Medical Certificate Requirements for NSW CTP Claims

You must use the official SIRA Certificate of Fitness form. This form is designed specifically for motor accident injuries and asks your doctor to provide details on:

• Your diagnosis and accident-relatedness.
• Your capacity for work (total, partial, or full capacity).
• Any specific work restrictions (e.g., lifting limits, reduced hours).
• The treatment plan (physio, specialist referrals, etc.).

The insurer relies on this document to determine your "fitness for work." If your doctor says you have "total incapacity," you generally receive your full weekly benefit. If they say you have "partial capacity," the insurer may expect you to return to light duties, and your payments may be adjusted accordingly.

• Incomplete fields: If the GP misses a section (like the diagnosis or capacity dates), the insurer may reject the certificate and delay your payment.
• Vague restrictions: Restrictions like "light duties" are often too vague. It is better to have specific limits (e.g., "no lifting over 5kg").
• Gaps in dates: Ensure your next certificate starts the day after the previous one expires to avoid "payment gaps."

Ideally, see your GP within 48-72 hours of the accident. This ensures your injuries are documented early, which is vital for proving causation later—especially if the insurer tries to argue your injuries are "threshold" or pre-existing.