NHS Healthcare Travel Cost Reimbursement

We often get inquiries on how to travel to the hospital, or whether their travel costs can be reimbersed.

We have raised this issue to Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust (PHUT). PHUT listened to patients' feedback and agreed to make reimbursement guidance more explicit and accessible.

Now, PHUT's Communications Team have updated the information on their website with clear, simple guidance, including where to go (e.g. Cashiers Office) and what patients need to know.

Who's eligible for the scheme

To qualify for help with travel costs under the HTCS, you must meet 3 criteria:

1. You or your partner must receive one of the qualifying benefits or allowances, or meet the eligibility criteria for the NHS Low Income Scheme.

2. You must have a referral for specialist care for further NHS treatment or tests.

3. Your appointment must be on a separate visit to when the referral was made.

When can you claim a refund of travel costs

If you're 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).

Normally, you can only claim for the cheapest suitable mode of transport for your circumstances, which in most cases will be public transport. If you need to use a taxi, you should agree this in advance with the hospital or ICB before you travel.

How to make a claim

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.

Read more details on PHUT's website here: Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)