Adapted with permission from the National Rural Health Alliance PATS-Fact-Sheet-and-Guide-2026.pdf
If you live in rural, regional or remote Australia, getting to Parkinson’s appointments can be expensive. Many neurologists, movement disorder specialists and specialist clinics are located in the capital or larger regional centres. That often means long drives, overnight stays and extra out-of-pocket costs.
Travel costs, accommodation and time away from work or family can add up quickly. To help address this, every Australian state and territory operates a Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS), although the name, eligibility rules and reimbursement rates vary depending on where you live.
For people living with Parkinson’s, these schemes can help reduce the financial burden of accessing specialist care that is not available locally.
What is a Patient Assisted Travel Scheme?
Patient Assisted Travel Schemes provide financial assistance to eligible people who need to travel to access specialist medical services that are unavailable closer to home. These programs may also provide support for accommodation and approved escorts or support people.
Every state and territory has its own scheme, including:
- ACT: Interstate Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (IPTAS)
- NSW: Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)
- NT: Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS)
- QLD: Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS)
- SA: Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS)
- TAS: Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS)
- VIC: Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)
- WA: Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)
Why is this important for people with Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a complex neurological condition that often requires access to specialist services, including:
- Neurologists
- Movement disorder specialists
- Specialist outpatient clinics
- Deep brain stimulation services
- Parkinson’s specialist nurses
- Allied health professionals with Parkinson’s expertise
Many of these services are concentrated in major cities. If you live outside metropolitan areas, you may need to travel regularly for appointments, treatment reviews or assessments.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility varies between jurisdictions, but most schemes require that:
- You are a resident of the relevant state or territory.
- The specialist service is not available closer to home.
- You have been referred by an appropriate healthcare professional.
- You travel a minimum distance to access care.
Distance requirements by state and territory
New South Wales (IPTAAS)
You must travel:
- More than 100 km one way, or
- More than 200 km in total within one week.
Queensland (PTSS)
You must travel:
- At least 50 km one way to the nearest eligible specialist service.
South Australia (PATS)
You must travel:
- 100 km one way or 200 km cumulative/week
Victoria (VPTAS)
You must travel:
- More than 100 km one way, or
- Average more than 500 km per week for ongoing treatment.
Tasmania (PTAS)
You must travel:
- More than 75 km one way to the nearest specialist service.
- More than 50 km one way (or 150 km over four weeks) for oncology, haematological malignancy or dialysis treatment.
Western Australia (PATS)
You must travel:
- More than 100 km one way for eligible specialist treatment.
Northern Territory (PATS)
You must generally travel:
- More than 75 km one way to the nearest approved specialist, or
- More than 250 km per week for oncology or renal treatment.
Australian Capital Territory (IPTAS)
You must be referred to the closest available location where the required treatment can be provided.
Can a partner, carer or support person travel with me?
Often, yes.
All jurisdictions allow support for an approved escort when a clinician determines that assistance is medically necessary. This may be relevant if Parkinson’s affects:
- Mobility
- Balance
- Communication
- Cognitive function
- Your ability to travel independently
Escorts are generally not approved solely for companionship or emotional support.
What costs can be reimbursed?
Depending on the scheme, assistance may include:
Travel
- Private vehicle travel
- Public transport
- Air travel where approved
- Ferry travel in some jurisdictions
Fuel reimbursement rates vary considerably between states and territories.
Examples include:
- NSW: 40 cents/km
- SA: 40 cents/km
- QLD: 45 cents/km
- WA: 40 cents/km
- NT: 40 cents/km
- TAS: 30 cents/km
- VIC: 21 cents/km
Accommodation
Most schemes provide accommodation subsidies when overnight stays are required.
Examples include:
- NSW: $75/night for first 7 nights; $120/night from day 8 onwards.
- QLD: Up to $70 per night
- SA: Up to $110 per night per person; or up to $154 per night where a patient and authorised escort are travelling together
- TAS: Up to $80/night within Tasmania; Up to $105/night for interstate travel.
- WA: Up to $110 per night for patients
- VIC: Up to $45 per night
Accommodation subsidies generally do not cover the full cost of accommodation.
How do I apply?
The process varies slightly between jurisdictions but generally involves:
1. Speak with your healthcare team
Before travelling, ask your neurologist, specialist or hospital clinic whether your appointment may qualify.
2. Complete the required forms
Most schemes require confirmation that:
- The treatment is medically necessary.
- The service is not available locally.
- Any escort is clinically required.
3. Keep evidence of travel
Save:
- Fuel receipts
- Accommodation receipts
- Booking confirmations
- Appointment records
4. Submit your claim
Each scheme has deadlines for lodging claims. Time limits generally range from three months to twelve months after treatment or travel.
Tips for people living with Parkinson’s
- Prepare for your appointment
- Ask whether follow-up appointments can be provided via telehealth.
- Try to schedule multiple appointments during the same trip.
- Discuss escort eligibility if Parkinson’s symptoms make travel difficult.
- Contact your state or territory scheme before travelling if you are unsure about eligibility.
- Keep copies of all paperwork and receipts.
Key takeaways
- Every Australian state and territory provides financial assistance for eligible rural, regional and remote residents who need to travel for specialist healthcare.
- People living with Parkinson’s may be eligible when specialist services are unavailable closer to home.
- Travel, accommodation and approved escort costs may be reimbursed.
- Eligibility rules vary by state and territory, so check the scheme that applies where you live.
Useful links
- South Australia (PATS): https://www.pats.sa.gov.au/
- NSW (IPTAAS): https://enable.health.nsw.gov.au/services/iptaas
- Queensland (PTSS): https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/travel/subsidies
- Victoria (VPTAS): https://www.health.vic.gov.au/rural-health/victorian-patient-transport-assistance-scheme-vptas
- Tasmania (PTAS): https://www.health.tas.gov.au/patients/health-costs/ptas
- Western Australia (PATS): https://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/Our-patients/Patient-Assisted-Travel-Scheme-PATS
- Northern Territory (PATS): https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-subsidies-support-and-home-visits/patient-assistance-travel-scheme
- ACT (IPTAS): https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au
Please note: Patient Assisted Travel Schemes change periodically. Subsidy rates, eligibility criteria and claim requirements are current at July 2026. Check your state or territory scheme website before travelling to confirm current arrangements.
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