Overview
This guide outlines the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding considerations regarding Drugs and Pharmaceuticals. It helps participants, families, and providers understand what is and isn’t covered under the NDIS in line with relevant operational guidelines.
1. Drugs
What is Covered?
- The NDIS does not fund drugs or substances that are not directly related to managing the functional impact of a participant's disability.
What is Not Funded?
The following drug-related items are explicitly not covered by the NDIS:
- ❌ Alcohol
- ❌ Cigarettes, vapes, and smoking paraphernalia (including legal cannabis products)
- ❌ Alternative or complementary medicine not related to disability support needs
The NDIS also will not fund:
- ❌ Any drugs or substances that contravene Commonwealth, State, or Territory laws (i.e., illegal drugs).
Related NDIS Operational Guidelines:
- Supports that involve illegal activities or are against Australian law are not funded by the NDIS.
- Refer to: Supports funded and not funded by the NDIS
2. Pharmaceuticals
What is Covered?
- Pharmaceuticals are generally considered a mainstream health responsibility in Australia. This means they are not covered by the NDIS because they fall under the responsibility of the public health system or Medicare.
What is Not Funded?
The NDIS does not fund:
- ❌ Prescription medicines, such as, Ritalin, CBD, cannabis oil
- ❌ Non-prescription medicines, such as, Panadol, Neurofen
- ❌ Biological medicines
- ❌ Vaccines
- ❌ Sunscreens
- ❌ Weight loss products or supplements
- ❌ Vitamins, sports or athletic supplements
- ❌ Homeopathic remedies
These items are considered day-to-day health costs or treatments that would be incurred by anyone, regardless of disability, and are therefore outside the scope of NDIS funding.
Important Note:
- Dietary supplements are only considered if they are prescribed or recommended as part of managing a disability-related need, and must meet NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria.
Related NDIS Operational Guidelines:
- The NDIS does not replace the health system; pharmaceuticals remain a health system responsibility. See more:
Key Takeaways:
- NDIS funding focuses on supports that address the functional impact of disability, not general health costs.
- Pharmaceuticals and drugs fall under the healthcare system and are not funded by NDIS, unless directly tied to disability management and not already covered elsewhere.
- Unlawful goods, services, or any items against Australian law are strictly excluded from NDIS funding.