Guides › Health and Private Care › Claiming Back Travel Costs for Hospital Appointments
Claiming Back Travel Costs for Hospital Appointments
If you are referred by your GP or dentist for NHS specialist treatment or tests, and you get certain benefits or have an HC2 or HC3 certificate, you can claim back reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. Pay first, then claim at the hospital cashier with receipts and proof, or by post with form HC5(T), within 3 months.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Healthcare Travel Costs
Who Qualifies
You are referred by a doctor, dentist or other primary care professional for specialist treatment or tests, on a separate visit, and you or your partner get a qualifying benefit, such as income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Universal Credit if you meet the criteria, or you have an HC2 or HC3. source
How to Claim
Pay for travel first. Take receipts, your appointment letter and proof of benefits to the hospital cashiers, or post form HC5(T) within 3 months of the appointment. source
What Is Covered
Reasonable costs, usually the cheapest suitable public transport; car mileage with unavoidable parking and tolls; taxis if agreed in advance; and an escort if medically necessary. Visiting someone in hospital is not covered. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 3 monthsClaim travel costsAfter the appointment
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Keep tickets, receipts and parking slips.
Step 2 of 5
Take your appointment letter and proof of benefits.
Step 3 of 5
Claim at the hospital cashier on the day if possible.
Step 4 of 5
Otherwise post form HC5(T) within 3 months.
Step 5 of 5
Ask about advance payments if you cannot afford the fare.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
NHS Business Services Authority
Runs exemption certificates, the Low Income Scheme and penalty charges.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Agree taxi use with the hospital before you travel, or it may not be refunded.
These rules are for England. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and help with other costs differs there.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/healthcare-travel-costs-scheme-htcs Checked 16 October 2026