The cost of a speech therapy session at Pop relies on a number of factors. However, you do not always need to pay completely out-of-pocket as there are a range of ways to receive funding.
Factors That Influence How Much You Pay for Speech Therapy
Type of Speech Therapy Session
When an individual starts speech therapy for the first time, best practice is to complete an initial consultation during the first session. This is an in-depth, 60-minute session where you discuss your/your child’s case history and current challenges. You and your therapist will set goals and discuss recommendations about the length and frequency of your ongoing sessions.
An initial consultation will differ in price to regular ongoing sessions.
Length of Speech Therapy Sessions
Speech pathology sessions can range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes based on the needs and goals of the individual.
Frequency of Speech Therapy Sessions
Consistent ongoing treatment in speech therapy is key to seeing long term results and progress. Sessions can be scheduled bi-weekly, weekly or fortnightly.
Frequency of Speech Therapy Sessions
Based on the type of speech therapy funding you are eligible for, your out-of-pocket speech therapy costs will vary. Pop is an NDIS registered provider and supports a variety of other subsidised payments for adults and children receiving speech therapy, including Medicare, Private Health Insurance and WorkCover as well as privately paying clients.
Location
Many speech pathology services charge an additional location fee for rural and remote areas. Travel costs can be as high as $50-100 per session.
At Pop, our fees stay the same no matter where a client lives. Pop does not have a travel surcharge or an MM6 / MM7 charge.
Additional Services
- Enhance learning outside of sessions with resource development; or
- Complete a detailed assessment reports to support goals such as receiving funding or provide recommendations and information for other healthcare professionals collaborating on your treatment.
If you need an additional service report, your Pop Speech Pathologist will discuss the best option for you and provide a clear outline of costs.
Looking for a speech therapy quote?
Find out how much speech therapy sessions will cost for your family by booking in a free advice call with our experienced Pop Speech Pathologists.
What Are The Ways To Pay For Speech Therapy?
Navigating the costs of speech therapy can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several funding options available to help ease this financial stress and reduce or cover the gap. Here’s a quick overview of some funding options that may support you to pay for speech therapy services:
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
How Does NDIS Work for Speech Therapy?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides government funding for eligible children with disabilities, including access to speech pathology services.
Who can apply
People aged between 9 and 65 years old who meet specific eligibility criteria for the NDIS can apply for this funding.
How to apply
To begin the application process, visit the NDIS website, call 1800 800 110, or contact your Local Area Coordinator and submit the required documentation.
If you want more information on NDIS funding for speech therapy, read our full guide here.
How Does NDIS Early Intervention Funding Work?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Early Childhood Approach provides government funding for children younger than 6 with developmental delay or children younger than 9 with disability and their families to access the right support when they need it.
Who can apply
If you or your child’s health or education professional believe there are developmental concerns for your child, the early childhood partners can help connect you to the right supports. Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis from a medical professional to access support through our early childhood approach.
How to apply
To begin the application process, you will need to connect with your local early childhood partner.
If you want more information on Early Intervention NDIS funding for speech therapy, read our full blog here.
Medicare (through your GP)
How Does Medicare Work for Speech Therapy?
Medicare offers rebates for speech therapy services through a General Practitioner Management Plan (GPMP) created by your general practitioner (GP). Eligible people may qualify for Medicare rebates for up to five sessions each calendar year, although a gap fee will apply, which is payable at the time of service.
Who can apply
Adults and children who have a chronic condition (a condition that has been present for at least 6 months) can apply for this funding through their GP.
How to apply
Schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss eligibility and have a GPMP created.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (ATSI Health Plan)
How Does Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (ATSI Health Plan) Work for Speech Therapy?
If you are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, you may have access to additional Medicare funding. Similar to the GPMP, this option can provide a Medicare rebate for up to five sessions per calendar year, separate from any sessions covered under a GPMP. A gap fee will also apply.
Who can apply
People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
How to apply
To explore this option, make an appointment with your GP.
Private Health Insurance (PHI)
How Does Private Health Insurance Work for Speech Therapy?
Most private health insurers offer speech pathology rebates. Contact your insurance provider directly to determine how much your speech pathology cover you have.
Who can apply
Anyone can access Private Health Insurance. You will need to determine the rebates with your health fund provider prior to commencing the service. You will also need to check with your speech pathologist that they are an eligible provider for your health fund.
How to apply
You will need to seek out the most appropriate private health insurance for your needs.
National Australian Defence Force Academy Family Health Program
How Does the National Australian Defence Force Academy Family Health Program Work for Speech Therapy?
This program provides assistance to families of those associated with the National Australian Defence Force Academy for allied health services, including speech pathology.
Who can apply
Families connected to the National Australian Defence Force Academy are eligible.
How to apply
Reach out to the program directly for details on application procedures or visit their website.
WorkCover
How Does WorkCover Work for Speech Therapy?
WorkCover provides support for individuals injured in a workplace accident. Various state authorities manage the funding for speech therapy services related to these incidents.
Who can apply
Individuals injured in a workplace accident may apply for funding through WorkCover.
How to apply
Contact the relevant state authority for information on how to apply. These are listed on the Fair Work website here.
Department of Veterans Affairs
How Does the Department of Veterans Affairs Work for Speech Therapy?
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers support for veterans and their families, which may include funding for speech pathology services.
Who can apply
Veterans and their dependents can apply for assistance.
How to apply
Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for application details.
Receive Advice on How to Fund Your Speech Therapy Journey
Feeling overwhelmed by the funding options for speech pathology sessions? We’ve got your back!
Book a Free Discovery Call with one of our friendly and experienced Speech Therapists, and we’ll help you navigate the best funding solutions tailored to your needs.
References:
Department of Defence. (n.d.). Pay and conditions [PACMAN]. https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman
Department of Veterans’ Affairs. (n.d.). Home. https://www.dva.gov.au/
National Disability Insurance Scheme. (n.d.). Am I eligible? https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible
National Disability Insurance Scheme. (n.d.). Early childhood approach for children younger than 9. https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childhood-approach-children-younger-9
National Disability Insurance Scheme. (n.d.). Getting help through the early childhood approach. https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childhood-approach-children-younger-9/getting-help-through-early-childhood-approach#connect-with-your-local-early-childhood-partner
Services Australia. (n.d.). Carer allowance. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-allowance
Speech Pathology Australia. (n.d.). Fees, rebates, and funded programs. https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/services/Choose-a-speech-pathologist/fees-rebates-funded-programs.aspx
WorkSafe Queensland. (n.d.). Search results for speech. https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/search?query=speech+
Australian Government Department of Health. (n.d.). Medicare Benefits Schedule – Speech Pathology. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/search.cfm?q=speech+pathology&sopt=S
Australian Government Department of Health. (n.d.). Medicare Benefits Schedule – Item 81360. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/search.cfm?q=81360&Submit=&sopt=I
This info is relevant as at 07 April 2025.
It is general in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be an official endorsement, diagnosis or recommendation. Please contact the individual programs directly for the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations.
