What Travel and Accommodation Costs Are Covered Under NSW CTP Insurance
In New South Wales, travel and accommodation expenses may be reimbursed under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme if they are directly related to receiving medical treatment following a motor accident. This includes reasonable costs for transport to and from medical appointments and overnight stays when treatment is not available within a reasonable distance from the claimant’s home. The Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA) and the Motor Accident Injuries Regulation 2017 set the legal framework for these claims, and insurers must assess them in accordance with guidance issued by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA).
How Insurers Assess Reasonableness and Necessity
Insurers assess whether travel and accommodation costs are reimbursable by examining three core criteria: necessity, reasonableness and proportionality. The travel must be necessary for treatment that is medically required and not optional. The accommodation must be needed due to distance, timing of appointments, or medical instability that prevents safe travel. The cost must be proportionate to the claimant’s circumstances and the nature of the treatment.
For example, a claim for a hotel stay in Greater Sydney may be approved if the claimant lives in a remote suburb and must travel more than 30 kilometres to access specialist care. However, a claim for a premium hotel stay may be rejected if a lower-cost option was available and equally convenient. Insurers compare travel modes, such as private vehicle, ride-share, or public transport, and may require evidence that the chosen option was the most practical and cost-effective.
Evidence Required to Support a Claim
To establish entitlement, claimants must provide documentary evidence that demonstrates the necessity and reasonableness of the expenses. This includes:
- A medical report from a treating practitioner confirming that the treatment was not available within a reasonable travel time from the claimant’s residence.
- A treatment plan or appointment schedule showing the frequency and location of medical visits.
- Receipts for all travel and accommodation costs, including public transport tickets, fuel logs, ride-share invoices, hotel bills, or booking confirmations.
- A written statement from the claimant explaining the travel route, duration, and reason for the stay, particularly if the treatment required multiple daily visits.
In Greater Sydney, where public transport is widely available, insurers may scrutinise claims involving private vehicle travel more closely. They may assess whether a claimant could have used a lower-cost alternative, such as a train, bus, or ride-share service, and whether the chosen travel mode was the most appropriate under the circumstances.
Dispute Resolution and Time Limits
There is no fixed deadline for lodging a claim for travel and accommodation costs under the CTP scheme. However, it is advisable to submit claims as soon as possible after incurring the expense to ensure evidence remains available and to avoid delays in processing.
If an insurer refuses to pay or only partially approves a claim, the claimant may request a review through the insurer’s internal dispute resolution process. If the dispute remains unresolved, the claimant may apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a determination. NCAT has jurisdiction under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 to review CTP claims, including travel and accommodation expenses.
When Independent Advice May Be Useful
Travel and accommodation claims can be complex, particularly in major urban areas like Greater Sydney, where transport options, costs and access to treatment vary significantly. Insurers may apply different standards depending on the claimant’s location, mode of travel, and the nature of the medical treatment. If a claim is denied or only partially approved, or if the claimant is uncertain whether their expenses qualify, seeking independent advice from a legal or claims professional familiar with CTP law in NSW may help clarify entitlements and strengthen the evidence.
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.