What is a TAC claim?
If you've been injured in a transport accident in Victoria — as a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian — the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is the state body that may fund your medical and rehabilitation costs. TAC operates on a no-fault basis, meaning you can claim regardless of who caused the accident.
How a TAC physiotherapy referral works
- Report and claim: The accident should be reported to police (where required) and a claim lodged with TAC.
- Claim number: Once accepted, you receive a TAC claim number — this is the key piece of information for any treating provider.
- Initial treatment: TAC funds an initial block of physiotherapy sessions for accepted claims without further approval needed.
- Ongoing treatment: Further sessions require a treatment plan submitted by the physiotherapist and approved by TAC.
Common injuries seen under TAC
- Whiplash-associated disorders
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder and arm injuries from impact or seatbelt loading
- Knee and lower limb injuries (cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation following accident-related operations
- Concussion and post-concussion symptoms (where appropriate referral pathways exist)
Your TAC physiotherapy plan
Your physiotherapist will assess the injury, set goals with you (often functional — return to driving, return to work, return to recreational activity), and discuss what treatment is likely to involve. Where clinically appropriate, treatment may include hands-on techniques, exercise, education and graded return to activity. Outcomes and timeframes vary between individuals.
Working with your TAC support team
TAC may also fund other services depending on your injury — psychology, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, return-to-work coordination. Your physiotherapist usually liaises with the TAC support coordinator (sometimes called a "client services officer") and your other treating practitioners to keep everyone on the same page.
Common questions
"Do I have to pay up front?" For most TAC patients with an accepted claim, physiotherapy is bulk-billed directly to TAC after your initial excess (if any). Your clinic will confirm the specifics for your situation.
"What if my claim hasn't been accepted yet?" You can still see a physiotherapist; you may need to pay up front and claim back once your TAC claim is accepted. Speak to your clinic about how they handle this.
"How long can I claim for?" TAC supports rehabilitation while there's clear benefit. As you improve, sessions are gradually reduced — this is normal, not a punishment.
Local context
Our team has experience working with TAC patients across Melton, Hoppers Crossing and Sunbury. Suitability for treatment, expected timeframes, and the right care pathway all depend on your individual injury and goals. The starting point is usually a phone call so we can talk through the practical details of your claim.
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