Hospital travel costs scheme
Under the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) you may be refunded the cost of travelling to and from a hospital or clinic to receive NHS treatment.
You may also be able to claim back the travel costs of a second person if the hospital agrees that you need someone to travel with you for medical reasons.
You will be expected to use the cheapest form of transport available to you.
Who can claim a refund?
Fares can be refunded in full if you are automatically entitled to health benefits or have exemption certificate HC2.
If you have exemption certificate HC3 you may get some help towards the cost of your fares. The amount you have to pay will depend on the maximum amount stated on your certificate. For example, if your HC3 certificate shows you should pay £10 and your journey costs you £15, the hospital will refund you £5.
Claiming your refund
If you are entitled to help with the cost of your journey to hospital, payment is made at the hospital when you visit. You can claim for petrol costs if you travel by car, public transport fares, or contributions towards a voluntary transport scheme. Parking expenses may also be included.
Taxi fares will only be paid if there is no other way you can travel for all or part of the journey. If a taxi seems to be the only form of transport you could use, be sure to discuss this with the hospital before you travel.
At the hospital, ask the receptionist for the cost of your travel to be repaid to you. You will need to show evidence of your travel costs such as a bus ticket or receipt. Always take your HC2 or HC3 certificate or your benefit award letter with you to proove that you are entitled to claim your travel costs back.
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