How to apply
To apply for PATS you need to apply through one of two pathway options:
- Specialist allied health and specialist dental pathway
- For an eligible specialist allied health or specialist dental service only
- Specialist medical pathway
- For an eligible specialist medical service
- For an eligible specialist medical service and an eligible specialist allied health or specialist dental service
Important information
- As the patient, it is your responsibility to ensure all required information is included with your PATS forms.
- One application is required for each patient for each trip. A trip is a return journey from your home.
- You must provide proof to support your application. Your application may be delayed or declined if information or documents are missing.
- The time it takes to process each application can vary by region.
- Subsidy payments should be received within 30 working days once all the required paperwork is submitted.
- You may be asked to provide more evidence to support your claim.
- Information about your rights and responsibilities as a PATS patient and includes some key information to help streamline the PATS processes for you.
- Further information on PATS and the process can be found in PATS Handbook.
For each eligible trip, patients need to submit the following forms and provide the required supporting documents.
The forms explain how to complete them and what documents need to be included.
- Form 1: Apply for PATS – Specialist Allied Health and Specialist Dental
- This form is used to register for PATS (if required), update details (i.e. Medicare, banking) and apply for travel subsidies.
- This form can be submitted before or after attending an eligible appointment.
- Form 2: Verification for PATS Assistance – Specialist Allied Health and Specialist Dental
- This form confirms attendance for a PATS application. A separate form is needed for each appointment or service attended.
- This form needs to be signed by a clinician or clinic employee during the appointment and then be submitted to PATS.
- Please note, for tertiary public health appointments attended between 1 January 2026 and 30 June 2026, this form is not required.
Submit completed forms and documentation to PATS.AHD@health.wa.gov.au.
If required, your local PATS office can email your application on your behalf.
Please ensure the application is completed in full to avoid delays or declines. Completed applications take up to six weeks to process.
Compensation claims
If you are awaiting an outcome on a motor vehicle insurance or workers’ compensation claim, submit the Statutory Declaration Form with your application.
Submit all forms to your regional PATS office.
PATS Registration and Recipient Details – Form A
All applicants need to register for PATS and make sure their details (e.g. banking, Medicare, address) are current.
Use Form A to register with PATS and to update your details. You are required to update your details every 12 months.
Form A can be submitted alongside your other forms.
Applying for subsidies for an appointment you have already attended.
Submit PATS Reimbursement Form B after you have attended your appointment.
There is a section on the form for your clinician to complete, so it is best to take a copy with you.
You must submit your appointment confirmation and any travel and accommodation receipts with your form.
One form is required per trip.
You can apply for PATS subsidies up to 12 months after you attended your appointment.
It may take up to six weeks to process your claim.
Requesting assistance in advance for an upcoming appointment
PATS is a subsidy reimbursement scheme; however, you may be eligible for your subsidy to be paid before your appointment.
Use PATS Assistance in Advance (AiA) Form C to apply.
You must submit your appointment confirmation with Form C.
If you are approved for AiA, you must get Form C2 signed at your appointment and submit it to PATS.
One copy of each form is required per trip.
If you are planning to travel within 48 hours, please also contact your local PATS office via telephone to discuss.
Compensation claims
If you are awaiting an outcome on a motor vehicle insurance or workers’ compensation claim, submit the Statutory Declaration Form with your application.
If you were transferred to a hospital via ambulance or Royal Flying Doctor Service, you may be eligible for PATS subsidies to return home.
For travel and/or accommodation bookings to be arranged by PATS
The discharging hospital needs to complete Part A, B, C and D of the IHPT/PE form.
You may be need to complete part of the forms and sign the declaration.
If required, the discharging hospital will send a completed Fitness to Fly form direct to your airline.
For reimbursement after you have returned home
If you were provided with a copy of the PATS IHPT form from your discharging hospital, please submit this to your local PATS office. Alternatively please contact your local PATS office to discuss next steps.
Requesting review of declined applications
You can request a review of your declined PATS application if you believe the decision was incorrect.
- Contact your local PATS office to discuss your application. You may be requested to provide additional information to support your claim.
- PATS will review your application. The time required to review your application depends on how complicated it is. You should have a written outcome within four weeks.
- You receive an outcome. If approved, your local PATS office will be able to help you finalise your application or claim.
Exceptional ruling
If you do not meet PATS eligibility, but your trip meets the intent of the scheme – that is, you are a country resident who needs to travel for specialist treatment – you may have your application considered by an exceptional management process.
Exceptional rulings consider your individual circumstances and allow PATS subsidies to be approved if the intent of PATS is met, even if some of the strict eligibility criteria are not.
- Contact your local PATS office and request an exceptional ruling.
- If requested, provide additional supporting information (e.g. diagnosis, relevant past medical history, justification for why you are requesting an exceptional ruling).
- Your application may be reviewed by a WA Country Health Service Regional Medical Director and/or Regional Executive Director. You or your treating medical practitioner may also be contacted.
- You receive an outcome.
- If approved, your local PATS office will be able to help you finalise your application.
- If declined, your local PATS office will explain the reason.
All decisions under the exceptional management process will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and will form no precedents.