Increase to Patient Assisted Travel Scheme fuel subsidy takes effect

A significant increase to the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) fuel subsidy will provide welcome relief to many country patients who need to travel to access specialist medical services.

On 1 July 2025, the subsidy increased from 26 cents to 40 cents per kilometre as part of an additional $18.5 million investment in the 2025-26 State Budget.

PATS provides financial subsidies for eligible WA country residents to reduce the cost of accessing the closest specialist medical services that are not available locally. 

The scheme, funded by the State Government and administered by WA Country Health Service, supports more than 35,000 people to make around 85,000 trips on average each year.

The increased fuel subsidy applies to all PATS claims processed from 1 July 2025.

Eligible PATS recipients can also apply for accommodation and support person subsidies.

For more information visit WA Country Health Service - Patient Assisted Travel Scheme - PATS.