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Hospital Travel Costs Scheme

Help with costs travelling to and from hospital

For some patients travelling to Addenbrooke’s Hospital can present difficulties - for example, the lack of access to private or public transport, the cost, the length and/or complexity of the journey.

The Hospital Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) is part of the National Health Service (NHS) Low Income Scheme. It provides financial assistance to those patients who do not have a medical need for ambulance transport, but who nevertheless, require assistance in meeting the cost of travelling to traditionally hospital-based services for NHS treatment under the care of a consultant. To be eligible patients must be in receipt of a passported benefit or meet the criteria of the NHS Low Income Scheme.

You may be entitled to help with necessary travel costs to and from hospital for NHS treatment if you receive, for example, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. Some people receiving tax credits may also be entitled to help.

You may also be entitled to help with the travel costs of a companion if, for medical reasons, you need someone to travel with you. Their travel costs are counted as part of your travel costs.

For further information please refer to the Department of Health website:

The Department of Health also produces a booklet 'Are you entitled to help with health costs?' available by ringing the Department of Health's order line.

People not eligible for HTCS help

The HTCS arrangements do not apply to patients for whom NHS ambulance
service transport is arranged, patients being transferred between treatment
centres, visitors to patients in hospital, or private patients.

How to Claim

Patients can claim at Addenbrooke’s Hospital Outpatient Reception or at the clinic at the time of appointment. Patients will be reimbursed in cash at the Outpatients Reception when the following is presented:

• Proof or qualifying benefit

• A tax credit exemption certificate

• A certificate showing qualification for the NHS Low Income Support Scheme

A HC1 form is required to apply for the NHS Low Income Support Scheme.  This can be obtained:

• At the Outpatients Reception

• Online

• Phone – NHS Patient Services helpline 0845 850 1166 (8.00am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday local call charge rate)

• NHS Hospitals

• Job Centre Plus Offices

• Some GP surgeries, dentists and opticians

All forms mentioned throughout this document are available from the Outpatients Reception in Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Costs claimed in Advance

Payments can be made for patients who cannot meet the costs to enable them to attend an appointment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and can prove their eligibility.

If payments are given in advance evidence of patients attendance to an appointment is required, giving details as previously stated had they claimed at the usual time.  No further payments can be made until this has been done.

Information taken from Department of Health, the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme Guidance.