Financial help for when you need to travel for medical treatment

Travelling for medical treatment is not uncommon. Especially if you live in a rural or remote region. But even people living in larger towns and cities still travel for medical help.

This often costs the family a lot. Transport, accommodation and loss of wages while traveling add up fast.

We were living in Canberra when my mum was diagnosed with brain cancer. We fought hard and got in with a top team at Royal North Shore in Sydney. This meant we were often in Sydney, even months on end. We accessed ACT's patient travel subsidy scheme to help out. While the subsidy didn’t cover everything, it was better than nothing. And we were grateful for the help.

Every state and territory in Australia offer a patient travel scheme. They usually offer partial or full reimbursement of transport and sometimes accommodation. If and what you will be eligible for will depend on your Loved One's (and your) personal circumstances.

You'll have to apply for the relevant scheme in your location. This also usually means having your Loved One's medical team signing off the relevant forms. Also, you'll need to provide proof of expenses so don't throw out any of those petrol receipts!

Here is a list of the different states and territories schemes so you can find out more.

This list was correct as of 22.02.2022. If you find any that are incorrect, please let me know so I can update 😊

ACT – ACT Interstate Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (IPTAS)
NSW – New South Wales Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)

NT – NT Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS)

QLD - Queensland Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS)

SA – South Australia Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS)

TAS – Tasmania Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS)

VIC – Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)

WA – Western Australia Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) , Interstate Patient Travel Scheme (IPTS)

Much love,

Em x

Ps. Check out my Hospital Bags Freebie to make sure you and your Loved One are prepared for any emergency or hospital stay.