WorkCover Physiotherapy in Victoria: What Injured Workers Are Entitled To

If you've been injured at work in Victoria, you may be entitled to free physiotherapy through WorkCover. This guide explains how WorkCover physiotherapy works, what you're entitled to, and how to access it — with no out-of-pocket costs.

What Is WorkCover?

WorkCover (administered by WorkSafe Victoria) is compulsory workplace injury insurance that covers most workers in Victoria. If you sustain an injury at work — whether physical, psychological, or occupational disease — WorkCover can cover your medical treatment, including physiotherapy, without any out-of-pocket cost to you.

Is Physiotherapy Covered by WorkCover?

Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the primary treatments covered by WorkCover Victoria. Once your claim is accepted, you are entitled to:

• Initial physiotherapy sessions for acute injury management
• Ongoing treatment as clinically justified
• Functional capacity evaluations
• Return-to-work programs and capacity assessment
• All associated physiotherapy services billed directly to the insurer — you pay nothing

How to Access WorkCover Physiotherapy

1. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible after it occurs.
2. See your GP for an initial assessment and WorkCover certificate. Your GP will certify the injury and refer you for physiotherapy.
3. Lodge your claim with your employer's WorkCover insurer. Your GP can assist with this.
4. Book your physiotherapy appointment with a registered WorkCover provider like Better Physiotherapy Bundoora. Bring your WorkCover claim number and certificate of capacity.
5. We handle the rest — billing, capacity certificates, treatment plans, and all communication with the insurer is managed by our team.

Common WorkCover Injuries We Treat

At Better Physiotherapy Bundoora, we regularly treat WorkCover patients with:

• Manual handling injuries — back, shoulder, knee strains from lifting and repetitive movement
• Slips, trips, and falls — fracture rehabilitation, ankle injuries, head injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries — carpal tunnel, rotator cuff tendinopathy, lateral epicondylalgia
• Post-surgical rehabilitation following WorkCover-funded procedures
• Return-to-work programs with capacity grading

Your Rights as a WorkCover Patient

• Choice of provider: You have the right to choose your own physiotherapist — you do not have to see who your employer suggests.
• No out-of-pocket costs: For approved treatment, you pay nothing. The insurer pays directly.
• Right to dispute: If your claim is rejected or treatment is denied, you have the right to dispute the decision.
• Confidentiality: Your clinical information is confidential. We do not share detailed clinical notes with your employer — only the capacity and return-to-work information required by the insurer.