One of the biggest barriers to accessing speech therapy for families can be the cost. Working out the different funding options can be confusing, particularly for those new to accessing allied health services. Some of the options available to families include:
Medicare care plan
Some children may be eligible for a care plan at their GP’s discretion. To be eligible for a care plan, the child needs to be seeing two allied health services, such as speech pathology, audiology, occupational therapy or physiotherapy. To obtain a care plan, the family will need to book an appointment with their child’s GP. If a care plan is provided, a Medicare rebate is available for up to 5 sessions, and the family pays the gap. The rebate is approximately $58 per session, but please check the current rebate amount.
Private health insurance
Most private health insurers cover speech pathology if it is included in your level of cover. Every policy is different, so we recommend contacting your insurer to find out if they will be able to access a rebate. Private health and Medicare rebates can't both be used for the same session.
Public system: Child Development Service (CDS)
Speech pathology, physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy and paediatricians can all be accessed through the CDS. The waitlist is often longer than for private services, at over a year. Clients with NDIS funding are not eligible for the public system.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
From age 7, the NDIS requires a formal diagnosis of disability. You can apply on the NDIS website.
Children under 7 do not require a formal diagnosis. NDIS funding is available for children who need two or more services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. The funding is provided through Wanslea, and the services offered differ from those offered through a full NDIS plan. You can read more about the Early Childhood Approach on the NDIS website.
Our speech pathologists can also tell you which funding options suit your family, write referral letters and help you apply.
How we can help: Parent consultations →