Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fees are not listed here, so it is worth asking when you book. Across fifteen Australian clinics that publish their prices, an initial consultation runs $100 to $190, with most sitting between $105 and $145. Follow-up sessions run $50 to $130, most commonly $80 to $120.

The first appointment costs more almost everywhere, typically $20 to $40 more, because it includes a case history alongside the treatment and usually runs longer. Roughly a quarter of clinics will not quote you a full price list online.

Three things worth asking on the same call: whether herbs or cupping are charged separately — they usually are — whether the clinic offers on-the-spot health fund claiming, and what the cancellation policy is, because some charge a full session fee inside 24 hours.

Fees checked August 2026. What acupuncture costs in Australia →

Private health, usually yes. Acupuncture sits under natural therapies on most extras policies, generally pooled with remedial massage under one shared annual limit. As an example of the shape, HCF's Top Extras pays $40 a visit with an annual limit rising from $300 to $500 by year three, and nib's Top Extras pays 75% back against a $400 combined limit. Waiting periods of two months are standard. Recognition is fund-by-fund, so check that this practitioner is recognised by your fund before booking.

Medicare, only if your practitioner is a doctor. The four MBS acupuncture items all require a medical practitioner. A registered acupuncturist who is not also a doctor cannot bill them, and no other item covers their services. Acupuncture is also not on the eligible list for a GP Chronic Condition Management plan.

Checked August 2026. What the major health funds pay back →