All Australians have the right to access the health system — whether they have a disability or not. For NDIS participants, some disability-related health supports may be funded if they are directly connected to your disability and meet the NDIS funding criteria.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
What counts as a disability-related health support
The types of supports the NDIS may fund
How these interact with Medicare and the broader health system
Real examples to help you understand eligibility
How to get these supports added to your plan
What Are Disability-Related Health Supports?
Disability-related health supports are services, equipment, or consumables that help you manage health conditions caused by or connected to your disability. The NDIS can only fund these supports if:
They meet the reasonable and necessary criteria
They are an NDIS support under the NDIS Act
They are related to your disability
Learn more about NDIS funding rules here.
Types of Disability-Related Health Supports the NDIS May Fund
The NDIS may fund supports in areas such as:
Dysphagia supports – e.g., mealtime management plans, thickener products
Diabetes management supports – e.g., blood sugar testing help
Continence supports – continence products or toileting assistance
Wound & pressure care – equipment and care for slow-healing wounds
Respiratory supports – breathing support and planning
Nutrition supports – help with meal preparation or dietary planning
Podiatry and foot care – assessments and treatment plans
Seizure supports – monitoring and management
Specialist services – e.g., acquired brain injury rehabilitation
Training for carers or support workers – to safely deliver your health supports
See the full list of NDIS support categories here.
What the NDIS Will Not Fund
Under NDIS rules, the scheme won’t fund supports that:
Are for health conditions not related to your disability
Are provided by the mainstream health system (e.g., hospitals, GPs)
Are medicines or treatments covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Are acute, short-term medical treatments
If the support is something you’d need even if you didn’t have a disability — such as treatment for an unrelated illness — it’s not likely to be funded.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1 – Related to Disability:
Emma, who has cerebral palsy, needs help to maintain her weight due to difficulty swallowing. Her NDIS plan funds a speech pathologist and dietitian to create a safe meal plan and provide swallowing therapy.
Example 2 – Not Related to Disability:
David breaks his arm while playing sport. All treatment, including X-rays and physiotherapy, is provided through the health system — not the NDIS — because the injury is unrelated to his disability.
How Disability-Related Health Supports Work With the Health System
The NDIS works alongside — not instead of — the Australian health system. This means:
Medicare and your GP still provide general health care and medical treatment
The NDIS only funds supports that are directly connected to your disability and not otherwise provided by mainstream services
Learn more about mainstream and community supports.
How to Get These Supports in Your NDIS Plan
Gather Evidence – Reports from your health professionals detailing the type, frequency, and purpose of the support.
Work With Your Planner – Discuss your needs with your my NDIS contact or support coordinator.
Submit for Review – The NDIA will assess whether the support meets all funding criteria.
For more detail, see our guide on providing NDIS evidence.
Final Takeaway
Disability-related health supports can make a huge difference in your independence and wellbeing — but they must meet NDIS rules, be related to your disability, and work alongside mainstream health care.
If you think you need these supports, speak with your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or Complete Money Management for guidance on adding them to your plan.
Contact Complete Money Management today to learn how we can help you navigate the NDIS and secure the supports you need.