Can I get reimbursed for mileage and travel to medical appointments in workers’ comp?

Travel costs to and from medical appointments are a reimbursable expense under New York workers’ comp. Many injured workers do not claim this benefit simply because they do not know it exists — but it adds up, especially for workers with ongoing treatment who travel significant distances to see WCB-authorized specialists.

To claim travel reimbursement, you must complete and submit WCB Form C-257 (Employee Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expense). Submit the form to the insurance carrier with documentation supporting your expenses: mileage logs, toll receipts, or public transit receipts.

For mileage, the WCB uses the IRS standard mileage rate. For 2024, that rate is 67 cents per mile. You should keep a log of each trip: the date, the provider visited, the starting address, the destination address, and the total miles driven. Round-trip mileage is reimbursed for each appointment.

Tolls are reimbursed at the actual amount paid — keep E-ZPass records or cash toll receipts. Public transit fares — subway, bus, commuter rail — are reimbursed at the actual cost with receipts.

There are practical limits. The insurance carrier can contest travel reimbursement claims if the distance seems unreasonable given the availability of closer WCB-authorized providers. If you are traveling 100 miles to see a specialist when the same specialty is available 10 miles away, be prepared to justify the distance with a medical reason.

Parking expenses at medical facilities are also generally reimbursable as part of your necessary travel costs. Keep all receipts and submit them with your C-257.

Do not leave this money on the table. If the carrier is not reimbursing legitimate travel expenses, bring it up at your next WCB hearing.