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Lifeline 13 11 14

What applies to me?

Your plain-English action plan

  1. Step 1

  2. Step 2

  3. Step 3

My medical treatment has been denied.Northern Territory

In one sentence

If treatment your doctor recommends is refused, ask for written reasons — refusals can often be reviewed.

Your next steps

  1. 1Request the decision and reasons in writing.
  2. 2Ask your treating specialist for a supporting report.
  3. 3Lodge a review or dispute within the time limit.
  4. 4Contact a free legal service if the treatment is urgent.
  5. 5Contact NT WorkSafe (1800 019 115) for free information about how the NT scheme applies to you.
  6. 6If you disagree with a decision — Disputes go to mediation first, then the Work Health Court.
  7. 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made as soon as possible.
  8. 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
Check a deadline

How NT works

Weekly payments
Based on normal weekly earnings for the first 26 weeks, then a reduced percentage, with caps that depend on your circumstances.
Medical expenses
Reasonable costs of medical, surgical and rehabilitation treatment are covered.
Permanent impairment
Lump sum compensation is generally available for permanent impairment of 5% WPI or more.
Free legal help
NT Legal Aid, unions and community legal centres can help.
Read the full NT guide →

Questions you may have

Do I have to attend an IME?

Usually yes if the request is reasonable — refusing can affect your payments. You can ask about travel, timing and a support person.

Can I pay for treatment myself and claim later?

Sometimes, but there is a risk you will not be reimbursed. Get advice first, or use Medicare/private health and tell them it is a compensation matter.

What about psychological treatment?

Psychology and psychiatry are commonly covered for accepted psychological injuries, and sometimes for secondary conditions.

Support available to you

Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified

Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)

Free, independent complaints service for disputes with super funds and insurers, including TPD and income protection.

Covers: National

Community & free legal servicesFree Verified

Community Legal Centres Australia

Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.

Covers: National

Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified

Fair Work Ombudsman

Information about workplace rights, dismissal and pay. Fair Work Commission deals with unfair dismissal and bullying applications.

Covers: National

Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified

NT WorkSafe

Northern Territory regulator — information about the Return to Work scheme.

Covers: NT

Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified

Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers

Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.

Covers: National

General information only. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Check with your regulator or get independent legal, financial or medical advice about your situation.