Integrative and functional medicine take a longer, root-cause approach to health, so fees work differently from a standard bulk-billed GP visit. This guide sets out typical costs in Australia for functional medicine, integrative GP consultations and naturopathy, and where Medicare and private health rebates apply, using current public data. Health Hunter is a platform for finding and comparing practitioners by their approach and qualifications - each practitioner sets their own fees, so use these ranges as a guide and confirm the exact price with the practitioner or clinic when you book.
How much does functional medicine cost in Australia?
Functional medicine consultations are longer than a standard visit - an initial appointment often runs 45 to 120 minutes - so fees are higher. Based on published clinic fees, an initial functional medicine or integrative consultation typically costs around $250 to $500, with some longer initial appointments higher again. Follow-up appointments vary with length, from about $120 for a short review to $490 for a long consultation. Functional pathology testing, if recommended, is charged separately.
Integrative GP consultation price
Integrative GPs are registered doctors, so many consultations attract a Medicare rebate, which lowers your out-of-pocket cost. As at July 2026, the Medicare rebate is $45.05 for a standard consult (under 20 minutes), $87.10 for a long consult (20-40 minutes) and $128.35 for a prolonged consult (40 minutes or more). Because integrative appointments are long and the practice charges a private fee above the rebate, you still pay a gap. Always confirm the fee and rebate eligibility with the clinic when booking.
How much does a naturopath cost in Sydney?
Naturopathy is not covered by Medicare, but since 1 July 2025 private health funds can again include it under ‘extras’ cover - it is up to each fund whether and when to offer it. Based on published Sydney clinic fees, an initial naturopath consultation typically costs around $90 to $150, with follow-ups around $60 to $100. Across Australia more broadly, initial consultations range higher, up to about $250. Testing and practitioner-only supplements are additional. Check your extras cover for what you can claim back. You can browse naturopaths in Sydney and compare their approach before you book.
How does this compare to a standard GP visit?
For context, at clinics that do not bulk bill, patients pay an average of $49.23 out of pocket for a standard GP consult after the Medicare rebate (Cleanbill, April 2026). Integrative and functional consultations cost more because they are longer and more thorough - built around a detailed history, testing where needed, and a personalised plan rather than a short, single-issue appointment.
Typical costs at a glance
- Integrative / functional GP - initial ~$250-$500 (45-120 minutes); follow-up ~$120-$490. Partial Medicare rebate may apply.
- Naturopath (Sydney) - initial ~$90-$150; follow-up ~$60-$100. No Medicare; private health extras may apply.
- Functional / pathology testing - varies, often $100-$500 or more. Usually not covered.
- Standard GP (for comparison) - average out-of-pocket gap ~$49 if you are not bulk billed. Medicare rebate $45.05 (Level B).
Medicare (MBS) rebates for GP consultations
These are the rebate amounts an integrative GP consultation is based on, as at 1 July 2026:
- Item 23 (Level B) - under 20 minutes - rebate $45.05
- Item 36 (Level C) - 20 to 40 minutes - rebate $87.10
- Item 44 (Level D) - 40 minutes or more - rebate $128.35
Medicare and private health rebates
As a rule of thumb: consultations with a registered integrative GP may attract a Medicare rebate; naturopathy and most functional testing do not, though private health extras may help. Rebates change and vary by practitioner, so confirm directly before booking.
Finding the right practitioner
On Health Hunter you can find and compare integrative GPs, functional medicine doctors and naturopaths by their approach, qualifications and location, and choose in-person or telehealth. Browse practitioners, then contact the practitioner or clinic directly to confirm their fees and book.
Sources
- Medicare rebates: MBS Online, Department of Health, as at 1 July 2026 - Item 23, Item 36, Item 44.
- GP fees and bulk billing: AIHW; Cleanbill Blue Report 2026.
- Naturopathy private health rebates reinstated 1 July 2025: ATMS.
- Consultation fees are indicative, drawn from published clinic fee pages rather than a formal survey. Fees change - confirm current pricing with the practitioner or clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does functional medicine cost in Australia?
An initial functional medicine consultation typically costs around $250 to $500, with follow-ups from about $120 to $490 depending on appointment length. Appointments are longer than a standard GP visit, and any recommended testing is charged separately. Each practitioner sets their own fee, so confirm when you book.
2. How much is an integrative GP consultation?
Integrative GP fees vary by clinic and appointment length. Because integrative GPs are registered doctors, many consultations attract a Medicare rebate - $45.05 for a standard consult, $87.10 for a long consult, or $128.35 for a prolonged consult (as at July 2026) - which reduces your out-of-pocket gap.
3. How much does a naturopath cost in Sydney?
A naturopath consultation in Sydney usually costs around $90 to $150 for an initial appointment and $60 to $100 for follow-ups. Naturopathy is not covered by Medicare, but since July 2025 many private health funds can cover part of the fee under extras.
4. Does Medicare cover integrative or functional medicine?
Consultations with a registered integrative GP may attract a Medicare rebate on standard items. Naturopathy and most functional testing are not Medicare-rebatable. Confirm with the practitioner when booking.
5. Can I claim it on private health insurance?
Sometimes. Many funds cover part of naturopathy and some allied-health services through ‘extras’ cover. Check your policy for the specific service and provider.
6. Why does functional medicine cost more than a standard GP visit?
Functional and integrative consultations are longer and more thorough - a detailed history, testing where needed and a personalised plan - rather than a short, single-issue appointment.
