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# Understanding NDIS Travel Pricing Changes for Therapy Providers in 2025 The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has introduced significant changes to travel pricing for therapy providers, effective from 1 July 2025. These changes, stemming from the [2024–25 Annual Pricing Review recommendations](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements/making-pricing-decisions/annual-pricing-review), aim to keep travel claims proportionate to the service delivered and help participants manage their budgets more effectively. As a therapy provider, understanding these changes is crucial to adapt your services and maintain viability in the evolving NDIS landscape. ## Detailed Breakdown of Travel Pricing Changes From 1 July 2025, the NDIA will limit travel time claims for therapy providers to 50% of the applicable therapy price limit (pro rata), within existing time-cap thresholds by remoteness. This change applies only to the labour component of travel time and does not affect non-labour travel costs such as tolls, parking, and fuel. [Disability support workers and other support categories continue under existing rules](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10827-travel-claiming-rules-gap-fees-and-other-costs). For example, the standard therapy price limit for physiotherapy is AU $183.99 per hour. Under the new rules, travel time is claimable at 50% (AU $92.00/hour), up to existing caps of 30 minutes each way in metropolitan areas and 60 minutes each way in regional areas. [Remote (MMM 6) and very remote (MMM 7) areas remain uncapped for travel time](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10827-travel-claiming-rules-gap-fees-and-other-costs), with existing loadings of +40% and +50% respectively. To ensure clarity of billing, providers must itemise travel time separately from therapy time on invoices. [Non-labour travel costs remain fully claimable](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10827-travel-claiming-rules-gap-fees-and-other-costs), negotiable separately with participants. For more information, check out our guide on [Mastering NDIS Travel Cost Claims: A Provider's Guide](/posts/mastering-ndis-travel-cost-claims-a-providers-guide-f77ae3d6). ## Impact on Therapy Providers and Participants The travel pricing changes pose significant challenges for therapy providers, especially those serving participants in regional, rural, and remote communities. With therapy supports accounting for over 10% of total NDIS spend, and allied health claims reaching AU $2.4 billion in just six months, the NDIA aims to curb excessive travel claims and encourage efficient scheduling to preserve participant budgets. However, providers warn that the halved travel reimbursement threatens the viability of in-home therapy services, undermining participant choice and flexibility. For example, the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. (AAPi) [warns that the changes may make outreach unviable for many providers](https://www.aapi.org.au/Web/About-AAPi/News/Articles/2025/Jun/NDISAnnualPricingReviewUpdate_WhatItMeansForPsychologists.aspx), particularly in underserved areas. A case study of a Tasmanian psychologist unable to continue travelling to clients like Callum highlights the potential impact on participant access to essential supports. To learn more about [Empowering NDIS Participants: Choosing Your Own Support Providers](/posts/empowering-ndis-participants-choosing-your-own-support-providers-f9164425), read our in-depth article. The changes also have implications for other therapy disciplines, such as occupational therapy. Our post on [Maximizing the Benefits of Occupational Therapy for NDIS Participants](/posts/maximizing-the-benefits-of-occupational-therapy-for-ndis-participants-0296dfd0) explores how these services can be adapted to the new pricing model. ## Practical Examples and Adaptation Strategies To illustrate the impact of the travel pricing changes, consider a physiotherapist providing a 1-hour session at AU $183.99. Under the new rules, the travel rate would be $183.99 × 50% = AU $92.00/hour. [Plan Hero calculates](https://planhero.com.au/ndis-price-changes-2025/) that for a 20-minute travel by a $193.99/hr therapist, the travel charge would be ($193.99/2 ÷ 60) × 20 = AU $32.33. To adapt to the new pricing model, therapy providers must prioritise efficient scheduling, grouping appointments by location to minimise travel time. Clear communication with participants about the changes and their impact on service delivery is essential. Providers should review their billing practices to ensure compliance with the new rules, itemising travel time separately from therapy time on invoices. Collaborating with local networks and exploring innovative service delivery models, such as telepractice and hub-and-spoke arrangements, can help providers maintain viability while meeting participant needs. Our article on [Navigating the NDIS 2024 Group-Based Support Pricing Changes](/posts/navigating-the-ndis-2024-group-based-support-pricing-changes-3b669429) offers insights into adapting to evolving pricing structures. ## Conclusion and Future Implications The NDIS travel pricing changes for therapy providers in 2025 present significant challenges and opportunities for the sector. While aiming to promote efficient service delivery and preserve participant budgets, the changes risk undermining access to essential supports, particularly in underserved areas. Therapy providers must adapt their practices and explore innovative solutions to maintain viability and continue meeting participant needs. Looking ahead, the NDIA has committed to publishing future Annual Pricing Reviews earlier to allow sector preparation. The [2024–25 APR changes, including the travel pricing adjustments](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements/making-pricing-decisions/annual-pricing-review), were announced in June 2025 for 1 July 2025 implementation. Providers should stay informed about upcoming reviews and engage in consultations to shape future pricing decisions. For a participant-focused summary of the changes, refer to [People with Disability Australia's guide](https://pwd.org.au/all-you-need-to-know-about-changes-to-ndis-pricing-and-claiming-from-1-july-2025/). By understanding the implications of the travel pricing changes and adapting proactively, therapy providers can continue to deliver high-quality, sustainable supports to NDIS participants in the years ahead. ## References 1. [Travel claiming rules, gap fees and other costs | NDIS](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10827-travel-claiming-rules-gap-fees-and-other-costs) 2. [Annual pricing review | NDIS](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements/making-pricing-decisions/annual-pricing-review) 3. [Knives out on costs: NDIS prices slashed | The Australian](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/knives-out-on-costs-ndis-prices-slashed/news-story/ac3f86fc35f918663d7e5985034293d3) 4. [Breaking NDIS News: Annual Pricing Review Update – What It Means for Psychologists | AAPi](https://www.aapi.org.au/Web/About-AAPi/News/Articles/2025/Jun/NDISAnnualPricingReviewUpdate_WhatItMeansForPsychologists.aspx) 5. [Healthcare providers warn some regional services will be 'unviable' | ABC News](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-24/ndia-pricing-review-changes-to-travel-costs-to-impact-ndis/105425560) 6. [The latest NDIS price changes! How does it affect you? | Plan Hero](https://planhero.com.au/ndis-price-changes-2025/) 7. [People with Disability Australia](https://pwd.org.au/all-you-need-to-know-about-changes-to-ndis-pricing-and-claiming-from-1-july-2025/)

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Understanding NDIS Travel Pricing Changes for Therapy Providers in 2025

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Understanding NDIS Travel Pricing Changes for Therapy Providers in 2025