As of early 2026, a GP signature is no longer required on your IPTAAS form (however, the specialist’s signature, or evidence that you attended your appointment with the specialist is still required). You can download and fill out a copy of the appropriate form using the button on this page.
Introduction
The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) provides financial assistance for NSW and Lord Howe Island residents who need to travel long distances for specialist medical treatment that is not available locally. Patients may be eligible if they are enrolled with Medicare and need to travel more than 100 km to attend their nearest eligible specialist service. IPTAAS can help cover the cost of private vehicle travel, public transport, taxis or ride-sharing, approved air travel, and accommodation.
You can apply online through the IPTAAS website, or by submitting a paper IPTAAS form. For more information see the IPTAAS website or call 1800 478 227.
Generally, you pay for your travel costs up front, then then make an IPTAAS claim after you have been for your appointment. In cases of financial hardship, if you are a concession card holder you may be able to apply for financial assistance before you travel, using an IPTAAS form 4. See more info here about the different IPTAAS forms.
For Lord Howe Island Residents
IPTAAS is often crucial to ensuring that Lord Howe Island residents can get access to specialist care and services that aren’t available on the island. LHI residents can use the code “LHI Pre-Approval” on their IPTAAS form for air travel.
Eligible health services include:
- recognised specialist medical services
- highly specialised allied health services
- dental services*
- prosthetic or orthotic services
- high risk foot services
- non-commercial clinical trials
- highly specialised publicly funded oral health clinics in NSW
- voluntary assisted dying services
*general dental is not typically covered. Some highly specialised dental services (e.g. those that might requires a general anaesthetic) may be covered. See these lists of highly specialised clinics approved by IPTAAS: