How SIRA determines coverage for travel and accommodation costs in NSW CTP claims
If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident in regional NSW, you may be eligible to claim travel and accommodation costs to access medical treatment. The NSW Compensation and Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) oversees these claims under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. This article explains what costs are covered, how SIRA assesses them in regional areas, and what evidence you'll need to support your claim.
What travel and accommodation costs are covered under NSW CTP claims?
Under the CTP scheme, you can claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to attend medical appointments or treatments related to your injury. This includes:
- Travel costs: Public transport fares, taxi or ride-share expenses, and car travel costs (e.g., fuel, tolls, depreciation) for journeys to and from medical appointments.
- Accommodation costs: Overnight stays at a hotel, hostel, or other approved lodging if your treatment requires overnight stays.
- Specialist transport: Costs for ambulance or specialist transport to and from treatment.
SIRA considers these costs on a case-by-case basis, focusing on whether the expense was necessary for your recovery.
How SIRA assesses reasonableness in regional NSW
SIRA's regional guidelines differ from metropolitan areas in how they evaluate the reasonableness of travel and accommodation costs. In regional NSW, factors such as:
- Distance to the nearest medical facility
- Availability of public transport options
- Cost of alternative transport methods
- Necessity of overnight stays due to limited local treatment options
are all considered. For example, if a regional resident needs to travel 300km for specialist treatment, SIRA may approve higher transport costs compared to a metropolitan area.
Documentation required for claims
To support your claim, you'll need to provide:
- A medical certificate confirming the need for travel or accommodation
- Receipts or invoices for all travel and accommodation expenses
- A detailed itinerary showing the purpose and timing of each journey
- Evidence of transport costs (e.g., bus tickets, taxi receipts, or fuel logs)
- Any correspondence with SIRA or the insurance provider
Keep all records organised, as SIRA may request them during a review of your claim.
Regional vs metropolitan interpretations
SIRA's guidelines for regional NSW are designed to account for the unique challenges faced by injured road users in areas with limited healthcare access. For instance, while metropolitan claims may focus on cost-effectiveness, regional claims often prioritise accessibility. This means that travel costs for a 200km journey in regional NSW might be approved more readily than in Sydney, where alternative transport options are more common.
Time limits and dispute resolution
You must submit your claim to SIRA within 52 weeks of the accident date if you're seeking weekly income payments. For travel and accommodation claims, there's no strict time limit, but delays can affect your ability to prove the necessity of expenses. If SIRA rejects your claim, you can request a review or escalate the matter to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) within 28 days of the decision.
When to seek legal advice
If you're unsure whether your travel or accommodation costs qualify, or if SIRA has denied your claim, consider consulting a solicitor specialising in CTP claims. Legal professionals can help you:
- Challenge SIRA's decision with evidence
- Navigate the NCAT dispute process
- Understand how your claim interacts with other benefits like workers' compensation
Next steps
Understanding SIRA's regional guidelines is crucial for injured road users in NSW. While the CTP scheme covers travel and accommodation costs, the approval process depends on the specific circumstances of your accident and treatment. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.