Who
Low income, under the care of a consultant
Getting to hospital costs money, and in Northern Ireland the Northern Ireland Hospital Travel Costs Scheme gives some of it back if you are on a low income. The part most people miss: if someone has to travel with you for medical reasons, you can claim their costs too.
Quick facts
- Who
- Low income, under the care of a consultant
- Qualifying payments
- Income-related ESA · Guarantee Pension Credit
- Also covers
- An adult or child who must travel with you
- On Universal Credit
- Different route — often automatic
Who can claim
You may get help if you are on a low income, need Health Service treatment at a hospital, Health Service centre or private clinic, and have been under the care of a consultant. You can claim if you, or those you depend on, get at least one of:
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Guarantee Pension Credit
If you are on Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a different route. If you have no earned income you automatically get help with dental treatment, eyesight tests, glasses or contact lenses and travel for treatment on referral — there is no need to apply. You confirm you get Universal Credit at the dentist or optician.
If you do have earned income, you, your partner or your children may still be able to get help. Contact the Universal Credit Service Centre or your local Jobs and Benefits office.
If a member of your family gets income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you claim through the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme rather than automatically.
How to claim Hospital Travel Costs
If you get a qualifying benefit, you claim at the hospital or clinic on the day of your appointment.
Have these ready:
- Proof of your benefit, such as an award notice
- Or a Health Service Low Income Support Scheme certificate
Check you get a qualifying benefit
You can claim if you, or someone you depend on, gets one of the qualifying benefits.
Claim at the hospital on the day
Ask to claim at the hospital or clinic when you go for your appointment.
Show your proof and get cash back
Show proof that you qualify and you are paid back in cash straight away.
Claim for the person who comes with you
If an adult or child has to travel with you for medical reasons, you can claim their costs too.
Driving? Claim petrol and parking
You can claim petrol, and parking you cannot avoid, up to the cost of the same trip by public transport.
Missed it on the day? Use form HC5
Fill in refund claim form HC5, which you can get from Health Service hospitals.
Time limit: You can claim up to three months after your appointment, if you can prove you were eligible at the time.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Low income, no qualifying benefit
- form HC1
- Refund after your appointment (up to three months)
- refund claim form HC5
From the official pages (nidirect.gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
Who qualifies for the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme?
Can I claim for someone travelling with me?
What if I am on Universal Credit?
Does it cover dental and eye costs as well?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
Keep going
What else can you claim in NI?
See every benefit and support you may be entitled to — free, in about 60 seconds.
Check What You're Owed →One email a week. Money you can claim.
Join free — the top grants, credits and deadlines for Ireland, NI & England. A few emails to get you started, then one a week.
Free, and it stays free. No spam, unsubscribe any time, and we never ask for bank or PPS details.