Help with travel costs

If you have been referred for NHS treatment by your doctor or healthcare professional, and you are on a low income or receive benefits, you may be eligible for help with the cost of travelling to and from your appointments.

Eligibility and how to claim:

Step 1 - Check if you are eligible

  

Click the button below to answer the questions in the NHS eligibility tool. If it says you are eligible for help with travel costs, please continue to step 2.

If you are not eligible and you are unable to travel to your appointment, please contact the outpatient clinic you are attending for support. You will find the number on your appointment letter or text message.

Check if you are eligible
Pay graphic

Alternatively, you can see an eligibility criteria list below.

  • Income support
  • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
  • Income-related employment and support allowance
  • Pension credit guarantee credit
  • Working tax credit (WTC) with child tax credit (CTC)
  • You are entitled to or named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • You are named on a valid HC2 certificate (includes travel by your dependent children).

Step 2 - Purchase ticket

  

You should use the cheapest, most appropriate means of public transport.

A car or taxi will only be reimbursed if you agreed this with the hospital in advance. Their decision will be based on your medical condition and other relevant factors. The availability of public transport may also be considered e.g. if your mobility makes accessing the bus or train station too difficult.

In some cases, you may be able to get an advanced payment to help you attend your appointment. Contact the outpatient clinic you are attending.
Ticket graphic

Keep your ticket and receipt to show the cashier, it must be a paper copy.

Step 3 - Go to your appointment

  

You must bring your proof of benefits letter with you to make a travel expenses claim. Bank statements are not accepted. This is for our auditing and because we have to be accountable for taxpayer money.

Benefits graphic

Step 4 - Fill in claim form at your appointment

  

As the receptionist, nurse or doctor at your appointment for a travel expenses claim form and fill it in.

The nurse or doctor can help with this if needed.
Claim form graphic

Step 5 - Go to the cashier's office

  

Take the claim form, your travel receipt and proof of your income/benefits to the cashier's office at the hospital after your appointment to collect your money.
Cashier's office graphic

How to find the cashier's office at each hospital location

St Mary's Hospital

Open 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm

Turn right at the main reception on the ground floor of the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother building.
A map to the cashier's office at St Mary'sat St Mary's
  

Charing Cross Hospital

Located to the right of the lifts on the ground floor:
A map to the cashier's office at Charing cross hospital
  

Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea hospitals

Located opposite the restaurant in Hammersmith Hospital:
A map to the cashier's office at Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea hospital
  

Western Eye Hospital

Please ask at reception

Community Diagnostic Centre Willesden

Please ask your nurse

 

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