Can I get free transport to have a course of radiotherapy?

If you are unwell or disabled to such an extent that you cannot get to hospital in any other way, then transport can be arranged by ambulance or a hospital car. This service is free of charge.

Otherwise you will have to meet the cost of your transport to and from hospital for radiotherapy, unless you, or your partner, are receiving either Income Support or a Job Seeker's Allowance. If you are getting these benefits then you can claim back part or all of the cost of your fares - the hospital will be able to give you the forms to do this. You will need to provide evidence of your entitlement to one of the benefits and of your transport costs, such as tickets.

If you do not qualify for hospital transport and are not receiving state benefits then, if paying for transport causes real hardship, it might be possible to apply to certain charities, such as Macmillan Cancer Relief for help with travel costs. Sometimes individual hospitals also have special funds that might help. So the best thing to do is to have a chat with the radiographers who are giving you your treatment and they will be able to give you details of what is available by way of financial support.