What Travel and Accommodation Expenses 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).
Under NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, claimants may seek reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs related to medical treatment. The Personal Injury Commission (PIC) assesses whether these expenses are reasonable and necessary. For example, if a claimant needs to travel from Moss Vale to a specialist in Wollongong for treatment, the PIC will evaluate whether the journey is essential and the cost is justified.
How SIRA Determines Reasonable Costs in Disputes
SIRA’s guidelines state that travel expenses must be directly connected to medical treatment. This includes:
- Taxi or bus fares for essential journeys
- Overnight stays if treatment requires multiple days
- Public transport costs for daily travel to appointments
The PIC considers factors like distance, frequency of travel, and whether alternative transport was available. In regional areas like the Illawarra, longer distances may justify higher costs, but claimants must provide evidence such as:
- Receipts for transport
- Medical records showing treatment schedule
- Witness statements confirming travel necessity
Practical Steps to Prove Travel/Accommodation Expenses
Claimants should:
- Keep all receipts for transport, accommodation, and meals
- Document the reason for each journey (e.g., 'MRI scan at Wollongong Hospital')
- Provide proof of income to show financial impact
- Submit evidence to SIRA within 52 weeks of the accident (per Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 s 3.28)
In disputes, the PIC may request additional documentation. For instance, if a claimant claims overnight stays in Batemans Bay, they must prove that local facilities couldn't provide necessary treatment.
Regional Factors Affecting Cost Disputes
Illawarra and South Coast claimants may face unique challenges. Longer travel distances and limited public transport options can increase costs, but the PIC will scrutinise whether these are unavoidable. A claimant in Kiama might need to travel further than someone in Sydney, but the PIC will compare the journey to standard regional transport routes.
When to Seek Legal Advice
Disputes over travel costs often require expert review. If SIRA rejects a claim, claimants may:
- Request a review by the PIC
- Seek independent medical opinions
- Consult a solicitor to challenge the PIC's decision
The PIC's internal review process typically takes 28 days, but complex cases may take longer. Claimants should note that disputes don't guarantee a changed decision, the PIC will assess whether the original assessment was incorrect.
Next Steps
CTP claims involving travel and accommodation costs depend on factual evidence and regional context. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.