The short answer
Medicare, private health or paying privately
Medicare (with a GP plan and referral) offers up to 10 rebated sessions a year and can be bulk billed. Private health extras can contribute to privately billed sessions, within your fund's limits. Paying privately needs no referral and has no session cap. At MeHelp, Medicare sessions are bulk billed and private sessions are $180. You can't use Medicare and private health for the same session.
A look inside
From the guide
Side by side
Your options compared
| Medicare | Private health extras | Self-funded | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral needed | Yes: plan and referral from your usual GP | No | No |
| What you pay | $0 at MeHelp (bulk billed) | $180 minus your fund's benefit | $180 a session at MeHelp |
| Session limit | 10 individual a year | Your fund's annual limit | None |
| Waiting period | None | Set by your fund (often 2 months) | None |
| Who sees information | Your GP gets updates | Your fund sees claims | Only you and your psychologist |
| Good for | Ongoing support at low or no cost | Extra sessions beyond Medicare | Starting quickly, or more privacy |
Common questions
What people ask
Is it cheaper to use Medicare or private health?
With a bulk-billing psychologist, Medicare costs you nothing. Otherwise it depends on your fee, your gap and your fund's benefit. The table in this guide helps you compare.
Why would someone pay privately when Medicare is available?
Some people want to start before seeing a GP, need more than 10 sessions, or prefer that no plan is shared with their GP.
Can I switch between options during the year?
Yes. You can use Medicare for some sessions and private health or self-funding for others, just not both for the same session.
Evidence
Sources we checked
- Out-of-pocket costs and private health insurance
- Waiting periods and exemptions
- Mental health treatment and private health insurance, Commonwealth Ombudsman
- Better Access initiative
Last reviewed 21 October 2026 by Phillipa Brown, registered psychologist and founder of MeHelp. This page is general information, not individual advice.
