travel reimbursment

chinacup

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum.

Does anyone know how to go about getting a travel reimbursment for healthcare? I have to travel to mullingar from Galway because there is not enough people to treat ENT patients so some people are being referred out there. The cheapest way of getting there is 30 euro on buses and that's five euro above my food budget meaning I'm going without fruit and veg this week! I literally have enough to pay my bills get food and about 20e left over some weeks with jobseekers allowance. I have to go back there next month for x rays and can't afford that cost again, will the HSE reimburse me or no? Given I'm on the medical card this should be free and I don't know anyone who can give me a lift so the only other option is hitching!

davo2001

Why should they reimburse you? Wait, actually, why should I as a tax payer reimburse you?

Balagan

arf91 wrote: »

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum.

Does anyone know how to go about getting a travel reimbursment for healthcare? I have to travel to mullingar from Galway because there is not enough people to treat ENT patients so some people are being referred out there. The cheapest way of getting there is 30 euro on buses and that's five euro above my food budget meaning I'm going without fruit and veg this week! I literally have enough to pay my bills get food and about 20e left over some weeks with jobseekers allowance. I have to go back there next month for x rays and can't afford that cost again, will the HSE reimburse me or no? Given I'm on the medical card this should be free and I don't know anyone who can give me a lift so the only other option is hitching!

I don't know of any provision for the HSE to reimburse you if you have to travel for medical treatment within the country, even if you are on a medical card, but perhaps you should see your Community Welfare Officer who administers the Supplementary Welfare Allowance which ensures a standard basic minimum income. Bring documentation etc., and they may be able to help out with travel costs.

chinacup

Balagan wrote: »

I don't know of any provision for the HSE to reimburse you if you have to travel for medical treatment within the country, even if you are on a medical card, but perhaps you should see your Community Welfare Officer who administers the Supplementary Welfare Allowance which ensures a standard basic minimum income. Bring documentation etc., and they may be able to help out with travel costs.

Going to call into them today and also citizens information. Buy just said I'd post here in case someone has gone through this before.

sullivlo

It's unlikely tbh. I lived in north Cork, had a medical card, and had to travel to the city to see a consultant and I wasn't reimbursed for travel. Have a chat with the community welfare officer and see what they say - they might be able to sort something out.

But in general, a medical card only covers the cost of the treatment and not the cost of getting to it. I mean I was really, really sick one day and couldn't drive to the doctor so I took a taxi - should I be reimbursed for this taxi fare because I have a medical card?

chinacup

sullivlo wrote: »

It's unlikely tbh. I lived in north Cork, had a medical card, and had to travel to the city to see a consultant and I wasn't reimbursed for travel. Have a chat with the community welfare officer and see what they say - they might be able to sort something out.

But in general, a medical card only covers the cost of the treatment and not the cost of getting to it. I mean I was really, really sick one day and couldn't drive to the doctor so I took a taxi - should I be reimbursed for this taxi fare because I have a medical card?

That's completely different. I had to leave my house at 6am didn't get home until 10pm for a 3minute appointment. I might have to be doing this once a month so that adds up in time and money its not like a once off predicament.

sullivlo

arf91 wrote: »

That's completely different. I had to leave my house at 6am didn't get home until 10pm for a 3minute appointment. I might have to be doing this once a month so that adds up in time and money its not like a once off predicament.

I had to leave my house at 7 to get the bus to the city to get a bus out to the hospital, and then do the same in reverse. I saw my consultant most months. It cost me about €22 in bus fare to the hospital.

I sympathise with your situation, I do. But you're not the only person who has been in this situation is all I'm trying to say. The CWO should be able to advise.

Sadderday

Its really not fair to look for the money back for your travel costs when your medical care is free.

Its disgraceful in my opinion. Unless we are all going to be rewarded with a reimbursement for our appointments, its disgraceful.

I work full time and have absolutely nothing left after bills, went to the doctor last week 50euro, sent to a & e parking 10euro, prescription 42euro and expecting a bill for 80euro. doesnt include the petrol that was meant to last two weeks.

I have to go back to get a check up and travel from one county to another to do it and I have to try figure out a way to get there... just like you.

Its not fair - we all have to sacrifice.

Chucken

You should go to your local CWO (Community Welfare Officer ) The payment that they may be able to assist you with is know as Supplementary Welfare Allowance as you seem to fit the Exceptional Needs Payment criteria.I can't say that you will be fully reimbursed. I hope that the appointment goes well with your Doctor.

mp22

The CWO will issue travel warrants for bus `s ect,but you must apply before travelling.

maryk123

Mp22 that is not entirely true that cwo "can and will issue travel warrant for bus". You may apply for assistance and each case is looked at on an individual basis. Above misleads people into thinking they have an automatic entitlement.

chinacup

Chucken wrote: »

You should go to your local CWO (Community Welfare Officer ) The payment that they may be able to assist you with is know as Supplementary Welfare Allowance as you seem to fit the Exceptional Needs Payment criteria.I can't say that you will be fully reimbursed. I hope that the appointment goes well with your Doctor.

Applied for this so fingers crossed! I understand peoples frustration that they have to spend their hard earned cash and I hope to one day have the same complaint but you don't know my personal situation so you can't really pass judgment.

olliesgirl55

arf91 wrote: »

Applied for this so fingers crossed! I understand peoples frustration that they have to spend their hard earned cash and I hope to one day have the same complaint but you don't know my personal situation so you can't really pass judgment.

Good luck I hope you get it. I also wish you luck with the doctors. I know that they can be stressful. I feel lucky that I live in the city so my consultant is just a city bus ride away.

January

Sadderday wrote: »

Its really not fair to look for the money back for your travel costs when your medical care is free.

Its disgraceful in my opinion. Unless we are all going to be rewarded with a reimbursement for our appointments, its disgraceful.

I work full time and have absolutely nothing left after bills, went to the doctor last week 50euro, sent to a & e parking 10euro, prescription 42euro and expecting a bill for 80euro. doesnt include the petrol that was meant to last two weeks.

I have to go back to get a check up and travel from one county to another to do it and I have to try figure out a way to get there... just like you.

Its not fair - we all have to sacrifice.

If your income is that low you may be entitled to a GP card or even a full medical card. They do take bills, travel costs, mortgages, creche fee's etc into account as outgoings. It's worth applying online to see if you would be eligible. www.medicalcard.ie

mp22

Closed