Help for Specific Groups · Updated November 2026 · By the Free Car Help team
Key takeaways
- Free volunteer rides to treatment are available in many areas.
- Medicaid covers non-emergency rides to medical appointments.
- Hospital social workers often have gas cards and parking help.
Free rides and travel help
- American Cancer Society Road To Recovery: volunteer drivers take patients to treatment in many areas. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
- Medicaid transportation: free non-emergency rides to medical appointments.
- Hospital social workers: often have gas cards, parking passes and ride vouchers.
- Lodging programs near major cancer centers can reduce long drives.
Need a car?
1-800-Charity Cars includes the medically needy among its recipients. See free charity cars, gas vouchers and apply with Free Car Help.
Questions to ask your cancer care team
- Do you have a social worker or patient navigator who helps with transportation?
- Are gas cards, parking vouchers or ride services available for patients?
- Can appointments be grouped on the same day to reduce trips?
- Is there free or low-cost lodging near the treatment center?
Paying for gas and travel during treatment
Keep receipts and a mileage log. Some charities reimburse travel costs, and medical travel may be tax deductible in some situations. See gas vouchers and help with gas money and fuel assistance.
When a reliable car is the answer
If treatment will last months and rides are not dependable, a car may be the most practical solution. Charity programs such as 1-800-Charity Cars include the medically needy among recipients, and local programs are listed on your state page.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free cars for cancer patients?
Free cars are limited, but free rides, gas cards and Medicaid transportation are widely available. Charity car programs may help in some cases.
Does Medicaid pay for rides to chemotherapy?
Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation to covered appointments, including cancer treatment, when you have no other way to get there.
