If you've suffered a significant injury then an additional cost you may incur on top of the medical bills are travel costs. This is especially true if you live in a regional area of Queensland are sent to a major medical centre in a larger city such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns or Townsville.
There is a subsidy scheme offered by the government to help with longer distance travel for appointments. In addition, if the injury was due to a work injury or a car accident then you may be entitled to further compensation.
This scheme is available to assist people living in rural and remote areas who have to travel more than 50km for specialist medical services which are not locally available. The scheme provides financial assistance for travel and accommodation costs.
To be eligible for the scheme you must be a Queensland resident who is eligible for Medicare and obtaining specialist medical treatment that is recommended as medically necessary for your condition and which is not available within 50km of your nearest public hospital.
You can lodge a PTSS application form with your local hospital.
It’s important to get advice for your specific situation. Check if you can make a risk-free compensation claim and get free initial advice from our Principal lawyer, Greg Smith.