Exercise Physiology

What is Exercise Physiology?

Exercise Physiology is the practice of understanding how the body works and using exercise to manage medical conditions.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist will devise an exercise program that helps you manage medical conditions such as:

• cancer
• depression and other mental health
• diabetes.
• heart disease
• lung disease
• neurological disease.

An Exercise Physiology program could include:

• assessment of your functional capacity
• advice on how you should modify your lifestyle to improve your health
• exercise programs to improve your strength and mobility pre- and post-surgery
• workplace assessments.

Is Exercise Physiology a regulated profession in Australia?

No. In Australia, Exercise Physiology is a self-regulated profession.

To register as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), you need to:

• graduate from a minimum of 4 years of study in an ESSA course that leads to a Bachelor’s degree.
• complete the required number of hours of practical experience
• follow a continuing professional development program each year
• comply with a code of conduct.

Does private health insurance cover Exercise Physiology?

If private health insurance covers Exercise Physiology, it falls under Extras Cover.

Ask your insurer whether it covers Exercise Physiology.

If so, check whether Exercise Physiology is subject to:

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

If I have Extras Cover that includes Exercise Physiology, will I be covered for any Exercise Physiologist? 

No. To be covered, you need to see an Exercise Physiologist who is accredited by ESSA as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. 

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

Some insurers may require you to see an Exercise Physiologist who is one of their recognised providers only.

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

Does Medicare cover Exercise Physiology?

Yes. Medicare covers Exercise Physiology treatments in certain situations, including: 

You:

• have a chronic condition and complex care needs, or
• live in an aged care facility, or
• are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent

and:

• your GP recommends Exercise Physiology health services
• the consultation lasts at least 20 minutes
• you receive no more than 5 services in a calendar year.

Alternatively:

• You have Type 2 diabetes and
  • your GP recommends you participate in Exercise Physiology group therapy and
  • you receive 5 or fewer services in a calendar year.

Compare Extras Cover from every private health insurer in Australia

Use our healthslips.com.au Calculator to find the best Extras Cover for you.