Medicare

Can I get a Medicare Rebate for my Headache Treatment? (From 1 July 2025)

Yes! You may be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate for headache treatment under the new GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) framework.

As of 1 July 2025, GP Management Plans (GPMPs) and Team Care Arrangements (TCAs) have been replaced by a single, streamlined plan: the GPCCMP.

What do I need to do to qualify?

To be eligible, your GP must determine that you have a chronic medical condition – something that has been present (or is likely to be present) for at least 6 months. Migraines and chronic headaches typically qualify.

Your GP will need to:

Prepare a GPCCMP (this can be done in-person or via video).
Provide a referral letter (not the old EPC form) addressed to our clinic.
This plan can be prepared once every 12 months and reviewed every 3 months if clinically appropriate.

Unlike the old system, your GP no longer needs to collaborate with multiple providers or seek our acceptance as part of the process.

However, we are still required to send a written report back to your GP after your first treatment under the referral.

What if I already have a GPMP or TCA from before 1 July 2025?

Good news—existing GPMPs and TCAs created before 1 July 2025 remain valid until 30 June 2027.

Any referrals made before 1 July 2025 (even using the old EPC form) can still be used until all services under that referral have been claimed.

How many sessions are covered under Medicare?

The rules remain the same: up to 5 individual allied health sessions per calendar year are covered under Medicare.

These 5 sessions are shared across all allied health services, including physiotherapy, dietetics, podiatry, and more. For example, you might use 3 for physio and 2 for podiatry.

Important Update: Referrals issued from 1 July 2025 are now valid for 18 months from the date of the plan or its review (not limited to the calendar year), but the 5 service cap still resets each calendar year (Jan–Dec).

How much does the Medicare rebate cover?

As of 1 July 2025, the Medicare rebate for each eligible allied health session (including physiotherapy) remains under MBS item 10960 and is currently set at $61.80 (subject to indexation).

Check mbsonline.gov.au for the most up-to-date rate.

Please note: We are not a bulk-billing clinic. You will need to pay the full consultation fee at the time of your appointment. After payment, we will process your Medicare rebate, which will be deposited directly back onto your debit card.

How do I claim the rebate?

When you attend your appointment:

Pay the full session fee at the clinic.We’ll process the Medicare rebate on the spot using our Tyro terminal.
The rebate is refunded directly to your debit card (linked to a savings or cheque account).
Rebates cannot be processed to a credit card.

If we’re unable to process it at the time, you can still submit your receipt via Medicare online, the Express Plus app, or in person at a Medicare office.

For more information: Services Australia – Claim your Medicare benefit through myGov

Quick Summary

✅ From 1 July 2025, headache treatment can still be Medicare-rebated if you’re eligible
✅ Requires a GPCCMP (new chronic care plan) from your GP
✅ Still allows up to 5 allied health sessions per year
✅ Referrals are now valid for 18 months
✅ Old plans remain valid during the transition period (until 30 June 2027)
✅ We can process your rebate immediately via Tyro to your debit card

Need help getting started?

Speak to your headache clinician at your initial appointment. We can help guide you through the process or assist to liaise with your GP to organise your GPCCMP and referral.

You can also find more information at:

Still unsure? Contact our friendly team and we’ll be happy to walk you through it!