Overview
If your NDIS-funded therapy session takes place in a location that charges a fee—like a swimming pool for hydrotherapy, it’s important to know who is responsible for paying that fee.
Under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Operational Guidelines, the therapist or provider is responsible for covering the cost of using the facility as part of delivering your therapy session, not the participant.
Who Pays the Activity Fee?
The NDIS does not separately fund the cost of activity fees—such as pool entry, gym access, or equipment hire—when they are part of delivering a therapeutic support.
If a therapist needs to use a pool or another venue to deliver their service (e.g. hydrotherapy), the entry fee is considered part of the provider’s cost of delivering the service. These costs are factored into the hourly rate that the provider charges for therapy.
🧾 Participants should not be charged separately for these fees.
NDIS Guidance on Activity Costs
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (2025–26) state:
“Providers are expected to incorporate the cost of activities required to deliver a support (e.g., entry fees to a swimming pool for hydrotherapy) within the price limit for that support.”
🔗 NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2025–26 – Section 10.4
This applies to all therapy supports, including:
Hydrotherapy
Gym-based therapy
Equine therapy
Group therapy sessions in community settings
What This Means for You
You should not be asked to pay out-of-pocket for your therapist’s pool entry or other activity fees.
If a provider asks you to cover these fees, you can refer them to the NDIS Pricing Rules or contact your Plan Manager for support.
What Providers Should Do
Therapy providers should:
Include all costs (such as venue access) in the hourly rate they charge through your NDIS plan
Avoid invoicing participants directly for any additional activity-related charges
Ensure invoices clearly state the support item and duration in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements
Still Unsure?
If you have questions about what is or isn’t claimable through your NDIS plan, or if you’ve been asked to pay an activity fee for therapy, contact your Plan Manager. We’re here to support you and help ensure your plan is used in line with NDIS guidelines.
✅ Key Takeaway:
Therapists are responsible for paying any activity fees (like pool entry) required to deliver therapy. Participants should not be charged separately for these costs.