Healthcare travel costs 🚑

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If you’ve had to travel for NHS hospital treatment or specialist tests, you may be able to claim back the cost of travelunder the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

This can cover things like:

• public transport fares

• fuel costs if you drove

• parking, tolls, or congestion charges

• escorts or carers (where medically necessary)

Many people never claim simply because they don’t know the scheme exists.

What is the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)?

The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) helps eligible patients reclaim reasonable travel costs when attending NHS appointments for specialist care or diagnostic tests.

It applies when:

• you’re referred by a healthcare professional

• you attend a separate appointment for NHS treatment or tests

• you meet the eligibility rules (usually income or benefit-related)

Claims are handled by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).

Who can claim help with healthcare travel costs?

To qualify under HTCS, all three of the following must apply:

1️⃣ You meet the income or benefit criteria

At the time of your appointment, you or your partner must receive a qualifying benefit or qualify under the NHS Low Income Scheme.

2️⃣ You were referred for specialist NHS care

You must have been referred by a GP, dentist, or other primary care professional to:

• a hospital

• or another NHS provider for specialist treatment or diagnostic tests
  (This is often called secondary care.)

3️⃣ The appointment was a separate visit

The appointment must be separate from the referral itself, even if it took place in the same building.

Qualifying benefits and allowances

You may qualify if you or your partner receive:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

• Universal Credit (meeting the criteria)

You may also qualify if you:

• have a low income

• and are named on an HC2 (full help) or HC3 (limited help) certificate via the NHS Low Income Scheme

Children, dependants, carers and escorts

Children

You can claim travel costs for your child if:

• you qualify under the scheme

• your child was referred for NHS treatment

• the appointment meets the criteria

Children aged 16 or over can make their own claim if they qualify under the Low Income Scheme.

Carers / escorts

You can claim travel costs for an escort if:

• a healthcare professional confirms it’s medically necessary

Some Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) may also accept claims if you must bring a child under 16 with you.

Claims are based on the patient’s eligibility, not the escort’s.

Who cannot claim under HTCS?

You cannot claim if:

• you’re visiting someone in hospital

• you’re attending a GP, dentist, or routine primary care appointment

• the visit is for vaccinations or screening (e.g. cervical screening)

• the appointment is urgent out-of-hours primary care

HTCS is for specialist NHS care, not everyday appointments.

What travel costs can you claim?

Refunds are based on the cheapest suitable mode of transport for your situation.

This usually means public transport, but other options may be covered depending on circumstances.

Covered costs can include:

• bus, train, or tram fares

• fuel costs if you drove (at your ICB’s mileage rate)

• unavoidable parking or toll charges

• taxis (if agreed in advance)

In London, you may also be able to claim:

• Congestion Charge

• ULEZ charges (where applicable)

Can you get help before your appointment?

Normally, you:

• pay travel costs upfront

• then claim them back within 3 months

However, in some cases you may be able to:

• request an advance payment to help you attend the appointment

Your hospital, clinic, or local ICB can advise on this.

How do you claim healthcare travel costs?

Option 1: Claim in person (most common)

Take the following to the cashiers’ office at the hospital or clinic:

• travel receipts

• appointment letter or card

• proof of qualifying benefits or HC2/HC3 certificate

They’ll assess your claim and usually pay you directly.

The office may be called:

• Cashiers

• General Office

• Patient Affairs

If unsure, ask PALS or reception staff.

Option 2: Claim by post

If there’s no cashiers’ office, you can:

• complete an HC5(T) travel refund form

• post it to the address on the form

You can submit postal claims up to 3 months after your appointment.

What if your treatment was abroad?

If the NHS arranged treatment abroad, you may be able to claim:

• travel costs within Great Britain to the port, airport, or station

International travel costs fall under NHS foreign travel expenses, not HTCS, and must usually be approved in advance.

Final thoughts

Healthcare travel refunds aren’t a loophole — they’re part of the NHS support system.

If you:

• attend hospital appointments regularly

• travel long distances for treatment

• are on a low income or qualifying benefits

…it’s worth knowing what you’re entitled to.

Many people miss out simply because they don’t ask.