We show you how to use your physiotherapy, occupational therapy, orthoptics, exercise physiology and hydrotherapy benefits on Peoplecare extras covers.
What’s the difference between these therapies?
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | Physiotherapists treat injury, disease and disorders through physical methods. Physiotherapy uses manual therapies, exercise programs and electrotherapy techniques to improve movement, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase quality of life. Source: Better Health |
| Occupational Therapy | Occupational therapists support people who have difficulty doing everyday tasks due to health or disability. Often called OTs, they help you sustain, regain or improve your independence by using different techniques, adapting places where you spend time and using support equipment. Source: Better Health |
| Orthoptics | Orthoptists are healthcare professionals specialising in the assessment, diagnosis and management of eye movement disorders, such as double vision and squints. Orthoptists not only specialise in eye movement disorders but have expanded to the care of patients with eye disease. Source: Better Health |
| Exercise physiology | Accredited exercise physiologists treat patients using clinical exercise interventions as their main methods. They aim to prevent or manage acute, sub-acute or chronic disease or injury, overall restoring a patient’s physical function, health and wellness through behavioural change. Source: Better Health |
| Hydrotherapy | Hydrotherapy uses exercises in a pool as part of treatment for conditions such as arthritis or partial paralysis. This is different to swimming as it involves specific exercises that are practiced in a warm-water pool to allow muscles to relax and ease joint pain. Source: Australian Physiotherapy Association |
Don’t miss out on Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) claiming
Chronic Disease Management Plans are for chronic conditions that have lasted for at least six months. If you have a chronic condition, you can get help from both the government and Peoplecare if you follow our steps.
Your GP will decide if you are eligible for Medicare funded Allied Health Services. Usually, Medicare provides benefits for five visits per person per calendar year. For the sixth visit and subsequent visits, you can claim from your extras cover and start drawing down on your limits.
You can claim CDMP for services provided by eligible Allied Health Providers such as:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Orthoptics
- Exercise physiology
Read more on the Australian Department of Health’s Chronic Disease Management Page.
Physiotherapy and other therapies benefits
These benefits are paid from Physiotherapy and Other Therapies limit.
| Level of Cover | Initial Consults |
Subsequent / Group Consults | Extended Consults | Limit Per Person | Limit Per Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Extras | $59 | $49 | $59 | $600 Physio limit | $1,200 Physio limit |
| High Extras | $51 | $41 | $51 | $500 Physio limit | $1,000 Physio limit |
| Mid Extras | $43 | $33 | $43 | $350 Physio limit | $700 Physio limit |
| Simple Extras | $35 | $25 | $35 | $300 Physio limit | $600 Physio limit |
How the benefits work
- 2-month waiting period applies for new members and members who’ve just upgraded to an Extras cover with physiotherapy and other therapies benefits.
- Only one initial consult benefit is payable per person per financial year for Orthoptics and Occupational Therapy services.
- Only two initial consult benefits are payable per person per financial year for Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology.
- Limits reset every financial year (1 July).
Find an Extras provider
- You can find Extras providers for these therapies here.
How to claim
- Simply swipe your Peoplecare card to claim with your provider.
- Forgot your card? Collect the receipt and make a claim. Upload your receipt in Online Member Services. Log in here to start claiming.
Can I swipe my card?
| Yes | No |
|---|---|
|
|
Why can’t I swipe my card for some claims?
There are a variety of reasons:
- some providers aren’t connected to HICAPS, our swipe claiming provider
- we need to assess this claim manually
- supporting information is required (e.g. a Declaration of Condition)
Simply take a photo of your receipt and send them to us using our app or Online Member Services.
Alternatively, you can email or post us a claim form.