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The table below compares the three main Medicare pathways that may provide rebates for speech pathology services.
The most appropriate pathway depends on your child’s communication needs, diagnosis and referral from your doctor.
If you’re unsure which pathway may apply to your child, Speak & Write can help guide you through the options and explain what to discuss with your GP or paediatrician.
Medicare Rebates for Speech Therapy – Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover speech therapy in Australia?
Yes, Medicare may provide rebates for speech therapy in Australia, but only under certain referral pathways.
Children may be eligible for Medicare rebates for speech pathology through:
- a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) from a GP
- the M10 speech pathology rebate (introduced in March 2026)
- the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders pathway for children being assessed or treated for developmental conditions
Each pathway has different eligibility requirements and referral processes.
How do I get a Medicare rebate for speech therapy?
To access a Medicare rebate for speech pathology, your child must first receive a referral from a doctor.
The steps are usually:
- Visit your GP or paediatrician
- Discuss your concerns about your child’s speech, language or communication development
- Ask whether your child may be eligible for a Medicare referral for speech therapy
Bring the referral to your speech pathology appointment
Our team at Speak & Write can help guide you through the process.
How many speech therapy sessions are covered?
The number of speech therapy sessions available through Medicare depends on the referral pathway.
Typical limits include:
Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM)
Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year shared across all allied health providers.
M10 Speech Pathology Rebate
Up to 8 assessment sessions and 20 treatment sessions across a person’s lifetime.
Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Pathway
Assessment services and up to 20 therapy sessions following diagnosis.
Your doctor will determine which pathway is appropriate for your child.
Do I need a GP referral for speech therapy?
You do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist privately.
However, if you want to claim a Medicare rebate for speech therapy, you will need a referral from:
- a GP (for CDM or M10 pathways), or
- a paediatrician or specialist doctor (for neurodevelopmental assessment pathways).
You can only claim the Medicare rebate after the date of your referral. You can get started with us, but will not be able to claim through Medicare until after your referral date.
How much is the Medicare rebate for speech therapy?
Medicare provides a partial rebate for speech pathology services.
The rebate amount is set by Medicare and does not cover the full cost of a speech therapy session, meaning there will be an out-of-pocket fee.
Our team can explain the current rebate amount and how Medicare claiming works when you book your appointment.
Can I use Medicare and NDIS for speech therapy?
Medicare and NDIS cannot be used for the same speech therapy session.
However, families can choose to use:
- Medicare rebates for some sessions
- NDIS funding for other sessions
This allows families to use their funding in a way that best supports their child’s therapy needs.
What speech problems are eligible for Medicare rebates?
Eligibility depends on the specific Medicare pathway, but speech therapy rebates may be available for children with:
- Speech sound disorders (unclear speech)
- Stuttering or fluency difficulties
- Speech difficulties related to cleft lip and palate
- Communication challenges associated with developmental conditions
- Speech or language delays linked to medical diagnoses
- Literacy difficulties due to underlying communication difficulties
A GP or paediatrician will determine whether your child meets the criteria for a referral.
What age can children access speech therapy rebates?
The age limits depend on the pathway.
- M10 speech pathology pathway: available for children and young people under 25
- Complex neurodevelopmental pathway: typically for children under 13
- Chronic Disease Management Plan: available for children or adults with chronic conditions
If you are unsure whether your child may qualify, Speak & Write can help guide you through the options.
When should I see a speech pathologist?
You may wish to speak with a speech pathologist if your child:
- is difficult to understand
- is not using as many words as expected
- struggles to follow instructions
stutters or repeats sounds
has difficulty interacting socially
has concerns with feeding or swallowing
Early support can make a meaningful difference in a child’s communication development and confidence.
Can Speak & Write help with Medicare referrals?
Yes. While referrals must be written by your GP or paediatrician, our team can help explain:
- which Medicare pathways may apply
- what to ask your doctor
- how Medicare rebates work for speech therapy
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language or communication skills, we’re here to help.
In March 2026, Medicare introduced a new rebate pathway specifically designed to support children and young people with certain speech disorders. This new M10 Medicare rebate for speech pathology aims to improve access to speech therapy for children whose communication difficulties impact daily life and learning.
Children and young people under 25 years old may be eligible if they have, or are suspected of having:
- Speech sound disorders (difficulty producing speech sounds clearly)
- Stuttering or fluency disorders
- Speech difficulties related to cleft lip or cleft palate
A referral can be provided by a:
- GP
- Paediatrician
- Medical specialist
Medicare may provide rebates for:
- Up to 8 speech pathology assessment sessions (lifetime)
- Up to 20 speech therapy treatment sessions (lifetime)
Treatment sessions are usually delivered in two blocks of therapy, with a review by the referring doctor between blocks.
Speech sound disorders and stuttering can affect a child’s:
- ability to be understood by others
- confidence when speaking
- participation at preschool or school
- early literacy and learning
Access to early speech pathology intervention can support clearer speech and stronger communication skills.
One of the most common ways families access a Medicare rebate for speech therapy is through a Chronic Disease Management Plan, sometimes called an EPC referral. This plan is created by your GP when a child has a condition that requires ongoing care from multiple health professionals. Speech pathologists are frequently included when a child’s condition impacts their speech, language, communication or feeding development.
Eligibility is determined by your GP. Generally, the condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, six months or longer.
Children may be referred for speech pathology support if they have:
- Developmental delays affecting speech or language
- Neurological or genetic conditions
- Communication challenges related to medical diagnoses
- Feeding or swallowing difficulties
- Ongoing speech or language disorders
Under a Chronic Disease Management Plan, Medicare provides rebates for up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year.
These sessions are shared across all allied health professionals involved in your child’s care, such as:
- Speech pathologists
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Psychologists
Medicare also provides rebates for allied health services when children require assessment or treatment for complex neurodevelopmental conditions.Speech pathologists often play an important role in assessing communication development, social communication and language skills as part of this pathway.
Children under 13 years old who are being assessed for complex developmental conditions such as:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Global developmental delay
- Intellectual disability
- Other neurodevelopmental conditions
These conditions can affect speech development, language skills, learning and social communication.
A referral for this pathway must come from a paediatrician or specialist doctor.
Medicare may fund:
- Allied health assessment sessions as part of a multidisciplinary evaluation
- Up to 20 therapy sessions following diagnosis
Speech pathology assessments may look at:
-speech clarity
-language development
-social communication
-early literacy skills
