Medicare is an essential part of Australia's healthcare system, but it doesn’t cover private residential rehab. If you need inpatient addiction treatment, there are alternative funding options to help you start recovery without delay.
Take a self-assessment or speak to someone now, with no pressure to commit.
Government-funded programs may help cover costs
Alternative funding options are available
Support is available to find the right solution
Compassionate, expert care for your recovery
Medicare may cover visits to GPs and specialists, where individuals can receive assessments, referrals, and mental health treatment plans. Therapy sessions, such as psychological counselling, may also be subsidised under Medicare’s Better Access initiative. Some addiction-related medications are available at a reduced cost under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). In limited cases, public hospital services may provide medically supervised detox or brief interventions.
However, Medicare cannot be used to fund any residential or inpatient services at The Hader Clinic — this includes detox, rehab, or extended stays; individuals who require medical supervision during withdrawal may need to seek alternative funding options. Most allied health services outside of mental health plans, such as specialised addiction counselling and holistic therapies, are also not covered.
We’ll call it when it suits you, with no pressure to commit
Even without Medicare, there are still accessible funding options to get the support you need. The Australian government funds a range of programs designed to help people access addiction treatment.
Unsure where to start? Take a self-assessment or book a time to chat – both are 100% confidential.
These programs provide free or low-cost addiction treatment for eligible individuals:
If you're not eligible for government-funded rehab, there are alternative ways to fund treatment at The Hader Clinic:
We’ll assess your situation and explain our low-income options, payment plans and super access funding.
If you qualify for government or alternative funding, we can support you through the application process.
Once funding is arranged, we’ll help you start your treatment as soon as possible.
Take a self-assessment or speak to someone now, with no pressure to commit.
Medicare won’t cover inpatient rehab, but it may support mental health care before or after your stay. We’ll help clarify how it fits into your care and what to plan for.
If you’re ready to explore funding options for addiction treatment, we’re here to help. Click below to get an assessment, book a chat, or contact us directly.
Take a quick, private quiz to see if rehab could help and explore safe support options.
Schedule a confidential call with a specialist at a time that suits you.
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Many people enter rehab without private health insurance, and we’ve helped them find funding solutions that work. Recovery is possible — see how others have taken the first step.
We meet strict accreditation requirements, ensuring every patient receives professional, evidence-based treatment in a safe and supportive environment.
Our two treatment centres offer different types of care depending on what you need. In Geelong, we provide short-term hospital detox with full medical supervision in a licensed facility. In Essendon, our residential rehab program focuses on daily structure, therapy, and holistic support. Both locations are designed to work together, helping you move from stabilisation through to long-term recovery.
If you’re unsure about your funding options for drug and alcohol rehab, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can make treatment accessible to you.
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Medicare can help cover a range of mental health services that may support your recovery journey. This includes:
These supports can be accessed through your GP and may play an important role alongside or before residential treatment.
Yes. While Medicare doesn’t cover private residential rehab, it can help with some of the care you might need before treatment begins. This includes GP consultations, therapy sessions under a mental health plan, or support for managing addiction-related medications. These services can help you prepare for treatment while you explore funding options.
If you don’t have private health insurance or savings, you still have options. You might be eligible for:
Our team can help you explore all available options and find a funding solution that fits your needs.
Yes. Medicare may subsidise mental health services, including counselling, under a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP. This can help with addiction-related therapy.
Medicare does not fully cover public rehab, but state-funded programs may offer free or low-cost services. Availability varies, so it’s best to check locally.
Yes. Some people use Medicare for GP visits and therapy while funding rehab through payment plans, superannuation, or government support programs.
If private rehab isn’t an option, consider state-funded detox programs or crisis support services. We can also help you explore payment options to start sooner.
Our team can guide you through eligibility checks for Medicare benefits, state-funded programs, and financial assistance to help you access treatment sooner.
