Help with Health Costs

The NHS Business Services Authority offers help to some people with their health costs through The Low Income Scheme, Pre-Payment Certificates and the EHIC card.

You can check your eligibility for all these schemes by using the NHS eligibility checker. This will advise you if you are automatically exempt or what you need to do to apply for help.

Help with Travel Costs

If you are eligible NHS travel expenses cannot be claimed in advance of the treatment date; they can either be claimed on the day (by showing proof of exemption along with an appointment letter and any receipts) or a refund can be applied for by using the relevant form.

The NHS will normally only reimburse the cost of the cheapest suitable mode of transport, which in most cases will be public transport. If you need to travel by taxi, you must obtain prior approval from the hospital.

England

For information on help with NHS travel costs in Northern Ireland, visit: Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

Scotland

For information on help with NHS travel costs in Scotland, visit: Help with transport costs for NHS treatment and view booklet Help with Health Costs

If you live in the Highlands, you can get help with the cost of travel for NHS treatment.

Northern Ireland

For information on help with NHS travel costs in Northern Ireland, visit: Hospital Travel Costs Scheme

Wales

For information on help with NHS travel costs in Wales, visit: Get help with NHS travel costs