Coming to your appointment is really important. We want to help you to be able to attend... 

Did you know you may be able to claim for your travel costs?

Have you or your child been referred to a hospital or NHS site for NHS treatment or tests?

If so, you may be able to claim back travel costs. You must meet the following criteria:

  • You or your partner must be receiving one of the qualifying benefits or be eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme
    • Others eligible include:
    • Dependents (children) of those receiving one of the qualifying benefits
    • Those living in a care home / accommodation provided by the local authority
    • Asylum seekers receiving government support
    • Young people aged 16 and 17 supported by the local authority
  • You must have an appointment that a doctor or dentist has referred you to
  • Your appointment must be on a separate visit to when the referral was made

You can claim travel costs for an escort if a doctor or dentist says that someone needs to travel with you for medical reasons.

You cannot claim help with travel costs if you're visiting someone in hospital.


How to claim

To claim back your travel costs on the day of your appointment, please bring:

  • Proof that you receive one of the qualifying benefits
  • Your appointment letter
  • Your travel receipts / ticket

Please go to main reception to claim your costs at:

  • Alnwick
  • Berwick
  • Blyth

Please attend the cashiers' office at:

  • Hexham (located at urgent care reception)
  • North Tyneside (opposite NVS shop, 8.30am to 4pm)
  • Wansbeck (at main reception, 9am to 4pm)

Please note that these may not always be manned. In this case, you can ring the finance team on 0191 203 1535.

The Northumbria hospital in Cramlington does not have a cashiers' office. You can claim your travel costs back by using this form. The form tells you what to do. To order a paper copy of the form, call 0300 123 0849.

If you need support, please call our finance team on 0191 203 1535.

You have up to 12 weeks to claim back after your appointment. This includes claiming at our cashiers' office or receptions.

For more information, visit the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) website.

You need to complete this form. The form tells you what to do.

To order a paper copy of the form, call 0300 123 0849.

You have up to 12 weeks to claim back after your appointment. This includes claiming at our cashiers' office or receptions.

For more information, visit the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) website.

Women who are eligible (see above on this page) can claim back the cost of travel to planned outpatient appointments. This includes mileage if travelling by private transport.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You can receive cash back immediately for travel costs by:

  • Visiting a cashier at 
    • Hexham (located at urgent care reception)
    • North Tyneside (opposite NVS shop, 8.30am to 4pm)
    • Wansbeck (at main reception, 9am to 4pm)
  • Visiting main reception at:
    • Alnwick
    • Berwick
    • Blyth
  • If attending the Pregnancy Assessment Unit at the Northumbria hospital in Cramlington for a planned appointment, you can get a direct payment into your bank account. Please speak to the ward clerk / receptionist to arrange this.

You will need to provide proof of your appointment (BadgerNotes app) and of eligibility.

To see our parking costs, please click here and choose the site of your appointment. 

You can find out more about help with travel costs on the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme page.


Types of transport you can claim for

You should try to use the cheapest form of transport for your journey. In many cases, this will be public transport, like buses or trains.

There may be cases where it is not suitable medically to use public transport. We would need to see a letter from a doctor or nurse for your claim.

We know that public transport links are not available on a reliable basis throughout our patch. Using a private vehicle or taxi may be the only option.

You may be able to claim for:

  • Bus or train tickets
  • Taxi fares
  • Fuel for a journey by private vehicle. This is based on a set rate per mile
  • Parking charges