Can You Claim a Health Insurance Rebate for Yoga? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever wondered whether your private health insurance could cover your yoga classes, you're not alone. While rebates for yoga were removed back in 2019, that changed in April 2025.
The Australian Government has now reinstated rebates for yoga under certain Extras policies, following the Natural Therapies Review. This is big news for anyone who sees yoga as a vital part of their wellbeing, and would like to see their health fund support that.
Here’s what you need to know about claiming a rebate for yoga, which funds may offer it, and how to check your eligibility.

Yoga Is Back on the Rebate List
In April 2025, the government officially approved the return of several natural therapies to private health insurance coverage, including yoga. The change followed updated clinical evidence showing the therapeutic benefits of practices like yoga, which can support mental health, reduce chronic pain, and assist with overall well-being.
However, while the federal government has approved yoga as an eligible therapy, the decision to cover it is still up to individual health funds. That means you’ll need to check your own Extras policy to confirm whether you can claim a rebate for your classes.

Which Health Funds May Offer Rebates for Yoga?
Not all health funds include yoga, but some are already beginning to reintroduce it under wellness or health management benefits. The following funds are worth checking:

• Bupa – Previously offered rebates under Health Management Programs.
• Medibank – May include yoga if recommended by a GP.
• nib – Some Extras packages offer cover for wellness and lifestyle support.
• HBF – Rebates may apply for yoga used to manage chronic conditions.
• Teachers Health and Nurses Health – Check Healthy Lifestyle programs.
• CBHS Health Fund – Previously supported yoga with documentation.
• Australian Unity – Covers certain lifestyle programs with a GP referral.
• HCF – Rebates possible for approved providers under specified Extras tiers.

It’s important to remember that each policy is different. The best course of action is to contact your health fund directly and ask whether your yoga classes can be claimed now that yoga has been reinstated as a recognised therapy.

What Types of Yoga Services Might Be Covered?
Health funds usually offer rebates for yoga that is considered a part of a broader health management plan. Services that may be covered include:

• Group yoga classes as part of a prescribed health program
• One-on-one yoga therapy sessions for conditions such as stress, injury or pain
• Prenatal and postnatal yoga
• Mindfulness-based movement therapy with a qualified instructor

To be eligible, many funds require:

• A referral or written recommendation from your GP
• An itemised receipt with the studio’s ABN and the teacher’s qualifications
• Proof that the provider is registered with a recognised organisation such as Yoga Australia

Hot For Yoga can assist with the correct invoicing if your fund requires specific information to process a claim.

How to Make a Claim
If your policy includes yoga as an eligible service, you can typically claim by:

1. Requesting a referral or letter from your GP if required.
2. Attending a class or session with a qualified instructor.
3. Asking your yoga studio (such as Hot For Yoga) to provide an invoice with:
   • Instructor name and credentials
   • Studio ABN
   • Description of the service (e.g. “Yoga class – health program”)
4. Submitting your invoice via your health fund’s portal, app or claims service.

Each fund will have its own claiming process, so it’s worth double-checking any documentation requirements before your first session.
  
Don’t Miss Out on a Rebate You May Be Entitled To
Even if your current policy doesn’t offer yoga rebates, you may be eligible for a different level of coverage or fund. In many cases, a GP referral is the only extra step needed to unlock access to health support that aligns with your lifestyle.
Now that yoga has returned to the approved list of natural therapies, there’s never been a better time to check in with your fund. You may already be paying for benefits you haven’t claimed.
Contact your health fund today and ask:
“Is yoga covered under my Extras policy since the 2025 reinstatement?”

Start Your Yoga Journey with Us
Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve strength, or move more mindfully, Hot For Yoga offers a supportive space for you to reconnect with your body.
You can book your first class directly on our website or speak with our team about how to structure your sessions in a way that may support your rebate eligibility.
Visit www.hotforyoga.com.au to learn more or get started today.