When you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation is meant to cover more than just medical bills and lost wages. Many injured workers are surprised to learn that travel related to their medical care may also be reimbursed. Mileage reimbursement can help offset the cost of driving to doctor appointments, therapy sessions, pharmacies, and other authorized medical visits related to your work injury.

Knowing what expenses qualify, how rates are calculated, and how to submit reimbursement requests correctly can help you avoid delays or denials. Small mistakes, such as missing documentation or late submissions, can result in unpaid expenses that add up quickly over time.

What Travel Expenses Are Eligible for Reimbursement Under Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ compensation typically reimburses reasonable and necessary travel expenses related to approved medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness. The key factor is whether the travel is directly connected to authorized care.

Common reimbursable travel expenses include:

• Mileage for driving to and from medical appointments
• Travel to physical therapy or rehabilitation sessions
• Trips to pharmacies to pick up prescribed medications
• Travel to diagnostic testing, imaging, or specialist visits
• Mileage for independent medical examinations (IMEs) required by the insurer

In some cases, additional expenses may also be covered, such as:

• Tolls or parking fees
• Public transportation fares
• Travel must usually be reasonable, necessary, and pre-approved to qualify. Unauthorized treatment or unnecessary trips may be denied, even if they are related to the injury.

What Are the Current Mileage Reimbursement Rates for Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Mileage reimbursement rates for workers’ compensation are often tied to state guidelines or the IRS standard mileage rate, but the exact amount depends on where the claim is filed.

For 2025, many states, including Florida, base workers’ comp mileage reimbursement on the IRS standard mileage rate, which is 70 cents per mile (subject to change if updated mid-year). Some states publish their own specific rates, so it’s important to confirm the applicable amount for your jurisdiction.

Key points to keep in mind:

• Reimbursement is typically calculated based on round-trip mileage
• Only miles driven for approved medical care count
• Rates may change annually, so older claims may use prior-year rates

Insurance carriers are required to apply the correct rate for the time period when the travel occurred. If you are reimbursed at a lower rate, it may be worth reviewing the payment for accuracy.

What Are the Steps to Claim Reimbursement for Workers’ Comp Travel Expenses?

Successfully obtaining mileage reimbursement requires proper documentation and timely submission. Following a clear process can help prevent disputes with the insurance carrier.

Steps often required include:

• Track your mileage for every qualifying trip, including dates, destinations, and purpose of travel
• Use the correct mileage reimbursement form provided by the workers’ comp insurer or state agency
• Submit the request within required deadlines, which vary by state
• Keep copies of everything you submit

Some insurers process mileage reimbursement automatically, while others require injured workers to submit forms regularly. If reimbursement is delayed or denied, you may need to follow up or seek legal assistance to enforce your benefits.

What Are Some Common Problems Injured Workers Face with Mileage Reimbursement in Florida?

Even though mileage reimbursement is a recognized benefit, many injured workers encounter issues such as:

• Claims being denied for “lack of documentation”
• Reimbursement checks being delayed for months
• Insurers disputing the necessity of certain appointments
• Incorrect mileage calculations or outdated rates being used

These problems often arise when insurers scrutinize costs or when injured workers are unfamiliar with the reimbursement process. Addressing issues early can prevent ongoing financial strain during recovery.

Why Does Mileage Reimbursement Matter During Recovery?

Work injuries often require frequent medical visits over an extended period of time. While each trip may seem minor, the cumulative cost of gas, vehicle wear, parking, and tolls can become a significant burden, especially when income is reduced.

Mileage reimbursement helps ensure injured workers can attend necessary appointments without worrying about transportation costs. When properly claimed, this benefit supports consistent medical care and smoother recovery.

When Should You Get Legal Help with a Workers’ Comp Mileage Dispute?

If your mileage reimbursement requests are repeatedly ignored, reduced, or denied, it may be time to seek guidance. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can:

• Review whether travel expenses were improperly denied
• Ensure correct mileage rates are applied
• Communicate directly with the insurance carrier
• Help enforce your right to full workers’ comp benefits

Workers’ compensation is designed to support injured employees, not create additional stress. If you have questions about mileage reimbursement or other benefits, RTRLAW is here to help. Contact us today for a free review of your workers’ comp claim.