NSW Workers Compensation Medical Treatment Changes
If you are receiving workers compensation in NSW, important changes to medical treatment funding started on 1 July 2026.
Some treatments and services—including certain massage, fitness, wellness, complementary and recreational services, and companion-animal expenses—may no longer be covered automatically. A recommendation from a health practitioner may not be enough. You may need a formal prescription or referral that explains why the treatment is necessary for your work injury.
From 1 October 2026, the test for treatment is also scheduled to change from “reasonably necessary” to “reasonable and necessary”. Insurers may look more closely at the medical evidence, expected benefit and whether a less expensive treatment could achieve a similar result.
A refusal by your insurer is not necessarily the end of the matter. Do not stop important treatment or accept a decision without first obtaining advice.
If your treatment has been refused, delayed or questioned, act now:
- Ask the insurer for its decision and reasons in writing.
- Speak with your doctor about obtaining detailed supporting medical evidence.
- Keep copies of referrals, treatment plans, approvals and insurer correspondence.
- Get legal advice from the expert team at Don Cameron & Associates before paying for treatment yourself or abandoning treatment that is helping you recover.
At Don Cameron & Associates, we can assess whether the insurer has applied the rules correctly and advise you about your options for challenging a refusal. Our expert team has a proven track records of fighting insurers, and winning.
Do not let an insurer’s “no” decide what treatment you receive. Contact Don Cameron & Associates for advice about your workers compensation treatment rights.
This is general information only and is not legal advice. The application of the 2026 changes will depend on the legislation, your injury, your claim and the available medical evidence.