NDIS physio: how to use your funding

What is NDIS physio?

NDIS physio is physiotherapy paid for, in whole or in part, from your NDIS plan. A physio can help you with strength, movement, balance, pain and everyday tasks.

Not every plan includes physio. Funding depends on your goals and on what the NDIS decides is reasonable and necessary for you, so it helps to understand how that works before you book.

What NDIS physio can help with

• Building strength and stamina for daily activities
• Moving around safely at home, at work and in the community
• Balance, and lowering the risk of falls
• Managing pain and stiffness linked to your disability
• A home exercise program you can follow, with or without support
• Advice on aids and equipment, sometimes together with other therapists
• Group or water-based sessions, where a clinic offers them

What the NDIS will and will not fund

The NDIS funds supports that relate to your disability, are good value, and are likely to help. Physio is often paid from the Improved Daily Living part of a plan, but plans differ, so check yours or ask your plan manager.

Some things are usually not covered by the NDIS because the health system looks after them. Examples include treatment for a sports injury or recovery after surgery. In that case you may use Medicare, private health cover or a public service instead. See our guides to Medicare and physio and what physio costs.

How your plan type changes who you can see

How your plan is managed decides which physios you can use.

• NDIA-managed: you need a registered NDIS provider, and the NDIA pays them
• Plan-managed: your plan manager pays the invoice, and you can usually use a registered or unregistered physio
• Self-managed: you pay the physio and claim it back, and you can usually use a registered or unregistered physio. Keep the invoice, including the provider’s ABN

You can often mix these options across different parts of your plan. Physio is not one of the supports that always needs a registered provider, but check your own plan with the NDIS or your plan manager.

How to get physio into your plan

• Talk about physio when you plan or review, and link it to your goals, such as walking further or falling less often
• Bring a letter or report from a physio or your doctor that shows how physio would help your daily activities
• Ask your support coordinator or plan manager to check there is room in your budget
• If your plan has no funding for therapy, ask for a plan review and explain why you need it

Costs and price limits

The NDIS sets maximum prices for therapy, called price limits. Clinics charge different amounts within those limits, and some add fees for travel, written reports or late cancellations.

Ask for a written quote or service agreement before you start, so you know how much will come out of your budget.

Questions to ask a physio

• Do you work with NDIS participants, and with my type of plan?
• Are you a registered NDIS provider?
• What do you charge, and are there extra fees for travel, reports or cancellations?
• Will you write a progress report for my plan review?
• How will we check my progress against my goals?
• Do you offer home visits or telehealth?

Check with your doctor first

Get urgent medical help, not physio, if you have sudden weakness, new numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain or breathlessness, or a fall with an injury. For anything else about your health, your GP is a good first call.

Find a physio who accepts NDIS

Our directory lets you filter clinics by NDIS funding. Look for the NDIS badge on a listing, then confirm with the clinic that it takes your plan type before you book. Browse clinics that accept NDIS.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.