More claiming travel insurance

File Photo / Richard Nebesky

Increased funding and greater awareness of the National Travel Assistance (NTA) policy has seen more people getting more financial help with their travel expenses when they go for specialist health appointments, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

"We have refunded $33.7 million in the year to June, which is $6.2 million more than the previous year," he said today.

"Part of that is due to the fact that in March last year the Government increased allowances for the first time in 20 years."

Mr Ryall said that had lifted the number of claims for mileage or accommodation.

Two years ago there were just over 142,000 applications and in the year to June there were 193,000.

The aim of the NTA policy is to improve access to specialist health or disability services for people who have to travel long distances, incur high travel costs as a result of frequent visits, or have significant financial need.

- NZPA