Families lose transport subsidies for children’s hospital visits due to discount rules

Families in Denmark face losing financial support for transporting children to hospital appointments because child discounts on public transport push costs below the subsidy threshold, DR reports.

Region Syddanmark has called on the incoming health minister to reform the rules, arguing the current system unfairly excludes children. Under existing regulations, transport costs must exceed 119 kroner in 2026 to qualify for a subsidy—but child discounts often reduce fares below this limit, disqualifying families from reimbursement.

Karina Grønkjær Struck from Højer told DR she has driven her son to Aabenraa Hospital five times, covering 53 kilometres each way. Had she been the patient, she would have received subsidies—but because the trips were for her child, the family received no financial support. “I think it’s absurd. There shouldn’t be a difference just because it’s my child who needs to go,” she said.

The Ministry of the Interior and Health had planned to address the issue with legislation this year, but the plans were delayed by the general election. Bo Libergren (Venstre), chair of Region Syddanmark, said the region has now sent a formal letter to the ministry urging action. “We hope this will move the issue higher up the pile for the new minister once the government is in place,” he said.