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Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme

Refunds the cost of travelling to NHS hospital appointments — by car (mileage), public transport or taxi (where medically necessary) — for people on certain benefits or with an HC2 / HC3 certificate.

Official linksLast verified 28 April 2026

Who it helps

Anyone travelling to an NHS hospital or clinic for a referred outpatient appointment, day surgery, or scheduled investigation, who receives a qualifying means-tested benefit or holds an HC2 / HC3 certificate.

The full picture

The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) refunds you for travel to and from a hospital or NHS clinic for an outpatient appointment, day surgery or scheduled investigation, where you've been referred by a GP or hospital consultant.

Who qualifies: - You receive Income Support, income-based JSA or ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit (in many cases) or other passport benefits - You have an HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate via the NHS Low Income Scheme - You receive Tax Credits with low household income - You're a War Disablement Pensioner travelling for treatment of the war pension condition

What's refunded: - Public transport: standard fare - Car: mileage at the local rate (varies by hospital, typically 21–30p/mile) plus parking - Taxi: only if medically necessary or no public transport is available

Claim at the hospital cashier office on the day of the appointment with proof of your benefit and travel costs (receipts, ticket stubs). Claims can also be backdated up to 3 months by post if you forgot on the day.

This is one of the most under-claimed NHS benefits. People often assume "I'm only on Pension Credit, this isn't for me" — but Pension Credit Guarantee is a passport benefit and refunds can run to several hundred pounds a year for people with regular hospital appointments.

Worth knowing before you apply

  • Often under-claimed — Pension Credit Guarantee Credit recipients qualify automatically
  • Refunds car mileage at the local NHS rate plus parking, public transport at standard fare, taxis only when medically necessary
  • Claim at the hospital cashier on the day, or by post within 3 months using HC5(T)
  • You need a referral from a GP or consultant — A&E and self-referrals don't qualify
  • A companion's travel costs are also refunded if your medical condition means you cannot travel alone
  • GP appointments are not covered — only hospital and NHS clinic appointments
  • Different processes per nation: England via NHSBSA, Scotland via NHS boards, Wales via NHS Wales, NI via the trust
  • For long-distance Wales-NI-mainland-UK travel for specialist treatment, additional support may be available — ask the hospital

How to claim

Bring proof of eligibility (benefit award letter, HC2 or HC3 certificate) and travel receipts to the hospital cashier office on the day of the appointment. They'll refund you in cash or by bank transfer. To claim later (up to 3 months), use form HC5(T) — order from NHSBSA or your hospital.

Independent advice

More help is out there

If your situation is complex, these UK-wide charities and government services can give free, independent advice.

Last verified 28 April 2026
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