June 21, 2023
Queensland Health’s Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme has received a boost in the recent State Budget.
The fuel subsidy will rise by 4 cents per kilometre, taking it to 34 cents per kilometre.
The patient accommodation and escort subsidy will rise by $10 per person, per night to $70 per person, per night.
Subsidies also exist for air, bus, ferry or rail fares for eligible patients.
The government has also provided funding for repatriation costs for deceased patients to their place of residence.
“While we always aim to provide services for patients as close to their homes as possible, it’s inevitable that people will need to travel to larger centres for specialist care,” Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
“We have provided over $700 million in travel and accommodation subsidies since 2015-16 so that patients can receive the care they require.
“Over 234,600 claims were made in 2021-22 alone, highlighting just how critical this scheme is for regional, rural and remote Queenslanders.”
