Hospitality Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Health Insurance Reforms: Inclusion of Natural Therapies from 2026

Expanding Coverage to Support Preventive Health Services

Health Insurance Reforms: Inclusion of Natural Therapies from 2026?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In a significant policy shift, Australian health insurers will begin offering rebates for a range of natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique, starting early 2026.
This change follows legislative amendments allowing these therapies to be covered under private health insurance for the treatment of health conditions or as part of health management programs.

The legislative change allows health funds to provide rebates for health treatments incorporating these therapies, should funds decide to cover them. However, the therapies can only be covered for the treatment of health conditions or under a health management program rather than just for fitness.

Private health insurers are working with industry associations to create accreditation, claims, and other required processes to support the change. With the assistance of professional associations, these processes are expected to be in place in early 2026.

For fitness professionals, particularly those offering services in Yoga, Pilates, and other natural therapies, this development presents an opportunity to align their offerings with the evolving health insurance landscape. By ensuring their services meet the necessary accreditation standards, practitioners can provide clients with the added benefit of insurance rebates, potentially increasing client engagement and business growth.

Published:Monday, 2nd Mar 2026
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026
Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41% from 1 April 2026, marking the most significant increase since 2017. Health Minister Mark Butler stated that this adjustment reflects the escalating costs of medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. This increase is expected to impact over 15 million Australians who hold private health insurance policies. - read more
Australian Medical Association Report Reveals Erosion of Value in Private Health Insurance
Australian Medical Association Report Reveals Erosion of Value in Private Health Insurance
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released its latest Private Health Insurance Report Card, highlighting a concerning trend where Australians are paying higher premiums for private health insurance while receiving diminished value in return. The report indicates that nearly 70% of policies now contain exclusions, limiting the coverage available to policyholders. - read more
Private Health Insurers Refund $4.8 Billion in COVID-19 Windfall to Australian Policyholders
Private Health Insurers Refund $4.8 Billion in COVID-19 Windfall to Australian Policyholders
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Private health insurers in Australia have returned nearly $4.8 billion to policyholders, fulfilling their commitment not to profit from reduced healthcare service utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread cancellation of elective surgeries and other medical appointments during lockdowns led to significant savings for insurers, who have now redistributed these funds to their customers. - read more
AUSactive's New Insurance Offering: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs
AUSactive's New Insurance Offering: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
AUSactive has unveiled a new insurance solution designed specifically for fitness and active health professionals. This initiative aims to provide enhanced protection while offering lower premiums compared to existing market options. - read more
Health Insurance Reforms: Inclusion of Natural Therapies from 2026
Health Insurance Reforms: Inclusion of Natural Therapies from 2026
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant policy shift, Australian health insurers will begin offering rebates for a range of natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique, starting early 2026. This change follows legislative amendments allowing these therapies to be covered under private health insurance for the treatment of health conditions or as part of health management programs. - read more


Hospitality Insurance Articles

Tips for Finding the Best Hospitality Insurance Coverage
Tips for Finding the Best Hospitality Insurance Coverage
Tailored insurance is a type of insurance policy that's specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a particular business or industry. Unlike one-size-fits-all policies, tailored insurance provides a more customized approach, ensuring that the coverage fits the specific risks and requirements of the business. - read more
What Hospitality Business Owners Need to Know About Income Protection Insurance
What Hospitality Business Owners Need to Know About Income Protection Insurance
The Australian hospitality industry is renowned for its vibrancy, yet it also faces significant challenges. With fluctuating demand, seasonal changes, and unpredictable external factors such as economic downturns and pandemics, hospitality businesses often operate in a high-risk environment. For hotel operators, the stakes are even higher due to substantial investments in property, staff, and customer service. - read more
Understanding Hospitality Insurance: Considerations for Aussie Business Owners
Understanding Hospitality Insurance: Considerations for Aussie Business Owners
Hospitality insurance is a crucial component for businesses within the hospitality sector, offering coverage for a range of incidents that could potentially derail operations. It's designed to protect establishments like hotels, restaurants, and event venues from various risks such as liability claims, property damage, and interruption of services. - read more
Essential Insurance Types Every Cafe Owner Should Consider
Essential Insurance Types Every Cafe Owner Should Consider
Running a cafe is more than just serving delightful coffee and snacks; it's about creating an experience and ensuring that experience is safeguarded. While the hospitality industry can be incredibly rewarding, it's not without its risks. This is where the importance of insurance comes into play, acting as a crucial safety net for cafe owners. - read more
Why Tailored Insurance is Essential for Your Hospitality Business
Why Tailored Insurance is Essential for Your Hospitality Business
In the bustling world of hospitality, the right insurance can make all the difference for your business. Tailored insurance, as the name suggests, involves customising your insurance policy to meet the specific needs and risks associated with your industry. This personalised approach ensures that you are not overpaying for unnecessary coverage while also safeguarding your business against potential threats. - read more


Your free hospitality insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Flood Insurance:
A specific type of property insurance that covers losses and damage caused by flooding.