How Much Does a Chiropractor Cost?

If you’re considering seeing a chiropractor in Australia for back pain, neck pain, headaches, or other musculoskeletal issues, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: how much does chiropractor cost? The answer depends on several factors, but here is an overview of typical chiropractic prices in Australia.

Average Chiropractic Costs in Australia

On average, an initial chiropractic consultation in Australia costs between $70 and $150. Subsequent visits are usually less expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 per session. However, prices can vary quite a bit depending on the chiropractor’s location, experience level, and the specific services provided.

At Flynn Chiro, with practices in Melbourne CBD and Prahran, our prices are:

• Initial consultation: $135
• Subsequent visits: $80

These rates are in line with the typical costs for chiropractic care in major Australian cities. We aim to provide high-quality, personalized care at a fair and transparent price.

Factors That Affect Chiropractic Prices

Several key factors influence how much you can expect to pay for chiropractic treatment in Australia:

• Location – Chiropractic prices tend to be higher in major metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne compared to smaller cities and rural areas. Higher overhead costs are often the reason for this difference.
• Experience and qualifications – More experienced chiropractors or those with advanced specialties may charge higher fees than those just starting out. However, a higher price doesn’t always mean better care.
• Treatment type – Costs can vary based on the specific chiropractic techniques used, like spinal adjustments, massage, dry needling, etc. Some clinics charge more for the initial consultation to account for the extra time needed.
• Insurance coverage – If you have private health insurance in Australia, your policy may cover some or all of your chiropractic visits. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. It’s important to check with your insurer to understand your chiropractic benefits.

Health Insurance Coverage for Chiropractic Care

Many private health insurance policies in Australia offer coverage for chiropractic services under their extras or ancillary benefits. About 87% of private health funds provide some level of rebate for chiropractic treatment. However, the amount covered and any limits or restrictions vary widely between insurers and policies.

If you have ‘extras’ coverage on your private health insurance, you may be able to claim a portion of my fee as a chiropractor in Melbourne CBD, up to your annual limit. The percentage or set benefit amount you can claim will depend on your specific policy.

Some key things to know about chiropractic health insurance in Australia:

• Chiropractic is typically only covered under extras policies, not hospital cover.
• There may be annual limits on how much you can claim for chiropractic, either as a dollar amount or number of visits.
• Some policies pay a percentage of the fee (e.g. 50-60%) while others pay a set benefit amount per visit (e.g. $30-$40).
• You may need to serve a waiting period before you can claim on chiropractic, often 2-3 months.
• The chiropractor must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for you to claim a rebate.

Additionally, if you obtain a referral from your GP under the ‘Enhanced Primary Care‘ (EPC) program, you can access up to 5 Medicare-funded visits per year. These EPC visits will cover almost the entire fee for your chiropractic treatment. To be eligible, you must have a chronic health condition that has lasted or is expected to last for 6 months or more.

It’s important to check your specific policy or contact your health fund to understand exactly what chiropractic coverage you have. Choosing a policy with more generous chiropractic limits can make ongoing care much more affordable. And if you qualify, taking advantage of EPC visits through Medicare can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for chiropractic treatment.

Making Chiropractic Care More Affordable

While chiropractic treatment isn’t cheap, there are ways to make it more budget-friendly:

• Check if your private health insurance covers chiropractic care and choose a provider in your plan’s network.
• Look for clinics that offer discounts for booking multiple sessions upfront or paying on the day.
• Consider longer, less frequent visits if your chiropractor says this will be equally effective for your condition.
• Follow your chiropractor’s recommendations for stretches, exercises, and lifestyle changes between visits to maximize your results.

Chiropractic care can be a valuable investment in your spinal health and overall wellbeing. While costs are a factor for most people, the most important thing is finding a skilled chiropractor you trust to help relieve your pain and restore your function. We aim to deliver effective, evidence-based care at a reasonable price at Flynn Chiro, and we’re happy to discuss our rates and your needs upfront so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.