The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme provides financial assistance to patients who need to access specialist medical services not available within 50 kilometres of the patient's nearest public hospital. The scheme offers assistance by providing a contribution towards the cost of transport and accommodation (after four nights), and in some cases, their escorts who are required to accompany them. Patients must also attend the closest service of its kind to qualify for assistance.

Holders of a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and children under 17 years are entitled to receive accommodation assistance from the first night.

To be eligible for the scheme, patients must hold a current Medicare Card, be a permanent resident of Queensland, be referred by a registered medical practitioner, and meet the eligibility criteria as stated in The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme Information for Patients and Their Carers booklet.

The scheme provides financial assistance only and does not cover all costs associated with travel. It does not subsidise Queensland residents who are travelling or working interstate and overseas.

For further information, contact the patient travel officer at the patient's nearest public hospital as listed in the White Pages under 'Hospitals'.

Responsible department

Queensland Health