Chinese Medicine

What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine or Chinese Traditional Medicine is based on ancient Chinese practices that have been developed over thousands of years.

Chinese Medicine practitioners use these techniques:

• Acupuncture
• Chinese herbal medicine
• dietary therapy
• Chinese massage
• Tai chi and Qigong exercises.

They believe you achieve optimal health when Yin-Yang is balanced (harmony of opposites). 

Are Chinese medicines regulated in Australia? 

Yes. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates Chinese medicines. The TGA ensures these medicines meet quality and safety standards. Nevertheless, the Australian Government advises you to check with your doctor before taking Chinese medicines. 

Is Chinese Medicine a regulated profession in Australia? 

Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (Ahpra) and the Chinese Medicine Board register and regulate Chinese Medicine practitioners covering:

• Acupuncture
• Chinese herbal medicine
• Chinese herbal dispensing.

Does private health insurance cover Chinese Medicine?

If private health insurance covers Chinese Medicine, it falls under Extras Cover.

Ask your insurer whether it covers Chinese Medicine. 

If so, check whether Chinese Medicine is subject to:

• a waiting period before you can make a claim
• per claim limits
• annual limits.

Please note that Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine but is covered separately. 

If I have Extras Cover that includes Chinese Medicine, will I be covered if I see any Chinese Medicine practitioner?

No. To be covered, your Chinese Medicine practitioner must be a member of an Australian peak body or professional organisation. They must also have approval to be registered under the state and territory laws where they operate.

In addition, your health insurer can decide whether or not to cover treatments from a particular provider.

Some insurers may require you to see a Chinese Medicine practitioner who is one of their recognised providers only.

Before seeking treatment, always check with your health insurer that you are covered.

Does Medicare cover Chinese Medicine?

No. Medicare does not cover the cost of Chinese Medicine. 

However, Medicare covers Acupuncture treatments but only when:

• Your doctor is a qualified acupuncturist.
• They perform the procedure during a private consultation (not in a hospital).
• The consultation lasts less than 20 minutes.

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