Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme

Payment of travel costs will be made if a patient meets the NHS eligibility criteria of reimbursement and provides acceptable proof of qualifying benefits and any valid transport receipts. A patient will be reimbursed at the level of the cheapest reasonable method of transport.

Qualifying benefits are:

• Income Support
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income related Employment Support Allowance
• Working Tax Credit exemption certificate
• Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit
• Low income HC2/HC3 certificate
• Universal Credit (if you meet the criteria)

The Healthcare Travel Costs scheme provides for the reimbursement of travel costs to eligible patients when they attend for a hospital appointment. Acceptable proof is a letter awarding the benefit dated within a twelve month period of the appointment. Patients who wish to claim travel costs on the day of appointment must:

• Bring proof of eligibility to their hospital appointment
• Provide proof of any valid transport receipts – for example bus tickets. Complete a Fare Reimbursement Claim Form obtained from the cashiers office, main reception or department where they attend for the appointment
• Ask the department they attend to confirm attendance on the fares reimbursement claim form with a department stamp
• Payment claim forms which are duly completed will be processed by the Cashiers Office situated in the main entrance of St. Mary’s Hospital.

The opening hours are:
Monday to Friday 09.00 – 16.00
Telephone: 01983 534409
Email: iownt.cashiers@nhs.net

If you are unable to claim your transport costs in person you can claim by post using a form HC5 available from St. Mary’s Hospital Cashiers office or Job Centre Plus offices.  Claims must be made within 3 months of the travel date. Travel costs for people accompanying the patient can only be paid in the following circumstances:

• Written confirmation from the Clinician/Doctor that the patient needs to be escorted
• Where the appointment is for a child under 16

Travel costs are not reimbursed for people visiting patients in hospital. This includes parents visiting babies in neo-natal units. If the visitor receives one of the qualifying benefits they may be able to receive assistance from social funds on telephone number 0800 0327 952 or through the Job Centre Plus office.

For further details of the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme please visit NHS Choices.  

Patients receiving radiotherapy may be eligible for reimbursement of travel costs. For further information please contact Patient Services which is located at the Main Entrance, St. Mary's Hospital or visit www.dh.gov.uk/publications(Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme). You can also contact your Cancer Nurse Specialist or speak to the Cancer Support Centre on 01983 524186 or 07582 296749.

Cross Solent Travel Claim Sheet (0.14 MB)