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 one day before it is required.

When your appointment is over, they will be there to pick you up and 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). Area covered is Tauranga including Pyes Pa, Ohauiti, Welcome Bay, The Mount and Papamoa as far as Parton Road.

To find out more or book a journey:

Phone Toll Free on 0800 000 606 or
Email: enquiries@stjohn.org.nz or
Phone: (07) 578 2011

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