A work injury can turn routine appointments into another financial strain. You may already be missing paychecks while paying for gas, parking and repeated trips across the Twin Cities. Those costs can grow quickly when treatment lasts for weeks or months. Minnesota workers’ compensation may cover some of that travel, but you must usually document each expense.
Travel reimbursement for medical care
Workers’ compensation medical benefits can reach beyond the treatment bill itself. Minnesota’s employee guide explains that injured workers may seek reimbursement for mileage and parking. This includes trips to medical appointments or to pick up prescriptions.
The key issue is whether the travel relates to care for your work injury. A drive to a scheduled treatment visit may qualify. Unrelated travel during the same outing generally will not. These expenses form one part of the broader workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the claim, those benefits may also include medical care, wage-loss payments and rehabilitation services.
Records that support reimbursement
A simple travel log can make the process easier to follow. For each appointment, note the date, provider, destination, round-trip mileage and any parking charge.
Pair those details with an appointment confirmation or parking receipt when possible. Those records show why you made the trip and how much you spent. It also gives you a clear record if the insurer questions part of the request.
Travel costs for insurer-requested exams
The insurer may ask you to attend an independent medical examination with a doctor it chooses. The exam gives the insurer another opinion about your injury. It may also address work restrictions or the need for more treatment.
Reasonable travel expenses for the appointment may also be covered. Depending on the distance, reimbursement could include mileage, parking, meals or lodging. Tell the insurer before the appointment if travel creates a problem. Missing the exam could affect your benefits.
Include travel in your recovery plan
Medical travel can be easy to overlook because each trip may cost only a small amount. Over time, though, those costs can strain a household already dealing with lost income. Before your next appointment, confirm how the insurer handles travel reimbursement. Then make eligible travel costs part of your claim instead of assuming you must pay them yourself.