Thousands of rural Queenslanders will soon find some financial relief when traveling to the city for medical care, thanks to an updated subsidy scheme.
More Support from Day One
Starting August 1st, the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme will cover accommodation costs from the very first night of treatment. This is a significant change from the current policy, where patients had
to pay out of pocket for the first four nights before receiving the $70 per night subsidy. The change means that patients, their carers, and family members will now be eligible for the subsidy
immediately.
Huge Savings for Patients
For many rural Queenslanders, accessing specialist healthcare means long and costly trips to major cities like Brisbane or Cairns. With the new subsidy, a patient and their carer traveling to Brisbane
could save at least $560 on accommodation. The Queensland government estimates that nearly 100,000 residents will benefit from this policy change.
Government’s Commitment to Easing Financial Burdens
Premier Steven Miles emphasised the importance of this change, stating, “No one should have to worry about paying for accommodation when they’re forced to travel to receive healthcare.” The
revised scheme will cost the government $70.3 million over four years, but it’s a vital step in addressing cost-of-living pressures faced by many families.
Advocacy and Impact
Rural health advocate Justine Christensen has been pushing for these changes for years. She highlighted the financial strain on sick Queenslanders needing to travel for treatment, noting, “It’s
not travel by choice. It’s travel by need.” Christensen called the updated scheme “the best thing that’s ever happened to the Patient Travel Subsidy.”
Nationwide Differences in Subsidy Schemes
While Queensland’s new policy offers substantial relief, subsidy benefits vary across Australia. For example, Western Australia provides $110 per night, and NSW offers $75 for the first seven nights,
increasing to $120 thereafter.
With this new support, rural Queenslanders can focus more on their health and less on their wallets when seeking essential medical care.
