Health & Beauty

Dentists, physiotherapists and nurses in Australia must be registered with AHPRA, the national regulator, and you can check any practitioner's registration free on the AHPRA public register. Hair and beauty salons are not AHPRA-regulated, so for those businesses rely on reviews, hygiene standards and relevant qualifications instead.

No. You can book a physiotherapist or dentist directly in Australia without a GP referral. A referral is only needed if you are claiming under specific schemes, such as a Chronic Disease Management plan through Medicare, DVA arrangements or some workers compensation claims. Private health insurance extras may cover part of the cost either way.

Providers visit your home for nursing care, personal care and daily support, either privately or through government-subsidised aged care programs arranged via My Aged Care. Start by discussing what care is needed and how often, then agree a regular schedule. Good providers do an initial assessment visit before ongoing care begins.

Often, partly. Medicare covers some physiotherapy and dental care in limited circumstances, mostly through GP-referred care plans or public schemes for eligible children and concession holders. Private health extras commonly cover dental, physio and some other services, with rebates depending on your policy. Salon and beauty services are not claimable.