From 1 April 2019, as part of the government reforms, all health insurers no longer pay benefits towards the following natural therapies:
- Alexander technique
- aromatherapy
- Bowen therapy
- Buteyko
- Feldenkrais
- herbalism
- homeopathy
- iridology
- kinesiology
- naturopathy
- Pilates
- reflexology
- Rolfing
- shiatsu
- tai chi
- yoga
Because of these changes, ahm will also no longer pay benefits towards Biochemistry.
You’ll still be able to claim towards treatments for the therapies listed above, as long as the date of service is before 1 April 2019.
If you’re on an eligible product, the following treatments will continue to be included:
✓ Remedial Massage/Myotherapy
✓ Acupuncture
✓ Chinese medicine
✓ Exercise physiology
We’ll also continue to pay benefits for pilates exercises or techniques if they form part of your physio treatment by an ahm recognised physiotherapist.
Waiting periods and annual limits apply.
FAQs
Will I still be able to get benefits towards clinical Pilates treatment from my Physio?
Yes, if you’re on an eligible product we’ll continue to pay benefits for pilates exercises or techniques if it forms part of your physio treatment by an ahm recognised physiotherapist. Waiting periods and annual limits apply.
Can I claim Natural Therapies after 1 April 2019?
If your product currently includes these Natural Therapies being removed, and you receive treatment for a Natural Therapy being removed before 1 April 2019, you will be able to claim for any services received before 1 April 2019 for up to 2 years after the date of service. Any services provided on or after 1 April 2019 will not be payable. Annual limits and waiting periods apply.
Which Natural Therapies will I be able to use after 1 April 2019?
If you are on an eligible ahm product, you can still claim benefits towards Remedial Massage, Myotherapy, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Exercise Physiology, as well as other included services like Dental, Physio, Chiro and more.
Your normal waiting periods and annual limits apply. We won’t be making any reductions to your limits as a result of this change.
Why are you making this change?
Removing benefits for some Natural Therapies is a requirement of the Australian Government reforms to private health insurance.
Why is the Australian Government making health insurers make this change?
The Australia Government’s decision to remove some natural therapies was based on a review chaired by the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, which found no clear evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of these services.