Tai Chi Returns to Private Health Insurance Coverage

Did you know? The Federal Government’s Natural Therapies Review

The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Natural Therapies Review, supporting the re-inclusion of key modalities such as Pilates, Yoga, and Tai Chi for private health insurance rebates. (14.04.2025)
🌸Tai Chi has been approved by the Australian Government’s Minister for Health, making it eligible for private health insurance rebates.

The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Natural Therapies Review, announced by the former government following the exclusion of 16 natural therapies from private health insurance benefits in 2019.

The following 7 natural therapies will be returned:

  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Tai chi
  • Shiatsu
  • Naturopathy
  • Western herbal medicine
  • Alexander Technique

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, in leading the review, was satisfied there was enough evidence these therapies are effective to allow them to return to being supported by private health insurance.

This was not the case for the other excluded therapies – aromatherapy, Bowen Therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, homeopathy, iridology, kinesiology, reflexology, and Rolfing – which were not recommended for re-inclusion.

Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers. Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing.

To support Australian consumers and the natural therapies sector, the review report, recommendations and evidence evaluations will be published in full on health.gov.au.

The Natural Therapies Review was supported by a panel of experts and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

The Government accepted the recommendations before caretaker conventions. Relevant updates to regulations will be made following the election.

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Tai Chi Returns to Private Health Insurance Coverage

Health Sub-Committee
We are excited to announce that Tai Chi is once again covered by private health insurance in Australia, following the government’s acceptance of recommendations from the Natural Therapies Review. This marks a major step forward for our community, as Tai Chi joins other natural therapies like Yoga and Pilates in being reinstated for insurance benefits.

The review, led by Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd AO, confirmed there is strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of Tai Chi for improving physical and mental health. This re-inclusion provides a great opportunity for Tai Chi practitioners to access insurance coverage for classes and treatments that enhance overall well-being.

This change reflects a growing recognition of Tai Chi’s value, and we encourage all members to explore the options available through their insurers. For more information, visit health.gov.au.

Find further information on the government’s announcement here: Minister Butler’s Media Release.

Let’s continue to share the benefits of Tai Chi across Australia! ~ TCAA NEWS 29/04/2025

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