If you live in rural or regional Australia, you already know the reality: the specialist you need isn’t down the road. It might be a six-hour drive, a flight, or an overnight stay in a city you’d rather not visit. The cost of accessing healthcare when you’re hours from a major hospital adds up fast — fuel, accommodation, meals, time off work.
Patient Assisted Travel Schemes exist in every state and territory to help offset these costs. They won’t cover everything, but they can make a meaningful difference when you’re travelling for medical care. The catch is that each jurisdiction runs its own scheme with its own rules, rates, and quirks.
This guide breaks down how PATS works in each state and territory, what you’re entitled to, and how to make the most of it.
What is PATS?
Patient Assisted Travel Schemes provide financial assistance to people who need to travel long distances to access specialist medical services not available locally. While the specifics vary between states, the core principle is the same: if you live in a regional, rural, or remote area and need to travel more than a certain distance (usually 100km or more) for specialist care, you may be eligible for a subsidy toward your travel and accommodation costs.
PATS typically covers consultations with medical specialists, some diagnostic procedures, and certain allied health services. It doesn’t usually cover GP visits, elective procedures, or travel to services that are available locally.
General Eligibility Requirements
While each state has its own criteria, most PATS schemes share common eligibility requirements. You generally need to hold a Medicare card, be referred by a medical practitioner to a specialist service, travel more than the minimum distance threshold (typically 100km one way), and be accessing a service that isn’t available within your local area.
Some schemes have additional provisions for escort or carer travel, emergency situations, and patients with specific conditions or circumstances. Concession card holders often receive higher subsidy rates.
New South Wales: Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)
NSW calls their scheme IPTAAS rather than PATS. It assists patients who need to travel more than 100km one way (or 200km round trip) to access specialist medical treatment not available locally.
Eligibility
You must be a NSW resident with a Medicare card, have a referral from a registered medical practitioner, and be travelling to the nearest appropriate specialist. The treating specialist must verify that the service isn’t available closer to your home.
What’s Covered
IPTAAS provides a fuel subsidy based on the distance travelled, currently calculated at a set rate per kilometre. Commercial travel (bus, train, plane) may be covered at economy rates when driving isn’t practical. Accommodation is subsidised at a nightly rate when overnight stays are medically necessary. Escort travel may be approved when the patient requires assistance due to age, medical condition, or other factors.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online through the IPTAAS portal or via paper forms available from your local health district. You’ll need your referral details, appointment confirmation, and receipts for any expenses. Claims should generally be lodged within three months of travel.
More information: NSW Health IPTAAS
Victoria: Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)
Victoria’s scheme assists eligible patients who need to travel more than 100km one way to access specialist medical services at the nearest available location.
Eligibility
Victorian residents with a Medicare card who hold a valid Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are eligible. Patients without concession cards may still qualify but at reduced subsidy rates. The treatment must be referred by a medical practitioner and not available within 100km of your home.
What’s Covered
VPTAS reimburses travel costs based on the distance from your home to the treatment location. Private vehicle travel is subsidised per kilometre, with higher rates for concession card holders. Public transport and commercial flights may be covered at the lowest practical fare. Accommodation subsidies apply when overnight stays are required, with different rates for patients staying in commercial accommodation versus with family or friends.
How to Apply
Claims are submitted through your treating health service or via the VPTAS online portal. You’ll need your referral, proof of appointment attendance, and any relevant receipts. Claims should be submitted within 12 months of travel.
More information: Victorian Health VPTAS
Queensland: Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS)
Queensland’s Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme assists patients who need to travel more than 50km one way to access specialist medical services. The lower distance threshold reflects Queensland’s geography and dispersed population.
Eligibility
Queensland residents with a Medicare card who are referred to specialist medical services more than 50km from their nearest public hospital or community health centre are eligible. The service must not be available locally, and you must be travelling to the nearest appropriate specialist.
