WorkCover and CTP Physio in NSW: What Needs Approval
Hurt at work or in a motor accident in NSW? Here is how physio is approved and paid for on a WorkCover or CTP claim, including home visits.
Two Different Schemes
If you were hurt at work in NSW, your physio is paid through workers compensation, often called WorkCover. If you were hurt in a motor accident in NSW, it is paid through your CTP (Compulsory Third Party) claim. Both schemes are run under rules set by SIRA, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority, but the steps are different.
In both schemes the insurer pays for approved treatment, so the main thing to understand is what needs the insurer's approval and when. This guide explains both, using SIRA's own rules.
Hurt in a car while working? SIRA says people injured in a vehicle accident in the course of their employment may be covered by workers compensation instead of CTP. Check with the insurer which claim you are on before you book.
WorkCover: Choosing Your Physio
SIRA's guide for injured workers says: "You can choose your treatment provider or you can ask your doctor or the insurer to suggest a provider."
Your doctor also plays a part. The same guide says: "Your doctor will make treatment recommendations in your certificate of capacity." So it helps to have a current certificate of capacity before your first physio visit.
To treat workers compensation patients, a physio must be approved by SIRA as well as registered with Ahpra. Jovi Villanueva, the principal physiotherapist at Wellworx Physio, is SIRA approved.
WorkCover: Sessions Before the Insurer Approves
Most treatment needs the insurer's approval first. SIRA's 2026 physiotherapy rules (effective 01/02/2026) list the times a physio can start without it:
New injury, first physio within three months
If no physio, chiropractor, osteopath or accredited exercise physiologist has treated the injury yet, and treatment starts within three months of the injury, up to eight consultations can be provided without the insurer's approval.
First physio more than three months after the injury
If treatment starts more than three months after the injury, and no one in that group has treated it, up to three consultations can be provided without approval.
Changing to a new physio
If another physio, chiropractor, osteopath or accredited exercise physiologist has already treated the injury, one consultation with the new practitioner can be provided without approval.
After that, your physio asks the insurer for more treatment by sending an Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR), the SIRA form that sets out the treatment plan and goals.
WorkCover: Can Physio Be at Home?
Yes. Jovi sees WorkCover patients at home, whether or not you can still drive. What changes is the rate the insurer is billed:
If your injury stops you travelling
SIRA's rules say home visit fees can be billed "in cases where, due to the effects of the injury sustained, the worker is unable to travel." The home visit must also be the best and most cost-effective option for your treatment.
If you can still travel
The visit still happens at home, and the insurer is billed the standard WorkCover consultation rate instead of the home visit rate.
Either way, approved treatment is billed to your insurer.
CTP: Physio After a Motor Accident
SIRA's CTP guide for allied health providers says "The injured person will usually refer themselves." Sometimes your GP or a rehabilitation provider will refer you instead.
First assessment
One assessment session can go ahead without the insurer's approval, as long as you already have a CTP claim number.
Further treatment
After the first session your physio usually sends the insurer an Allied Health Treatment Request. SIRA says the insurer must give a written response within 10 working days.
Reasonable and necessary
CTP insurers only have to pay for treatment that is "reasonable and necessary": related to the accident injuries, aimed at getting you back to your usual activities, right for the injury, given by a qualified health professional, and cost effective.
If the insurer says no: SIRA says that if the insurer declines a treatment request, the patient is personally responsible for payment. We tell you before any visit you might have to pay for.
What to Have Ready
Having these details ready makes the first visit quicker to arrange:
- Your claim number and the insurer's name
- The date of the injury or accident
- Your case manager's or claims officer's name, if you have one
- For WorkCover, your latest certificate of capacity from your doctor
- Where you are, so we can confirm a home visit suits your area
For how we see WorkCover and CTP patients at home, see our WorkCover and CTP physio page, or get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral for WorkCover physio in NSW?
SIRA's guide for injured workers says you can choose your treatment provider, or ask your doctor or the insurer to suggest one. Your doctor makes treatment recommendations in your certificate of capacity, so it helps to have a current certificate before your first physio visit.
How many physio sessions can I have before the insurer approves?
Under SIRA's 2026 rules, if no physio, chiropractor, osteopath or accredited exercise physiologist has treated the injury and treatment starts within three months of the injury, up to eight consultations can be provided without approval. If treatment starts later, it is up to three. If someone in that group has already treated the injury, one consultation with a new practitioner can go ahead without approval.
Can I have WorkCover physio at home?
Yes. Jovi sees WorkCover patients at home, whether or not you can still drive. Under SIRA's rules the insurer is billed the home visit rate when, because of the injury, the worker is unable to travel. Otherwise the visit is billed at the standard consultation rate.
Can I see a physio for a car accident before my CTP claim is approved?
SIRA's CTP guide says one initial assessment session can go ahead without the insurer's approval, as long as you have a CTP claim number. Further treatment needs the insurer's approval, which your physio requests by sending an Allied Health Treatment Request.
Content reviewed by Jovi Villanueva, AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist (PHY0001876394), Principal Physiotherapist at Wellworx Physio.
Last updated: 23/10/2026
Hurt at Work or in a Motor Accident?
Jovi is SIRA approved and sees WorkCover and CTP patients at home. Send your claim details and we will arrange a visit.