If you have to travel more than 30 miles, or more than five miles by sea, to attend a hospital appointment, you’re entitled to claim reasonable* travel costs under the Highlands and Islands Travel Scheme (HITS). £10 will be deducted from your claim as a patient contribution.
If you’re on a low income, you’re entitled to help with travel costs regardless of the distance you have to travel, under HITS. No patient contribution will be deducted from your claim if you qualify under this criteria.
If you, or those you depend on, receive at least one of the following types of financial support, you’re automatically entitled to claim reasonable* travel expenses:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guarantee Pension Credit
- An NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate; or
If you're included in an award of Universal Credit:
- and have had no earnings, or net earnings (take-home pay) of £435 or less, during the most recent assessment period
- which includes an element for a child and/or limited capability for work-related activity, and have had no earnings, or net earnings (take-home pay) of £935 or less, during the most recent assessment period
*Reasonable Travel Expenses
“Reasonable travel expenses” means you should use public transport where available, as far as is practicably possible, or you should use your own car and get reimbursed for fuel costs.
Shetland Health Board currently reimburses fuel costs in line with the HMRC advisory fuel rate for a 1401cc to 2000cc petrol car, which is updated quarterly online.
Full details of Shetland public transport services can be accessed online, or by phone on 01595 744868.The dial-a-journey scheme is one of the public transport options available.
In exceptional cases where no alternative is available, you can use a taxi to connect with public transport services to reach your appointment. You can also use a taxi if you have restricted mobility which makes it impossible for you to take public transport. However, please note Patient Travel must authorise the use of a taxi before the costs can be reimbursed.
If you’re on a low income, you may also qualify for further help with Healthcare costs. Details of the assistance available can be found at Citizens Advice Scotland or NHS Inform.
See our Patient Travel Policy for further details.