What travel and accommodation costs are covered under 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).
Under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, injured people can claim travel and accommodation expenses directly related to medical treatment and recovery. This includes costs for travel to and from medical appointments, overnight stays for treatment, and transportation of essential medical equipment. The New South Wales Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and SIRA guidelines specify that these expenses must be incurred as a direct result of the motor accident and necessary for recovery.
How to document travel expenses for daily activity recovery under CTP laws?
To claim travel costs, you must provide evidence that the expense was necessary for medical treatment. This includes:
- Receipts for travel by car, taxi, bus or train
- Medical records confirming the need for travel to appointments
- Proof of distance travelled (e.g. maps, odometer readings)
- Documentation of any additional costs like tolls or fuel
For example, if you need to travel from Bathurst to a specialist in Sydney for treatment, you must show that this journey was essential for your recovery and not a convenience.
How does SIRA determine claimability of accommodation costs for rehabilitation?
SIRA guidelines state that accommodation costs are claimable only if:
- The overnight stay was necessary for medical treatment
- The accommodation was reasonably necessary and not excessive
- The cost was incurred as a direct result of the accident
Accommodation claims must be for stays that are essential to recovery, such as overnight stays at a rehabilitation facility or for treatment that cannot be completed in a single day. SIRA assesses whether the accommodation was reasonably necessary based on the nature of the treatment and the distance from the treatment location.
Practical steps for claiming travel and accommodation costs
- Notify the insurer immediately after the accident to start the claims process
- Keep all receipts for travel and accommodation expenses
- Obtain medical documentation confirming the necessity of travel and accommodation
- Submit claims through the insurer's claims portal or by post
- Request a review if your claim is denied, using SIRA's dispute resolution process
Time limits and when to seek advice
CTP claims must be submitted within 52 weeks of the accident date for most benefits. However, some claims may have longer time limits depending on the nature of the injury. If your claim is denied or you're unsure about your entitlements, seek legal advice promptly. SIRA provides a free claims assistance service for injured people to help with disputes.
Next steps for Bathurst residents
If you're recovering from a motor accident in Bathurst and need to travel for treatment, it's important to document all expenses carefully. While CTP covers essential travel and accommodation costs, the exact amount depends on your individual circumstances. For personalized advice on claiming these expenses, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.