Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS)

The South Australian Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) provides some financial reimbursement to country patients and approved escorts with the cost of travel and accommodation when they are required to travel over 100 kilometres (each way) to receive specialist medical treatment that is not available at their nearest centre.

If you are eligible for the scheme please ask your local doctor to sign your form prior to attending specialist services

• Ask you doctor if an escort is necessary
• Keep public transport receipts and petrol and accommodation receipts to claim for yourself and eligible escorts
• If using commercial airlines remember to request a tax invoice when making your booking

To be eligible for this scheme, there are certain conditions and requirements.   To discuss eligibility and how the scheme works contact your regional office or the Health Consumer Support office Freecall 1800 188 115:

Port Lincoln Health Services Inc.
PO Box 630
PORT LINCOLN SA 5606
Telephone: (08) 8683 2266

The Whyalla Hospital & Health Services Inc.
Wood Terrace
PO Box 267
WHYALLA SA 5600
Telephone: (08) 8648 8533

Mount Gambier & Districts Health Services Inc.
Wehl Street North
PO Box 267
MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290
Telephone: (08) 8721 1551

Riverland Regional Health Service Inc.
Maddern Street
BERRI SA 5343
Telephone: (08) 8580 2400

Port Augusta Hospital & Regional Health Service Inc.
Hospital Road
PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700
Telephone: (08) 8648 5623

PATS Central Office
11 Hindmarsh Square
ADELAIDE SA 5000
Telephone: (08) 8226 6550
FREECALL
Health Consumer Support Office 1800 188 115

Other states have similar schemes and local offices can provide advice on the eligibility criteria and application forms. 

Isolated Patients’ Travel and Accommodation Assistance
Scheme (I.P.T.A.A.S.)
Far West Health Service
Broken Hill Base Hospital
PO Box 457
BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
Telephone: (08) 8080 1432
Website: www.health.nsw.gov.au

Victorian Patient Transport Scheme
(V.P.T.A.S.)
London Mallee Southern
Department of Human Services
37 Rowan Street
PO Box 513
BENDIGO VIC 3550
Telephone: (03) 5434 5555
Website: www.dhs.vic.gov.au

Download the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) Information Brochure (108Kb PDF)

Download the PATS Application for Assisitance (SA Residents only) (124Kb PDF)