Back on the Table: Private Health Insurance Benefits

Historic Reinstatement

Yoga Australia celebrates the official reinstatement of yoga in private health insurance benefits. As of 1 July 2025, the Federal Government has implemented the recommendations of the Natural Therapies Review, marking a historic milestone following the exclusion of 16 natural therapies from private health insurance benefits in 2019.

This implementation signals renewed momentum towards integrated, evidence-informed health and recreation in Australia. It is a decision that reflects years of committed advocacy and the growing recognition of yoga’s role in preventative and therapeutic healthcare.

Following a comprehensive review led by Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, the Natural Therapies Review recommended the reinstatement of seven of the therapies previously excluded from coverage in 2019, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Alexander Technique, Naturopathy, Shiatsu, and Western herbal medicine. The government has now formally implemented these recommendations through amendments to Private Health Insurance legislation.

Current Coverage and Future Opportunities

While a small number of health funds already offer rebates on general yoga studio membership – similar to gym membership on high-end extras cover requiring a GP referral – the more transformative change lies ahead. In the coming months, insurers will determine how to recognise individual yoga teachers as eligible providers capable of applying treatment to diagnosed conditions through initial consultations and recurring therapeutic sessions.

Recognition Based on Evidence

The Evidence Foundation

The evidence review by the expert advisory panel found moderate certainty that yoga:

• Reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension.
• Enhances emotional wellbeing in those with anxiety.
• Eases depressive symptoms.
• Improves quality of life for people with low back pain.

The panel also found less certain but still significant evidence for the benefit of yoga with conditions including: Neck pain, insomnia and sleep disorders, headache (including migraine), PTSD, chronic pain, hypertension, asthma, menopausal symptoms, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and premenstrual syndrome.

Collaborative Success

“This is the fruit of persistent and collaborative effort,” Josh said.

“We are proud to stand alongside Pilates Association Australia and other partners who have shown unwavering commitment to restoring fair access to these therapies. We congratulate the review panel, along with the current and former government for sustaining this effort.”

“The focus now turns to ensuring the recommendation translates into positive delivery of world-class yoga by Registered Teachers across diverse sectors of care.”

Provider Recognition Framework

The coming months will be crucial as insurers work with the natural therapies sector to establish provider credentialing frameworks. We anticipate this individual teacher recognition will be available to fairly highly qualified yoga teachers only, with Yoga Australia membership and recognition at the appropriate level – likely Level 2 and Level 3 – proving essential.

A System Built for This Moment

Over 25 years ago, as yoga in this country was beginning its upward surge, leading teachers from established lineages saw the need to combine their efforts for professional recognition and local matters. Yoga Australia was born, not to replace lineage associations, but to support and bring people together. More recently, with many newer teachers having no lineage at all, Yoga Australia has stepped up and provides philosophical education to fill in the gaps.

The four-level progression system demonstrates remarkable foresight in addressing exactly the issues we face today. Starting with Provisional Teacher (200 hours training, 6+ months personal practice), the system progresses through Registered Level 1 (350 hours, 2+ years practice), Registered Level 2 (500 hours, 7+ years practice, 5 years teaching), culminating in Registered Level 3 Senior Teacher (1000 hours training, 12+ years practice, 10 years teaching).

The system recognises that mastery requires time for integration, maturation, and depth of understanding. A Level 3 teacher has not only completed substantial training but has lived with the practice for over a decade and taught for ten years.