What’s Covered
PTSS provides travel subsidies based on distance and mode of transport. Private vehicle travel is reimbursed per kilometre. Commercial travel including flights, trains, and buses may be covered when appropriate. Accommodation subsidies are available for overnight stays, with higher rates for patients who need to stay in commercial accommodation. Escort assistance is available when medically necessary.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online or through paper forms available at Queensland Health facilities. Pre-approval is recommended for planned travel, particularly for flights or extended accommodation. Claims must generally be submitted within two years of travel.
More information: Queensland Health PTSS
Western Australia: Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)
Western Australia’s PATS is particularly important given the state’s vast distances. It assists patients who need to travel more than 100km one way (or 70km in the Perth metropolitan area for certain services) to access specialist medical services.
Eligibility
WA residents with a Medicare card who are referred to specialist medical services not available locally are eligible. The scheme covers travel to the nearest appropriate specialist, whether that’s in a regional centre or Perth. Patients travelling from very remote areas may have access to additional support.
What’s Covered
WA PATS covers private vehicle travel at a per-kilometre rate, with concession card holders receiving higher reimbursement. Commercial travel including flights is covered when driving isn’t practical, which is common given WA’s distances. Accommodation subsidies are available for overnight stays, with different rates depending on circumstances. Escort travel is approved when the patient requires assistance.
How to Apply
Applications can be made online through the WA Country Health Service or via paper forms. For planned travel, particularly involving flights, it’s advisable to seek pre-approval. Claims should be submitted within six months of travel.
More information: WA Country Health Service PATS
South Australia: Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS)
South Australia’s PATS assists patients who need to travel more than 100km one way to access specialist medical services not available in their local area.
Eligibility
SA residents with a Medicare card who are referred to specialist medical services more than 100km from their home are eligible. The scheme requires that the service not be available locally and that you travel to the nearest appropriate specialist. Concession card holders may receive enhanced benefits.
What’s Covered
SA PATS reimburses private vehicle travel at a per-kilometre rate. Commercial transport including bus, train, and air travel may be covered when appropriate. Accommodation subsidies are available for necessary overnight stays. Escort assistance can be approved when the patient requires support due to medical or other reasons.
How to Apply
Applications are processed through SA Health. Forms are available online or from local health services. Claims should be submitted within a reasonable timeframe after travel, with supporting documentation including referral details and proof of attendance.
More information: SA Health PATS
Tasmania: Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS)
Tasmania’s scheme assists patients who need to travel more than 75km one way to access specialist medical services, or who need to travel to mainland Australia for treatment not available in Tasmania.
Eligibility
Tasmanian residents with a Medicare card who are referred to specialist services more than 75km away are eligible. The scheme also covers travel to interstate specialists when the required service isn’t available anywhere in Tasmania. This interstate provision is particularly important for Tasmanians requiring highly specialised care.
What’s Covered
Tasmanian PTAS covers private vehicle travel, ferry crossings (relevant for Bass Strait travel), and flights when appropriate. Accommodation subsidies are available for overnight stays, whether in Tasmania or interstate. The scheme recognises the unique challenges Tasmanians face when requiring mainland treatment and provides enhanced support for interstate travel.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Tasmanian Health Service. For interstate travel, pre-approval is strongly recommended to ensure costs will be covered. Claims should be submitted with appropriate documentation including referral letters, appointment confirmations, and receipts.
More information: Tasmanian Health Service PTAS
Northern Territory: Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS)
The Northern Territory’s PATS is essential given the Territory’s vast distances and dispersed population. It assists patients who need to travel more than 200km one way to access specialist services, or who need to travel interstate for treatment not available in the NT.
Eligibility
NT residents with a Medicare card who are referred to specialist services more than 200km from their residence are eligible. The scheme has specific provisions for remote community residents and recognises the significant travel challenges faced by many Territorians. Interstate travel is covered when services aren’t available within the NT.
What’s Covered
NT PATS covers private vehicle travel, commercial flights (which are often the only practical option for remote residents), and accommodation for overnight stays. The scheme provides enhanced support for patients from remote communities, recognising the additional logistical challenges they face. Escort travel is available when required.
