What travel and accommodation expenses are covered under NSW CTP claims?
Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, a person who suffers injury in a motor accident in New South Wales may claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred to access medical treatment. These expenses are not automatically payable and must be directly linked to treatment for injuries arising from the accident. Covered travel costs include public transport fares, fuel and vehicle wear and tear, and reasonable taxi or ride-share expenses. Accommodation expenses may be reimbursed if the treatment location is more than 50 kilometres from the claimant’s home, and overnight stays are necessary for medical care. The claimant must demonstrate that the travel was not for convenience, and that the accommodation was necessary and reasonable in cost and duration.
Common mistakes people make when claiming travel and accommodation costs
A frequent error is claiming for travel that was not primarily for medical treatment. For example, travel to a specialist appointment that was not medically necessary or that occurred after recovery had been achieved may not be reimbursable. Another common mistake is failing to keep accurate records of travel and accommodation. Claimants often submit claims based on memory or incomplete documentation, which can result in rejection. Some claimants assume that all travel to medical appointments is covered, but the law requires that the travel be reasonable and directly related to injury treatment. It is also a mistake to claim for travel to a treatment provider who is not a registered medical practitioner or who does not have a treatment plan approved under the CTP scheme.
How to properly document travel and accommodation expenses
To support a claim, claimants must retain original receipts or detailed records for all travel and accommodation costs. This includes dated and itemised invoices for fuel, public transport tickets, taxi fares, and accommodation. For accommodation, a receipt showing the date, cost, and location is essential. If using a private vehicle, a log of travel dates, distances, and purpose is required. Claimants should also keep a record of the medical treatment plan, including the name and contact details of the treating practitioner, the date of the appointment, and the reason for travel. Where travel is for a specialist or rehabilitation service, a letter from the treating medical practitioner confirming the necessity of the travel may be required.
What SIRA guidance says about reimbursing travel and accommodation expenses
The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) provides clear guidance on what constitutes a reasonable travel and accommodation expense under the CTP scheme. SIRA confirms that travel must be necessary for treatment and not for personal convenience. The cost of accommodation must be reasonable and not exceed what a reasonable person would pay for a similar stay. SIRA also states that travel to a treatment provider located more than 50 kilometres from the claimant’s home may justify accommodation, but only if the travel time or distance makes returning the same day impractical. The claimant must not have made alternative arrangements that would have reduced the cost. SIRA does not cover travel for family members accompanying the claimant unless they are part of a formal care plan and their travel is directly related to treatment support.
Time limits and dispute options
There is no fixed deadline for claiming travel and accommodation expenses under the CTP scheme, but claims should be made as soon as possible after the expense is incurred. Delays may affect the ability to obtain evidence or receipts. If a claim is rejected, the claimant may request a review from the insurer. If the review is unsuccessful, the claimant may apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a determination. The claimant must provide all supporting evidence, including medical records, treatment plans, and documentation of expenses, to substantiate the claim.
When to seek independent advice
A claimant should seek independent legal advice if the insurer refuses to pay for travel or accommodation, if the claim is complex (such as travel to a specialist in another state), or if there is a dispute over the reasonableness of the cost. Legal advice can help ensure that all documentation meets the standards required under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and SIRA guidelines. It is also advisable to seek advice if the claimant has previously made claims under CTP, as prior claim history may affect eligibility for future travel and accommodation payments.
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