Travel opens a world of possibilities and it is where joy meets discovery. But for NDIS participants, the idea of travel can feel overwhelming. Planning, accessibility, funding and finding the right support add layers of complexity. At Care Squared, we understand these challenges and we believe that travel should be as inclusive as it is exciting.
With careful preparation, professional support and knowledge of the NDIS system, you can enjoy smooth and memorable travel experiences tailored to your needs. This guide is here to walk you through everything starting from navigating your plan to involving your support network and allied health professionals. Let’s make travel enjoyable, accessible and truly yours.
Understanding What the NDIS Can and Cannot Fund
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is designed to support individuals with disabilities in living fuller, more independent lives, including while traveling. However, understanding what is covered can prevent unnecessary stress.
NDIS will not fund:
- Flights, accommodation, food and entertainment
- General travel costs unrelated to your disability
But it can fund:
- Support workers to assist you during travel
- Assistive technology (AT) to help with mobility or communication
- Therapy sessions relevant to your travel goals
- Transport assistance, if linked to your NDIS plan
As of July 1, 2025, travel claiming rules have been refined to increase transparency. Providers, including NDIS occupational therapists and support workers, can now claim up to half of their hourly rate for travel time, with clear caps on distance and costs.
If you live in rural or remote regions, it is crucial to keep in mind that recent travel funding reductions may impact the availability or cost of NDIS support staff. Staying in regular contact with your provider or plan manager can help you stay ahead of any potential service gaps.
Planning Your Accessible Journey
Traveling with the right support starts long before your bags are packed. It begins with aligning your trip with the goals outlined in your NDIS plan. These might include “improving social participation,” “increasing independence,” or “building confidence through community involvement.”
Here’s how to get started:
- Talk with Your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator
These professionals are your go-to for:
- Clarifying what your plan covers
- Booking providers and equipment
- Coordinating care while you’re away
They’ll help ensure everything aligns with your budget and NDIS goals.
- Choose Accessible Destinations
Look for destinations that offer:
- Wheelchair-accessible paths and public transport
- Inclusive tourist attractions
Accommodations with features like ramps, roll-in showers, and elevators
Consider popular inclusive travel spots like the Gold Coast, Sydney, and the Sunshine Coast, known for their accessible tourism infrastructure.
- Plan Your Transportation Early
Reach out to airlines, cruise lines, or buses in advance to request support services. This can include:
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating
- Luggage support
Public transportation often offers concession fares and accessibility options, but you may also want to explore NDIS-funded transport services or community transport options, depending on your plan.
The Role of Allied Health in Travel
Travel doesn’t mean putting your therapy or care on hold. It is actually an opportunity to extend it.
NDIS Allied Health Support on the Road
Allied health professionals like physiotherapists, speech pathologists, and NDIS occupational therapists can support you in continuing your development goals during travel. Whether through virtual sessions or coordination with local providers at your destination, continuity is key.
At Care Squared, we emphasize the integration of allied health and therapy services with life goals, including travel. If your journey is aligned with a goal in your plan, these services can likely be delivered during your trip.
If you plan to travel with a therapist or support worker:
Their travel time can be claimed under the new hourly rate cap. Additional expenses like fuel and parking may also be claimable, depending on your plan.
For greater flexibility, participants on self-managed or plan-managed funding may also engage non-registered providers for services like therapy or support work.
Helpful Tools & Tips for a Smooth Trip
When every detail matters, preparation is your best ally.
Create a Personalised Travel Checklist and include:
- Medications & scripts
- Disability documentation
- Contact info for providers
- NDIS plan and travel quotes
- Mobility aids and assistive tech
- Chargers and spare batteries
Bring duplicates of essentials and label equipment. Ensure mobility aids are travel-ready and won’t be damaged during transport.
Embrace Downtime
Travel can be exhausting. Schedule buffer days, downtime between activities and flexible meals. Listening to your body is part of making your trip enjoyable.
Use Digital Tools
- Travel planning apps with accessibility filters
- National Relay Service or accessible GPS tools
- Accommodation platforms with verified accessible reviews
Travel Insurance
Choose a plan that covers mobility equipment, medical emergencies, and cancellations. If you use interpreters or assistive tech, make sure these are considered in your policy.
Real-World Inspiration & Support
You are not alone. Many NDIS participants have found travel transformative.
People with disabilities have explored vibrant destinations from Melbourne’s wheelchair-accessible trams to Queensland’s inclusive beach pathways, proving that travel can be both accessible and soul-nourishing.
With support from NDIS allied health professionals, these journeys also become part of therapy like increasing mobility, expanding social confidence and building life skills.
Care Squared is proud to walk alongside you every step of the way offering planning advice, therapy continuity and access to compassionate NDIS occupational therapists who understand your unique needs.
Conclusion
Travel is more than just getting from A to B. It is about joy, freedom and connection. With the right planning, accessible locations, and the expert guidance of NDIS allied health professionals, NDIS participants can experience the richness of travel fully and comfortably.
At Care Squared, our mission is to support you with empathy, excellence and experience. Whether you need allied health and therapy services, help navigating your NDIS plan, or advice on making your next trip seamless, we are here for you.