- PRP for hair loss and skin rejuvenation is not covered by Medicare in Australia. PRP treatments are not listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule and do not meet the criteria for public funding.
- Most private health insurance policies also exclude cosmetic PRP. Extras cover applies to allied health and optical, not cosmetic procedures. Hospital cover is for inpatient surgical care, not clinic-based aesthetic treatments.
- PRP used in certain surgical or orthopaedic medical settings may attract a Medicare item number, but these are entirely different applications from the cosmetic and hair loss treatments available at Hair and Skin Science.
- The full cost of a PRP treatment course depends on the number of sessions required, the area being treated, and the clinic. Hair and Skin Science provides transparent pricing at your free initial consultation.
Cost is the first practical question most patients ask before committing to PRP hair treatment or PRP skin treatment, and the coverage question deserves a straight answer. This guide covers exactly what Medicare and private health insurance do and don’t cover, why cosmetic PRP sits outside both, and how to plan for the real cost of a treatment course.
Is PRP covered by Medicare in Australia?
No. PRP for hair loss and cosmetic skin rejuvenation is not covered by Medicare. Medicare reimburses treatments listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), which requires a treatment to meet criteria around medical necessity and clinical evidence. Cosmetic PRP treatments are not listed on the MBS.
This isn’t unique to PRP. Most cosmetic and aesthetic procedures sit outside Medicare, including laser resurfacing, botulinum toxin injections, and dermal fillers. PRP for hair loss is in the same category: an elective treatment that patients choose and pay for privately.
There is one nuance worth knowing. PRP used in certain surgical or orthopaedic contexts, such as tendon repair or post-surgical recovery, may attract an MBS item number when performed by an appropriate specialist as part of a medical procedure. These are categorically different from the standalone PRP hair loss and skin treatments available at Hair and Skin Science, and they don’t create a pathway to claiming cosmetic PRP.
Does private health insurance cover PRP treatment?
In most cases, no. Private health insurance in Australia covers two categories: hospital cover (for inpatient surgical procedures) and extras cover (for allied health, dental, and optical). PRP treatments for skin or hair loss fits neither.
Hospital cover doesn’t apply because PRP hair loss treatment is performed in a clinic, not a hospital, and is not a surgical procedure requiring admission. Extras cover doesn’t apply because cosmetic treatments are explicitly excluded from allied health benefits under virtually all policies.
Here’s how the categories stack up:
| Coverage type | What it typically covers | Does cosmetic PRP qualify? |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare (MBS) | Medically necessary treatments on the Benefits Schedule | No |
| Private hospital cover | Inpatient surgical procedures, theatre fees, accommodation | No |
| Private extras cover | Physio, dental, optical, chiropractic, remedial massage | No |
| Private extras cover (allied health) | Some funds cover select dermatology or specialist consultations | Unlikely, check with your fund |
Policy terms do vary between insurers, so it’s worth contacting your fund directly to confirm what your specific policy covers. If you’re having PRP as part of a broader medically supervised treatment program, your fund may be able to advise on any applicable benefits, though this is not something Hair and Skin Science can determine on your behalf.
How much does PRP hair treatment actually cost in Australia?
PRP treatment costs vary depending on the clinic, the city, the area being treated, and the number of sessions in your plan. As a general guide, individual PRP hair sessions at established Australian medical clinics typically range from a few hundred dollars per session, with full initial courses running across three to four sessions.
The more useful number to plan around is the total cost of a treatment course, not a single session. Most patients need:
- An initial course of 3-4 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
- Ongoing maintenance sessions every 3-6 months to sustain the response
- Potentially additional sessions if hair loss is more advanced or response is slower
For current pricing specific to Hair and Skin Science, see our PRP cost guide, or discuss pricing at your free initial consultation where a personalised treatment plan can be costed accurately.
Are there any options to reduce the cost of PRP treatment?
A few practical options are worth knowing about before you book.
- Package pricing: Many clinics, including Hair and Skin Science, offer session packages at a lower per-session rate than single-session pricing. If you’re committing to a full initial course, ask about package options at your consultation.
- Free consultations: Hair and Skin Science provides free initial consultations. This lets you understand the exact cost of your recommended treatment plan before you spend anything.
- Payment plans: Ask at your clinic about whether payment plan options are available for your treatment course.
- Comparing providers carefully: Lower-priced PRP is available, but it’s worth asking about the qualifications of practitioners, the equipment used, and the preservation protocols in place. These affect the quality of the treatment, not just the price.
Can I claim PRP on my tax return?
Cosmetic procedures are generally not tax deductible in Australia. The ATO distinguishes between medical expenses that are genuinely therapeutic in nature and those that are cosmetic. PRP for hair loss sits in the cosmetic category for most patients. If you believe your situation may be different, your accountant is the right person to advise on this, not your clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare ever cover any form of PRP?
PRP used in specific surgical or orthopaedic procedures may attract an MBS item number when it’s part of a broader medical intervention performed by an appropriate specialist. Cosmetic PRP for hair loss and skin rejuvenation, as provided at Hair and Skin Science, does not qualify for Medicare coverage.
Is PRP cheaper than a hair transplant?
A single PRP session is significantly less expensive than a hair transplant. Over a full treatment course with ongoing maintenance, the costs accumulate differently. A hair transplant involves a larger upfront cost but tends to deliver results that are retained long-term in many patients without the same maintenance commitment. See our PRP vs Hair Transplant guide for a full cost and commitment comparison.
How do I find out exactly what PRP will cost me?
The most accurate way is a free consultation at Hair and Skin Science. Your treatment plan is personalised based on your specific hair loss pattern, the area to be treated, and how many sessions your situation warrants. Pricing is confirmed at that appointment with no obligation to proceed.
PRP treatment sits outside Medicare and private health insurance because it’s a cosmetic procedure, not a medically necessary one. That’s a straightforward reality to plan around. Book a free consultation at Hair and Skin Science to get an accurate cost estimate for your specific treatment plan.
