Orthotic and prosthetic services

We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident. To help you with your injuries we will pay for any orthosis/prosthesis services provided in Australia.

In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC can help pay for these services without the need for you to contact us for approval first.

When you need to contact us for approval

You or your provider need to contact the TAC for approval of these services if:

  • It is approaching or more than 90 days since your accident and we have not approved further treatment or services, or
  • It has been more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.

When we can pay for orthotic and prosthetic services

In the first 90 days after your accident, if your doctor recommends that you see an orthotist and prosthetist after your transport accident there’s no need to contact us for approval first.

After the first 90 days, you will need TAC approval before you see an orthotist and prosthetist.

Your orthotist and prosthetist may recommend prescription, manufacture, supply and fitting of an orthosis or prosthesis to help you. We can also help with the repair of orthosis or prosthesis when your orthotist and prosthetist asks us.

When needed, we will work with your treating team to help them organise the orthotic and prosthetic treatment and support you need.

If you require surgically implanted prosthesis as a result of your injuries, we will pay for the cost of the surgery, in line with our policy Surgery and medical specialists.

We may contact your orthotist and prosthetist to discuss your progress or request an assessment, to make sure that:

  • You have access to appropriate treatment and support.
  • You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and not receiving treatment that isn't helping you recover.
  • You are moving towards getting your life back on track or being able to live independently.

Treatments and services we can’t pay for

We cannot pay for any prosthetic:

Where a prosthetic or orthotic item is under warranty, any repair, modification or replacement will be replaced under that warranty.

We can’t pay for services that:

  • Do not treat your transport accident injuries.
  • Are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate.
  • Are not clinically justified, safe and effective.

What does an orthotist and prosthetist do?

An orthotist and prosthetist helps people who need artificial limbs or other supportive devices such as back or ankle braces and callipers. They look at the physical needs of people with mobility issues caused by amputation or problems with their muscles, bones or nervous system.

An orthotist and prosthetist can make and fit devices such as:

  • external prostheses
  • osseo-integration for prostheses
  • orthoses

An orthotist and prosthetist can also work with medical specialists and surgeons to help with the prescription and modification for surgically implanted prostheses.

For more information, see:

How treatments and services are paid for

We pay for your treatments:

  • Directly to your orthotist and prosthetist, when you have provided them with your TAC claim number, or
  • If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.

We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.

How much we will pay

We will pay for your treatment and services according to our fee schedule. If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference.

For a list of TAC payment rates, see:

For accidents that happened before 14 February 2018, we can only pay for prosthetic services and items once any required medical excess has been reached. Find out if the medical excess applies to you.

For providers

If you are a prosthetist or orthotist, see our TAC provider guidelines.