The Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS) provides financial assistance to eligible Victorians who need to travel long distances for specialist medical or specialist dental treatment. VPTAS subsidises travel and accommodation costs. It is not intended to reimburse all costs.
VPTAS 2026 updates
The VPTAS has been updated to make it easier for rural and regional Victorians to access and claim support via the scheme. Key changes include updated and easy to read guidelines and a online submission portal for faster processing and tracking of submitted claims. For those who are unable to use the portal there are also updated application forms.
The VPTAS has expanded access and now includes specialist treatment provided for non-commercial clinical trials and in-hospital specialist dental treatment.
The VPTAS has also refreshed the criteria for accessing flights and taxis.
The VPTAS guidelines are effective as of the 1 April 2026.
To see the guidelines, visit the Better Health Channel's Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme page.
Eligibility criteria
Users of the VPTAS must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- an Australian citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
- a Victorian resident at the time of referral and treatment
- travel to the closest eligible approved specialist medical or dental specialist service
- travel either 100 km one way or 500 km within 7 days for the specialist service (rural and regional zone patients only)
- travel interstate for services not available in Victoria (all Victorian residents, including metropolitan zones)
- lodge a claim with VPTAS within 12 months of the specialist appointment/treatment
For additional information regarding eligibility criteria, approved specialists/treatments and rural and regional zones refer to the VPTAS guidelines.
Who can submit a VPTAS claim?
- the patient themselves, or
- a parent or guardian of a child or dependent, or
- a person who holds power of attorney or legal guardianship for an adult
If applying on behalf of another person, you must confirm your relationship to the patient and may be asked to provide evidence of your legal relationship.
Submitting a claim
For information regarding the online portal and accessing the application forms please visit the Better Health Channel's Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme page.
Printed forms
Printed forms are available for people who do not wish to apply online and who are unable to complete the form online or print a form from the website.
Printed forms are available by contacting the VPTAS office on 1300 737 073 or request via email vptas@health.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
Specialist confirmation
Approved medical and dental specialist (or their authorised officer) play a key role in supporting VPTAS claims. Specialist confirmation is required as part of a patient's application, including attendance dates, need for accommodation and need for support persons (for patients over the age of 18).
This information can be provided on the application form for email or mail submissions or via the separate Specialist Confirmation Form for patients applying online. These details cannot be confirmed by a General Practitioner.
For patients accessing flights, an additional Flight Confirmation Form is also required and can be completed either by the specialist or referring general practitioner.
For third-party organisations
Third party organisations should continue to utilise the application forms and email/mail submission options. Contact the VPTAS office for information about the process for third-party providers.
Complaints and appeals
Patients or their legal guardians who are not satisfied with the outcome of their VPTAS claim, can request an appeal of the claim or make a complaint.
For additional information regarding requesting an appeal or providing feedback refer to the VPTAS guidelines.
Updated