The short answer
When your Medicare sessions run out
Once you've used your 10 Better Access sessions for the calendar year, you can keep seeing your MeHelp psychologist privately ($180 a session, no referral), claim on private health extras, check for an employer EAP, or space sessions out until they reset on 1 January. Planning ahead with your psychologist helps avoid a gap in support.
A look inside
From the guide
Your options
Six ways to keep going
Medicare doesn't fund more than 10 individual Better Access sessions in a calendar year. These are the most common next steps.
1
Private health extras
If your extras cover includes psychology, claim for privately billed sessions. Check your annual limit and waiting period.
2
Your employer's EAP
Many workplaces offer free, confidential sessions. They don't use your Medicare sessions.
3
Stay with your psychologist
Keep seeing your MeHelp psychologist for $180 a session. No referral and no session limit.
4
Space sessions out
Move to fortnightly or monthly sessions to stretch your 10 across the year.
5
Another funding scheme
WorkCover, NDIS, DVA or a victims of crime scheme may apply to your situation.
6
Mix and match
Use Medicare for some sessions and private health or self-funding for others. We'll help you plan it.
Common questions
What people ask
Can my GP give me more than 10 sessions?
Not under Better Access. The limit is 10 rebated individual sessions each calendar year, no matter who refers you.
Did the extra 10 COVID sessions come back?
No. The additional sessions available during COVID ended at the end of 2022.
Can I use private health for the same session as Medicare?
No. You can use one or the other for a session. Extras can be used once you're paying privately.
Do I need a new plan in January?
Usually not, but you'll need a new referral from your GP for the new year's sessions.
Evidence
Sources we checked
Last reviewed 21 October 2026 by Phillipa Brown, registered psychologist and founder of MeHelp. This page is general information, not individual advice.
