What travel and accommodation costs are covered in NSW CTP claims?
Under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, claimants may claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses related to medical treatment for injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident. These costs are covered as part of the 'treatment and care benefits' outlined in the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. Examples include:
- Transport to and from medical appointments (e.g., taxi fares, bus tickets)
- Overnight stays at a hotel or accommodation if treatment requires overnight attendance
- Travel costs for family members accompanying the injured person to appointments
The NSW government's SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) confirms that these expenses must be 'reasonably necessary' and directly related to treatment. For instance, if a claimant needs to travel 200km for a specialist appointment, the cost of a train ticket or taxi fare would typically be covered.
How to document travel and accommodation expenses for CTP claims?
To support a claim for travel and accommodation costs, claimants should:
- Keep receipts and records: Retain all invoices, receipts, and tickets for travel and accommodation. For example, a hotel receipt showing the date of stay and cost is essential.
- Provide medical evidence: A doctor's note confirming the necessity of travel for treatment (e.g., 'You must attend this appointment in Sydney due to specialist equipment not available locally') strengthens the claim.
- Record the connection to treatment: Clearly link each expense to a specific medical appointment or treatment. For example, a taxi ride to a physiotherapy session should be documented with the date and reason.
Claimants should also note that expenses must be 'reasonable', unusual or excessive costs may not be covered. For example, a first-class train ticket for a routine check-up may not be approved.
Are there limitations on claiming travel and accommodation costs in NSW?
Yes, there are specific legal boundaries:
- Threshold injuries: If the injury is classified as a 'threshold injury' (e.g., soft tissue injury without lasting impairment), weekly benefits and treatment benefits are generally limited to 52 weeks. However, travel and accommodation costs for treatment may still be claimed beyond this period, provided they are necessary.
- Time limits: Claimants must notify their insurer within 12 months of the accident. Delays may affect the ability to claim certain expenses, especially if medical records are unavailable.
- No fault claims: CTP claims are based on the accident, not fault. This means claimants do not need to prove another party was at fault to claim travel and accommodation costs.
Practical example of a NSW CTP travel and accommodation claim
A claimant involved in a car accident in Sydney needs to travel to a specialist in Brisbane for a MRI scan. The following expenses would typically be covered:
- A train ticket from Sydney to Brisbane (if the scan is at a facility requiring overnight stay)
- Hotel accommodation for two nights (if the scan requires overnight attendance)
- Taxi fare from the hotel to the hospital
However, if the claimant chooses to travel by private jet, the cost may be denied as it exceeds what is 'reasonably necessary'.
When to seek legal advice for travel and accommodation claims
Claimants should consult a solicitor if:
- They are unsure whether an expense qualifies as 'reasonably necessary'
- Their insurer denies a claim without explanation
- They need help documenting expenses for a complex case
Legal professionals can also assist with disputes over claim value or time limits. For example, if an insurer refuses to cover a hotel stay, a solicitor can review the claim and challenge the decision.
Next steps for claimants
If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident and need to claim travel or accommodation costs, start by gathering all relevant documents. Then, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form to request contact about your circumstances. Every claim depends on its own facts, and the NSW CTP scheme has specific rules that may affect your entitlement.