What travel and accommodation costs are covered under NSW CTP claims?
In New South Wales, the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme covers travel and accommodation expenses for injured claimants, but only if these costs are directly related to medical treatment. Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA), you may claim:
- Travel costs for attending medical appointments, including public transport fares, taxi receipts, and carer assistance where necessary.
- Accommodation costs for overnight stays required by medical treatment, such as hospital stays or specialist consultations.
These expenses must be incurred as a direct consequence of the motor accident. For example, if you need to travel to a specialist clinic for treatment, the cost of a taxi or train ticket may be recoverable. However, travel for non-medical purposes, such as shopping or leisure, is not covered.
How to claim travel and accommodation costs with your CTP claim
To claim these expenses, you must:
- Document all costs with receipts, invoices, or written records. For example, keep taxi receipts, train tickets, and hospital accommodation bills.
- Link expenses to medical treatment. Your doctor or treating clinician must confirm that the travel or accommodation was necessary for your care.
- Submit claims through your insurer. CTP insurers, such as SIRA or private providers, typically handle claims for travel and accommodation as part of the broader motor accident claim.
If you’re unsure whether your expenses qualify, contact your insurer’s claims team or seek advice from a legal professional.
Time limits and dispute options
CTP claims in NSW have strict time limits. Generally, you must submit a claim within three years of the accident date. However, some claims, such as those involving long-term treatment, may have extended deadlines. Always check with your insurer for specific timeframes.
If your claim is denied, you can:
- Request a review by your insurer.
- Lodge a complaint with SIRA if the insurer fails to respond.
- Seek legal advice if disputes escalate.
Example: When are travel costs covered?
Consider a scenario where a cyclist sustains a back injury in a car accident. The cyclist needs to travel to a physiotherapy clinic twice weekly for six weeks. The cost of two taxi rides to the clinic would be recoverable under CTP, as the travel is directly tied to medical treatment. However, if the cyclist chooses to travel by car for convenience, the cost of that trip would not be covered.
When to seek legal advice
Speak to a legal professional if:
- Your insurer denies your claim without explanation.
- You’re unsure whether your expenses qualify.
- You need help navigating the claims process.
Next steps
CTP travel and accommodation claims depend on the specific facts of your case. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.