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.
Funding for 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
Speech therapists or speech pathologists (they are the same thing 😉) may recommend other options to:
- 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.
Listen to our step by step advice on "How Much Does Speech Therapy Cost?"
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
(Last Updated 02 March 2026)
How Does Medicare Work for Speech Therapy in 2026?
Medicare offers a range of speech pathology rebates depending on an individuals age.
If you have a Medicare card, you may be eligible! Review the various Australian Government rebates for speech therapy, including:
- GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GP CCMP)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service (ATSI) Plans
- Diagnosis and Treatment for Eligible Disabilities
- Treatment for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder)
GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (CCMP)
(Last Updated 10 July 2025)
How Does Medicare Work for Speech Therapy in 2026?
As of 1 July 2025, Medicare rebates for speech therapy are now provided under a new plan called the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) – replacing the old General Practitioner Management Plan (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangements (TCA). 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
Book a regular appointment with your GP and let them know you’d like to discuss creating a GP CCMP that includes speech therapy.
To ensure you receive a rebate, the referral letter must include:
- Your/Your child’s name
- The reason for referral (make sure it clearly says “Speech“)
- GP’s name, address or provider number, signature, and date
💡 If your referral doesn’t list an expiry, it will automatically be valid for 18 months.
📖Read our full GP CCMP rebate guide here.
🎧Listen to our podcast episode on “Is Speech Therapy Covered by Medicare?“
Here's a GP Checklist We Prepared Earlier!
Subscribe to our newsletter below to receive a copy of our “How to Get Medicare Funding” playbook straight to your inbox!
It’s filled with tips, questions for your GP and recommendations on documents to prepare.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (ATSI Health Plan)
(Last Updated 02 March 2026)
How Does Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (ATSI Health Plan) Work for Speech Therapy?
If you identify as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individual and have a Medicare card, you have access to additional Medicare funding and rebates.
You can get a free health check every 9 months (a 715 Health Check) and, if identified for follow-up health services, can receive up to 10 sessions of allied health rebates, including speech pathology.
This is under the Management of Chronic Conditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients, which overlaps with the Chronic Condition Management Plan.
If eligible, you can receive a total of 10 rebated sessions that can be broken into:
Option 1
- 5x rebated sessions under the Management of Chronic Conditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients; and
- 5x rebated sessions under the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
Option 2
- 10x rebated sessions under the Management of Chronic Conditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients
The rebate amount is the same as the CCMP; however a gap fee will also apply.
Who can apply
In addition to having a Medicare card, and identifying as a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, to be eligible an individual must have either:
- Have had a health assessment (a 715 Health Check) undertaken which identified the need for follow-up health services; or
- Have a chronic condition (see CCMP criteria) and a GP chronic condition management plan that has been put in place or reviewed in the last 18 months.
How to apply
To explore this option, make an appointment with your GP.
Diagnosis & Treatment For Eligible Disabilities
(Last Updated 02 March 2026)
How Does the Diagnosis & Treatment for Eligible Disabilities Scheme Work for Speech Therapy?
From 1 March 2026, Australian families can access expanded Medicare rebates for stuttering, speech sound disorders, and cleft lip/palate under the Diagnosis & Treatment for Eligible Disabilities scheme.
A maximum of 8 diagnosis/assessment sessions and 20 treatment sessions are available over an individual’s lifetime for those under 25 years of age who satisfy the eligibility criteria. These sessions can be delivered by allied health professionals, such as speech pathologists.
Who can apply
To be eligible for diagnosis and/or treatment services rebates, you must:
- Be under 25 years of age
- Have a Medicare card
- Have or be suspected of having an eligible disability
- Have a valid referral for speech therapy from your GP
- Have not already used your lifetime amount of Diagnosis & Treatment sessions (that includes for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
How to apply
Book a GP appointment to discuss your child’s needs and ask if you are eligible for a referral under “Diagnosis for Eligible Disabilities” or “Treatment for Eligible Disabilities.” You will need a referral letter for each allied health provider you will be attending.
Read our full guide on Diagnosis & Treatment For Eligible Disabilities here.
Treatment for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder)
(Last Updated 02 March 2026)
How Does the Treatment for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Work for Speech Therapy?
Medicare support is available for the diagnosis and treatment of complex neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). This scheme assists individuals, particularly under 18 but also up to 25 years of age, who have a neurodevelopmental condition (such as autism, intellectual disability, or global developmental delay) and show impairment in two or more neurodevelopmental areas.
Formerly known as the Helping Children with Autism Initiative, recipients can receive a Medicare rebate for a total of up to 20 allied health sessions, including speech pathology, through this funding.
Who can apply
To be eligible for treatment services, you must:
- Be under 25 years of age*
- Have a medicare card
- Have a valid referral for speech therapy treatment from your psychiatrist or paediatrician
- Have not already used your lifetime amount of Diagnosis & Treatment sessions (that includes for Diagnosis & Treatment For Eligible Disabilities)
*We recommend reading the full guidelines around age eligibility on the Medicare website here.
How to apply
A referral needs to be made by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist and can be claimed once in a lifetime.
For further information, chat with your GP, ask your Paediatrician or visit the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Online website.
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. You can ask if you are covered by these item codes:
Initial Consultation 60 mins item code: 320
Subsequent Telehealth Consultation item code (30-45min): 340
Subsequent Telehealth Consultation item code (60-75min): 350
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.
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.
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.
Refer a Friend to Pop Online Speech Therapy
(Last Updated 02 March 2026)
How Does Referring a Friend to Pop Work?
Existing Pop clients can receive 100% off their next session when a friend or family member starts their journey with Pop. You receive 100% off every time a friend or family member completes their initial consultation (just make sure they tell us you sent them!)
Who can RECEIVE A 100% DISCOUNT
Any Pop client who has finished their initial consultation and is receiving regular sessions can receive a discount after referring a friend.
How to RECEIVE A FREE SPEECH THERAPY SESSION
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
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
Australian Government Department of Health. (n.d.). Annual health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health/primary-care/annual-health-checks
Australian Government Department of Health. (n.d.). Medicare Benefits Schedule – Note AN.0.24. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=AN.0.24&qt=noteID&criteria=AN%2E0%2E24
Australian Government Department of Health. (n.d.). Medicare Benefits Schedule – Note MN.11.1. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=MN.11.1&qt=noteID&criteria=mn.11.1
MBS Online. (2026, January). Addition of stuttering, speech sound disorders, cleft lip and/or palate to the eligible disabilities list [PDF]. Retrieved February 19, 2026, from https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/8D826760369548C6CA258D7E00172FA7/$File/PDF%20Version%20-%20addition%20of%20severe%20speech%20and%20language%20disorders.pdf
MBS Online. (n.d.). Medicare Benefits Schedule – Note MN.10.2. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Retrieved February 19, 2026, from https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=MN.10.2&qt=noteID
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.
