Understanding CTP Travel and Accommodation Claims in NSW
If you were injured in a motor accident in Greater Sydney and needed to travel for medical treatment or stay overnight away from home, you may be entitled to claim travel and accommodation expenses under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. These claims are governed by the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA). To be successful, you must provide clear and detailed evidence that supports the cost, necessity and reasonableness of each travel and accommodation expense.
What Types of Evidence Are Required?
SIRA requires claimants to maintain original records that demonstrate the travel and accommodation costs were incurred as a direct result of medical treatment following a motor accident. The following evidence is typically required:
- Original receipts or invoices for travel (e.g. train, bus, taxi, ride-share, or private vehicle travel costs)
- Original receipts or invoices for accommodation (e.g. hotel, motel, or boarding house stays)
- A written medical certificate or treatment plan from your medical practitioner confirming the need for travel to a specialist or treatment facility
- A diary or log recording the date, time, destination, and purpose of each travel journey
- Evidence of the distance travelled and mode of transport used, particularly if claiming for private vehicle use (e.g. log of kilometres, fuel cost, or vehicle depreciation)
These records must be kept for the duration of the claim and may be requested by the insurer or SIRA at any time during the claims process.
How to Document Travel and Accommodation in Greater Sydney
In Greater Sydney, travel for medical treatment may include journeys to specialist clinics, rehabilitation centres, or hospitals located outside your local area. Accommodation may be necessary if treatment requires a stay away from home, such as for inpatient therapy, a specialist consultation requiring overnight observation, or a multi-day rehabilitation program.
To ensure your claim is supported, you should:
- Keep all original paper or digital copies of receipts and invoices
- Use a travel log to record each journey, including the date, departure and arrival times, destination, and reason for travel
- If using a private vehicle, keep a daily log of kilometres driven, fuel costs, and any tolls or parking fees
- For ride-share or taxi travel, retain the digital booking confirmation and payment receipt
- If staying in a hotel or motel, keep the full invoice showing the dates of stay, total cost, and payment method
SIRA considers travel and accommodation claims reasonable only when they are necessary, directly related to medical treatment, and not excessive. Claims for travel to a specialist in Sydney’s central business district, for example, may be challenged if the treatment could have been accessed locally.
Time Limits and Procedural Requirements
There is no fixed deadline for submitting travel and accommodation claims under the CTP scheme, but it is important to notify your insurer as soon as possible after incurring the expense. Delays in reporting may result in a claim being disputed or denied, particularly if the insurer cannot verify the timing or purpose of the travel.
If you are receiving weekly income payments or treatment and care benefits, you must report any travel or accommodation expenses that may affect your entitlements. Failure to report may result in an overpayment, which must be repaid.
Common Reasons for Claim Disputes
Claims for travel and accommodation are often disputed when:
- The travel was not medically necessary or not supported by a medical certificate
- The accommodation was not required for treatment (e.g. a stay for a non-medical reason)
- The cost was not reasonable or was significantly higher than standard rates for the area
- The claimant failed to keep original records or provided only copies
SIRA has previously rejected claims where travel was made for non-medical reasons, such as attending a family event, or where accommodation was booked for a longer period than medically justified.
When to Seek Independent Advice
If you are unsure whether a travel or accommodation expense qualifies for CTP compensation, or if your claim has been denied, it is advisable to seek independent advice. You may contact SIRA directly to discuss your claim, or consult a legal practitioner experienced in motor accident injury law.
A hypothetical example: A person injured in a car accident in North Sydney needed to travel to a specialist spinal clinic in the Eastern Suburbs for treatment. They stayed overnight in a hotel near the clinic for two nights. The claimant provided a medical certificate confirming the need for specialist care, original hotel invoices, and a travel log showing daily travel by taxi. The claim was approved because the evidence clearly demonstrated necessity, reasonableness, and direct connection to medical treatment.
Next Steps
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.