pilates & health fund rebates

On 1 April 2019 Pilates, along with 15 other natural therapies were excluded from private health insurance rebates. Following this an update of the 2015 review of natural therapies (NTREAP), was announced on 7 April 2019, led by then Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy AC. This review was finalised in 2024. READ THE REVIEW HERE

PILATES RECOMMENDED FOR RE-INCLUSION IN HFI

As a result, the Albanese Government has accepted the recommendations of the Natural Therapies Review and Pilates has now been recommended for re-inclusion in private health insurance in extras cover. Individual health funds have the final decision on whether or not to include Pilates, and what the credentialing and claiming criteria will look like. While there is no fixed start date for when these therapies will be covered again, it hoped to be implemented by the end of 2025.

HCF EXTRAS COVER TO NOW INCLUDE PILATES

As of mid 2025 HCF have reinstated Pilates within  Health Management Programs under the level for Extras cover. In order to claim for an exercise program or gym membership, members will need to have their GP or HCF approved allied health practitioner complete an Exercise & Gym Authority Form FOUND ON THIS LINK and return it along with your invoices to HCF. Benefits are payable only if the service begins after the date your treating doctor of HCF approved allied health practitioner has completed the form, which will only remain valid for 12 months from the date it has been signed.

We hope that more Health Funds will follow HCF and reinstate Pilates within their claiming criteria. Provider numbers for credentialled Pilates teacher and studios are still currently being discussed.