What’s Changing for Naturopathy in Australia? A Guide for Practitioners and Patients
- insyncfreo
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
If you’re working in naturopathy, or considering naturopathic support for your health, it’s important to understand the recent and upcoming changes in Australia. Between insurance updates and ongoing discussions about professional regulation, the landscape is evolving — and staying informed will help you make confident decisions for your health or practice.
At InSync Chiropractic & Healthcare, we’re committed to supporting informed, safe, and collaborative care. Here’s what you need to know about naturopathy regulation and insurance in Australia.
Naturopathy Regulation: What’s the Current Picture?
Unlike some health professions, naturopathy and Western herbal medicine aren’t currently regulated under Australia’s National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS). This means:
There is no national statutory board for naturopaths.
The title “naturopath” is not legally protected — anyone can technically call themselves a naturopath.
Regulation is mostly voluntary, through professional associations and self-regulatory bodies.
Voluntary Professional Standards
Two key organisations help maintain standards in the profession:
1. ARONAH — Australian Register of Naturopaths and HerbalistsA voluntary register that sets minimum education and practice standards.
2. NHAA — Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of AustraliaProvides codes of conduct, continuing professional development (CPD) requirements, and practice guidelines.
Being a member of these organisations is optional, but it demonstrates commitment to professionalism and quality care.
Private Health Insurance Changes: What You Need to Know
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government reinstated seven natural therapies as eligible for private health insurance (PHI) benefits, including:
Naturopathy
Western herbal medicine
Yoga
Tai chi
Pilates
Shiatsu
Alexander technique
Important: Insurers can cover these therapies, but they are not required to, and the level of coverage will vary between funds and policies.
This change follows the Natural Therapies Review 2024, completed by the NHMRC and the Department of Health, which examined 16 natural therapies for clinical effectiveness. Some therapies, including naturopathy, were found to have low-certainty evidence, which guided which therapies were reinstated for insurance purposes.
What This Means for Patients
If you’re considering naturopathic care:
Check your health insurance: Contact your insurer to see if naturopathy is covered and under what conditions.
Check practitioner credentials: Ask about qualifications, association memberships (like ARONAH or NHAA), and adherence to voluntary standards.
Understand the evidence: Different therapies have varying levels of evidence. A good practitioner will explain the rationale for their recommendations.
What This Means for Practitioners
For naturopaths, these changes highlight the importance of transparency and professionalism:
Stay up to date with voluntary codes, CPD, and registration options.
Clearly communicate credentials, scope of practice, and evidence to patients.
Discuss insurance coverage options with clients.
Collaborate with other health professionals, including chiropractors and allied health practitioners, to provide integrated care.
Integrating Naturopathy with Chiropractic Care
At InSync, we believe in an integrative approach to health. Chiropractic care focuses on the spine, nervous system, and movement, while naturopathy complements this with nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance.
As insurance coverage and professional standards evolve, working collaboratively with both chiropractors and naturopaths can help patients achieve more holistic outcomes.
Staying Informed is Key
While naturopathy is not yet nationally regulated, voluntary standards and association memberships provide guidance for quality care. From 1 July 2025, naturopathy can again be eligible for private health insurance benefits, offering more opportunities for patients to access care.
At InSync Chiropractic & Healthcare, we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes safely and effectively. If you’re curious about how naturopathy and chiropractic can work together for your wellbeing, our team is here to help.
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