If you’re planning to travel a long distance for medical treatment and intend to claim your travel expenses, we encourage you to choose the healthcare provider closest to you that can provide your compensable treatment.
While you can select your own healthcare provider, if you travel further than the closest appropriate location you may have out-of-pocket travel costs.
Travel compensation is calculated to attend the Place Where Appropriate Treatment is Available (PWATA). PWATA is the closest health provider that can deliver the appropriate treatment required.
If your current healthcare provider asks you to travel a long distance and advises you that we will pay for your travel, this may be incorrect.
Always be sure you are travelling to the PWATA before making any long-distance travel plans and email transport.claims@dva.gov.au to check what travel compensation applies. We can also let you know about any additional information that may be needed to support your claim, such as a letter from your treatment provider.
Travel expenses that may be reimbursed include:
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private vehicle allowance
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public transport
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community transport
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ambulance services
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taxis and rideshare arrangements
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parking
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tolls
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accommodation and meals if reasonably required to obtain treatment.
Travel assistance is available to Veteran Card holders and their travel attendant (usually a partner, family member, or friend who is responsible and physically able to assist). However, we do not pay salary costs for a healthcare worker or qualified nurse to accompany someone during travel.
Travel for treatment claims are assessed separately from treatment approval – being approved for treatment does not automatically mean travel costs are fully compensable. Treatment approval and travel compensation are determined separately.
More information:
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Visit our page on travel for treatment.