Is there support available for travel costs during treatment?
Yes. There is support available to help with travel costs during your child’s neuroblastoma treatment. Many families face frequent hospital visits, long-distance travel, and associated expenses, and several schemes can help reduce the financial pressure.
NHS support with travel costs
Many families are eligible for financial help through the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). You may qualify if you receive certain benefits or meet income‑related criteria.
HTCS can help with:
- Travel costs for hospital appointments
- Mileage if you use your own car
- Public transport fares
- Taxi fares in exceptional cases (pre‑approved)
To check eligibility and evidence needed, see the NHS page for Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.
Support from your child’s hospital
Your treatment centre may also offer:
- Free or reduced‑rate parking for parents and carers
- Discounted public transport passes
- Hospital accommodation for families needing to stay overnight
- Meal vouchers for food from the hospital food outlets
Ask your child’s Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), social worker or family support worker about what is available locally.
Support from national and local charities
A number of charities offer grants or practical help with transport, fuel, or accommodation costs:
- Young Lives vs Cancer - Provides financial grants during treatment and offers a Homes from Home network providing free family accommodation near treatment centres.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities - Offers free accommodation close to children’s hospitals across the UK, reducing travel costs for families.
- Family Fund - Supports low‑income families with grants that can sometimes help with transport or related expenses.
- Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund - Care and Crisis Grants support families during diagnosis, treatment, and follow‑up care.
- The Henry Allen Trust - Provides financial grants including help with transport and accommodation.
Page last updated: July 28, 2026
Help finding the right support
If you are unsure which schemes you may be eligible for, or would like help applying for support, our Family Support Team can guide you through the options and talk through what might help your family most.
