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Sunday, 22 November 2009

Disabled people

Disabled People

Help with travel costs to and from hospital

If you cannot afford to pay for your journey to a hospital or clinic for NHS-funded treatment, you may be able to claim back your travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.

The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme

You may be entitled to help with the cost of travel if a doctor or dentist sends you for NHS treatment or a test.

The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) is for patients who do not have a medical need for ambulance transport and who cannot afford the cost of travel.

You may be entitled to HTCS if you or your partner get any of these benefits:

  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit

Some people receiving tax credits or on a low income may also be entitled to help.

You can claim travel costs of a companion if you need someone to travel with you for medical reasons. Their travel costs are counted as part of your travel costs.

Claiming your travel costs

You should use the cheapest means of transport available, which is usually public transport.

If you travel by car, you can claim back for fuel used, plus unavoidable car parking and toll charges, up to the cost of making the same journey by public transport.

To claim travel costs at the hospital, you should take the following things to the cashier's office:

  • your travel receipts
  • appointment letter or card
  • proof that you get one of the benefits that entitle you to HTCS

Ask at reception if you do not know where the cashier's office is.

Further information

The NHS Choices website has more detailed information about the scheme.

'Help with health costs' booklet

The booklet HC11 'Help with health costs' is a useful and detailed source of information. It is available from Jobcentre Plus offices or NHS hospitals. Your local doctor, dentist, pharmacist and optician might also have a copy.

You can also order a copy via the NHS forms order line:

Telephone: 0845 610 1112 (Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm)

Quote the reference 'HC11'.

You can also download the leaflet in PDF format from the Department of Health's website.

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