NHS patients in England are being urged to check whether they can claim back the cost of getting to hospital, as waiting too long could mean losing out on a refund. If you are referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).
The NHS says patients are expected to pay for their travel and must claim back the costs within three months. In some cases, you may be able to get an advanced payment to help you attend your appointment. The NHS service providing your treatment should be able to tell you how to apply. Alternatively, the NHS says to contact your local ICB for advice.
Expert warns patients to check support early
Patrick Baxter, a health insurance expert at My Health Protected, has warned that patients must claim the money back within three months and is also encouraging patients to check what support is available before absorbing the costs themselves. Mr Baxter has 16 years of experience across the UK private healthcare and insurance sector. He specialises in health insurance costs, policy renewals, switching providers and employer health benefits, and the impact of NHS pressures on demand for private healthcare.
He said: “Your NHS treatment may be free, but train fares, petrol and parking can still put pressure on your budget, especially when you have several appointments. Before treating those expenses as money you simply have to lose, ask whether you qualify for help.”
Refunds can cover bus or train fares, and approved mileage for car journeys.
Who can claim NHS travel costs back?
Eligibility depends on your circumstances at the time of the appointment. You can claim help with travel costs if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive any of the following benefits: Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
People on a low income can also apply through the NHS Low Income Scheme, which looks at income, savings and financial needs. It can provide full or partial help, including for people who work or are self-employed.
Mr Baxter explained: “Having a job does not automatically rule you out. If money is tight, check the criteria rather than assuming support is only available to people receiving benefits.”
The NHS also explains that you must meet three criteria: at the time of your appointment, you or your partner (including civil partners) must receive one of the qualifying benefits or allowances, or meet the eligibility criteria for the NHS Low Income Scheme; you must have a referral for specialist care from a healthcare professional to a specialist or a hospital for further NHS treatment or tests (often referred to as secondary care); and your appointment must be on a separate visit to when the referral was made. This applies whether your treatment is provided at a different location (hospital or clinic) or on the same premises as where the GP or another health professional issued the referral.
What NHS travel expenses can be refunded?
Eligible patients may be able to claim back reasonable travel costs, including bus and train fares, approved mileage for journeys made by car, and unavoidable parking or toll charges. The amount reimbursed is normally based on the cheapest suitable form of transport for the patient's circumstances. Factors such as age, medical conditions and the availability of public transport may be taken into account.
If you travelled by car and your claim was approved, you'll be reimbursed for the cost of fuel at the mileage rate used by your local integrated care board (ICB). You may also be able to claim for unavoidable car parking and toll charges. If you need to use a taxi, you should agree this in advance with the hospital or ICB before you travel, the NHS says. Patients in London may be able to claim reimbursement of congestion charges or Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges.
The scheme does not cover routine GP or dental visits, or journeys to visit friends and relatives in hospital.
How to claim an NHS travel refund before the deadline
To claim your travel costs, take your travel receipts, appointment letter or card, plus proof that you're receiving one of the qualifying benefits, to a nominated cashiers' office. Ask reception where travel refunds are handled, as some hospitals can reimburse eligible costs during your visit. If that service is unavailable, you can submit an HC5(T) travel refund form by post.
You can make a postal claim up to three months after your appointment took place. For patients making regular hospital trips, even small travel expenses can add up, making it worth checking eligibility as soon as appointments are arranged, Mr Baxter explained.
He added: “Patients may not realise this support exists, particularly if they assume having a job rules them out. Asking about the scheme could help you recover money you would otherwise pay out of your own pocket. The key is to check early, keep your receipts, and claim before the deadline.”