How to Apply
Applications are processed through NT Health. Given the distances involved and the frequency of air travel, pre-approval is recommended, particularly for interstate travel. Remote clinic staff can often assist with applications for community residents.
More information: NT Health PATS
Australian Capital Territory: Interstate Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (IPTAS)
The ACT’s scheme is primarily focused on interstate travel, as most specialist services are available within Canberra. IPTAS assists patients who need to travel to NSW or other states for highly specialised treatment not available in the ACT.
Eligibility
ACT residents with a Medicare card who are referred to specialist services not available in the ACT are eligible. The scheme primarily covers travel to Sydney for highly specialised treatments, though other interstate destinations may be approved when appropriate. A treating specialist must confirm that the required service isn’t available locally.
What’s Covered
ACT IPTAS covers travel costs to interstate appointments, accommodation when overnight stays are required, and escort travel when medically necessary. Given Canberra’s proximity to Sydney, travel is often by road, though flights may be covered when appropriate.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through Canberra Health Services. Pre-approval is recommended for all interstate travel. Documentation requirements include specialist referral, confirmation of appointment, and evidence that the service isn’t available in the ACT.
More information: ACT Health IPTAS
Tips for Maximising Your PATS Entitlements
Apply Before You Travel When Possible
While most schemes allow you to claim after travel, seeking pre-approval — particularly for flights, extended accommodation, or interstate travel — ensures you know what’s covered before you commit to expenses. This is especially important for costly travel where out-of-pocket costs could be significant if your claim is partially rejected.
Keep Everything
Receipts, appointment letters, referrals, and any correspondence with health services should be kept until your claim is finalised. Digital copies are usually acceptable, so photograph receipts before they fade. Some schemes require original documents, so check your state’s requirements.
Ask About Escort Provisions
If you have a medical condition, disability, or other circumstance that means you need someone to travel with you, ask about escort provisions. Most schemes cover an escort’s travel and accommodation when there’s a documented medical or practical need. This can include situations where you’ll be unfit to drive after a procedure, require assistance with communication, or have care needs that can’t be met while travelling alone.
Combine Appointments When Practical
If you have multiple specialists to see, try to schedule appointments on the same trip where possible. This can reduce your overall out-of-pocket costs and makes better use of your time. Your GP or local health service may be able to help coordinate multiple referrals.
Know Your Concession Entitlements
Concession card holders typically receive higher subsidy rates across all PATS schemes. If you hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, make sure this is recorded in your application. Some schemes also have enhanced provisions for veterans or specific patient groups.
Don’t Assume — Ask
PATS rules can be complex and occasionally have provisions that aren’t immediately obvious. If you’re unsure whether something is covered or whether you’re eligible, ask before you travel. Local health services, hospital social workers, and PATS coordinators can clarify your entitlements and help you navigate the system.
Other Support That May Be Available
PATS isn’t the only assistance available for regional patients. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to access support through several other channels.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides medical evacuations and some patient transport services in remote areas. Cancer Council transport programs assist cancer patients with travel to treatment in many states. Leukaemia Foundation accommodation is available for blood cancer patients near major treatment centres. Hospital social workers can help identify additional support programs and charitable assistance. Some private health insurers offer travel assistance for regional members — check your policy.
If you’re facing significant financial hardship due to medical travel costs, speak with a hospital social worker. They can often connect you with emergency assistance, charitable funds, or other support that isn’t widely advertised.
The Reality of Rural Healthcare Access
PATS schemes exist because the system recognises that living regional shouldn’t mean worse healthcare outcomes. The subsidies won’t cover all your costs — no one’s pretending the fuel rebate equals what it actually costs to drive 500km — but they do take some of the edge off.
The schemes are underutilised. Many eligible patients don’t know they exist, don’t realise they qualify, or find the application process too daunting. If you’re travelling for specialist care, it’s worth checking whether you’re entitled to support. The worst they can say is no.
For questions about your specific situation, contact your local health service’s PATS coordinator or ask your GP’s practice to help you navigate the system. They deal with these applications regularly and can make the process much smoother.