What Travel and Accommodation Expenses Are Covered Under NSW CTP Claims?
If you were injured in a motor accident in New South Wales and need to travel for medical treatment, you may be able to claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses through your Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. This includes costs for public transport, taxis, or private vehicle travel to and from medical appointments, as well as reasonable overnight accommodation if treatment requires you to stay away from home. These claims are governed by the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA). The coverage applies regardless of who was at fault in the accident, as long as the travel is directly related to treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
What Types of Travel and Accommodation Costs Are Reasonable?
SIRA guidelines state that only reasonable and necessary travel and accommodation expenses are claimable. Reasonable travel costs include fares for buses, trains, taxis, or private vehicle use (with a reasonable rate for fuel and wear and tear). You may claim for a return journey to and from medical appointments, including those that occur outside your local area. For accommodation, you may claim for a single night’s stay if the treatment is not accessible within a reasonable travel time from your home. This is typically assessed based on the distance to the treatment provider and the availability of alternative transport options.
You cannot claim for travel that is not directly related to medical treatment, such as travel for social visits, shopping, or non-essential travel. The cost must be directly linked to a treatment plan approved under your CTP claim. For example, if you need to travel to a specialist in Sydney for a follow-up appointment after a back injury, and the journey takes over two hours by public transport, a reasonable taxi fare or private vehicle cost may be claimable.
How to Claim Travel and Accommodation Costs
To claim travel and accommodation expenses, you must provide documentation that supports the cost, date, and purpose of each journey. This includes original receipts, invoices, or a detailed log of travel and accommodation. For private vehicle travel, you must calculate the cost using the current SIRA-recommended rate for vehicle use, which includes a rate for fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. The rate is updated annually and is published on the SIRA website.
You must notify your CTP insurer as soon as possible after incurring the expense. Claims must be made within a reasonable time after the travel or accommodation was used. While there is no fixed deadline in the Act for submitting travel and accommodation claims, delays may affect the insurer’s ability to verify the claim. It is best to submit claims promptly and keep all records for at least five years.
What Documentation Is Required?
To support your claim, you must provide:
- Original receipts for taxi fares, public transport tickets, or accommodation bookings
- A dated travel log listing the date, destination, purpose, and mode of transport
- For private vehicle travel, a calculation using the current SIRA vehicle cost rate
- A medical certificate or treatment plan from your medical practitioner confirming the need for travel to the treatment provider
SIRA advises that claims will not be approved if the documentation is incomplete, inconsistent, or lacks a clear link to medical treatment. For example, a hotel receipt without a corresponding medical appointment note may not be accepted. Claims for travel to a specialist in Sydney from a regional area may be more readily approved if supported by a letter from your treating doctor explaining why the specialist is necessary.
Limits on What You Can Claim
There are limits on the amount you can claim for travel and accommodation. SIRA sets a maximum daily rate for accommodation, which is reviewed annually and published on its website. This rate is intended to cover a standard single room in a modest hotel or boarding house. Claims for luxury accommodation, such as five-star hotels or private villas, are not considered reasonable and will not be approved.
For travel, the cost must be the most economical option available. For example, if a train ticket is available and cheaper than a taxi, the train fare will be the maximum allowable cost. You cannot claim for travel by private plane or helicopter unless it is medically necessary and approved in advance by your CTP insurer.
How SIRA Determines Reasonableness
SIRA uses a standard of reasonableness to assess travel and accommodation claims. This means the cost must be appropriate in relation to the journey, the purpose, and the available options. The assessment considers factors such as distance, travel time, mode of transport, and whether alternative arrangements were available.
A reasonable travel cost is not necessarily the cheapest option, but it must not be excessive. For example, a return taxi fare from the Northern Beaches to a specialist in the city may be reasonable if public transport is not viable due to the nature and severity of your injury. However, if you could have used public transport with a reasonable transfer time, the insurer may only cover the cost of that option.
When to Seek Advice
If your claim for travel and accommodation is denied, you may request a review from your CTP insurer. If the dispute remains unresolved, you can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a determination. You may also seek advice from a legal practitioner or a community legal centre to help you understand your rights and prepare a submission.
A common issue arises when travel is required for treatment that is not immediately available in your local area. In such cases, a letter from your treating doctor explaining the medical necessity and the delay in access to care can strengthen your claim.
Hypothetical Example
A person injured in a car accident in Bondi needs to travel to a specialist in Westmead for ongoing physiotherapy. The nearest public transport option takes over three hours each way, and they are unable to walk more than 50 metres without pain. The treating doctor confirms that travel is necessary for recovery. The claimant submits a log of travel, taxi receipts, and a medical certificate. SIRA would assess whether the taxi fare was reasonable given the travel time and medical need. If approved, the claim would cover the cost of the return journey and one night’s accommodation if the treatment was scheduled for a full day.
Next Steps
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.