Travel and Accommodation Costs for Caregivers in NSW CTP Claims
Where a person's only injuries resulting from the accident are threshold injuries, weekly benefits and treatment and care generally cease after 52 weeks (ss 3.11 and 3.28).
If you're a caregiver in regional NSW supporting a person with a motor accident injury, you may be eligible for travel and accommodation costs covered under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. The scheme allows for reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred to attend medical appointments, therapy sessions, or other treatment-related activities. However, the process differs for regional claimants due to longer travel distances and limited local services.
What Travel and Accommodation Costs Are Covered?
Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, the CTP scheme covers:
- Medical travel costs - including fuel, tolls, and public transport fares for attending medical appointments.
- Overnight stays - if overnight accommodation is medically necessary for treatment.
- Caregiver travel - expenses incurred by a caregiver to accompany the injured person to appointments.
SIRA guidelines specify that costs must be 'reasonable' and directly related to treatment. For example, a caregiver traveling from a regional town to a specialist in Sydney for a required MRI scan would be eligible for reimbursement.
Proving Caregiver-Related Travel Costs in Regional NSW
Regional claimants must document travel costs carefully. Key evidence includes:
- Medical records - showing the necessity of travel (e.g., specialist appointments not available locally).
- Receipts and invoices - for fuel, transport, or accommodation.
- Journey logs - detailing travel dates, distances, and purposes.
- Witness statements - from healthcare providers confirming the need for travel.
In regional areas, longer travel times may be considered 'reasonable' even if they exceed metropolitan norms. However, claims must still align with SIRA's 'reasonableness' standard.
Key Differences for Regional Families
Managing travel/accommodation claims in regional NSW differs from metropolitan areas in three ways:
- Limited local services - In some regional areas, specialist care may require travel to larger centres, increasing eligible costs.
- Transportation challenges - Rural areas may lack public transport, requiring alternative travel documentation.
- Medical necessity - Doctors may more frequently recommend out-of-area treatment due to limited local resources.
For example, a caregiver in Dubbo needing to travel to Bathurst for a specialist appointment would need to demonstrate that the Bathurst facility provides essential treatment not available in Dubbo.
Time Limits and Dispute Resolution
CTP claims must be submitted within the statute of limitations, typically 3 years from the accident date (s 5.1 of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017). Travel/accommodation claims must also be submitted within 52 weeks of the injury if they relate to 'threshold injuries' (s 4.4). If a claim is disputed, SIRA's review process allows for reconsideration of cost assessments.
When to Seek Legal Advice
Consult a solicitor if:
- You're unsure whether your travel costs meet the 'reasonableness' test.
- Your claim is being rejected despite clear documentation.
- You need help navigating SIRA's review process.
Next Steps
CTP entitlements depend on the accident date, injury type, and claim history. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.