Extra travel costs and how to deal with them

The chances are you’ll need to travel for treatment. Whether it’s minutes or miles away from home, these trips can feel exhausting, stressful and expensive. Make the most of the extra support available to help look after you and your bank balance.

First steps 

Start by speaking to the team at your hospital to find out whether any of your care is able to take place in a hospital closer to home. This is called ‘shared care’.  

Some hospitals run their own transport schemes, so it’s worth asking about this if you’re going back and forth a lot. 

If you need to travel a long way, ask your team if there’s any free accommodation near the hospital you could stay at. Young Lives vs Cancer has Homes from Home near some hospitals, and there are Ronald MacDonald houses at others. 

Claim back your costs if you’re on low income 

If you receive one of the qualifying benefits (and meet any related criteria), or have been named on an NHS Low Income Scheme certificate, you might be able to claim back your cash using the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. If you’re in Northern Ireland take a look at the information here instead.

You’ll be refunded for travel and parking for most appointments – so keep hold of your receipts! It’s worth noting that some services may not be covered (out of hour appointments, routine check-ups or screening).  

Cut down parking charges 

Parking charges vary. In Scotland and Wales most costs have been scrapped, and in Northern Ireland parking is free for chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients 

The news isn’t so good if you’re in England as each hospital sets its own rate. But there are some things you can do to help cut costs: 

  1. Check with your Patient Liaison Service (PALS) to see if your hospital has any parking concession schemes 
  2. Check whether you are eligible for the Blue Badge Parking Permit. Some hospitals will provide reduced or free parking for holders 
  3. If you are on a low income, see the above information about the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. 

Nab a new set of wheels  

Using the Motability Scheme, you can exchange your mobility allowance for a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. 

The scheme is run by the national charity Motability and it’s available for anyone who receives:  

  • Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Your costs for insurance, servicing, maintenance and breakdown assistance will be covered. You can also add up to two named drivers on your car so if you don’t drive a parent, carer or partner can use the vehicle to help you out.  

You may also be eligible to receive a charitable grant too – take a look.   

Save on vehicle tax  

If you are receiving the higher or enhanced rate mobility components of DLA or PIP, then you won’t have to pay vehicle tax.

You can also get a 50% reduction if you get the standard rate mobility component of PIP. 

The car you drive must be registered in your name or your nominated driver’s name and must only be used for your own needs (not the needs of your driver).

Spend less on travel 

Here’s a few more ideas savvy ideas that could help you save money.