Coming to your appointment is really important.

We want to help you to attend.

 

Did you know you may be able to claim for your travel costs?

Have you or your child been referred to a hospital or NHS site for NHS treatment or tests?

If so, you may be able to claim back travel costs.

Who can claim for travel costs?

You must be getting one of the qualifying benefits or be eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme. Qualifying benefits include:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • You receive Universal Credit

Other people who are can claim are:

  • Dependents (children) of those receiving one of the qualifying benefits
  • Those living in a care home or accommodation provided by the local authority
  • Asylum seekers receiving government support
  • Young people aged 16 and 17 supported by the local authority
  • You must have an appointment that a doctor or dentist has referred you to.
  • Your appointment must be on a separate visit to when the referral was made.
  • You can claim travel costs for an escort if a doctor or dentist says that someone needs to travel with you for medical reasons.
  • You cannot claim help with travel costs if you are visiting someone in hospital.
How do I claim on the day of my appointment?

Please bring:

  1. Proof that you receive one of the qualifying benefits
  2. Your appointment letter or text reminder
  3. Your travel receipts or ticket

Please go to main reception desk at West Cumberland Hospital or The Cumberland Infirmary to claim your costs.

How do I claim after my appointment?

You need to complete an HC5(T) form. The form tells you what to do.

You have up to 12 weeks to claim back after your appointment.

What types of transport can I claim for?

You should try to use the cheapest form of transport for your journey. In many cases, this will be public transport, like buses or trains.

There may be cases where it is not suitable medically to use public transport. We would need to see a letter from a doctor or nurse for your claim.

We know that public transport links are not available on a reliable basis throughout our area. Using a private vehicle or taxi may be the only option.

Your claim should be ‘reasonable’. For example, you can use a private vehicle or taxi if:

  • Your journey by public transport involves several changes
  • Your journey by public transport takes much longer that it would by car or taxi
  • Your journey by public transport would make you late for your appointment

You can claim for:

  • Bus or train tickets
  • Taxi fares
  • Fuel for a journey by private vehicle. This is based on a set rate per mile
  • Parking charges

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302