Farm Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage from 2026

Yoga, Pilates, and More to Be Eligible for Rebates Under New Health Insurance Reforms

Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage 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 comes after an independent review in 2024 recommended the re-inclusion of these therapies, which had been excluded from private health insurance benefits in 2019. The review highlighted the clinical effectiveness of these therapies in managing various health conditions, paving the way for their reinstatement.

Private health insurers are collaborating with industry associations to develop accreditation, claims, and other necessary processes to support this change. With the assistance of professional associations, these processes are expected to be in place by early 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for both providers and policyholders.

For fitness professionals, particularly those offering services in Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi, this development presents a significant opportunity. The inclusion of these therapies in health insurance coverage is likely to increase demand for accredited professionals, as more individuals seek out these services with the added benefit of insurance rebates.

To capitalize on this opportunity, fitness professionals should consider obtaining or updating their accreditations to align with the forthcoming standards set by health insurers and industry associations. Staying informed about the accreditation process and ensuring compliance will be crucial in accessing the expanded market resulting from these reforms.

In summary, the inclusion of natural therapies in health insurance coverage from 2026 marks a progressive step towards integrating preventive health services into mainstream healthcare. For fitness professionals, it opens new avenues for growth and underscores the importance of accreditation and adherence to industry standards.

Published:Sunday, 22nd Feb 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
22 Feb 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
Health Insurers Respond to Rising Costs with Increased Payments to Private Hospitals
Health Insurers Respond to Rising Costs with Increased Payments to Private Hospitals
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In response to escalating operational costs faced by private hospitals, health insurers have increased their payments to these facilities. Recent data indicates that payments to private hospitals have risen by 7.7% in the year leading up to March 2025. This adjustment aims to support private hospitals during a period of financial strain and to ensure the continued delivery of quality health care services. - read more
Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage from 2026
Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage from 2026
22 Feb 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
Australian Insurers Highlight Key Challenges for 2026
Australian Insurers Highlight Key Challenges for 2026
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As 2026 approaches, Australian insurers are facing a trio of pressing challenges: rising premium costs and shrinking insurability, escalating cyber and data risks, and increasing difficulty in hiring and retaining skilled workers. These concerns have been highlighted in industry feedback cited in Gallagher Bassett’s upcoming report, 'The Carrier Perspective: 2026 Claims Insights.' - read more
Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases
Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent times, Australian consumers have been grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, prompting widespread concern and calls for greater transparency within the industry. Reports indicate that some policyholders have experienced premium hikes of up to 600%, leaving many questioning the justification behind such steep increases. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Comparing Insurance Options for Mixed Farming: What Rural Owners Need to Know
Comparing Insurance Options for Mixed Farming: What Rural Owners Need to Know
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on comparing insurance options for mixed farming. As a rural farm owner, you face unique challenges that require specialized insurance coverage to protect your livelihood. - read more
Farm Insurance Comparison: Secure Your Farm with the Right Coverage
Farm Insurance Comparison: Secure Your Farm with the Right Coverage
As a farm owner, your livelihood depends not only on the hard work you put in but also on the protection you have in place against unforeseen events. Farm insurance is crucial in safeguarding your investments, ensuring that your operations can continue smoothly even when faced with unexpected challenges. - read more
Understanding Machinery Breakdown Insurance for Australian Farms
Understanding Machinery Breakdown Insurance for Australian Farms
Welcome to our in-depth exploration of Machinery Breakdown Insurance—a safety net that's becoming increasingly important for the modern Australian farmer. Whether you're involved in cropping, dairy, or livestock, your equipment is the backbone of your operation. As farming technology evolves, the machinery becomes more sophisticated, and unfortunately, the more complex a system is, the more that can go wrong. This is where Machinery Breakdown Insurance comes into play. - read more
How to Protect Your Farm Investments with the Right Insurance Plans
How to Protect Your Farm Investments with the Right Insurance Plans
If you are running a farm, you already know that it is more than just a business; it's a way of life. Your farm is a culmination of hard work, valuable resources, and significant financial investments. - read more
Understanding Public Liability Insurance for Livestock and Crop Producers
Understanding Public Liability Insurance for Livestock and Crop Producers
Public liability insurance is a critical component for the agricultural sector, serving as a protective measure for livestock and crop producers against the legal liabilities they face in their daily operations. This type of insurance is designed to cover the costs associated with third-party injuries or property damage that occur on farm premises or as a direct result of farming activities. - read more


Farm Type:
Postcode:

Insurance quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral network. See our privacy statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Actuary:
A professional who analyzes the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory.