Seeing a dietitian in Australia can cost between $50 and $290 per session, depending on factors like location, session type, and expertise. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Initial consultations: $80–$290 (60–90 minutes)
• Follow-up visits: $50–$230 (20–60 minutes)
• Online sessions: Often cheaper, ranging from $50–$200 per hour
• Public services: Free or low-cost options available at hospitals, community health centers, and university clinics

Medicare & insurance

• Medicare rebate: $60.35 per session for eligible patients under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (limited to 5 sessions/year).To access these rebates, you will need a referral from your GP. 
• Private health insurance: Rebates cover 30–80% of costs, depending on your policy.

City rates (hourly averages)

Always check eligibility for rebates and payment plans to manage costs effectively or talk to your GP about referral options. 

Want to learn more about dietitian support and what to expect from a consultation? Read our guide on what a dietitian does in Australia for a full breakdown of services, costs, and coverage options.

Standard consultation fees

The cost of seeing a private dietitian can vary widely depending on the type of consultation, the dietitian's expertise, session length, and even the location. Here's a closer look at how these factors can influence pricing.

First visit vs. return visit costs

Initial consultations are typically longer, lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, and range in price from $80 to $290. These sessions usually involve a detailed assessment and the creation of a personalised treatment plan. Here's a breakdown of typical costs:

Follow-up visits, which are shorter (20 to 60 minutes), come with lower fees, typically ranging from $50 to $230 depending on the duration and location.

Price differences by area and expertise

Location plays a big role in consultation fees, especially in metropolitan areas where demand and overhead costs are higher. Here's a comparison of in-person and online session costs across several cities:

Specialised services, such as workplace nutrition programs or mobile consultations, often come with higher fees. These services cater to unique needs and may require additional expertise or resources.

Here are a few examples of specialised services and their costs:

• Anthropometric profiling: $70
• Hair biocompatibility testing: $275
• Extended private consultation (60 minutes): $200

Understanding these variations in pricing—whether based on location, session type, or speciality—can help you plan your budget accordingly.

Looking to build meals that support steady energy and glucose control? Check out this guide on meal planning for blood sugar management to get started.

Medicare coverage and requirements

Medicare helps cover dietitian services through the Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP), making healthcare more affordable for eligible patients. Knowing how these benefits work can help you get the most out of your coverage.

Medicare rebates through CDMP

With Medicare, you can receive a $60.35 rebate per consultation (item 10954). The gap fee for the consultation will depend on the dietitian you are referred to. To access this rebate, you need to meet specific requirements to qualify for these rebates:

Meeting these conditions not only makes you eligible for rebates but could also open up options for bulk billing. With 15.4 million Australians managing at least one chronic health condition, these rebates are an important part of making healthcare accessible. Additionally, some practices may offer bulk billing to further reduce costs.

Bulk billing options

Bulk billing for dietitian services isn’t common in private practices but is available through certain providers, such as:

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
• State or territory government health clinics
• Select private practices

If bulk billing is available, you won’t face any out-of-pocket expenses. However, most private dietitians charge more than the Medicare rebate, meaning you’ll need to pay the difference. 

To get the most from your Medicare benefits, follow these steps:

• Check your eligibility with your GP and request a management plan.
• Confirm coverage details before your first appointment.
• Ensure the referral is sent to your dietitian ahead of time.
• Keep track of your visits, as you’re limited to 5 per year. Keep in mind, that this is for all allied health practitioners on your care plan. 
• Enquire about bulk billing options in your area.

Lastly, your dietitian must send written reports to your GP after your first and last sessions. This ensures coordinated care and better management of your condition.

Private health insurance coverage

In addition to Medicare, private health insurance can help reduce the cost of seeing a dietitian. Many private health insurers in Australia offer rebates for visits to Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) through their extras cover, with the rebate amount depending on your specific policy.

Insurance rebates and claims

With extras cover, private health insurance typically reimburses between 30% and 80% of dietitian consultation costs. However, to qualify for these rebates, your dietitian must be registered with your health insurance provider.

When claiming rebates, you’ll need to use these item codes:

• Initial consultation: Code 500
• Review consultation: Code 600

Private health insurance only covers the remaining gap after the full consultation fee has been applied. For convenience, many clinics offer HICAPS claiming, which allows you to pay only the gap amount on the spot after your insurance rebate is processed. If HICAPS isn’t available, you can follow these steps:

1. Pay the full consultation fee upfront.
2. Obtain a receipt from your dietitian.
3. Submit your claim through your insurer’s app or website.
4. Receive the rebate directly into your bank account.

Once you understand how rebates work, it’s worth reviewing your insurance coverage to ensure you’re getting the best benefits for dietitian services.

Selecting health insurance coverage

When evaluating health insurance options, keep these factors in mind:

Some insurers go beyond standard coverage and provide health coaching or health-specific programs depending on your level of cover.

