Speech Therapy

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech Therapy (or Speech Pathology) deals with speech and swallowing disorders. It helps you to communicate more effectively.

Speech therapists (or Speech Pathologists) can help if you have problems with:

• communicating (speaking and listening)
• understanding language 
• reading
• writing 
• stuttering
• swallowing
• using the voice.

They treat a range of conditions, including:

• brain injury trauma affecting speech
• delayed speech in a young child
• problems with speech due to a progressive neurological condition like:
  • dementia
  • motor neurone disease.
  • multiple sclerosis 
  • Parkinson’s disease
• speech problems in:
  • people born with physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities
  • neurodiverse people (like those with autism)
  • people born with cleft lip and/or palate
  • people who have had surgery to remove cancer of the tongue, voice box/larynx
• stroke-affected speech and swallowing
• stuttering.

Speech therapists work with people of all ages but more often with children and older people.

There is no difference between a Speech Therapist or a Speech Pathologist. They are simply different terms for the same profession and are often used interchangeably.

Is Speech Therapy a regulated profession in Australia?

No. In Australia, Speech Therapy is a self-regulated profession.

For a Speech Therapist or Speech Pathologist to become a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, they need to 

• obtain a qualification in speech pathology approved by Speech Pathology Australia
• meet recency of practice and continuing professional development requirements.

Does private health insurance cover Speech Therapy?

If private health insurance covers Speech Therapy, it falls under Extras Cover.

Ask your insurer whether it covers Speech Therapy.

If so, check whether Speech Therapy is subject to:

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

If I have Extras Cover that includes Speech Therapy, can I see any Speech Therapist? 

No. To be covered, your Speech Therapist must be a Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia. 

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 Speech Therapist who is one of their recognised providers only.

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

Does Medicare cover Speech Therapy?

Yes. Medicare covers Speech Therapy treatments but only 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 Speech Pathology services
• the consultation lasts at least 20 minutes
• you receive no more than 5 services in a calendar year.

Medicare may also cover Speech Therapy for the diagnosis and treatment of a developmental disorder or other disability for a person under the age of 25.

You may have to wait a long time to see a Speech Therapist if you request treatment under Medicare.

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