Travel Assistance
National Travel Assistance (NTA)
The National Travel Assistance Scheme (NTA) was set up to help people who travel a long way to specialist appointments get some of their travel expenses back.
To be eligible for the reimbursement, you must:
- be referred from one specialist to another, and
- travel a minimum distance or make a minimum number of trips, and
- both specialists must also be part of a publicly funded health and disability support service.
If this sounds like your situation, check if you meet the criteria for an adult, a child or a baby to get some travel expense back through the National Travel Assistance Scheme.
How do I claim?
- Clinic staff will help you register for travel assistance and complete your first claim form.
- Make sure your claim form is signed and stamped by clinic staff for each appointment you attend.
- You must keep receipts for public transport and/or accommodation to support your claim.
If in doubt, call 0800 768 537 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm).
No bookings are available on weekends or public holidays.
St John Health Shuttle service
If you are not well or have mobility problems that make it difficult to get to your medical appointment, the St John Health Shuttle can take you for treatment or to visit a specialist or hospital for minor day surgery.
This service needs to be booked at least 24 hours in advance
When your appointment is over, the shuttle can be contacted to transport you home again.
In return they ask for a donation to help cover the running costs of the Health Shuttle.
There is no age restriction.
This is a door-to-door service and operates Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
The Rotorua shuttle services Rotorua and Rotorua surrounds, the Taupō shuttle services Taupō and surrounds to Rotorua.
Call 0800 824 325 to book.