FAQs National Travel Assistance NTA Scheme

What is the National Travel Assistance (NTA) Scheme/Policy?

If you, or a family member, need to travel long distances – or frequently – to see a specialist, then you may be eligible for help with expenses under the National Travel Assistance Scheme. These expenses may include travel, accommodation and support person costs.

What do I need to be eligible for Travel Assistance?

You may be eligible for travel assistance if:

• You’ve been referred to the specialist you’re going to see by another specialist (not your family doctor or GP) and;
• Both specialists are publicly funded – that is, they are part of a government-funded health and disability service (for example, a renal dialysis centre or a specialist disability service) and you can answer ‘yes’ to one or more of the questions below:
  1. Do you travel more than:
  • 80 km one way per visit (for a child)?
  • 350 km one way per visit (for an adult)?
  2. Do you visit a specialist 22 or more times in two months?
  3. Do you visit a specialist six or more times in six months, and travel more than:
  • 25 km one way per visit (for a child)?
  • 50 km one way per visit (for an adult)?
  4. Are you a Community Services Card holder and travel more than:
  • 25 km one way per visit (for a child)?
  • 80 km one way per visit (for an adult)?

How is Travel Assistance determined?

Pubic transport is reimbursed for the least expensive option available, public bus or private vehicle. In cases, where a more expensive option is used - for example, commercial air travel - then the specialist must verify the eligibility, clinical or mobility reasons why such a form of transport is necessary.

Mileage is calculated from your residential address to the facility or hospital via the shortest route that is practical.

Am I eligible for funding assistance for my support person?

Support person eligibility for assistance is firstly to accompany you and is dependant on your eligibility for travel assistance based on the criteria in the NTA Scheme/Policy. All children under the age of 18 years are automatically entitled to assistance for a support person. A child is anyone younger than 18 years of age at the time of treatment.

Could I be eligible for other travel assistance?

If you receive or are eligible for travel assistance from another provider, such as ACC, Work and Income, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Transport or the Ministry of Education, you may not be eligible for assistance under the National Travel Assistance Scheme.