FAQs

The National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ) provides people with eligible, serious personal injuries sustained in a motor accident with necessary and reasonable treatment, care and support services, irrespective of fault. It came into effect on 1 July 2016.

NIISQ helps participants achieve their individual goals, maximise their independence and participate in the community.

The principles of collaboration and informed decision-making are central to NIISQ and are achieved by providing evidence-based treatment, care and support options which suit individual requirements. The National Injury Insurance Agency, Queensland (NIISQ Agency) provides this in an environment which fosters informed choice, flexibility and empowerment, reflecting community expectations.

The NIISQ Agency administers NIISQ and oversees the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland Fund that pays for the costs of providing necessary and reasonable treatment, care and support. The Fund is funded by a levy paid at the same time as registration of a motor vehicle.

The Productivity Commission outlined a number of reasons for the establishment of a National Injury Insurance Scheme separate from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS  funds disability support needs, not supports provided by other services e.g. hospital, medical, dental. The NDIS is funded through Australian, state and territory Governments from consolidated revenue and an increased Medicare levy. The NDIS is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency and is subject to Commonwealth legislation.

NIISQ covers people who sustain catastrophic injuries from a motor accident. They have unique and complex needs and, as a result, the NIISQ will provide services over a person’s lifetime (not just to age 65 years). These injuries have very intensive needs in the first few years after injury and early intervention is important. NIISQ funds the continuum of health and disability services e.g. ambulance, acute medical care, rehabilitation, dental and pharmaceutical treatment.

Queenslanders pay for NIISQ via a levy which is paid at the same time as CTP premium and motor vehicle registration. Different levies apply for different vehicle classes. Individuals can calculate the cost of their CTP premium, including the NIISQ levy, at the MAIC website.

If you need information about making a CTP claim or about CTP insurance, contact the CTP enquiry line on 1300 302 568 or visit the Motor Accident Insurance Commission website.

Transcript:

For the first time, everyone in Australia will be covered, with Queensland now implementing the National Injury Insurance Scheme.

Before, there was no cover for people who made split-second mistakes or in situations where there is no fault, for example, swerving to avoid an animal on the road.

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a motor accident in Queensland you should submit an application to the NIISQ Agency as soon as possible.

You, a loved one or the hospital can complete the Application Form – Interim participation (for more information see How to Apply)

You or others (a family member, friend or the hospital) with your consent can provide the Application Form – Interim participation to us.

If you have made a CTP claim against an insurer, the insurer may make an application on your behalf.

Yes, if you have made a CTP claim against an insurer, the insurer may make an application on your behalf.

The National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland assists people who are seriously injured to access services to undertake their daily activities, maximise their independence and pursue employment opportunities, where possible.

It is anticipated NIISQ will benefit Queensland communities through improved health outcomes, and improved social and economic participation by the person who is injured, their family and carers.

No. The NIISQ only applies to motor accidents in Queensland. However, all other Australian States and Territories have a NIIS or NIIS-equivalent scheme.

Following are the interstate schemes similar to the NIISQ:

NSW – icare lifetime care

ACT  – Lifetime Care and Support Scheme

Victoria – Transport Accident Commission

Tasmania – Motor Accidents Insurance Board

Northern Territory – TIO

South Australia – Lifetime Support Scheme

Western Australia – Insurance Commission of Western Australia

Anyone who sustains an eligible, serious personal injury as a result of an eligible motor accident in Queensland can access NIISQ. This includes anyone from another Australian state or territory.

Please phone the enquiry line on 1300 607 566 or email enquiries@niis.qld.gov.au.

Alternatively, you can read our Information Sheets.

If you have sustained a serious personal injury in a motor accident prior to the NIISQ eligibility date of 1 July 2016, you may be eligible for alternative funding services or treatment pathways via:

1. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – ndis.gov.au
2. Compulsory Third Party Insurance – maic.qld.gov.au
3. QLD Health – health.qld.gov.au
4. Local General Medical Practitioner

Please obtain eligibility information directly from the above schemes or services.

If you have a query regarding a work-related serious personal injury, please visit worksafe.qld.gov.au.