What Travel and Accommodation Costs Are Covered Under NSW CTP Claims
If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Albury and need to travel for medical treatment, you may be eligible for travel and accommodation costs under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) administers these claims and outlines what expenses are covered. This article explains how SIRA assesses these costs, what evidence you’ll need, and steps to take.
What Expenses Are Covered?
Under the NSW CTP scheme, you may claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred to attend medical appointments or treatment related to your injury. This includes:
- Travel costs: Public transport fares, taxi or ride-share expenses, and car travel costs (e.g., fuel, tolls) if you have no other transport option.
- Accommodation costs: Overnight stays at a hotel or other lodging if your treatment requires overnight travel and you have no alternative accommodation.
- Special circumstances: SIRA may cover additional costs if your injury prevents you from using public transport (e.g., wheelchair access requirements) or if you need to travel for specialist care.
SIRA’s guidelines state that these costs must be 'reasonably necessary' and directly related to your treatment. For example, if you need to travel 50km for a specialist appointment, the cost of a taxi or train ticket would be covered. However, routine travel to a local clinic would not qualify.
How SIRA Assesses Eligibility in Albury
SIRA applies the same rules to all NSW locations, including Albury. To determine eligibility, SIRA considers:
- Medical necessity: Your treating doctor must confirm that the travel or accommodation is required for your treatment.
- Reasonable necessity: The cost must be the most practical option available. For example, if a taxi is cheaper than a train for your specific circumstances, the taxi cost would be covered.
- No alternative transport: If you have no other way to travel (e.g., due to a physical injury), the cost of a taxi or wheelchair-accessible transport may be approved.
A key consideration is that SIRA does not cover 'convenience' travel. For instance, if you need to travel to a specialist in Sydney but could have received treatment in Albury, the claim may be denied unless the specialist is the only option.
Evidence Required to Claim Travel and Accommodation Costs
To support your claim, you must provide:
- Medical records: A letter from your doctor confirming the necessity of travel or accommodation.
- Receipts or invoices: For travel costs, keep receipts for taxis, trains, or other transport. For accommodation, provide hotel invoices or booking confirmations.
- Accident details: If your injury occurred in Albury, provide the date, location, and any police reports or witness statements.
- Proof of treatment: Show that the travel was directly related to your injury treatment, not unrelated medical visits.
If you’re unsure whether your expenses qualify, SIRA’s online tool What You Can Claim provides examples of approved and denied claims.
Time Limits for Threshold Injuries
If your injury is a 'threshold injury', defined as a soft tissue injury or a psychological injury like adjustment disorder or acute stress disorder, you must submit your claim within 52 weeks of the accident date. Weekly benefits and treatment and care generally cease after 52 weeks where only accident injuries are threshold injuries (s 3.11 and 3.28 of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017).
Next Steps
If you need to claim travel or accommodation costs for your injury treatment, start by gathering medical records and receipts. Submit your claim to SIRA within the required time frame. For complex cases, legal advice may help ensure your claim meets all requirements.
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.