Guide to Travel and Subsistence Expenses incurred as part of approved Study Leave
This page contains information for doctors in post-graduate training posts on their entitlement to
claim back their travel and/or subsistence expenditure incurred whilst participating in an approved
study leave event.
Please read these notes carefully before booking travel or accommodation:
Original receipts should accompany every claim form to verify the authenticity of all
expenditure detailed upon it. Claims should be submitted within six weeks of the event
taking place and absolutely no later than three months.
HEE South West expects travel to be on the date the event is scheduled where it is
commutable (for example, if the venue is less than 100 miles ‘door to door’).
Travel: You must use the most cost effective transport means possible. HEE South West reserves the right to only reimburse the cost of the cheapest fare.
By Car: Candidates will be paid at public transport rate of 28 pence per mile (or a
subsequently revised mileage rate as described in schedule 17 of the T&Cs for doctors in
training, last revised 2016). The shortest practicable route should be taken and car parking
fees will be reimbursed on production of receipts.
If claiming mileage expenses you must have a valid MOT certificate, relevant road tax and
insurance which includes cover for incidental business mileage. All of these documents are a
requirement under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 and it is your responsibility to
ensure that these are in place before embarking on any travel for study leave using your
private vehicle.
By Rail: Supersavers and standard class rail fares only. The most cost effective fare must be
sought. If possible, doctors should purchase tickets in advance to ensure this. Receipts for
rail travel must include the date of travel and the start and finish locations.
By Taxi: Expenses will be reimbursed for short journeys only such as from the nearest train
station to the venue where public transport is not practical, e.g. time of day. A receipt will be
required.
By Air: Payment for travel by air must not exceed the total cost of travelling by public
transport. HEE South West will not pay for travel by air outside of the United Kingdom.
Overnight accommodation
- Requests for reimbursement of overnight accommodation costs will only be granted where
it is not reasonable to travel on the day of the event (for example, the distance to the event
is greater than 100 miles ‘door to door’).
- Accommodation costs to be covered by HEE South West will be limited to the duration of
the event plus one night, either before or after the event dates.
- Overnight costs will be reimbursed up to a maximum limit of £55.00 per night (bed and
breakfast).
Subsistence
- For study leave confined to a single day, refreshments and meals are normally included in
the event fee. However if lunch is not provided there is a meal allowance of £5.
- In the case of a residential event there is an evening meal allowance of £15.00 per day.
- No payment will be made for alcoholic beverages under any circumstances.
Receipts must be provided for all expenses otherwise your claim may not be processed. Receipts
and certificate of attendance for the study leave activity should be attached individually to the
expenses claim form used by your employing organisation.
Doctors are advised to keep a copy of the form and receipts they submit in case of problem or a
query with payment.