Are hearing aids covered by Medicare in Australia?

Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids for most adults. It may cover part of a diagnostic hearing test when you are referred by a GP or specialist. Government funding for hearing aids comes mainly through the Hearing Services Program, not Medicare, with additional support possible through private health insurance or the NDIS.

What does Medicare cover, and is there a rebate?

Medicare can provide a rebate toward a diagnostic hearing test. This applies with a GP or specialist referral, under certain item numbers. It does not fund hearing aid devices themselves for most adults. This is a common point of confusion. Many people assume all health costs run through Medicare.

How much will Medicare pay for hearing aids?

Medicare generally does not pay for hearing aids themselves for most adults. Support for devices comes through other pathways instead:

• The Hearing Services Program, which provides subsidised hearing aids for an eligible pensioner or veteran
• The NDIS, for eligible people under 65 with permanent hearing loss
• Private health insurance extras cover, where your policy includes it

A GP referral may attract a Medicare rebate toward a diagnostic test, not the hearing aid itself.

Where does hearing aid funding come from (Hearing Services Program)?

For most Australians, hearing aid funding sits outside Medicare. The main pathways are the government Hearing Services Program, for eligible pensioners and veterans. The NDIS funds eligible under-65s with permanent hearing loss. Private health extras cover offers a partial rebate that reduces your out of pocket cost. An audiologist at CQ Audiology can check which of these may apply to you.

What should you do about out of pocket costs and eligibility?

Rather than assuming Medicare will or will not help, it is worth having your eligibility checked across all funding pathways. Criteria can overlap or differ by situation.

For more information, visit Medicare at Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au) (opens in a new tab).

Sources: Healthdirect; Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Information current July 2026 and general in nature.