Need Help with Travel to Medical Appointments? 5 Things You Should Know About IPTAAS

A scenic road in the Snowy Valleys region representing the journey for medical care.

Living in Tumut and the surrounding Riverina district offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. We have the mountains, the river and a community that genuinely looks out for one another. However, being part of a regional community also means that when it comes to specialised health care, we often have to look beyond our town borders.

Whether it’s a trip to see a cardiologist in Canberra or a specialist appointment in Wagga Wagga, "going for a drive" takes on a whole new meaning when it’s for your health. These trips can be stressful, exhausting and, let’s be honest, incredibly expensive.

That is where IPTAAS comes in. IPTAAS is the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme, a NSW Health scheme that helps eligible people with travel and accommodation costs when they need to travel long distances for approved specialist health treatment not available locally. At the Tumut & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc, we see firsthand how important this support can be for our community.

If you are facing a specialist appointment far from home, here are five essential things you need to know about IPTAAS and how it may help.

1. Check the Main Eligibility Rules

To be eligible for IPTAAS, you generally need to meet the current NSW Health requirements. This includes:

  • being a resident of NSW
  • being enrolled with Medicare
  • travelling to the nearest approved health service for treatment
  • travelling at least 100 kilometres one way, or a total of at least 200 kilometres in one week for the same condition
  • not being able to claim the same travel or accommodation costs from a third party or another government service

Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, so it is always best to check the current guidance on the official IPTAAS website.

2. Travel Assistance May Be Available

IPTAAS can help with eligible travel for approved medical treatment. NSW Health advises that this may include:

  • private vehicle travel
  • public transport such as train, bus or ferry
  • taxi or rideshare in some circumstances
  • air travel in special circumstances, with approval required before booking

A map and car keys representing the long drive from Tumut to Canberra for medical care.

The rules and payment amounts can change, so it is important to use the official IPTAAS website for the most up-to-date information before you travel or submit a claim.

3. Accommodation Assistance Can Also Help

If you need to stay away from home for treatment, IPTAAS may also help with accommodation costs for eligible claims. This can include:

  • staying with family or friends
  • not-for-profit accommodation
  • commercial accommodation

Accommodation assistance is assessed under the current IPTAAS rules, and the official website sets out what is covered and what evidence you may need to provide.

4. Escorts and Support May Be Included

Some patients may be eligible to claim assistance for an escort, such as a carer, family member or support person, when support is needed during travel or treatment.

Support and advocacy are available at the Tumut & District Neighbourhood Centre.

NSW Health guidance includes rules for escorts and, in some situations, more than one escort. Because this depends on the patient’s circumstances, it is worth checking the current IPTAAS information or asking for help before you apply.

5. You Don’t Have to Navigate the Forms Alone

We know that the IPTAAS application process can feel overwhelming. When you are focused on your health, the last thing you want to deal with is more paperwork.

That is where we come in. At the Tumut & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc, we can help you understand the scheme and find the right place to start.

What can we help with?

  • Information: We can help you understand the basics of IPTAAS and direct you to the current official NSW Health information.
  • Forms: We can help you access forms or support you while you complete them.
  • Referrals: If you need extra help, we can assist with referrals to other services and supports.
  • Practical support: We can sit down with you and help you make sense of the process.

The entrance to our welcoming centre at 173 Wynyard St, Tumut.

A Quick Tip for Success:

Keep your appointment details and any travel or accommodation records together, and check the official IPTAAS website for current claim requirements and forms before lodging your application.

We Are Here to Support Our Community

Health challenges are hard enough without the added stress of organising travel for medical care. IPTAAS is an important support for many people across regional NSW, and we want to help our community access clear information and the right next steps.

Whether you need help finding information, understanding the forms or working out where to start, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can also visit the official IPTAAS website here: https://www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au/

Tumut & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc
173 Wynyard Street, Tumut NSW 2720
PH: 02 6947 2893
EMAIL: tumutdnc@bigpond.net.au
Centre hours: Tuesday to Thursday 9.00 am–3.00 pm