Emergency travel

MAC will cover necessary and reasonable costs for travel to and from your medical and rehabilitation appointments. This includes travel by public transport and private vehicle. 

See the ‘Amount of benefits’ table for the current rates per kilometre that can be claimed for reimbursement when using a private vehicle.

A close family member is a spouse, parent, or child of a family member 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.

Reimbursement of emergency travel expenses may be claimed for:

• travel
• accommodation and food
• car hire
• taxi
• fuel
• loss of net income
• other reasons and necessary expenses.
  

• Clothing
• Personal belongings
• Cigarettes
• Alcohol
• Entertainment.
  

When assessing a claim for reimbursement of travel expenses MAC will consider:

• the circumstances and seriousness of the injuries
• if there is close family support otherwise available to the injured person
• the costs are reasonable and necessary and appropriate such as economy airfares and standard accommodation rates
  

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 process until 30 days following the accident. 

The amount of benefit available is calculated to the date the accident. The rate is reviewed annually on 1 January. Please see the current see the current amount of benefits table to find out the maximum amount payable for emergency travel expenses. 

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 loss of payment, however in some circumstances the MAC Scheme may be able to assist in paying for expenses up front.

Before incurring any travel expenses, we recommend you talk to your MAC case manager as they will provide guidance on what travel costs may be covered and what receipts you will need to provide when seeking reimbursement.