Travel and Lodging Assistance

The social worker or patient navigator at your treatment center is usually the fastest route to travel help. Many large cancer centers have discounted rates at nearby hotels, partnerships with hospitality houses or on-site housing for patients and a caregiver. Some run shuttles from airports, train stations or partner hotels. Social workers also know which local charities are currently funding gas cards, parking passes or meals. Call as soon as you know the dates you will need to travel, since rooms and funds are often limited. Ask whether the center can hold a room for the length of a surgical stay, which may run longer than you expect.

Several nonprofit groups arrange free or reduced-cost flights for patients traveling to treatment, using donated airline miles or volunteer pilots flying small aircraft. Hospitality houses near major medical centers offer free or low-cost rooms, shared kitchens and a quieter place to recover between appointments. Eligibility often depends on how far you live from the center, your income and whether you are well enough to travel without medical support. Many programs ask for a letter from your doctor or confirmation of your appointment. Your social worker can tell you which groups are reputable and accepting applications, which helps you avoid scams that charge fees for travel help.

Apply for assistance before booking, because many programs cannot reimburse money you have already spent. Keep a simple travel log with dates, mileage, tolls, parking, meals and lodging receipts. These records may help at tax time, since some medical travel can count toward deductible expenses within IRS limits. They can also matter in an asbestos claim, where travel for treatment may be part of the costs a family seeks to recover. If you have Medicaid, ask your state program about non-emergency medical transportation. Veterans should ask the VA about travel pay for approved care, which has its own eligibility rules.

1. 1

   Call your treatment center's social worker about lodging discounts, hospitality houses and shuttle services before booking travel.

2. 2

   Apply to charitable flight or lodging programs as soon as appointment dates are confirmed.

3. 3

   Keep a dated travel log with mileage, parking, tolls, meals and lodging receipts.

4. 4

   Ask your Medicaid plan or the VA whether medical transportation benefits apply to your trips.