When selecting a plan, make sure to verify the following:

• Your dietitian is approved by the insurer.
• Any referral requirements are met.
• Details of additional benefits or special programs.

It’s also important to note that private health insurance in Australia only covers consultations with APDs. Services provided by nutritionists are not eligible for coverage under current regulations.

Looking for breakfast ideas that support stable blood sugar and sustained energy? Explore our top low‑GI breakfast options in Australia here for delicious and nutrition‑smart starts to your day.

Online vs. in-person visit costs

When it comes to consultation fees, the rise of telehealth has brought both financial relief and convenience. 

Online visit cost benefits

Online consultations frequently offer notable savings, with costs varying based on location. Here's a snapshot of average savings for virtual appointments in several cities:

Beyond the lower session fees, online appointments eliminate additional expenses like transportation, childcare, and time off work. Online consultations also allows people to find specialised practitioners who may not be available in their local areas. 

These savings highlight why virtual consultations are becoming the preferred choice for many.

Additional fee considerations

While online sessions are generally more affordable, certain factors can increase the total cost. Services like personalised meal plans, extended sessions for complex needs, or after-hours support may come with added fees.

To make services more accessible, many practices offer subscription plans that lower the cost per session for ongoing clients. Some dietitians also bundle services, such as body composition scans or initial assessments, to provide more value. 

These added options allow clients to tailor their experience but may also increase the overall expense of care.

How Vively helps you cook smarter with expert support

Want personalised guidance beyond data and DIY tips? Vively’s team of Accredited Practising Dietitians offer in‑app coaching tailored to your cooking and blood sugar goals. Here's how they elevate your experience:

• Tailored nutrition insights based on your glucose data
  Vively dietitians review your real-time CGM trends and personalise your nutrition advice to optimise your metabolic health and help you reach your health goals. 
• Ongoing meal and habit coaching via chat: Send questions or food logs anytime through the Vively app’s Chat feature and get expert feedback during business hours, no extra appointments needed.
• Personalised plans you can act on: Unlike generic advice, your dietitian recommends actionable cooking and meal strategies based on your body’s responses, helping you actually apply insights and build sustainable habits.

With Vively, you’re not just tracking—you’re partnering with a nutrition expert to transform your cooking into an evidence-backed, glucose-conscious kitchen routine.

Conclusion: managing dietitian expenses

After exploring the fees and coverage options for dietitian services, it's clear that managing these costs in Australia requires thoughtful planning. Initial consultations generally cost between AU$180 and AU$220, with follow-up visits ranging from AU$85 to AU$180.

Medicare support and rebates

Medicare offers a rebate of around AU$60.35 per session for those who qualify. Checking your eligibility for Medicare programs can help you take advantage of these savings.

Private health insurance benefits

If you're considering private health insurance, focus on policies that include preventative care and allied health services. These options can help offset some of the out-of-pocket expenses.

Tips for managing costs

There are several ways to make dietitian services more affordable without compromising on care:

• Sign up for the Medicare Safety Net to increase potential rebates.
• Opt for online consultations, which may be more budget-friendly.
• Enquire about flexible payment plans and available concessions.
• Plan your appointments to fit both your health needs and financial situation.

FAQs

Am I eligible for Medicare rebates for dietitian services in Australia?

To access Medicare rebates for dietitian services in Australia, you’ll need a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan prepared by your General Practitioner (GP). This plan is intended for those dealing with chronic or terminal conditions that have persisted for at least six months. If your GP considers it suitable, they can refer you for up to five dietitian visits per calendar year through this plan.

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The Medicare rebate for each dietitian session is approximately $60.35. You can claim this rebate after covering the full consultation fee upfront. To qualify, the dietitian services must be part of your GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangements. Be sure to discuss your health needs with your GP to see if you meet the criteria.

What should I consider when deciding between online and in-person dietitian appointments?

When choosing between online and in-person appointments with a dietitian, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

• Convenience: Virtual sessions offer flexibility and save you the hassle of travel. This can be especially helpful if you’re juggling a packed schedule or live far from a dietitian's office.
• Personal connection: Meeting face-to-face can feel more engaging and help build trust, which might make it easier to communicate and stay on track with your health goals.
• Cost and insurance: Double-check your insurance plan to see if it covers online consultations. Coverage and reimbursement rules often differ between telehealth and in-office visits.

The best option comes down to your personal preferences, health priorities, and what works best for your daily routine.

Does private health insurance cover dietitian services that Medicare doesn’t?

Yes, private health insurance often covers some dietitian services that Medicare does not. For instance, private plans might offer benefits for services like personalised nutrition coaching, general dietary advice, or support for wellness goals that aren't connected to managing chronic illnesses. On the other hand, Medicare tends to focus its coverage on services related to chronic conditions or specific health plans.

Because coverage details vary across insurance providers, it’s a good idea to review your policy or reach out to your insurer. This will help you understand what’s included, how it differs from Medicare, and what out-of-pocket costs you might need to prepare for.