Have you, or your child, been referred to us for NHS treatment or tests? 

If the answer is yes, you may be able to claim your money back for travelling to your appointment through the Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme.

It's very important for you to attend your appointments and we want to help you. This page has lots of information on the Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme and how to claim.   

Check if you are eligible
To see if you can claim and which benefits qualify, please visit Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) - NHS

How to make a claim

The easiest and quickest way to make a claim is by visiting one of our cashier desks at any of the hospitals below:

Hospital name

Location

Opening times

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Main Reception desk (entrance 1)

  • B Level, on the main concourse (opposite the chaplaincy)

 

Monday to Friday
10am to 4pm

South Tyneside Hospital

Ingham Wing main entrance 

  • Go through the first door on the left to General Office.

Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

From Outpatients B Reception 

  • Walk straight down the corridor
  • Go through the double doors to General Office.

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm

What to bring with you

You must bring all of the following:

Proof of appointment

  • Your appointment letter or
  • a text message on your phone.

Proof of benefits
  • A benefit letter or proof on your phone
  • This must be dated within 3 months of your appointment

Proof of travel
  • Bus, Metro, or train ticket
  • If you travelled by car, you can claim a percentage of mileage
  • Parking costs can be claimed if you bring proof of parking.

Important information

  • You cannot claim for taxi travel unless it was pre-authorised by a healthcare professional.
  • You must bring a letter confirming this to the cashier desk.
  • Once your documents are checked, you will receive a cash reimbursement

What if I cannot visit a cashiers office or show proof of eligibility?

You can still apply for a refund using an HC5(T) form by following these steps:

Step 1

Get an HC5(T) application form

You can get the form in any of these ways:

  • Pick one up from a hospital cashier’s office
  • Download and print it from the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) website
  • Order one online from the BSA website and have it posted to you
  • Phone the BSA and ask them to post one to you

Step 2

Complete and return the form

  • Fill in all sections of the form
  • Post the completed form back to the BSA

Step 3

What happens next

  • The BSA will check if you are eligible
  • They will send the form to the hospital you attended
  • The hospital will contact you to let you know if your refund has been approved

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact us:

 stsft.patient-travel@nhs.net

Sunderland Royal Hospital: 0191 565 6256 ext. 49049
South Tyneside District Hospital: 0191 404 1094
Sunderland Eye Infirmary: 0191 565 6256 ext. 46333

Renal patients

If you are a renal patient, please contact your local renal administrators on:

Telephone: 0191 5656256 ext:47438 (8am - 5pm)
Email: stsft.renaltravel@nhs.net ​​​​​​​

They will be able to advise you on the travel support available to you.

Return to Travelling to and from our hospitals