Getting to a hospital or medical appointment
You will usually need to make your own travel arrangements for a hospital appointment, test or treatment. You may be able to travel with support from a friend, family member or carer. If you cannot get there yourself, there are other transport and travel support options that may help.
If you need help with the cost of travelling to an appointment, including hospital parking charges, see our help with health costs page.
NHS patient transport
You may be able to get free, non-emergency transport if you have a medical need. This service takes people to and from hospital.
To check if you can use it, call the NHS Patient Transport Advice Centre on 01278 727444 between 8.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
You need to book at least 2 days before your appointment.
In Somerset, transport is provided by:
- Ezec
- Transporting Somerset
- British Red Cross
Public and Community Transport
If you cannot use NHS transport, there are other options.
Transporting Somerset offers public transport services.
If you are disabled or cannot drive for medical reasons, you can apply for a concessionary bus pass. This can give free or cheaper travel at certain times.
You can also use a Better Journey Card to let the driver know you may need extra help.
Community Transport can help if public transport does not meet your needs.
These services:
- support people and community groups
- offer vehicles with disabled access
- give advice about travel options
Different schemes operate in different areas of Somerset.
Claiming back travel costs
If you need to attend an NHS appointment, you may be able to claim back some of your travel costs through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.
This scheme is for people on a low income who meet the eligibility rules. It does not provide transport. Instead, it helps with the cost of travel to NHS appointments.
Find out who can apply and how to claim on our Help with health costs page.