Financial Support Available Through IPTAAS
Helping You Access the Care You Need

If you’re a laryngectomee living in a regional or remote area of NSW, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover travel and accommodation costs when attending specialised medical appointments. This support is provided through the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), a NSW Health initiative.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible if:

  • You live in NSW or on Lord Howe Island
  • You are enrolled with Medicare
  • You travel at least 100 km one way or 200 km in a week for medical treatment that isn’t available locally
  • You receive treatment from the nearest eligible health service
  • You’re not receiving similar financial support from another source (like insurance or another government scheme)

Each claim is assessed individually based on these criteria.

What Support Can You Receive?

Travel Assistance

IPTAAS can help reimburse the cost of:

  • Private vehicle travel (at 40 cents per kilometre)
  • Public transport (reimbursed minus GST)
  • Taxi and ride-sharing services (variable rates)
  • Air travel (in special cases, with prior approval)

Accommodation Subsidy

  • $40 per person/night when staying with family or friends (also applies to Airbnb)
  • $75 per night for not-for-profit/commercial accommodation (first 7 nights)
  • $120 per night from the 8th night onwards

Escort Support

You may also claim support for one adult escort who accompanies you. Two escorts may be approved for:

  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patients
  • Children under 18 receiving treatment in a paediatric facility or with life-threatening conditions (as confirmed by the health service)

Approved Medical Services

IPTAAS covers a wide range of specialised treatment, including:

  • Services by specialists recognised by the Medical Board of Australia
  • Prosthetists, orthotists, and ocularists under approved conditions
  • Certain oral and maxillofacial surgeries
  • Specialist dental services (not general dentistry)
  • Approved allied health or high-risk foot services
  • Participation in eligible non-commercial clinical trials

Please note: General practitioners (GPs) are not covered under IPTAAS.

How to Make a Claim

The easiest way to claim is online through the IPTAAS website -see link below.

  • A step-by-step video guide
  • Online registration and claim submission
  • Downloadable forms (for email, post, or in-person delivery)

Air Travel Reminder:

If you need to fly, ensure your referring doctor contacts IPTAAS for an air approval code before you travel. Without it, your flight will only be reimbursed at the private vehicle rate.

Need Help or More Information?

This is a valuable program that helps reduce the financial strain of accessing life-changing treatment. If you think you might qualify, don’t hesitate to apply or reach out for assistance.