Help with travel costs if you have a terminal illness
You may be able to get help with the costs of getting around if you have a terminal illness. This could include travel to hospital, discounts on public transport and getting a Blue Badge. You could also get help with travel costs if you care for someone with a terminal illness.
On this page:
Getting to hospital
In general, people are expected to make their own way to and from hospital. You might be able to get additional support if you're eligible.
Free transport to hospital
You could get free transport to and from hospital with patient transport services (PTS). It's for people who need additional medical support during their journey, find it difficult to walk, or are a parent or guardian of children being transported.
PTS might not be available in all areas. Speak to your GP or other healthcare professional to see if PTS is available in your area, whether you're eligible and how to access it.
Refund for hospital transport costs
If you live in England, Wales or Scotland: You might be able to claim a refund for the cost of transport to hospital under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). You must get certain benefits or be on a low income. Visit the NHS website to find out more about the HTCS, including who is eligible and how to claim.
If you live in Northern Ireland: You might be able to get help with travel costs if you're on a low income or claim certain benefits. Visit nidrect to find out who is eligible for help with travel costs and how to claim.
Hospital parking
Hospital parking can be expensive and limited, so you may want to see if anyone can take you, or check for other parking nearby.
In England, hospital parking is free if you have a Blue Badge, or attend regular appointments for a long-term condition. Hospital parking is free at certain times of day for parents of children who need to stay in hospital overnight. Some hospitals have free or discounted parking for people with cancer – check with your hospital about what free and discounted parking they may offer. Search for your local hospital on the NHS website to check its parking facilities.
In Scotland and Wales, hospital parking is free for everyone.
In Northern Ireland, hospital parking is free for people that have specific conditions or certain treatment. This includes cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Your hospital might offer free parking for other situations too – check on their website or speak to your ward for more information.
Blue Badges and driving
If you have a disability or health condition that makes it difficult to get around, you may be able to get a Blue Badge. Having a Blue Badge means you can park your car nearer to where you're visiting.
Find out more information about the Blue Badge Scheme, including the cost (it's free in Wales) and how to apply:
- If you live in England, Wales or Scotland, visit GOV.UK.
- If you live in Northern Ireland, visit nidirect.
If you have a terminal illness, your local council or the Blue Badge Unit if you live in Northern Ireland, will usually fast-track your application. There might be a box to tick on the application form to confirm you have a terminal illness. And you'll need to send proof of your terminal illness, such as the SR1 medical repoort form, or a letter from your GP or Macmillan. Read about the SR1 medical report form for benefits.
If you have questions about how to apply for a Blue Badge when you have a terminal illness, it's best to contact your local council, or the Blue Badge Unit if you live in Northern Ireland.
The Motability Scheme helps people with disabilities to lease a car (including adapted vehicles) powered wheelchairs, or mobility scooters. To qualify you need to be getting certain disability benefits. Visit Motability to find out more about the Motability Scheme.
You may not have to pay vehicle tax if you're a driver with a disability and are receiving certain benefits. Visit GOV.UK to find out more about free vehicle tax.
Public transport
You could get free or discounted public transport if you're disabled or over a certain age.
In England, Wales and Scotland, you could get a third off most UK train journeys with a railcard. The Disabled Person's Railcard is for people with a disability that meet the eligibility criteria. If you're 60 or over, you can get a Senior Railcard. Visit the Railcard website to find out more about Railcards.
See below for information about free and discounted rail travel in Northern Ireland.
England
- In England, you could get a bus pass for free off-peak travel if you have a disability or you've reached State Pension age. Visit GOV.UK to find out more about the disabled person's bus pass , or the older person's bus pass.
- In London, you could get a Freedom Pass if you have a disability or have reached State Pension age. Visit the London Councils website to find out more about Freedom Passes.
- In London, if you're 60 or over and are not eligible for a Freedom Pass, you could get the 60+ London Oyster photocard. Visit Transport for London to find out more about the 60+ Oyster photocard.
Visit GOV.UK to check your State Pension age.
Wales
- You could get a bus pass for free travel if you're over 60 or have a disability. Visit GOV.WALES for more information about bus passes in Wales.
- If you get a Disabled Person's Travel Card, you could get a companion card that provides free travel for one person accompanying you. Visit Transport for Wales for more information about Companion Cards.
Scotland
- You could get free bus travel on most services if you're over 60 or have a disability. Visit Transport Scotland to find out about the National Entitlement Card.
- Companions of people with a disability could also travel for free. Find out more about free travel for companions at Transport Scotland.
Northern Ireland
- You could get free or discounted bus and rail travel if you're aged 60 or over, or have a certain disability. Visit nidirect for more information about free and half fare travel passes.
- Disability Action runs a transport service for people who have problems using public transport. It's free to join and you're charged a fee for each trip. Visit Disability Action to find out more about the Disability Action Transport Scheme.
Many travel passes are not valid in other nations. So it's important to check this before travelling between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Where can I get more help?
- Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 provides general information about benefits and finances.
- Citizens Advice has trained advisers you can speak to and provides information on your rights, including benefits, grants, housing, employment, debt, consumer and legal issues. Search the site for your nearest bureau in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Turn2us has a search function to find benefits advisers in your area, and provides people with financial support and information on benefits and grants.
- Macmillan Cancer Support has welfare rights advisers you can speak to, and provides practical, medical and financial support for people affected by cancer.
See our list of useful organisations for more places to go for advice and information.
Useful websites
GOV.UK – Information about Blue Badges and public transport
Transport for Wales – Information about free and discounted travel
Transport Scotland – Information about free and discounted travel
nidirect – Information about free and discounted travel in Northern Ireland
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
