National Travel Assistance: Who Qualifies and What You Get
If you must travel long distances for specialist medical treatment, you may be able to claim back your travel expenses.
The National Travel Assistance is a scheme designed to help cover the costs for patients who must travel long distances to access specialist medical treatment.
Who it's for
This assistance is intended for patients who are required to travel significant distances to receive specialist medical care. It is specifically designed to support those whose treatment requires them to be far from their home location.
What you get
If you qualify, you can receive reimbursement to help offset the financial burden of your trip. Specifically, the scheme provides reimbursement for fuel costs incurred during your travel for medical reasons.
What it costs you
There is no upfront fee to apply for this assistance. However, it does require your time and organization. To successfully claim your reimbursement, you must have a formal specialist referral and you must keep and provide all relevant receipts for your fuel expenses.
The catch to know
The most common mistake is forgetting the paperwork while you are at the hospital. You must ensure that your forms are officially signed by the hospital clerk before you leave the facility. If you leave without this signature, you may face difficulties claiming your expenses later.
How to apply
- Secure a specialist referral for your required medical treatment.
- Collect and save all receipts for your fuel.
- Visit the hospital clerk to have your forms signed before you depart.
- Submit your documentation through the official portal: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz