What Treatment Can TAC Pay For?

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) may pay for reasonable and necessary medical treatment and support services that are related to injuries sustained in a transport accident.

Depending on your circumstances, TAC may fund services such as:

• GP appointments
• Hospital treatment
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology and counselling
• Specialist consultations
• Surgery
• Medication
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans and MRIs)
• Rehabilitation programs
• Home help and attendant care services

The treatment must generally be considered reasonable, necessary and connected to injuries arising from the transport accident.

Key Takeaways

• TAC may fund reasonable and necessary treatment related to your accident injuries.
• You do not need to prove another driver was at fault to access many TAC benefits.
• Some injured Victorians receive support for many years and, in certain circumstances, for life.
• Home help, personal care and attendant care may be available where injuries affect your independence.
• TAC sometimes refuses treatment requests, but these decisions can often be reviewed.
• Our Medical + Like Services Guarantee may assist eligible clients if TAC refuses or stops treatment funding.

What Medical Expenses Does TAC Cover?

Following a transport accident, TAC may pay for a wide range of medical and rehabilitation services designed to support your recovery. These may include:

Medical Treatment

• General practitioner appointments
• Specialist consultations
• Hospital treatment
• Surgical procedures
• Emergency treatment

Allied Health Services

• Physiotherapy
• Exercise physiology
• Occupational therapy
• Chiropractic treatment
• Osteopathy
• Speech pathology

Mental Health Support

Many people experience psychological injuries following a transport accident. TAC may fund:

• Psychology appointments
• Psychiatric treatment
• Counselling services
• Trauma-focused therapy

Diagnostic Tests

TAC may pay for investigations that assist in diagnosing and managing accident-related injuries, including:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Ultrasounds

Does TAC Cover Physiotherapy?

Yes, TAC commonly funds physiotherapy where it is considered reasonable and necessary for recovery from transport accident injuries.

Physiotherapy can assist with:

• Whiplash injuries
• Neck and back pain
• Fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Post-surgical rehabilitation

The number of sessions approved may vary depending on your individual circumstances and clinical needs.

Does TAC Cover Psychology and Mental Health Treatment?

Yes. Transport accidents can cause more than physical injuries. Many people experience:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress
• Sleep disturbances
• Driving-related fears

Where appropriate, TAC may fund psychological treatment to assist with recovery and return to normal daily activities.

Does TAC Cover Surgery?

TAC may pay for surgery where the procedure is considered reasonable, necessary and related to injuries sustained in the transport accident. Approval requirements may vary depending on the type of procedure and medical evidence supporting the treatment.

Does TAC Cover Home Help and Attendant Care?

In some circumstances, yes. If your injuries significantly affect your ability to care for yourself or maintain your home, TAC may fund support services such as:

• Personal care assistance
• Domestic assistance
• Home cleaning
• Meal preparation
• Gardening
• Attendant care services

Eligibility depends on the nature and severity of your injuries and the impact those injuries have on your daily life.

How Long Will TAC Pay For Medical Treatment?

There is no simple answer. Some people require treatment for only a few weeks or months. Others may need ongoing support for many years.

In certain cases, TAC may continue funding treatment long-term where the treatment remains reasonable, necessary, and/or related to the transport accident injuries.

Every claim is assessed on its own circumstances.

What Happens If TAC Refuses Treatment?

One of the most common concerns we hear from injured Victorians is: “What happens if TAC says no?”

TAC may refuse funding where:

• Insufficient medical evidence has been provided
• The treatment is considered unrelated to the accident
• The treatment is not considered reasonable or necessary
• Required approvals were not obtained
• TAC’s medical advisors disagree with the treating practitioner

A refusal does not necessarily mean the decision is correct. In many cases, additional medical evidence or a review of the decision can result in a different outcome.

Can TAC Decisions Be Reviewed?

Yes. If TAC refuses to fund treatment or services, there may be options available to challenge the decision.

Depending on the circumstances, this may involve:

• Requesting an internal review
• Obtaining additional medical evidence
• Participating in dispute resolution processes
• Seeking legal advice regarding your options

Because strict time limits can apply, it is important to seek advice from expert TAC claims lawyers as early as possible.

Our Medical + Like Services Guarantee

At Henry Carus + Associates, we understand how stressful it can be when treatment is recommended by your doctors but funding is refused.

That is why we offer our Medical + Like Services Guarantee to all TAC clients, regardless of past representation.

If TAC refuses to pay for reasonable treatment or support services, our lawyers can get these benefits paid free of charge. We can also assist if you are a client of the TAC and your benefits have been suddenly reduced or terminated.

The Medical + Like Services Guarantee is available at NO COST TO YOU.

Our goal is simple: to help ensure you receive the treatment and support you need to maximise your recovery.

Need Help With Your TAC Claim?

Every TAC claim is different. Whether you are seeking approval for treatment, dealing with a funding refusal, or simply trying to understand your rights, our experienced TAC lawyers can help.

At Henry Carus + Associates, we provide a 5-Star Experience from a 5-Star Firm, guiding clients through every stage of the TAC claims process with personalised support, clear advice and expert representation.

Contact our team today for a confidential discussion about your situation.