Naturopathy in Australia: Costs, Coverage & What to Expect
- Amy Simpson
- Mar 13
- 7 min read
Updated: May 6
Updated May 2025
Naturopathy is gaining popularity in Australia as a holistic approach to health and wellness.
However, many people have questions about what Naturopaths actually do, how much it costs, and whether it’s worth the investment. This blog aims to answer the most common search queries and provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of Naturopathy in Australia.
What Does a Naturopath Actually Do?
Naturopathy is all about treating the whole person, not just fixing symptoms.
Rather than offering quick fixes, naturopaths focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of illness using natural therapies like herbal medicine, nutritional support, and lifestyle counselling. A typical consultation might explore your complete health history, diet, stress levels, sleep, and daily habits to build a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique requirements.
At the heart of naturopathy is systems thinking and viewing the body as an interconnected whole. Take endometriosis, for example. Supporting someone with this condition isn’t just about focusing on the reproductive system. A naturopath also considers the roles of inflammation, immune dysregulation, gut health, nervous system balance, sleep quality, metabolic health, and nutrient status. While symptom relief is an important first step, the deeper goal is to uncover and treat the root causes of dis-ease to support long-term wellbeing.
Is Naturopathy Covered by Medicare?
No, unfortunately Naturopathy is not covered by Medicare in Australia.
Is Naturopathy covered by private health insurance?
It will be!
The Australian Government has recently announced significant changes regarding the inclusion of naturopathy and other natural therapies back onto private health insurance benefits. Following a comprehensive review conducted in 2024 by the Natural Therapies Review Expert Advisory Panel, the government has decided to reinstate private health insurance rebates for Naturopathy. The review panel concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support the clinical benefits of Naturopathy.
The reinstatement of rebates will require legislative changes, which are currently pending in Parliament. Once passed, individual health insurers will have the discretion to offer coverage for these therapies. The government has expressed its commitment to working with the sector to ensure a timely re-inclusion and the re-establishment of provider credentialing frameworks.
This change is expected to improve accessibility for Australians seeking holistic and preventive healthcare options. It also acknowledges the important role natural therapies play in managing chronic conditions and reducing pressure on the wider healthcare system.
How Much Does It Cost to See a Naturopath?
The cost of seeing a Naturopath can vary widely depending on the practitioner's experience and the length of the consultation. Initial consultations often cost between $100 and $250, with follow-up sessions ranging from $60 to $200. While this may seem expensive, many people find the personalised and preventive nature of naturopathic care offers long-term value, potentially reducing the need for future medical interventions. As the saying goes, invest in your health now or pay for it with disease later.
My initial appointments take approximately 1-1.5 hours (with considerable work and research by me outside of our appointment). If you'd like to learn more, I offer a free assessment call where we can chat about your issue and make a rough plan before you commit to a full appointment (but I can also guarantee you will not be disappointed if you dive straight into a full appointment😉).
Is Seeing a Naturopath Worth It?
For those seeking a holistic approach to health and health span over just life span, seeing a Naturopath can be highly beneficial. Naturopathy offers tailored support for a wide range of conditions, including digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, stress, chronic pain and overall wellbeing. According to research, Australian Naturopaths conduct approximately 4.9 million consultations annually, with 6-10% of the public seeking naturopathic care.
The World Naturopathic Federation’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) found positive patient outcomes in over 81% of over 2000 studies, particularly for chronic conditions. These statistics highlight the significant role Naturopathy plays in supporting community health and the tangible benefits seen by many Australians.
Additionally, Naturopaths provide valuable guidance during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, as well as during serious disease and recovery.
Naturopathy offers a natural and nurturing approach to healthcare that can be a primary health service or work alongside your other practitioners and healthcare team.
When Should You See a Naturopath?
You might consider seeing a Naturopath if you are struggling with chronic health issues that conventional treatments haven’t resolved or if you want to take a more proactive and preventive approach to your well-being. Many people visit naturopaths to optimise their health, manage stress, or support specific life stages, such as pregnancy or menopause.
How Long Does Naturopathy Take to Work?
The time it takes to see results with Naturopathy can vary depending on the individual and their specific health concerns. While some people notice improvements within a few days or weeks, others may require several months of treatment to achieve their health goals. Naturopathy emphasises long-term wellness, so consistency and patience are key.
A good rule of thumb is for every year you've had a chronic condition, expect about three months of consistent work to see meaningful improvements. Although the path to true health is never linear.
