What Travel and Accommodation Costs Are Covered Under NSW CTP Claims?
Where a person's only injuries resulting from the accident are threshold injuries, weekly benefits and treatment and care generally cease after 52 weeks (ss 3.11 and 3.28).
- In New South Wales, the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme covers specific travel and accommodation expenses for injured people following a motor accident. Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, you may claim costs related to medical treatment and overnight stays, but only if they are
- reasonably necessary* and
- directly related* to your injury. For example, travel costs for medical appointments and accommodation for overnight treatment are generally covered, but expenses for personal convenience or non-essential trips are not.
How Are Accommodation Costs Handled for Injured People in Ashfield?
- If your injury requires overnight medical treatment, you may claim accommodation costs for the nights you stay at a hospital or approved facility. This includes hotel stays, motels, or other lodging where you must reside due to the nature of your treatment. However, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) will assess whether the accommodation was
- reasonably necessary* and
- directly related* to your injury. For instance, if you need to stay overnight for a specialist consultation, this may qualify, but a weekend trip to a resort would not.
Can I Claim Travel Costs for Medical Appointments Under CTP?
Yes, but only for travel that is reasonably necessary to attend medical appointments or treatments. This includes costs for public transport, taxi fares, or car hire if your injury prevents you from driving. However, you must provide evidence that the travel was essential for your recovery. For example, if you need to travel 50km for a specialist MRI scan, the cost of a taxi or train ticket would be covered. Conversely, travel for non-urgent appointments or social visits is not eligible.
What Documentation Is Needed for CTP Travel and Accommodation Claims?
To support your claim, you must provide:
- Medical records confirming the necessity of travel or accommodation
- Receipts or invoices for travel and lodging expenses
- Evidence of the date and nature of your medical treatment
- Proof that the accommodation was required due to your injury
For example, if you stayed overnight at a hospital for a surgery, your claim would need to include the hospital’s admission records and a statement from your treating doctor explaining why overnight stay was necessary.
Time Limits and Disputes
You must notify your insurer of your claim within 52 weeks of the accident if your injuries are classified as threshold injuries (soft tissue injuries meeting specific medical criteria). If your claim involves more serious injuries, you have up to 10 years from the accident date to pursue compensation. If your insurer disputes your claim, you may need to apply to NCAT for a review. For instance, if your claim for travel costs is denied, NCAT will assess whether the expenses were reasonably necessary and directly related to your injury.
When to Seek Legal Advice
If your claim involves complex issues such as contributory fault, overlapping workers’ compensation claims, or disputes over the 52-week limit, it is advisable to seek legal advice. A solicitor can help you understand whether your circumstances fall within the CTP scheme’s coverage and ensure you meet all procedural requirements.
Final Steps
CTP entitlements depend on the date of your accident, the nature of your injuries, and the evidence you provide. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.