A podiatrist appointment in Sydney typically costs between $80 and $200, depending on the type of consultation and whether additional treatments are required. If you have a referral from your GP under a Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan, you may receive a rebate that reduces your out-of-pocket expense. Private health insurance Extras can also reduce costs further.
Understanding what you will pay before you book helps you plan ahead. This guide covers standard consultation fees at ModPod Podiatry, what is included in a first appointment versus a follow-up, how Medicare and private health rebates work, and what additional treatments typically cost — all specific to Sydney in 2026.
What Does a Podiatrist Consultation Cost in Sydney?
Initial consultations at most Sydney podiatry clinics range from $130 to $200. A follow-up appointment generally costs between $80 and $130.
At ModPod Podiatry, your first appointment includes a thorough assessment of your feet, gait, footwear, and relevant medical history. Your podiatrist examines the affected area, asks about symptoms and duration, and develops a management plan. This is not a quick consult — we allocate sufficient time to properly assess your condition.
Follow-up appointments are shorter and focused. Your podiatrist checks progress, adjusts treatment, and performs any hands-on work required — such as padding, strapping, nail care, or skin treatment.
Initial vs Follow-Up: What Is Included
Initial consultation:
- Full foot and lower limb assessment
- Medical history review
- Gait and biomechanical observations
- Diagnosis and written treatment plan
- Referral for imaging if indicated
Follow-up consultation:
- Progress review
- Hands-on treatment
- Orthotic adjustments if applicable
- Ongoing management updates
Does Medicare Cover Podiatry in Australia?
Standard podiatry consultations are not covered by Medicare. However, if you have a chronic health condition — such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, or a cardiovascular condition — your GP may refer you under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan, formally known as a Team Care Arrangement (TCA).
Under the EPC scheme, Medicare provides a rebate for up to five allied health visits per calendar year. The current Medicare rebate for podiatry under item number 10953 is $58.70 per consultation. You will still pay an out-of-pocket gap depending on the clinic’s fees.
To access this, ask your GP whether you are eligible. They complete a GP Management Plan and a Team Care Arrangement referral. You bring this to your appointment and we process the rebate on the day. Our reception team can assist with the paperwork if you are unsure of the process.
AHPRA-registered podiatrists are recognised allied health professionals under this Medicare scheme — all ModPod podiatrists meet this requirement.
Private Health Insurance and Podiatry Cover
Most private health Extras policies include podiatry. The rebate amount depends on your fund and level of cover. Major Australian health funds all provide podiatry benefits in their mid-tier and higher Extras policies.
Typical annual limits for podiatry:
- Medibank: $200–$350 per year (varies by extras tier)
- BUPA: $200–$400 per year
- HCF: $150–$300 per year
- NIB: $200–$350 per year
Per-consultation rebates are usually $30–$60. Check your fund’s app or call their member services line before your appointment to confirm your current limit and remaining annual benefit. At ModPod, we accept all major health funds and have HICAPS on-site for instant claiming.
What Additional Treatments Cost
Some podiatry treatments are priced separately to the standard consultation. Common additional costs include:
- Custom orthotics: $400–$700 for a prescription pair. This covers the biomechanical assessment, 3D foot scanning, and manufacture. Most private health Extras policies contribute $150–$250 toward this cost. See our custom orthotics page for further detail.
- Shockwave therapy: $80–$150 per session, with 3–6 sessions typically required for conditions such as persistent heel pain. Read more about shockwave therapy at ModPod.
- Fungal nail laser treatment: $150–$250 per session
- Ingrown toenail procedures: $180–$350, depending on whether local anaesthetic and chemical cauterisation are required
- Medical pedicure: $95–$150
If you are considering any of these treatments, your podiatrist will discuss costs during your initial consultation before proceeding. We do not perform additional treatments without your agreement.
Does Paying Less Mean Worse Care?
Not necessarily. But fee differences often reflect consultation time, equipment quality, and clinical experience. A podiatrist who allocates 45 minutes for a first appointment, uses a computerised gait scanner, and produces a documented management plan is providing a different level of care to a 20-minute consult.
At ModPod Podiatry, our clinicians have over 20 years of combined experience treating Sydney patients. We do not rush appointments and we do not recommend treatments you do not need. If your condition resolves with a home-care plan, we will tell you that clearly.
For a closer look at what happens during your first visit, our general podiatry services page explains what a standard consultation involves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist in Australia?
A: No. You can book directly with a podiatrist without a GP referral. However, if you have a chronic health condition, a GP referral under an EPC plan may entitle you to a Medicare rebate for up to five allied health visits per year. Ask your GP whether you qualify before your appointment.
Q: Does Medicare cover podiatry in Australia?
A: Standard podiatry consultations are not covered by Medicare. The exception is when your GP refers you under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan — also called a Team Care Arrangement. The Medicare rebate for podiatry under item number 10953 is $58.70 per visit, up to five visits per calendar year.
Q: Does private health insurance cover podiatry?
A: Most Extras policies include podiatry. Rebate amounts vary by fund and tier. Medibank, BUPA, HCF, and NIB all provide podiatry cover in mid-tier and higher Extras policies. You can claim on the spot at ModPod using our HICAPS terminal.
Q: How much do orthotics cost on top of a consultation?
A: Custom prescription orthotics at ModPod typically cost $400–$700 for a pair, including assessment, 3D scanning, and manufacture. Many private health Extras policies contribute $150–$250 toward the cost. Generic off-the-shelf insoles are cheaper but are not appropriate for all conditions.
Q: How much will I actually pay out of pocket?
A: That depends on your health fund, your level of cover, and whether you hold an EPC referral. Many ModPod patients with mid-tier Extras pay $20–$80 out of pocket per consultation after rebates. Confirm your annual limit and per-visit rebate with your health fund before your first appointment.
Book a Podiatry Appointment in Sydney
ModPod Podiatry has five Sydney clinics — CBD, Mosman, Dee Why, Rose Bay, and North Ryde. We accept all major health funds with HICAPS on-site. If you hold a Medicare EPC referral, bring it to your appointment and we will process the rebate on the day.
To make an appointment, book online or call your nearest ModPod clinic directly.
