If you’re injured at work in California and must travel for medical care, you’re probably wondering: Can I get reimbursed for mileage?
The answer is yes—under California workers’ compensation law, you may be entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses related to your injury. That includes mileage to and from doctors’ appointments, pharmacies, physical therapy sessions, and other authorized treatment.
At Employees First Labor Law, we help injured workers maximize every benefit they’re entitled to—including mileage reimbursements that often go unpaid.
What Does Mileage Reimbursement Cover?
According to the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), mileage reimbursement covers reasonable transportation costs related to medical treatment that’s authorized for your work injury. That includes:
- Travel to and from:
- Primary treating physician (PTP) appointments
- Qualified Medical Evaluations (QMEs)
- Independent Medical Review (IMR) exams
- Physical therapy and specialist visits
- Lab work, X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostics
- Pharmacy trips for prescribed medication
- Parking fees, bridge tolls, and public transportation when appropriate
📌 Note: The appointment must be medically necessary and authorized by the claims administrator.
What Is the Current Mileage Rate?
Mileage is reimbursed at the standard IRS rate that was in effect at the time you traveled. This rate may change each year.
For example:
- 2025: $0.67 per mile (as of January 1, 2025)
- 2024: $0.655 per mile
- 2023: $0.655 per mile (for Jan–June), $0.625 (July–Dec)
The current rate is published on the DWC website.
Example:
If you drive 20 miles roundtrip to see your doctor, you’re entitled to $13.40 for that visit alone.
How Do I Claim Mileage Reimbursement?
To get reimbursed, you must:
- Use the official DWC Form 395 — also known as the Mileage Reimbursement Form
- Record the date, destination, roundtrip miles, and purpose (e.g., “QME exam”)
- Submit it to your claims administrator — ideally within 30 days of the appointment
You may also submit receipts for parking, public transit, or rideshare if applicable.
What If My Reimbursement Is Denied or Delayed?
Insurance carriers may:
- Deny mileage due to “unauthorized” visits
- Delay payments or lose your forms
- Reimburse partial amounts
That’s where Employees First Labor Law comes in. We can:
- Challenge improper denials
- Demand timely reimbursement under Labor Code §4600
- File for penalties or sanctions if the insurer repeatedly delays payment
Why These Benefits Matter
Injured workers already face lost income, pain, and stress. Out-of-pocket travel costs only add insult to injury. You’re entitled to full compensation — not just for treatment, but for accessing that treatment.
If your employer or insurer tries to minimize or delay these payments, we can hold them accountable.
Why Choose Employees First Labor Law?
We don’t just fight for major settlements — we make sure every aspect of your claim is honored, including:
- Unpaid mileage and transportation costs
- Missed reimbursement deadlines
- Additional compensation for bad faith handling of your case
And if your employer retaliates, pressures you to skip appointments, or tries to fire you for “missing work,” our employment litigation team steps in to pursue civil damages under FEHA and Labor Code §132a.
From mileage reimbursement to wrongful termination, we’ve got your back — and we don’t leave money on the table.
Get Help Now
If you’re not receiving proper mileage reimbursement or facing barriers to medical care, contact Employees First Labor Law today. We’ll handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
