Short answer: Yes—but generally only for exams or treatment arranged by someone other than your own doctor (e.g., the employer, BWC, the Industrial Commission, or the MCO). Routine travel to see your own physician is typically not reimbursed unless it has been pre-authorized and meets strict distance/medical-necessity rules.
When reimbursement does apply
You may qualify for reimbursement when the travel is required or authorized by:
- BWC (e.g., a BWC-ordered medical examination). Mileage is generally payable if the round trip is more than 45 miles. Long trips (400+ miles round trip) must be pre-authorized. Special transportation (taxi, train, air, ambulette) also requires pre-authorization based on medical necessity.
- Ohio Industrial Commission (IC) (e.g., IC-scheduled exams, including PTD). Travel for IC-scheduled exams is reimbursed—by BWC in state-fund claims and by the self-insured employer in SI claims. Submission/fax information is listed on the C-60A.
- Employer-scheduled exam (physician of the employer’s choice). Submit your travel request to the employer. No minimum mileage applies for these employer-requested exams.
- MCO-approved treatment that cannot be obtained within 45 miles round trip of your residence (including some vocational-rehabilitation services). Pre-authorization is required for certain expenses (lodging, companion travel, special transportation, or 400+ mile trips). (Authority: BWC travel criteria and pre-authorization framework.)
When reimbursement is usually not available
- Trips to see your own doctor by choice (i.e., not arranged by BWC/IC/employer/MCO) are not reimbursed unless pre-authorized and the treatment cannot reasonably be obtained within the 45-mile round-trip threshold. If a closer, equivalent provider is available and you choose to travel farther, BWC typically will not reimburse the travel. (See rate/criteria guidance in C-60A.)
What expenses can be covered (if eligible)
- Mileage for personal vehicle (subject to mileage threshold).
- Public/special transportation fares (pre-authorization required).
- Parking and tolls (receipts required).
- Meals and lodging (receipts required; lodging must be pre-authorized and is capped).
- Companion expenses (only if pre-authorized; mileage is paid to the injured worker only).
How to request reimbursement
- Complete Form C-60 (Injured Worker Statement for Reimbursement of Travel Expense). List trips in chronological order and include mileage/fare amounts. Sign and date the form.
- Attach receipts for parking, tolls, meals, lodging, and any special/companion transportation. (You cannot finalize an online submission if receipts must be attached—print and mail/fax.)
- Submit promptly after your trip. Payment is made at the rate in effect on the date of travel (see the C-60A for current rates and addresses/fax numbers).
- Deadline: Your request must be made within two (2) years of the travel date.
Who pays (at a glance)
|
Scenario |
Who reviews/pays |
Notes |
|
BWC-ordered exam (state-fund) |
BWC |
45-mile RT threshold applies; 400+ miles RT needs pre-auth. |
|
IC-scheduled exam (PTD, etc.) |
BWC (SF claims) / Self-insured employer (SI claims) |
Follow the submission directions on C-60A. |
|
Employer-scheduled exam |
Employer |
No minimum mileage applies. Submit the C-60 to the employer. |
|
Treatment approved by MCO and not available within 45 miles RT |
BWC (or SI employer in SI claims) |
Certain expenses must be pre-authorized. |
|
Your own doctor by choice (no pre-auth / closer options exist) |
Not reimbursed |
Unless pre-authorized and compliant with distance/necessity rules. |
Practical tips
- Get pre-authorization in advance for lodging, companion travel, special transportation, and any trip likely to exceed 400 miles round trip.
- Keep a mileage log and all receipts; submit the C-60 signed and within two years of travel.
- If your employer schedules the exam, send the C-60 to the employer—not BWC.
Forms & references
- C-60 – Injured Worker Statement for Reimbursement of Travel Expense (instructions and signature/receipt rules).
- C-60A – Injured Worker Reimbursement Rates for Travel Expenses (current rates, thresholds, and where to submit).
Need guidance? Our office will confirm whether your trip qualifies, help secure any required pre-authorization, and prepare a compliant C-60 package to maximize your allowable reimbursement.
Would You Like to Speak to an Ohio Workers' Compensation Attorney?
For any other inquiries or concerns related to workers’ compensation in Ohio, please reach out to the Justice Law Firm. We're here to assist you. We welcome your call at 614-543-1320, or we invite you to complete our online contact form at any time.