Travel and Accommodation - a guide for agency staff!

kenmorehealthrecru
Oct 20
6 min read

When you’re considering a contract as an agency nurse or midwife, the clinical side of the job often takes centre stage. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that can make or break your experience: travel and accommodation entitlements.

What’s covered? What’s not? And why does it seem to change depending on who you ask?

The reality is, entitlements vary greatly—by site, by state, and even by agency. Knowing what to expect (and what to look out for) can save you a lot of headaches down the track.

A Cautionary Tale

Not long ago, one of our nurses shared a story that perfectly illustrates the importance of reading the fine print and working with a transparent agency.

She’d been told that accommodation was “included” in her contract. Relieved, she signed on, packed her bags, and headed off to her new role. A few weeks in, she noticed her pay seemed lower than expected. After digging through her payslips, she discovered that the accommodation cost was being deducted each week from her wages.

It was in the paperwork—buried in the fine print—but it had never been explained upfront. What she thought was a covered entitlement turned out to be a significant personal cost.

Stories like this are, unfortunately, not uncommon. And they highlight exactly why you should always know where you stand before accepting a contract.

Why Entitlements Differ

State and Territory Rules: Each state and territory has different workforce arrangements. In WA and the NT, for example, accommodation is often part of the package for regional and remote placements. In metropolitan hospitals, you’re less likely to see those inclusions.
Site-to-Site Variations: Even within the same region, one hospital might provide fully subsidised staff housing, while another may only partially cover costs. Some NGOs offer allowances instead of accommodation.
Agency Approaches: And then there’s the agency factor. Some agencies will be upfront, covering costs and negotiating fair deals. Others will add hidden charges, deduct entitlements from your pay, or remain vague when you ask for clarity.

Beyond the Basics: Pets, Families, Caravans, Travel Choices & Cars

Accommodation and travel aren’t always “one size fits all.” Many nurses and midwives ask us: What if I want to bring my partner, kids, or even my dog? And what if I’d prefer to drive instead of fly?

Here’s the reality:

Pet-Friendly Accommodation: It’s not the norm, but it’s not impossible. Pet-friendly housing is limited and often more expensive, so agencies and health services may not automatically cover the full cost. You’ll likely need to contribute.
Family Accommodation: Some placements can support family housing (especially for longer contracts), but availability is patchy. Again, this usually comes with extra costs, and may require more flexibility on location.
Caravan Living: If you travel with your caravan, you won’t usually be entitled to both caravan site reimbursement and supplied accommodation. Some sites may offer a site subsidy, but this varies widely.
Travel Expectations: Travel is almost always provided from capital cities. It’s not door-to-door, and you’ll need to factor in your own arrangements to get to the departure point. This is standard across the industry, not specific to one agency.
Fuel vs Flights: If you’d rather drive, most agencies will consider reimbursing fuel. But be aware—fuel and driving expenses can often end up costing more than a flight, especially over long distances. Because of this, reimbursements are usually capped. Remember too that agencies often have commercial arrangements with airlines, giving them access to cheaper flights than you’d find on your own. That’s why fuel reimbursement may never look “comparable” to the value of a flight, even if the distance feels equivalent. The key is to talk openly with your agency about how much is covered and whether driving is realistic for your placement.
Car Hire: In some placements, accommodation isn’t within walking distance of the hospital. In these cases, a car hire arrangement may be offered to help staff get to and from work. Availability of this depends heavily on the site and the agency’s arrangements, and sometimes the cost is only partially covered. It’s definitely worth asking about early—especially if the site is rural or spread out—so you know if you’ll need your own vehicle, or whether the agency can help organise transport.

Avoiding “Arrival Surprises”

Another story we often hear from nurses and midwives is this: they’ve been told accommodation was “sorted,” only to arrive and find there’s nothing waiting for them. No keys. No booking. No clear instructions. Suddenly, after a long day of travel, they’re left scrambling to find a place to stay at their own cost.

This is not okay.

Before you leave for any contract, always confirm:

Who your contact person is
Whether they’re available outside standard business hours (e.g. on weekends or evenings)
What arrangements have been locked in for your arrival

You should never be left in the lurch trying to organise things that your agency or the site were supposed to have prepared.

At Kenmore Health Recruitment, we take this seriously. We have staff on-call and available to help deal with any issues that arise—not only during your contract, but also during your travel to and from site. You’ll never be left to fend for yourself if something hasn’t gone to plan.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Here are some essentials to clarify before signing on the dotted line:

Are flights or fuel reimbursements included?
Is accommodation fully covered, partially subsidised, or self-funded?
If I pay upfront, will I be reimbursed—and how quickly?
Are there hidden costs or deductions I need to know about?
What happens if I need family or pet-friendly accommodation?
Am I entitled to a site allowance if I bring my caravan?
Is car hire an option if accommodation isn’t near the hospital?
Who is my contact person if something goes wrong—are they available on weekends and evenings?

If the answers feel unclear or evasive, that’s a red flag. Ask yourself: why aren’t they being transparent?

Our Approach at Kenmore Health Recruitment

At Kenmore Health Recruitment, we’ve been on the other side. We know what it feels like to be left in the dark, and we’ve built our approach around avoiding that.

Here’s how we do things differently:

Transparency First – We’re clear about what is (and isn’t) included. No hidden surprises.
Collaboration – We work with both clients and staff to find sustainable solutions that minimise costs for everyone.
Advocacy – If something doesn’t add up, we negotiate on your behalf.
Support – Our staff are on-call during your contract and while you travel, so you’re never left stranded.
Fairness – We don’t believe in shifting unnecessary costs onto our nurses and midwives.

Because at the end of the day, happy employees make great employees. And when you feel looked after, you can focus on what really matters: delivering high-quality care.

Final Thoughts

Travel and accommodation should never be a mystery. Before signing a contract, take the time to understand your entitlements, ask the tough questions, and don’t settle for sketchy answers.

At Kenmore Health Recruitment, we aim to set the standard in transparency and fairness. Because you deserve to be treated with respect—and to know exactly what you’re signing up for.

✈️🛏 Travel & Accommodation Checklist for Agency Nurses & Midwives

Before you sign your next contract, ask your agency these key questions:

Flights & Transport – Are flights included? If driving, is there a fuel allowance or reimbursement cap?
Accommodation Costs – Is housing free, subsidised, or deducted from my pay?
Upfront Payments – If I pay costs upfront, how and when will I be reimbursed?
Hidden Clauses – Are there any deductions or conditions buried in the fine print?
Family & Pets – What are my options if I need pet-friendly or family accommodation?
Caravan Use – Am I entitled to a site allowance if I use my own caravan?
Car Hire – If accommodation isn’t close to the hospital, will a hire car be provided (or subsidised)?
Contact Person – Who do I call if something goes wrong, and are they available after hours?
Support & Advocacy – If something changes or isn’t right, will the agency step in to resolve it?