The state government has doubled its health transport subsidy to ease rising costs for people travelling long distances for specialist appointments.

The Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) fuel subsidy has increased from 16c to 32c per kilometre for eligible medical appointments more than 100km from home, as of 1 January.

The subsidy scheme is funded by the South Australian government and administered through the six regional local health networks by the Rural Support Service in SA Health.

The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network administers the scheme on Kangaroo Island.

PATS provides financial assistance towards transport and accommodation costs to access necessary and approved medical specialist services that are not available locally.

Check eligibility for PATS and make a claim at the SA Health website.