NHS Healthcare Travel Costs: claim back the fare to your appointment

The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) is an NHS scheme that refunds money you spend travelling to hospital or to a specialist. It is for people on a low income and on certain benefits. The key point: you pay for the travel first, then claim it back with receipts.

Who can claim?

Three conditions must all be met. First, at the time of the appointment you or your partner receive a qualifying benefit — income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit if you meet its criteria — or you hold an NHS Low Income Scheme certificate (HC2 for full help, HC3 for limited help). Second, you have a referral to specialist (secondary) care from a doctor, dentist or other healthcare professional. Third, the appointment is on a separate visit from the one where you were referred.

What can you claim?

Refunds are based on the cheapest suitable transport, usually public transport. If you went by car, you can claim fuel at your local ICB's mileage rate, plus unavoidable parking and toll charges. Taxis are only covered if agreed in advance with the hospital. Patients in London may also be able to claim the Congestion Charge or ULEZ.

What is not covered?

The scheme does not cover visiting someone in hospital, routine GP or dentist check-ups, vaccinations or screening, or urgent out-of-hours primary care. It is specifically about travel to specialist care on referral.

How and when do you claim?

You must claim within 3 months of the appointment. The simplest way is in person at the hospital cashiers' office: bring your travel receipts, your appointment letter or card, and proof you get a qualifying benefit. If there is no cashier, complete form HC5(T) and post it — again within 3 months. You can also claim for an escort if a healthcare professional said one was necessary, and for a child with a qualifying referral. Queries go to the NHS Business Services Authority: 0300 330 1343.