In New South Wales, the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme covers travel and accommodation costs for injured road users, but the amount depends on the reasonableness of the expenses. This article explains how SIRA assesses these costs, with practical examples from the Illawarra and South Coast regions. If you’ve incurred travel or overnight stays for medical treatment after a motor accident, understanding what’s covered, and how it’s calculated, is essential. Read on to learn how to claim these costs under NSW law.
What Travel and Accommodation Costs Are Covered Under NSW CTP?
Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, CTP claims cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs incurred for medical treatment. This includes:
- Travel costs: Expenses for getting to and from medical appointments, such as taxi fares, bus tickets, or car rental costs.
- Accommodation costs: Overnight stays at a hotel or other lodging if treatment requires overnight stays.
SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) assesses these costs based on the reasonableness of the expenses. For example, if you need to travel 50km for a specialist appointment, the cost of a taxi would be covered. However, if you choose a luxury hotel for an overnight stay, the claim may be reduced.
How SIRA Assesses Reasonableness of Travel and Accommodation Costs
SIRA uses the Motor Accident Guidelines to evaluate whether travel and accommodation costs are reasonable. Key factors include:
- Necessity: Were the costs essential for medical treatment? For example, if you need to travel to a specialist in Wollongong for a scan, the cost of a taxi is justified.
- Proportionality: Are the costs proportional to the distance and treatment required? If you live in Moss Vale and need to travel to Nowra for a procedure, the cost of a bus or train ticket would be considered.
- Documentation: You must provide receipts, invoices, or other evidence to support your claim.
In the Illawarra region, for instance, a claimant living in Moss Vale who needed to travel to Wollongong for a medical scan would have their taxi fare covered. However, if they chose a private hire vehicle for a shorter distance, SIRA might reduce the claim.
Practical Examples from Illawarra and South Coast
Example 1: Illawarra Region
A cyclist in Kiama suffered a soft-tissue injury and needed to travel to Nowra for a specialist appointment. The claimant used a taxi to cover the 25km distance. SIRA approved the taxi fare as reasonable, as it was necessary for medical treatment.
Example 2: South Coast Region
A pedestrian in Tathra required overnight hospital treatment after a motor accident. The claimant stayed at a local hotel for two nights. SIRA approved the accommodation costs, as the overnight stay was necessary for medical care.
These examples show how SIRA evaluates claims based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Time Limits and When to Seek Advice
You have 52 weeks from the date of the accident to claim travel and accommodation costs under the CTP scheme. After this period, weekly benefits are generally limited unless the injury meets the threshold for long-term impairment.
If you’re unsure whether your claim meets the criteria, it’s important to seek legal advice. A solicitor can help you understand how SIRA assesses your case and ensure you meet all requirements.
Next Steps
If you’ve incurred travel or accommodation costs for medical treatment after a motor accident, start by gathering all relevant evidence, such as receipts, medical records, and travel itineraries. Then, contact SIRA to submit your claim.
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.