What Happens at Your First Visit to a Naturopath?
Your first visit to a Naturopath typically involves a detailed health assessment, where the practitioner will take a thorough health history, discuss your lifestyle and diet, and possibly conduct physical assessments. The goal is to develop a personalised treatment plan that may include dietary changes, herbal medicines, supplements, and lifestyle recommendations.
What Are the Disadvantages of Naturopathy?
While Naturopathy offers many benefits, it is not without its disadvantages. One of the main challenges is the lack of Medicare coverage, which makes it less accessible for some individuals. Additionally, not all practitioners are regulated, which can lead to variability in the quality of care and concerns about the validity of real naturopathic practice. To ensure safety, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced naturopath who is a member of a reputable association such as the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia
Are Naturopaths registered? Are Naturopaths Allied Health Professionals? Are Naturopaths doctors in Australia?
No, Naturopaths are not registered Allied Health Practitioners and cannot use the title Doctor without other training (for example in another allied health profession or mainstream medicine modality). One of the major challenges facing the Naturopathic profession in Australia is this lack of statutory registration. While most Naturopaths support registration to safeguard the profession and the public, there is significant resistance both within and outside the profession.
Registration would help standardise education, training, and ethical standards, and protect the title of 'Naturopath' from misuse by untrained practitioners. However, critics argue that registration could lead to a reductionist approach, aligning naturopathy too closely with mainstream medicine and potentially diluting its holistic philosophy and reducing patient outcomes.
My view is that the 2015 case of an untrained individual practising as a naturopath and endangering an infant life highlights the risks of the current self-regulated system and underscores the need for stronger regulatory measures to ensure public safety. It also makes me question the rigour of some of the self-governed peak bodies that Naturopaths register with.
The Evidence for Naturopathy
The evidence supporting Naturopathy is increasingly robust, with the World Naturopathic Federation’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) showcasing positive outcomes in over 81% of the 300 clinical trials and 2000 peer-reviewed articles reviewed. The HTA aligns with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and demonstrates the effectiveness of naturopathic treatments, particularly for chronic conditions. Despite this, the Australian Government continues to exclude Naturopathy from private health insurance rebates and registration in the Allied Health Practitioner scheme.
Why You Should Choose a Degree-Qualified, Registered Naturopath
When seeking naturopathic care, it’s essential to choose a practitioner with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in naturopathy and is registered with a recognised professional association, such as the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA).
Unlike social media influencers or "wellness" coaches who may share health advice without clinical training, degree-qualified naturopaths complete over 300 hours of supervised clinical practice in addition to extensive study across medical sciences, diagnostics, herbal medicine, nutrition, and counselling. This hands-on clinical experience is vital. It bridges the gap between theory and safe, effective practice — particularly when it comes to working within scope, understanding complex conditions, and managing risks appropriately.
Degree-qualified naturopaths also meet strict educational and ethical standards, are covered by professional indemnity insurance, and are trained to apply clinical reasoning in practice. Choosing a qualified naturopath means you’re receiving care that is professional, evidence-informed, and accountable.
I completed a four-year, full-time Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) at Torrens University in Melbourne, which included 44 subjects and around 300 hours of supervised clinical training. I'm a member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, registered to compound and dispense herbal medicine through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and carry $20 million in professional indemnity insurance.
Never hesitate to ask a practitioner about their qualifications or insurance. Your health deserves nothing less than safe, accredited, and expert care.
Conclusion
Naturopathy offers a unique and holistic approach to health, focusing on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. While the lack of Medicare coverage can be a barrier, the personalised care and preventive strategies offered by Naturopaths can provide lasting benefits. As the profession continues to evolve, discussions around registration and regulatory measures will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Naturopathy in Australia as well as patient outcomes.
If you are interested in exploring how naturopathy can support your health, book an appointment today and take the first step toward holistic wellness. I believe that Naturopathy should be inclusive, not exclusive so offer significant discounts for concession card holders.
Amy is a degree-qualified naturopath dedicated to helping busy, tired clients regain their energy and vitality.
She combines evidence-based naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to empower clients on their journey to optimal health. Whether it’s reclaiming energy, balancing hormones, resolving digestive issues, or enhancing overall well-being and longevity, her personalised approach focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of health concerns. With a Bachelor of Health Science, ongoing studies in a Master of Advanced Practice, and full membership in the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, Amy offers a unique blend of traditional wisdom and science to support individuals and families at every stage of life.
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