The short answer
Getting to appointments can be hard, but help exists. Programs may offer free rides, volunteer drivers, gas or travel assistance, and public-transport help. A hospital social worker or patient navigator can connect you to options in your area.
Transportation is a common barrier to cancer care — and there are programs that help.
Some nonprofits offer free rides or volunteer drivers to and from treatment.
Help may also include gas cards, travel assistance, or public-transport support.
Medicaid may cover non-emergency medical transportation for those who qualify.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Getting to and from appointments — sometimes many times a week — can be one of the hardest parts of treatment. If transportation is a worry, please know that help exists, and asking for it is completely normal.
Kinds of help that may be available
Options vary by where you live, and can include:
- Volunteer driver programs that give free rides to treatment
- Free or discounted rides through cancer nonprofits
- Gas cards or travel assistance for longer trips
- Help using public transportation
What insurance may cover
Medicaid may cover non-emergency medical transportation for people who qualify, and some Medicare Advantage plans include transportation benefits. It's worth asking your plan directly what rides are covered.
Ask your care team early — help is easier to arrange with a little lead time.
Where to start
A hospital social worker or patient navigator often knows the local programs and can help you apply. You can also call the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER, or a national cancer nonprofit's free helpline.
A note before we begin
This information is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. For your own care, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, registered dietitian, or care team.
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Common questions
▸What if I can't get to treatment?
You're not alone, and it's worth asking for help early. Some cancer nonprofits offer free rides or volunteer drivers, and hospitals often know local programs. Ask your care team's social worker or navigator about options.
▸What kinds of help exist?
Depending on where you live, help may include volunteer driver programs, free or discounted rides, gas cards or travel assistance for longer trips, and help using public transportation.
▸Does insurance cover rides?
Medicaid may cover non-emergency medical transportation for people who qualify, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer transportation benefits. Check with your plan about what's covered.
▸Who can help me find rides?
A hospital social worker or patient navigator is often the best place to start. You can also call 1-800-4-CANCER or a national cancer nonprofit's free helpline.
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