This page is a printable version of: https://www.iow.nhs.uk/Patients-and-Visitors/travel-cost-scheme/travel-cost-scheme.htm
Date: 21 September 2023
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:
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:
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:
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.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust have limited funding from the Isle of Wight Council to reimburse passenger ferry costs for patients receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy or renal dialysis treatment. Eligibility and restrictions are detailed on the form below. Please note if you are in receipt of benefits, this form should not be used and you should complete a HC5 form available from your local DHSS office.
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