In New South Wales, claimants seeking compensation for travel and accommodation costs under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme must provide clear evidence of necessity and expense. This is particularly important for regional NSW residents, where travel for treatment may be more frequent or costly. The following explains what records to keep, how to document expenses, and what happens if evidence is incomplete.
What Costs Are Covered Under NSW CTP Claims?
Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, claimants may claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses if they are necessary for treatment or recovery. This includes:
- Travel to and from medical appointments, rehabilitation, or therapy
- Overnight stays at hotels or motels for treatment
- Transport costs for dependants accompanying the claimant
- Expenses for essential travel due to injury-related mobility issues
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) and SIRA assess whether these costs are 'reasonable' and 'necessary' under the scheme's rules.
Evidence Required to Support Travel and Accommodation Claims
To prove your claim, you must keep detailed records, including:
- Medical records confirming the need for travel (e.g., appointment letters, treatment plans)
- Receipts or invoices for travel expenses (e.g., taxi fares, train tickets, hotel bills)
- Transport logs showing frequency and purpose of travel (e.g., daily visits to a regional physiotherapist)
- Witness statements or photographs of damaged vehicles or accident scenes in regional areas
- Income records to demonstrate financial impact of travel restrictions
In regional NSW, additional documentation may be needed to prove that travel was unavoidable due to limited local services. For example, a claimant may need to show that a specialist in Sydney was the only option for treatment.
How to Document Travel and Accommodation Expenses
Claimants should:
- Keep all receipts for travel and accommodation, including digital copies
- Maintain a travel diary noting dates, destinations, and reasons for each trip
- Request formal documentation from healthcare providers confirming treatment needs
- Photograph any damage to vehicles or property in regional areas to support claims
- Submit evidence promptly to avoid issues with SIRA's 52-week statutory benefit period
For example, a claimant in Dubbo needing overnight stays in Sydney for specialist treatment would need to provide:
- A letter from their doctor confirming the necessity of the trip
- Hotel receipts for the stay
- Transport records showing travel dates
- Evidence of alternative local treatment options being unavailable
What Happens if Evidence Is Incomplete or Missing?
If SIRA or NCAT finds that evidence is insufficient, claims may be reduced or denied. Incomplete records can also affect the calculation of weekly benefits or treatment and care payments. Claimants should:
- Review SIRA's guidelines on what constitutes 'reasonable' expenses
- Seek clarification from their insurer or legal advisor if unsure about documentation needs
- Submit additional evidence if new information becomes available after the initial claim
When to Seek Legal Advice
Claimants in regional NSW should consider consulting a solicitor if:
- Their travel needs are complex or ongoing
- They face disputes over the reasonableness of expenses
- They need help navigating SIRA's assessment process
- They have overlapping claims with workers' compensation or other schemes
Time limits and procedural requirements may apply. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.