Juggling medical costs can become difficult while your compensation claim is being processed. If you’re waiting for a personal injury claim to be processed (12–18 months) or a WorkCover Queensland claim acceptance (1–3 months), there are some steps you can take to help alleviate financial pressures. Below we discuss the options you may like to consider if you’re struggling to cover the medical costs to support your recovery.
WorkCover and personal injury claim waiting times
When your claim is lodged with WorkCover Queensland, they will make a decision on acceptance within 20 business days for a physical injury, but sometimes it can be many months for a psychological condition. As we’ve mentioned above, personal injury claims for motor vehicle, public liability, medical negligence injuries take much longer. If your WorkCover claim is accepted, most reasonable medical costs and expenses will be reimbursed to you. That means you’ll be reimbursed for the expenses you’ve paid since the time you were injured.
For personal injury claims the situation is much more complex. In motor vehicle injury claims you can seek reimbursement for medical expenses from the CTP insurer once your notice of claim is compliant as the insurer has an obligation to fund reasonable and appropriate medical and rehabilitation treatment. Otherwise, other personal injury claims reimbursement of medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses will not generally occur until you reach a final settlement with the insurer.
That’s why it’s important to keep every receipt and invoice you receive.
Check your superannuation fund or income protection insurance
Many people don’t realise that you may be able to withdraw money early from your superannuation fund if you are facing financial hardship. It could be possible to do this on compassionate grounds to pay for medical and rehabilitation treatment, medical transport, retraining costs and modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability. If your compensation claim is successful, you may then be able to put the money back into your super fund through reimbursements for medical expenses.
If you have income protection insurance, it can help you pay bills if you’re unable to work due to partial or total disability. This payment is based on the specifics of your actual superannuation or insurance policy and the sum insured. Check your annual policy statements to see if you are eligible, what it covers, and any exclusions.
Reach out to family members
If you’re recovering from an injury and struggling to cover your medical costs, consider reaching out to a family member for financial assistance. Whether it’s a gift or you prepare a repayment plan, this can help alleviate some much-needed financial pressure as well as providing emotional support from your loved ones.
Centrelink support
The government provides financial assistance for people who are looking for work, including if you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work for a short time. You can see the maximum fortnightly payment information on the Services Australia website.
It’s worth checking if you are eligible for government financial assistance options such as JobSeeker. Remember that if your WorkCover Queensland claim is successful and you are set to receive weekly compensation payments, you must notify Centrelink as it will affect your eligibility. Services Australia can help you manage this transition.
National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ)
The NIISQ is a no-fault scheme for those suffering a severe injury from a motor vehicle accident. You’ll usually be admitted to a major hospital where a Social Worker may discuss your eligibility for financial assistance through NIISQ. A serious injury is defined in the National Injury Insurance Scheme (Queensland) Regulation 2016 includes permanent spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple or high-level limb amputations, permanent injury to the brachial plexus, severe burns, and permanent blindness caused by trauma.
Eligibility is assessed based on information about your motor vehicle accident which may be sourced from police, ambulance, hospitals, and insurance companies. Since it’s a no-fault scheme, you may be eligible even if you caused the accident. If you have questions about this service or if you’re eligible, you can contact the NIISQ Agency on 1300 607 566 or email enquiries@niis.qld.gov.au.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS is a federally funded program providing support to Australians with permanent disabilities that affect daily functioning. Through individualised plans, participants can access funding for housing, therapies, assistive equipment, and community participation — available to eligible people nationwide.
At their core, the two schemes serve distinct purposes: the NDIS offers broad, national disability support, while NIISQ is a targeted, state-based program specifically for people with catastrophic motor vehicle injuries. Though both are designed to deliver essential care and support, they differ in eligibility criteria, funding structures, and scope—and when coordinated effectively, can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for participants.
Access your free mental health plan
If you’re concerned about your mental wellbeing, you may be eligible for a mental health plan. This will help you get a certain amount of free, or reduced, sessions with health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or occupational therapists. If you have a mental health care plan, you can get a Medicare rebate on up to 10 sessions per calendar year. These plans are provided by your GP.
Check if your health fund or Medicare will assist
Certain treatments may be covered by your private health fund or Medicare. This will at least reduce some of the costs of your medical costs while you wait for your claim to be processed. For example, particular health funds will be partnered with specific providers. If you search your fund’s providers and choose one that is included in the list, you may save significant costs. Check the maximum amounts so that you can anticipate future costs. For example, your fund may pay a certain amount for physiotherapy treatments but after that is reached you’ll be out of pocket.
Ultimately in a successful personal injury claim, any amounts paid by private health or Medicare will be refundable from the damages recovered. Don’t worry, these amounts will be claimed as part of the damages so you will not be out of pocket.
Keep all your receipts
One final reminder—keep all your receipts and relevant documentation. Whether your claim is accepted or still pending, keep items such as:
- Medical consultation invoices
- Medication receipts related to your injury
- Physiotherapy, psychology, or allied health receipts
Once your claim is accepted you can use this evidence to get reimbursed. Without receipts and documentation, it becomes much harder to get injury-related expenses repaid.
Recovery from an injury is hard enough without the added pressure of funding medical expenses. While you’re waiting for your compensation claim to be resolved, explore every option available to you. Accessing your super early, getting government assistance, or reaching out to family doesn’t replace a successful claim, but it can help take the financial strain off in the meantime. If you need assistance with your compensation claim, please reach out to our experienced WorkCover and personal injury lawyers.