Yoga’s Potential Return To Private Health Insurance
Exciting news for Australia's yoga community: as of April 4, 2025, yoga has potentially been reinstated as an eligible therapy for private health insurance rebates. This decision follows the Australian Government's comprehensive Natural Therapies Review 2024, which assessed the clinical effectiveness of various natural therapies.Health and Aged Care Australia+2Health and Aged Care Australia+2Health and Aged Care Australia+2Health and Aged Care Australia+7Health and Aged Care Australia+7Health and Aged Care Australia+7
Yoga's Return to Private Health Insurance
In 2019, yoga was among 16 natural therapies excluded from private health insurance rebates due to insufficient evidence of clinical effectiveness. However, the recent review, supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), evaluated new evidence and found moderate-certainty evidence supporting yoga's effectiveness in managing certain health conditions. Health and Aged Care Australia+2Health and Aged Care Australia+2Health and Aged Care Australia+2Health and Aged Care Australia
The NHMRC's evaluation highlighted yoga's benefits in improving health-related quality of life and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. These findings led to the government's decision to potentially reinstate yoga as a therapy eligible for private health insurance rebates. Health and Aged Care Australia+2Health and Aged Care Australia+2Health and Aged Care Australia+2
A Win for the Yoga Community
Yoga Australia, the peak body for yoga professionals in the country, has welcomed this development. The organization has been actively advocating for the recognition of yoga's health benefits and its inclusion in health insurance coverage.
What This Means for You
With yoga's reinstatement, individuals with eligible private health insurance policies may be able to claim rebates for yoga classes and services provided by recognized practitioners. It's advisable to consult with your health insurance provider to understand the specific details and coverage options available.
This policy change underscores the growing recognition of yoga's role in promoting mental and physical well-being. As the practice continues to gain scientific validation, its integration into mainstream health care reflects a holistic approach to wellness.
I highly recommend reading the full Report for validation: “YOGA FOR PREVENTING AND TREATING HEALTH CONDITIONS”, EVIDENCE EVALUATION REPORT prepared by HTANALYSTS for National Health and Medical Research Council.
