NDIS - National Disability Insurance Scheme

Exercise Physiology Under the NDIS: What You Need to Know

Living with diabetes and a disability? You may be eligible for funded access to Exercise Physiology and other allied health services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

If you or someone you care for has diabetes and an eligible disability or functional impairment, the NDIS can help cover the cost of personalised, clinical exercise support — whether delivered in person or through telehealth.

Let’s break down what’s covered, who’s eligible, and how to access support.

What Does the NDIS Cover?

The NDIS funds supports that are:

  • Reasonable and necessary

  • Directly related to your disability

  • Likely to improve your function, independence, or health outcomes

This includes Accredited Exercise Physiology (AEP) when diabetes coexists with another condition that impacts your daily function, such as:

  • Intellectual disability

  • Autism

  • Stroke or acquired brain injury

  • Physical disability (e.g., mobility impairments, amputations)

  • Mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, severe depression)

  • Neurological conditions (e.g., MS, Parkinson’s)

Note: Diabetes on its own is not considered a disability under the NDIS. However, if it contributes to or is affected by another primary disability, exercise physiology may be funded.

How Exercise Physiology Helps

Exercise Physiologists design safe, tailored programs to improve:

  • Blood sugar control

  • Mobility, strength, and endurance

  • Weight management

  • Fatigue and energy levels

  • Mental health and wellbeing

  • Daily living skills and independence

At Metabolic Telehealth, our AEPs specialise in chronic disease and disability, delivering care remotely to fit your schedule and goals.

Who Is Eligible?

To access NDIS-funded exercise physiology, you must:

  1. Have an NDIS Plan with relevant funding categories, and

  2. Have diabetes co-occurring with a primary disability that meets NDIS criteria.

Relevant funding categories include:

  • Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living

  • Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life (if applicable)

Tip: If you’re unsure, we can help review your NDIS plan to check for available funding.

How Much Is Covered?

NDIS pricing for exercise physiology (2024–2025 rates):

  • Telehealth session: $166.99/hour

  • In-person session: $166.99/hour (higher if travel required)

  • Report writing, planning & communication: Covered under plan time

We work within the NDIS Pricing Arrangements, so there's no out-of-pocket cost if you're self- or plan-managed.

How to Access Support – Step-by-Step

1. Check Your NDIS Plan
Look for funding under “Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living” or similar categories.

2. Get a Referral or Contact Us Directly
No GP referral is required. You can self-refer or have a Support Coordinator, LAC, or Plan Manager reach out.

3. Book Your First Consultation
We’ll confirm your goals, complete an assessment, and create a tailored plan. We can also submit progress reports and outcome measures as required by the NDIS.

4. Start Your Program
Sessions are delivered via secure telehealth or in-home (if available). Flexible, evidence-based, and built around your NDIS goals.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, our NDIS-supported telehealth programs make expert exercise care accessible and tailored to you.

Talk to a Consultant Today — we’ll guide you through the process and help you get the most from your NDIS plan.

FAQs

Q: I have diabetes but no disability — am I eligible?
No, NDIS funding requires a diagnosed disability that impacts your function. However, you may qualify for Medicare CDM rebates instead — learn more here.

Q: Can I use my NDIS funding for telehealth?
Yes! Telehealth is fully funded under NDIS and offers flexible access to care from the comfort of home.

Q: Can you provide reports for my Support Coordinator or Plan Review?
Yes. We can provide outcome-based reports, assessments, and session logs aligned with your NDIS goals.

Still Have Questions?