Travel Assistance

If you, or a family member, need to travel long distances - or frequently -  to see a specialist, then you may be eligible for help with expenses under the Ministry of Health's National Travel Assistance Scheme.  These expenses may include travel, accommodation and support person costs. 

Eligibility for Transport and Accommodation

To check eligibility criteria and to obtain registration or claim forms go to www.moh.govt.nz/travelassistance

For Travel and Accommodation Enquiries

Please contact either:

National Travel Assistance Coordinator
Phone: 0800 222 423

OR:

National Travel Assistance Call Centre
HealthPAC, Wellington
Phone: 0800 281 222 (option 2)

 

St John Health Shuttle

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.

The shuttle runs Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Areas covered include Urban Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Te Puke and the surrounding centres which include Paengaroa, Pongakawa, Maketu and Pukehina.

To find out more or book a journey:

Phone Toll Free on 0800 824 325 or
Email: bophealthshuttle@stjohn.org.nz

 

NZ Red Cross Hospital Transport Service 

This service covers the Papamoa, Mt Maunganui & Tauranga area. The Red Cross Transport Service can be contacted by phoning 578 6987 or 0800 733 276 or through email: westernbay@redcross.org.nz