This guide reports the Queensland Health statements on the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), dated by the page that makes each one.
What the scheme is for
At 11 November 2026, the About the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme page (last updated 4 August 2025) says the PTSS provides financial assistance for patients who are referred to specialist medical services not available at their local public hospital or health facility. At 11 November 2026, the About the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme page (last updated 4 August 2025) says eligible patients can apply for a subsidy towards travel and accommodation costs of accessing specialist medical services. At 11 November 2026, the About the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme page (last updated 4 August 2025) says patients travelling to private specialist services may be eligible if the service is not available within 50 kilometres of the closest public hospital or health facility. At 11 November 2026, the About the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme page (last updated 4 August 2025) says the PTSS is not intended to cover the full costs associated with accessing specialist medical services. At 11 November 2026, the About the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme page (last updated 4 August 2025) says the scheme is Queensland Government funded and administered through Queensland Health.
Who is eligible
At 11 November 2026, the Frequently asked questions page for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (last updated 1 July 2026) says the PTSS is not means tested and is available to all eligible patients. At 11 November 2026, the Frequently asked questions page for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (last updated 1 July 2026) says unless a patient is referred for specialist treatment more than 50 km from the closest public hospital or health facility, they are not eligible. At 11 November 2026, the Frequently asked questions page for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (last updated 1 July 2026) says patients who receive financial help from other sources, such as DVA, WorkCover or third-party insurance, may still be eligible for PTSS.
What the subsidies cover
At 11 November 2026, the About the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme page (last updated 4 August 2025) says the scheme offers travel, accommodation and escort subsidies. At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says commercial air, bus, ferry or rail travel is fully subsidised up to the lowest available discount fare. At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says private motor vehicle travel is paid at $0.45 per km, calculated on the fastest toll-free route in Google Maps or Whereis. At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says the distance for private vehicle travel is measured from the closest public hospital or health facility to the nearest available public specialist service. At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says patients do not need receipts for private motor vehicle travel.
What is not covered
At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says GST paid by a patient when booking their own travel is not covered. At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says travel to and from transport terminals is not covered where the distance is fewer than 50 km from the closest public hospital or health facility. At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says if a hospital or health facility books travel for the patient, the patient receives no travel payment because the facility has paid.
Booking your own travel
At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says patients who book their own bus, ferry or rail ticket must provide a copy of the tax invoice to claim the approved subsidy. At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says patients who book their own airfare must provide a tax invoice to claim the approved subsidy.
Applying and escorts
At 11 November 2026, the About the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme page (last updated 4 August 2025) says applications can be submitted to any Queensland Health hospital or health facility, in person, by email, by post or by fax. At 11 November 2026, the Frequently asked questions page for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (last updated 1 July 2026) says a patient who has not previously received PTSS, or who needed urgent treatment without time to apply, may submit one retrospective application for travel in the last 12 months. At 11 November 2026, the Frequently asked questions page for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (last updated 1 July 2026) says there are no limits to PTSS subsidy payments, and eligible patients receive subsidies for as long as medically needed. At 11 November 2026, the Frequently asked questions page for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (last updated 1 July 2026) says generally, a patient is eligible for only one escort.
For general concession cards that some patients also hold, see Queensland Concession Cards Explained. For seniors concessions, see Queensland Seniors Card: Eligibility, Types and What It Gives You.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme means tested?
At 11 November 2026, the Frequently asked questions page for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (last updated 1 July 2026) says the PTSS is not means tested and is available to all eligible patients.
How much is the private vehicle subsidy?
At 11 November 2026, the PTSS subsidies page (last updated 1 July 2026) says private motor vehicle travel is paid at $0.45 per km, calculated on the fastest toll-free route.
Can I apply after the trip?
At 11 November 2026, the Frequently asked questions page for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (last updated 1 July 2026) says a patient who has not previously received PTSS, or who needed urgent treatment without time to apply, may submit one retrospective application for travel within the last 12 months.
