Emergency travel
MAC can help with the reasonable cost of travel and related expenses, for one or more close family members who may need to travel within Australia following the death of a loved one in a motor vehicle accident.
What support is available
The MAC Scheme provides benefits to reimburse a close family member for reasonable expenses for emergency travel, loss of income and other financial loss when a loved one has been injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident in the following circumstances:
Emergency travel cost reimbursement is available where:
- the distance travelled for the journey is at least 500kms within Australia by air, car, bus or train; and
- the accident occurred in the Northern Territory; or
- the accident occurred interstate, a Northern Territory registered vehicle was involved; and
- the injured person was a resident of the Northern Territory at the time of the accident.
Who is a close family member?
A close family member is a spouse, parent, or child of a person who has been seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident.
A sibling, grandparent, grandchild, uncle or aunt may apply for reimbursement for emergency travel, where the person injured or killed has no spouse, parent or child.
What emergency travel expenses can be claimed?
Reimbursement of emergency travel expenses may be claimed for:
- Travel
- Accommodation and food
- Car hire
- Taxi
- Fuel
- Loss of net income
- Other reasonable and necessary expenses
Expenses that cannot be claimed
- Clothing
- Personal belongings
- Cigarettes
- Alcohol
- Entertainment
Reimbursement considerations
When assessing a claim for reimbursement of travel expenses the MAC Scheme will consider:
- The circumstances and seriousness of the injuries
- If there is close family support otherwise available to the injured person
- If costs are reasonable and necessary such as economy airfares and standard accommodation rates
How much can be reimbursed?
There is a maximum amount payable for emergency travel expenses for one or more family members combined. If the total amount claimed exceeds the maximum benefit, the reimbursement amount will be shared equally between all parties.
To allow time for all eligible family members to apply for reimbursement of emergency travel expenses, reimbursements will not be processed until 30 days following the accident.
The amount of benefit available is calculated to the date of the accident. The rate is reviewed annually on 1 January. See
how much MAC can pay for travel expenses.
What else do I need to know?
Generally, reimbursement of travel expenses, loss of income and other financial loss will be made after you have submitted a claim with the necessary receipts or proof of payment. However, in the case of hardship or extenuating circumstances, the MAC Scheme may consider payment up front.
Talk to your MAC case manager first
Before incurring any travel expenses, we recommend you talk to your MAC case manager who will provide information on what travel costs may be covered and what receipts you will need to provide when seeking reimbursement.
If you need any help, please call the TIO MAC claims team on
1300 493 506 during business hours.
Related information
MAC Scheme
Business hours are 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday
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