Travel and Accommodation Evidence for NSW CTP Claims
If you're claiming Compulsory Third Party (CTP) compensation in New South Wales after a motor accident, you may be entitled to cover travel and accommodation costs related to medical treatment. Under NSW law, you must provide evidence to support these claims. This article explains what records to keep, how to document travel expenses, and what to do if disputes arise.
NSW CTP Rules for Travel and Accommodation
NSW CTP claims are governed by the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and the Motor Accident Guidelines. These rules state that you can claim for:
- Travel costs to and from medical appointments, including public transport fares, taxi receipts, and car expenses.
- Accommodation costs for overnight stays required for treatment, such as hospital stays or specialist consultations.
To qualify, the travel and accommodation must be directly related to medical treatment. For example, if you need to travel to a specialist in Sydney for treatment after an accident in Armidale, you may be able to claim the cost of that trip.
Practical Steps to Document Travel and Accommodation
To support your claim, keep the following records:
- Medical records - Provide copies of your treatment plans, appointment schedules, and any documents showing the necessity of travel. For example, a doctor’s note stating you need to travel to a specialist for a scan.
- Receipts and invoices - Save all receipts for travel (taxis, buses, trains) and accommodation (hotel stays, Airbnb bookings). Digital copies are acceptable if you can verify their authenticity.
- Travel logs - Keep a record of dates, destinations, and reasons for each trip. For example, a log stating you traveled to Newcastle on 10 May 2025 for a MRI scan.
- Correspondence with insurers - Save emails or letters from the at-fault driver’s insurer confirming your claim and any requests for evidence.
Example: Documenting a Claim for Overnight Treatment
Imagine you had a car accident in Armidale and required overnight hospital treatment in Sydney. You would need to provide:
- A hospital discharge summary confirming the overnight stay.
- Taxi receipts for the trip to and from the hospital.
- A doctor’s note explaining why the treatment required overnight care.
This evidence would help prove the necessity of your travel and accommodation costs.
Time Limits and Disputes
NSW CTP claims must be submitted within five years of the accident. However, some benefits, like weekly income payments, have stricter deadlines. If your claim is disputed, you may need to:
- Request a review from the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
- Seek mediation through the Motor Accident Claims Service (SIRA).
If your claim involves threshold injuries (soft tissue injuries with no whole-person impairment), the 52-week statutory benefit period may apply. After this time, you may need to pursue a common law damages claim separately.
When to Seek Legal Advice
If you’re unsure whether your travel or accommodation costs qualify, or if your claim is being denied, contact a solicitor. They can help you:
- Identify all eligible expenses.
- Challenge a refusal of your claim.
- Navigate disputes with insurers.
Next Steps
CTP claims depend on the specific facts of your case. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.