Travel and Housing for Cancer Treatment

Ask the clinic about travel before scheduling

Some treatments require one visit. Others require daily appointments, repeated infusions, recovery nearby, or a caregiver who can remain with you. Before booking transportation, ask the clinic for a written outline of the expected schedule, the earliest and latest appointment times, possible delays, and whether you must stay within a certain distance after treatment.

Build a realistic travel plan

Include transportation to the destination, transportation between lodging and the clinic, parking, mobility needs, meals, medication storage, childcare, pet care, time away from work, and a backup plan if an appointment changes. Ask whether the clinic has a travel coordinator, social worker, or list of nearby lodging partners.

Housing programs and reduced-rate lodging

The American Cancer Society lodging program connects eligible patients with Hope Lodge communities and hotel partnerships. The Healthcare Hospitality Network lists nonprofit lodging organizations near medical centers. Families traveling for pediatric care can also ask the treatment team about Ronald McDonald House referrals.

Transportation assistance

The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program may provide rides in participating communities. Mercy Medical Angels coordinates several forms of non-emergency medical transportation. Medicaid plans may offer non-emergency medical transportation, and veterans may qualify for travel reimbursement or transportation through VA programs.

Questions for the clinic

• How long should I remain near the clinic before and after treatment?
• Must another adult accompany me or drive me home?
• Do you have patient lodging, hotel rates, shuttle service, or parking assistance?
• What happens if treatment is delayed or extended?
• Can some consultations or follow-up visits happen remotely?
• Who can help with disability, mobility, language, or dietary needs?

Keep essential information together

Carry appointment contacts, medication lists, insurance information, identification, treatment summaries, emergency instructions, lodging confirmations, and transportation details. Give a copy to the caregiver traveling with you. Save the clinic’s after-hours number before the trip begins.