What changed to CTP travel and accommodation claims in NSW after 2017?
Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA), travel and accommodation costs for CTP claims in NSW now have stricter rules compared to the previous Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (MACA). Key changes include:
- Limited coverage for travel costs: You can claim travel expenses only for medical appointments or treatments directly related to your injury. Personal travel (e.g., visiting family) is not covered.
- Accommodation restrictions: Overnight stays are only reimbursed if they are medically necessary for treatment, not for convenience or personal reasons.
- 52-week limit for certain benefits: If your injuries are classified as 'threshold injuries' (minor soft tissue damage), weekly income payments and treatment benefits generally stop after 52 weeks, even if you still need travel assistance.
These changes apply to accidents occurring on or after 1 December 2017. Claims for older accidents are still governed by the MACA scheme.
How to claim travel and accommodation costs under NSW CTP laws
To claim travel and accommodation costs under the new scheme:
- Document your medical need: Keep records of all medical appointments, treatments, and correspondence with healthcare providers. This proves the necessity of travel or overnight stays.
- Keep receipts and records: Retain all receipts for travel (e.g., taxi fares, public transport tickets) and accommodation (e.g., hotel invoices). Digital records of bookings are also acceptable.
- Submit claims to the insurer: Contact the at-fault driver’s CTP insurer to request reimbursement. SIRA provides a claims form on its website (https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/claims/motor-accidents).
- Seek medical evidence: A doctor’s report confirming that your travel or accommodation was essential for treatment will strengthen your claim.
SIRA guidelines on travel and accommodation claims
SIRA’s guidelines clarify that:
- Travel costs are limited to medical necessity: You cannot claim travel expenses for non-essential trips, such as shopping or leisure activities.
- Accommodation must be for treatment: Overnight stays must be directly related to your medical care. For example, if you need surgery in a hospital 200km away, accommodation costs may be covered.
- No claim for incidental expenses: Costs like meals, laundry, or entertainment during overnight stays are not reimbursable.
SIRA’s website (https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/claims/motor-accidents/what-you-can-claim) provides a checklist of claimable items and examples of acceptable evidence.
When to seek legal advice
If your claim is denied or you’re unsure about your entitlements, consider consulting a solicitor. Common issues include:
- Disputes over the medical necessity of travel or accommodation
- Confusion about the 52-week limit for threshold injuries
- Claims involving pre-2017 accidents under the old MACA scheme
Legal advice can help you understand how the new rules apply to your specific circumstances.
Next steps
CTP travel and accommodation claims depend on the accident date, injury type, and evidence of medical necessity. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.