Allied Health Loans
Allied health covers many careers, and a lender's professional list may be much narrower than the healthcare sector itself. A physiotherapist employed by a hospital, a speech pathologist running a clinic and an allied health assistant can face different assessments. The useful starting point is your exact occupation, professional credentials and income structure, followed by a check of the lender's published criteria.
LMI means lenders mortgage insurance. It protects the lender; a waiver removes the borrower’s premium under the applicable policy.
The key points
- Check your exact occupation against the lender's list.
- Professional credentials differ across allied health disciplines.
- LMI waivers and overtime policies have separate eligibility rules.
Identify the profession and its credentials
Allied health includes nationally registered and self-regulated professions. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists sit within the Ahpra registration system; speech pathology and audiology use professional self-regulation. Do not assume that every allied health applicant needs an Ahpra number.
Give the lender your actual role and relevant registration or membership evidence. A clinic's industry description does not establish an individual employee's professional eligibility. An assistant, practice manager or support worker should be assessed against their own occupation.
Sources: ACT Government: allied health professions and regulation.
Match the waiver to the discipline
Westpac's published 90% LVR waiver has a $90,000 annual minimum income threshold. Listed professions include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, chiropractors, osteopaths, podiatrists, radiographers, sonographers, optometrists and pharmacists. The published policy cannot be combined with Fast Track assessment.
That is one lender's list, not a sector-wide entitlement. Ask which earnings satisfy its threshold, what credentials it requires and which loan or property limits apply. A 90% LVR still leaves the balance of the price and buying costs to fund.
Sources: Westpac: eligible professional waiver categories; ASIC Moneysmart: deposit and buying costs.
Separate salary from clinic earnings
For employees, show base pay and additional earnings separately. Westpac lists occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and medical imaging professionals among occupations that could have 100% of overtime and allowances assessed, subject to conditions. Its overtime list differs from its waiver list.
For a clinic owner or contractor, prepare tax returns and business records, including expenses and liabilities. Explain income from multiple clinics and any transition from salary to invoicing. A busy appointment book alone does not establish the income available for repayments.
Sources: Westpac: healthcare overtime and allowances; Westpac: self-employed income assessment.
Protect the household and practice budget
Set aside money for purchase costs and a cash reserve before deciding how much deposit to use. If you run a practice, keep upcoming tax, rent, equipment and staffing commitments visible alongside household spending.
Compare the overall borrowing cost, including interest and fees, rather than choosing solely because LMI may be waived. LMI protects the lender; the borrower remains responsible for repayments. The policy examples here were checked on 5 October 2026 and can change.
Sources: Westpac: self-employed income assessment; ASIC Moneysmart: deposit and buying costs.
Frequently asked questions
Does every allied health profession qualify?
No. Each lender defines its own eligible occupations and conditions. Working in healthcare is not sufficient by itself.
Can self-regulated professionals be considered?
Yes, some published lists include them. Confirm the lender's accepted professional evidence instead of assuming Ahpra registration is required.
Does waiver eligibility mean all allowances count?
No. Income treatment is a separate assessment. The lender must confirm both your occupation and the individual earnings it accepts.
Sources & further reading
Official guidance and lender information used in preparing this guide. Policies can change; confirm the current rules before making a decision.
- Westpac: eligible professional waiver categories
- Westpac: healthcare overtime and allowances
- ACT Government: allied health professions and regulation
- Westpac: self-employed income assessment
- ASIC Moneysmart: deposit and buying costs
General information only, not personal credit, legal or tax advice. Loan availability, fees and terms depend on your circumstances and the lender’s assessment. Approval is not guaranteed.