Voluntary assisted dying
Voluntary assisted dying is now available in NSW. To support this, patients can apply to IPTAAS for voluntary assisted dying related appointments.
What is voluntary assisted dying?
Voluntary assisted dying means an eligible person can ask for medical help to end their life. The person must be in the late stages of an advanced disease, illness, or medical condition. They must also be experiencing suffering they find unbearable.
Eligibility
To be eligible for financial assistance from IPTAAS for voluntary assisted dying related appointments, you must:
- be a resident of NSW or Lord Howe Island
- be enrolled with Medicare
- not be receiving, or eligible for, financial assistance for travel and accommodation from third party insurance or other Australian government services
- receive treatment at an approved health service
- travel from your residence for treatment at least 100km (one way), or at least 200kms in a week by making multiple trips to and from treatment.
Making a claim
To apply for assistance, complete the Voluntary assisted dying IPTAAS application for assistance form.
Once completed email it to HSNSW-vadassistance@health.nsw.gov.au or mail it to Locked Bag 3005 Sydney Markets NSW 2129.
You will need to attach any travel and/or accommodation supporting documentation.
Contact us
Call the IPTAAS team on 1800 478 227, for all voluntary assisted dying enquiries, select option 4.
Alternatively, you can contact us via email on HSNSW-vadassistance@health.nsw.gov.au.
For more information about voluntary assisted dying, visit NSW Health.