Positive Ageing - Medical Travel Assistance

Financial help with air travel, taxis, bus fares, petrol and accommodation costs, including those of a support person, is available in some cases when a patient is obliged to travel beyond Blenheim for certain medical care.

For example, a patient who must visit an out-of-town specialist at least six times in six months and who has to travel more than 80km one way to the appointment, may qualify for travel assistance.

Patients must be in the public health system and must be referred by a local specialist (not a GP) for the treatment beyond Blenheim. Patients must register in the system to receive support. Your referring specialist should give you details of who to contact for information concerning your particular circumstances and entitlements.

More information is available through the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, Ph: 03 520 9999 and ask for Patient Travel or phone the office direct in Nelson, Ph: 03 546 1727.