After sustaining an on-the-job injury, your primary focus is likely obtaining the benefits you need to help cover the cost of doctor visits and other medical care, as well as partial wage replacement until you can rejoin the workforce. That said, many injured workers don’t realize they can also be reimbursed for the miles they travel to and from their injury-related medical appointments. While this may not sound like much, it does add up. Learn more here about workers’ compensation mileage reimbursement in Illinois and contact The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore for comprehensive representation in your workers’ comp case today.

What Medical Travel Qualifies for Illinois Workers’ Comp Mileage?

When it comes to mileage reimbursement in Illinois, one of the first things to understand is that not every trip will qualify automatically. Rather, the focus is on whether the travel is connected to treatment that is considered reasonable and necessary for your work-related injury. In many cases, this means that reimbursement may apply to travel for the following things:

• Doctor visits related to your injury
• Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Diagnostic testing, including MRIs and other imaging
• Independent medical exams scheduled in connection with your claim
• Trips to pick up medications prescribed for your condition

That being said, there are also times when reimbursement becomes an issue. For example, if the insurance company disputes whether a certain type of treatment is actually related to your injury, or believes that it was not necessary, the mileage tied to that trip may also be questioned.

Because of this, it is important to understand that mileage reimbursement is very closely tied to your medical treatment, and if there is a disagreement about the treatment itself, that can carry over into whether your travel is reimbursed.

Current 2026 Illinois Workers’ Compensation Mileage Reimbursement Rates

Another point that tends to cause confusion is the reimbursement rate. Many people assume that the rate is fixed and never changes, though that is not the case.

As of 2026, mileage for approved medical travel in Illinois is generally reimbursed at 72.5 cents per mile.

This rate can change over time, which means it may increase in the future. At first glance, the number may not seem especially high. However, that is only part of the picture.

What really matters is how often you are traveling.

If you are attending multiple appointments each week, and doing so over the course of several weeks or even months, those miles can add up in a way that is easy to underestimate at the beginning. What feels like “just a few trips” can quickly turn into something much more substantial.

Why Every Mile Counts: Tracking Short Trips and Local Pharmacy Runs

It is very common for people to overlook shorter trips. A quick drive to the pharmacy, a nearby therapy appointment, or a brief follow-up visit may not seem like something worth writing down.

But over time, those are often the trips that matter most.

They happen frequently. They become routine. And because they feel routine, they are the easiest to forget. When you add them all together, however, they can represent a significant portion of your total mileage.

For that reason, it is generally a good idea to track everything, even if it does not seem particularly important in the moment. It is much easier to keep a complete record as you go than to try to piece everything together later.

How to Keep a Valid Workers’ Comp Mileage Log (Step-by-Step)

If there is one thing that consistently makes a difference in whether reimbursement is approved, it is documentation. Without a clear record, even valid mileage can be questioned. For each trip, you should aim to keep track of the following:

• The date of the visit
• The provider you saw and where they are located
• The purpose of the trip
• Where you started and where you went
• The total round-trip mileage
• Any proof that the visit occurred, such as receipts or appointment confirmations

There is no single “correct” way to track this information. Some people prefer to write everything down, while others use mapping tools or apps to estimate distance. Either way, the goal is the same: consistency.

As long as your records are clear and complete, they are far more likely to be accepted without issue.

Submitting Your Illinois Workers’ Compensation Mileage Reimbursement Request

Tracking your mileage is only one part of the process. In order to actually receive reimbursement, you must also submit your request in a way that can be reviewed and processed. Generally speaking, this involves:

• Gathering your mileage entries over a period of time
• Listing each trip clearly, including dates and distances
• Attaching documentation that supports your visits
• Submitting the request in writing, often by email or through a form
• Keeping copies of everything you submit

Contact an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you’re seeking mileage reimbursement or other benefits in your Illinois workers’ compensation claim, you are in the right place. The legal team here at The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore stands ready to effectively guide you through every step of the process ahead. Contact us for a free initial consultation today so we can discuss your case and begin crafting a comprehensive strategy on your behalf.