Chronic pain management: Where to get support

Published October 2026 | 5 min read
Expert contributor: Katie Morris, HCF Health Coach

Key takeaways

• Chronic pain is when you experience pain most days of the week for more than three to six months.
• Chronic pain management depends on your individual needs and usually involves several types of treatment.
• Living with chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health.
• Extras cover can help reduce your allied healthcare costs and HCF members can access specialised support programs.

Get expert advice on chronic pain management and find out how your HCF health cover can support you.

The last time you experienced pain, you might have taken an over-the-counter painkiller and carried on with your day. But for the millions of Aussies living with chronic pain – 5.4 million, according to a recent report – finding relief from pain and continuing to work, maintain relationships and enjoy everyday life can be incredibly challenging.

Understanding your treatment options is an important first step. Learn from HCF Health Coach Katie Morris what chronic pain is, the different options for chronic pain management and how your private health insurance can support you.

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain, sometimes known as persistent pain, is a complex condition where people experience pain most days of the week for more than three to six months.

Katie says chronic pain is different from acute pain, which is caused by an injury or medical condition and usually improves as the body heals.

“When pain becomes chronic, the nervous system can become more sensitive to pain signals, and in some cases, nerves may continue to send pain messages even after the original injury or damage has healed,” she explains. “These changes in the way the brain and nervous system process pain can contribute to ongoing pain and discomfort.”

What causes chronic pain and who does it affect?

Women have higher rates of chronic pain (21%) than men (17%). It’s also more common in older people than younger people.

Some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:

• arthritis
• cancer
• endometriosis or pelvic pain
• migraine
• back or neck problems
• central nervous system disorders, including fibromyalgia
• diabetic neuropathy
• complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which is ongoing pain after an injury to the arm, hand, leg or foot.

When chronic pain becomes too much

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by chronic pain, you’re not alone. The condition can have a detrimental impact on your quality of life, including your mental health. A 2025 global study found people with chronic pain were 39% more likely to experience depression and 40% more likely to experience anxiety. That’s why mental health support plays a significant role in chronic pain management, with cognitive behavioural therapy in particular shown to make a positive difference.

“The brain regions involved in processing pain are closely linked to those responsible for regulating mood and emotions,” explains Katie. “As a result, persistent pain can affect emotional wellbeing, while poor mental health can increase the perception and intensity of pain.”

What are some chronic pain treatment options?

Chronic pain is complex, so a multi-disciplinary treatment approach involving several different therapies targeted to your needs will lead to the best outcomes, says Katie. Talking to your GP is a good starting point.

Chronic pain specialists

Your GP may refer you to a pain management clinic. A pain management specialist might prescribe medication if appropriate and coordinate a treatment plan that includes allied health services like physiotherapy, nutrition support and psychology. Use our Find a Provider tool to search for specialists in your area.

Chronic pain and physiotherapy

A chronic pain physio can help address any physical issues that might be contributing to your experience of pain, like chronic neck pain.

It’s important to keep your body moving, and a physio or exercise physiologist can design a physical activity routine that meets your needs. If you’re living with chronic knee pain, these exercises might help.

“Exercise can help reduce inflammation within the body and stimulate the release of neurotransmitters that assist in regulating and reducing the perception of pain,” Katie says.

Chronic pain and women’s health

If chronic pain is related to conditions like endometriosis or pelvic pain, a pelvic health physio can help with muscle tension and give advice on managing symptoms, like challenges with bladder, bowel and sexual function.

Chronic pelvic pain often requires a team-based approach to treatment. Alongside a pelvic health physio, your care team might include a gynaecologist, a pain specialist and/or a psychologist to help you understand and manage your pain. If you’re experiencing gut issues, a dietitian may also be part of your care.

How can health cover help with chronic pain management?

Extras cover

Depending on your policy, you might be able to use HCF extras cover to reduce your costs for:

• physiotherapy
• occupational therapy
• psychology
• acupuncture.

Eligible members who book with an extras provider in our No-Gap network can get 100% back^* on one initial consult per year with a physio, chiro or osteo.

Hospital cover

With hospital cover, you’ll get access to private hospitals for treatments and surgeries, if needed, as well as help with paying for those services, depending on your level of cover. In most cases, you’ll be able to choose your doctor and hospital for your treatment and enjoy reduced waiting times for elective surgeries.

HCF members can minimise out-of-pocket costs by going to an HCF-participating hospital, which you can check with our Find a Participating Hospital tool. You can also use our cost indicator tool to get an idea of typical out-of-pocket costs for common hospital procedures and help you plan ahead.

It’s important to contact us to make sure you’re covered for different procedures, and to regularly review your cover to make sure it still meets your needs.

Health Coaching for Knee Osteoarthritis

HCF Health Coaching for Knee Osteoarthritis gives eligible members access to personalised nutrition advice, exercise plans and lifestyle support from experienced health coaches to help you manage knee osteoarthritis at home^{^}. Start the eligibility survey here.

No-Gap GLA:D^® Knees program

Eligible members⁺ can access the GLA:D^® Program for Osteoarthritis through the HCF No-Gap GLA:D^® Knees Program with no gap to pay. The GLA:D^® Program for Osteoarthritis has been designed to help knee osteoarthritis symptoms by reducing pain, improving strength and mobility, and helping to avoid or delay the need for knee replacement surgery^#. Participants receive exercise and education sessions, and consultations to help you get back to staying healthy and active. Check your eligibility here.

HealthyMinds Check-in

Chronic pain can have a significant impact on your mental health. All eligible members on your policy can get an annual telehealth HealthyMinds Check-in^** with a psychologist from one of our partners anywhere in Australia. You have the flexibility to choose the psychologist who’s right for you, at a time and day that fits your schedule, with appointments available up to 21 hours a day. 

THIS WAY UP

Get cover towards a range of evidence-based online programs through THIS WAY UP^{^^}, a mental health service developed by psychiatrists and psychologists. The programs are designed to help you understand and improve challenges like stress and insomnia. Plus, there’s a program that specifically addresses chronic pain.

Get support from our No-Gap network

Get 100% back on a range of no-gap services^* through our More for You programs. To find out which services you can claim 100% back on under your cover, log in to online member services to see what you’re covered for.