Travel and Costs
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)
If you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).
Parking Charges
To reclaim your expenses, simply bring your travel receipts, appointment letter or card, and proof of receiving one of the qualifying benefits to the relevant General Office. You're just a few steps away from getting your expenses back!
Find all the details of the General Offices here:
NHS Low Income Scheme
If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).
The scheme covers:
- Prescription costs
- Dental costs
- Eyecare costs
- Healthcare travel costs
- Wigs and fabric supports
Volunteer Cornwall Transport (VCT)
Volunteer drivers all around the county to get you where you need to be.
Affordable travel (45p/mile + £3 Booking Fee per journey) - Minimum of 20 miles per trip.
VCT have volunteer drivers right across the county to help you get around Cornwall, all their drivers have continuous training and enhanced DBS checks. Anyone can use the service just give them a call on 01872 265 300 or https://www.volunteercornwall.org.uk/vctransport/booktransport
TAP (Transport Access Patients)
TAP coordinates a fleet of car drivers across Cornwall who can organise a lift for you.
They can arrange for a car or an accessible minibus if you have a wheelchair or walking frame.
There is a charge for this service (payable per mile) and you can travel alone or with friends or family.
You can contact TAP on 01872 223388.
Useful phone numbers
- Patient Transport Service at Royal Cornwall Hospital: 01872 252211
- Transport Access Patients: 01872 223388
- National Rail Enquiries: 0845 748 3950
- First Bus: 0845 600 1420
- Isles of Scilly Travel: 0845 710 5555