The cost of rehab in Australia varies enormously — from completely free through government-funded services, to $30,000 or more per month at premium private facilities. Here's a clear breakdown of what to expect and how to fund treatment.
Free and Low-Cost Options
Government-Funded Rehab is available in every state and territory. These services are funded by the Australian Government and state governments, and are provided at no cost or very low cost to the patient.
Examples include:
The main limitation of public rehab is waiting times, which can range from a few weeks to several months depending on your state and circumstances.
Sliding Scale Services
Some not-for-profit providers offer sliding scale fees — meaning they adjust the cost based on your income and financial situation. These programs often provide excellent clinical care at a fraction of the cost of private rehab.
Typical range: $0 to $300 per week
Private Rehab Costs
Private residential rehabilitation in Australia generally costs between $5,000 and $30,000 per month.
Here's a rough guide:
| Program Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Detox (7–14 days) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| 28-day residential program | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| 60-day residential program | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| 90-day residential program | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| Day program (per week) | $500 – $2,000 |
| Individual therapy (per session) | $150 – $350 |
Luxury or resort-style facilities at premium locations (Byron Bay, Gold Coast hinterland, etc.) can cost significantly more.
Using Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance with hospital cover, you may be able to claim a significant portion of your rehab costs.
What's typically covered:
How to check your cover:
1. Call your health fund and ask specifically about "drug and alcohol rehabilitation" or "inpatient psychiatric treatment"
2. Ask about any waiting periods — new policies often have a 2-year waiting period for psychiatric conditions
3. Ask which facilities on your shortlist are in your fund's network
Major funds including Medibank, Bupa, HCF, BUPA, NIB, and AHM all cover addiction treatment to varying degrees.
Medicare
Medicare does not cover inpatient rehabilitation directly, but can cover:
Talk to your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan as a starting point — it can fund initial counselling sessions while you explore rehab options.
Payment Plans
Many private rehab centres offer payment plans or financing options. It's always worth asking — most facilities genuinely want to help people access treatment and will work with you on fees.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Research consistently shows that the cost of addiction treatment is significantly lower than the long-term cost of addiction itself — including healthcare, lost productivity, relationship breakdown, and legal issues.
A 28-day residential program is a short-term investment in a lifetime of recovery.
Not sure what you can afford? Our team can help you find quality treatment that fits your budget. Contact us for a free, confidential chat.