NDIS 2025–26 Price Guide Update: What It Means for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Services
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has recently released its 2025–26 Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, effective from 1 July 2025. For participants, support coordinators, and providers like Healthroos, these changes impact how services are delivered, charged, and accessed—particularly for NDIS physiotherapy and NDIS occupational therapy services.
As a trusted provider across Greater Sydney, Healthroos is here to guide you through what these changes mean, how they affect you, and how we continue to deliver exceptional, multilingual care—faster and better than ever.
Key NDIS Pricing Changes at a Glance
1. National Pricing Standard for Physiotherapy
One of the most significant updates this year is the move to a national pricing structure for physiotherapy. This change removes state-by-state variations in price limits, meaning:
All physiotherapy services under the NDIS will now be billed at a consistent national rate.
The new hourly rate is $183.99, a $10 decrease from the previous maximum rate in some states.
For participants, this provides more transparency. For providers, it ensures equal access across Australia. For Healthroos clients, it means our streamlined pricing now aligns more closely with NDIS expectations—no confusion, no surprises.
2. Travel Time Rules Updated
Travel costs have always been a consideration for home visit services like those offered by Healthroos. The NDIS now limits travel claims for therapy supports to a maximum of 50% of the applicable hourly price limit, calculated on a pro-rata basis.
💡 Example: For a 60-minute physio session at $183.99, travel time can be claimed up to $91.99 if the travel duration and distance meet criteria.
Our systems are already updated to reflect this change, ensuring transparent and fair pricing for both participants and support coordinators.
🧠 How These Changes Affect NDIS Occupational Therapy and NDIS Physiotherapy Services
The 2025–26 NDIS pricing update brings in a new level of rigidity that many physiotherapists—and even some occupational therapists—feel is out of touch with the realities of frontline care.
While the NDIS has framed these changes as equitable and data-driven, the broader physiotherapy community has raised concerns about:
A $10/hour rate cut for physiotherapy despite rising business costs (fuel, insurance, admin time, etc.)
The one-size-fits-all national rate, which doesn’t reflect cost-of-living differences across Sydney suburbs or remote areas
Increased pressure on solo and small providers to deliver more with less, risking burnout or reduced service quality
At Healthroos, we’re navigating these changes with professionalism, but we won’t pretend they don’t present challenges.
To view the official changes, visit the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits page.
For Participants
NDIS participants who rely on essential therapies such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy may be the ones most affected by these changes.
1. Reduced Availability of NDIS Physio Services
The new national physiotherapy rate of $183.99/hour is a $10/hour cut for many providers. In metropolitan areas like Sydney, this doesn’t cover rising business costs—fuel, insurance, admin time, and therapist wages.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has called the reduction “untenable” and warned that many clinicians may exit NDIS work or reduce their NDIS caseloads. This will likely result in longer waitlists and reduced appointment availability for participants seeking NDIS physiotherapy.
2. Delays in Access to NDIS Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy hasn’t seen significant price increases in years. According to Occupational Therapy Australia, the profession is struggling with cost pressures, and this latest pricing guide does little to address it.
Participants needing NDIS occupational therapy assessments, Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA), or ongoing support may face service delays or fewer provider options as a result.
3. Travel Restrictions May Limit Home Visits
Under the 2025–26 rules, travel time for therapy sessions can only be claimed at a maximum of 50% of the hourly rate. This impacts mobile services like ours, especially in outer Sydney areas. While Healthroos continues to offer home visits, the cap discourages some providers from travelling long distances—potentially limiting access for those in underserved areas.
👉 Learn more about NDIS travel rules here: NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
For Support Coordinators
Support coordinators may find some aspects of the update easier—like having one national price for services—but there are also emerging challenges.
1. Fewer Providers Taking NDIS Referrals
We’re already seeing clinicians re-evaluate their involvement with NDIS clients. In fact, many sole traders and small mobile providers may switch to private clients or limit their service areas. This puts pressure on coordinators trying to secure consistent, quality allied health services.
At Healthroos, we’re still accepting NDIS referrals across Greater Sydney—but we’re refining our intake processes and prioritising areas where we can maintain high-quality care.
2. Greater Emphasis on Compliance
The new rules increase scrutiny around billing and travel. This means more admin and tighter time tracking—adding pressure on both providers and coordinators to document everything properly. Errors could result in payment delays or non-compliance notices.
We help alleviate this with:
Clear invoicing
Monthly treatment progress summaries
For NDIS Therapists (OTs and Physios)
The allied health community has not received these changes positively. While the NDIS suggests these decisions are data-backed and equitable, many in the profession argue that the figures fail to reflect the reality of delivering care in the community.
1. Unsustainable Workloads
The price cut means therapists need to see more clients per day just to stay viable—leading to fatigue, rushed sessions, and potential burnout. This threatens the quality of care and therapist retention.
2. Loss of Incentive to Work with NDIS Participants
With private clients now paying $200–250/hour for similar services, some experienced therapists are stepping away from NDIS altogether. This could lead to an expertise drain and leave more vulnerable participants in the hands of less experienced providers.
3. Pressure to Do More for Less
Therapists are still expected to:
Travel
Write reports
Liaise with support coordinators
Provide therapeutic care
…all within a capped hourly rate that hasn’t risen meaningfully for years.
At Healthroos, we’re taking a stand by:
Paying therapists fairly
Offering flexible caseloads
Focusing on high-impact, goal-oriented therapy
Summary: A Change That Demands Caution, Not Celebration
While the NDIS 2025–26 pricing update was intended to create fairness and efficiency, its execution raises legitimate concerns—especially for NDIS physiotherapy and NDIS occupational therapy providers in Sydney and beyond.
Participants may face longer waitlists. Therapists feel unsupported. And support coordinators are left navigating tighter supply.
Yet at Healthroos, we’re committed to staying agile, honest, and participant-focused. Our promise remains:
✅ 4-hour referral response
✅ Bilingual service (English, Mandarin, Cantonese)
✅ Transparent invoicing and communication
✅ High-quality care, despite changing policy
Need Support with NDIS Physio or OT?
Whether you’re a support coordinator or participant, we’re here to help you make sense of these changes and secure the right care.
👉 Email: admin@healthroos.com.au
👉 Call or SMS: 0404 439 571
👉 Refer online: www.healthroos.com.au