If you’ve been injured on the job and are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you may be wondering whether you are entitled to mileage reimbursement for traveling to and from medical appointments.
In many cases, injured workers in Texas qualify for reimbursement of certain travel expenses related to authorized medical treatment. Understanding how mileage reimbursement works can help ensure that you receive the full benefits available under the Texas workers’ compensation system.
Can You Get Mileage Reimbursement for Workers’ Compensation Medical Appointments in Texas?
Medical treatment is often an ongoing part of a workers’ compensation claim. Injured employees may need to travel for:
- Doctor visits and specialist appointments
- Physical therapy sessions and rehabilitation
- Diagnostic testing (MRIs, X-rays, etc.)
- Pharmacy visits to pick up required medications
- Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) requested during the claim
When Does Mileage Reimbursement Apply in Texas?
Generally, mileage reimbursement is available when medical treatment for your compensable injury is not reasonably available within 30 miles of where you live.
To qualify for a reimbursement, your trip must meet two specific criteria:
- The medical treatment or examination must be more than 30 miles one way from your home.
- The total travel distance must exceed 60 miles round-trip.
What Is the Current Texas Workers’ Compensation Mileage Reimbursement Rate?
Eligible injured workers can request reimbursement based on the current state-approved mileage rate. For 2026, the Texas state travel reimbursement rate is 72.5 cents per mile for personal vehicle use. This rate is updated annually to match state employee travel guidelines, meaning older travel claims may be subject to the corresponding historical rates.
What Is Form DWC-048 and What Are the Deadlines?
To request reimbursement for your travel expenses, you must complete the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation Form DWC-048 (Request to Get Reimbursed for Travel Costs).
This form requires you to thoroughly document:
- Exact dates of travel
- Names and addresses of the medical providers visited
- Total mileage driven round-trip
- Receipts for tolls, parking, or overnight stays
Missing the Deadlines Can Result in a Denied Claim
Texas law enforces strict timelines regarding the submission and processing of travel expenses:
- The Employee Deadline: Injured workers must submit the completed Form DWC-048 to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within one year of the date the travel expenses were incurred. Failing to submit within 12 months may result in denial of reimbursement by the insurance carrier.
- The Carrier Deadline: Once the insurance carrier receives your completed form, they have a strict 45-day window to either issue your reimbursement check or provide a formal written notice explaining why the payment was reduced or denied.
Can an Insurance Carrier Deny Your Travel Reimbursement?
It’s important to understand that reimbursement may not be approved in every situation. If the insurance carrier determines that a qualified doctor or medical provider was available closer to your home, the carrier may dispute or deny reimbursement for additional travel mileage.
The issue is not necessarily whether you preferred a particular doctor, but whether a closer authorized provider was reasonably available at the time of treatment. Insurance carriers may review provider availability when evaluating reimbursement requests.
What Additional Expenses Are Covered Under Texas Workers’ Compensation?
In addition to the baseline 72.5 cents per mile rate, injured workers may also qualify for reimbursement of alternative travel-related costs associated with long-distance medical care.
Depending on the facts of your case, this can include:
- Parking fees and highway toll expenses
- Public transportation fares (bus, train, or other public transportation)
- Reasonable lodging expenses for medically necessary long-distance travel
- Certain meal expenses associated with approved overnight travel
Why Keeping Records Is Important
Keeping detailed documentation can help support your reimbursement request and reduce the likelihood of disputes with the insurance carrier. To protect your claim and minimize the risk of a denial:
- Track Everything: Keep a dedicated log of your appointment dates, exact addresses, and odometer readings.
- Save Receipts: Maintain physical or digital copies of every toll charge, parking stub, hotel receipt, and meal invoice. Detailed documentation makes it significantly easier to respond if an insurance adjuster questions your travel patterns or requests proof of out-of-pocket costs.
Speak With a Texas Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Disputes regarding medical treatment, provider networks, and travel reimbursements can arise under the Texas workers’ compensation system. If your mileage reimbursement request has been denied, delayed, or reduced by an insurance carrier, you have legal options.
The experienced Texas workers’ compensation attorneys at Bailey & Galyen can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to receive after a workplace injury.
If you encounter challenges obtaining reimbursement or other workers’ compensation benefits, experienced legal guidance can help protect your rights. Contact us by email or call our offices today. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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