Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)

This program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible patients who travel for treatment not available locally. It seeks to ensure people who are affected with the bushfires receive the right financial assistance.

IPTAAS is not a full reimbursement scheme. It provides eligible patients a subsidy to assist with travel and accommodation costs only; it is not intended to cover all costs associated with accessing treatment.

Eligible individuals can claim a subsidy towards the following:
- Private vehicle travel
- Public transport (trains, buses, ferries and taxis)
- Air travel (in special circumstances)
- Accommodation
- The cost of having an escort/carer support them during their treatment

Applications must be submitted within 12 months of the hospitalisation discharge or appointment end date.

IPTAAS considers the submitted date as the date the IPTAAS office receives the application. A patient will not receive a subsidy for journeys outside 12 months even if the patient meets the eligibility criteria. Patients should submit their application after their treatment, however in some cases, travel and accommodation assistance may be available to patients before the end of treatment.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the subsidy rates of each type of claim.

Eligible applicants must:
- Be a resident of NSW or Lord Howe Island.
- Be enrolled with Medicare.
- Not be receiving, or eligible for, financial assistance for travel and accommodation from third party insurance or other Australian government services.
- Be referred for treatment at their nearest health service.
- Receive treatment at an approved health service.
- Travel from their residence for treatment at least 100km (one way), or at least 200kms in a week by making multiple trips to and from treatment.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete eligibility requirements.