick in when you end up in hospital. Extras cover (including chiropractic, physiotherapy, optical, and dental) can help with day-to-day health needs before things escalate.
This includes preventative care. If you receive regular chiropractic treatments to improve posture, reduce tension, or manage ongoing pain, insurance helps soften the blow to your bank account.
Rather than waiting for a problem to worsen, the right cover helps you stay on top of your health early.
Most Funds Offer Chiropractic Under Extras Cover
Chiropractic is a standard inclusion in many extras policies, though what you get back varies. Some funds give you a flat amount per visit (say, $30 back per session), while others refund a percentage, usually 50% to 60%, depending on the tier.
On average, Australians claim back around $33 per chiropractic visit, based on APRA data from late 2024. But with better plans, that figure can be much higher.
The catch? Many funds bundle chiropractic with other therapies (like massage, osteopathy or acupuncture) under a shared annual limit. Thus, if you see multiple practitioners, that limit can drain quickly.
Using Your Benefits = Making the Most of What You’re Paying For
One of the most common reasons extras coverage feels like a waste is simple: people forget to use it. If you have a limit of $500 a year for chiropractic or related services and only book in once or twice, you’re not getting value from your policy.
Some funds offer mobile apps that make tracking what’s left in your annual limit easier, so you know when to squeeze in that extra visit before the year ends.
Chiropractic as a Long-Term Investment
Preventative care often gets overlooked when it’s not bulk-billed. However, over time, regular chiropractic treatment can mean fewer GP visits for pain relief, fewer scripts for anti-inflammatories, and even fewer sick days if you manage headaches, stiffness, or nerve pain early.
When backed by decent extra coverage, you’re reducing out-of-pocket costs and building a buffer that helps keep larger problems at bay.
In Conclusion
If you use chiropractic services regularly, or are thinking about starting, then the right health cover can make it easier to prioritise your wellbeing without stressing about the cost.
The funds covered in our guide stand out for clear, flexible chiropractic benefits that suit real-world usage. You don’t need to wait until you’re injured or in pain to get value from them; most will support you in staying aligned, mobile, and pain-free all year round.
Extras cover might feel like an optional extra, but it pays for itself when used properly. The key is knowing what your policy includes, how much you can claim, and what works for your lifestyle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which extra policies include benefits for chiropractic services?
Policies that offer mid-to-top-tier extras usually include chiropractic services. Basic extras may not. Check the policy brochure or compare online because some funds bundle chiropractic with other therapies under one limit.
How much can you claim back on chiropractic services each year?
It depends on your policy. Some funds offer a flat dollar amount per visit (e.g. $30 back), while others refund a percentage, usually 50–60%, up to an annual limit. Limits often range between $300 and $750 per person.
Are chiropractic services covered under hospital or extras policies?
Chiropractic services fall under extras cover, not hospital cover. You won’t be able to claim chiropractic visits under hospital-only policies.
What is the average rebate for chiropractic services through private health?
According to APRA data from late 2024, Australians claim back an average of $33 per visit. However, better extras policies often return more, sometimes up to $40 per session.
Can I choose any provider for chiropractic services, or do I need to use a network?
Most insurers allow you to see any registered chiropractor in Australia. Some may offer higher rebates for “preferred providers,” but it’s not common in chiropractic the way it is with dental or optical.
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