In April 2025, the Federal Government accepted the recommendations of the Natural Therapies Review, chaired by Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd AO. The review assessed updated clinical evidence and found moderate-certainty support for yoga’s effectiveness in managing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and cardiovascular health. Seven natural therapies were reinstated under the framework, including yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi.
Reference: Yoga Australia, yogaaustralia.org.au/yoga-is-back-on-the-table — July 2025
The legislative change took effect 1 July 2025. Health funds are now working with professional associations to implement claims and provider recognition processes, with rollout ongoing into 2026.
Reference: Private Healthcare Australia, privatehealthcareaustralia.org.au — July 2025
What this means for you
Your yoga sessions may now be claimable through your private health Extras cover — but there are two key conditions.
First, your session needs to address a health condition or be part of a health management program. General fitness classes don’t fall within the framework; therapeutic work does.
Second, your teacher needs to be credentialled and registered with an approved professional body. As a Level 3 Yoga Australia –registered teacher,a Continuing Education Provider with Yoga Alliance, Registered Nurse with AHPRA, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I fall within that framework.
Individual one-to-one sessions and small therapeutic group classes are the primary settings covered under the new arrangements.
Which health funds are involved?
Health funds are not required by law to cover yoga — it’s their decision to opt in. Funds that have been reintroducing yoga under Extras or Health Management categories include Bupa, Medibank, HBF, nib, and HIF, among others. Each fund has its own policy, waiting periods, and provider requirements.
Reference: Bupa Media Statement, media.bupa.com.au — April 2025
The most important step is to call your own fund directly. Ask:
- Does my Extras cover include yoga?
- What are the requirements?
- Are there any waiting periods?
Work with me — one-to-one therapeutic sessions
My work with individuals draws on thirty years of clinical nursing, trauma-professional training, and yoga teaching. If you’re navigating anxiety, chronic pain, grief, recovery, or the weight of a full life — this is the kind of therapeutic work the new framework is designed to support.
For private one-to-one therapeutic sessions with Tammy Williams:
tammywilliams.com.au — Private 1:1 Therapeutic Work
Classes and programs with Yoga NRG
Group classes, My Mindful Reset Program, and other offerings are available on the Sunshine Coast, in Mackay, and Live Online. Check the current schedule and programs:
yoga-nrg.com — Teacher Training & Programs Overview
There is always something you can do to help yourself. This change in policy is one more practical way to make that easier.
© Tammy Williams 2026 | yoga-nrg.com · tammywilliams.com.au