Did you know that cancer patients are entitled to free transport? Get to know this right
Facing a cancer diagnosis brings many challenges, and the difficulties go far beyond the fight against the disease. In daily life, there is also the matter of managing journeys to treatments, appointments and tests, which can be a great burden. But we bring you some good news. There are rights that make these journeys easier and that offer the support you need so that your focus can be on treatment and well-being.
Is transport to treatments a guaranteed right?
Cancer patients are entitled to transport, particularly in the case of regular treatments or appointments that involve frequent journeys. To secure this support, there are certain conditions and processes that must be followed.
Access to non-emergency transport
In cases of non-emergency transport, that is, when it is not an emergency, cancer patients can access free transport, or transport with costs subsidised by the SNS (the Portuguese National Health Service), provided they meet certain requirements. The main criterion is the need for transport under special conditions, such as transport by ambulance, when the person has difficulty getting around (for example, when transport in a wheelchair or while bedridden is required).
Conditions for obtaining transport
For a cancer patient to benefit from this right, a prescribing doctor must issue a credential confirming the need for transport. This credential will be submitted to the administrative services of the hospital or health centre, which will process the request. Transport can be prescribed for treatments related to the cancer or, in some situations, for palliative care.
Travel expenses
If the patient needs transport, and if they are in a difficult financial situation, the SNS may cover the full cost of the transport. If the person has a degree of disability of 60% or more, the transport is fully subsidised, which means that, even in situations of great financial strain, health should never be an obstacle to accessing treatment. This includes transport in ambulances or vehicles suited to the patient’s needs.
The importance of the medical certificate of disability
For the patient to be able to access these arrangements, they need to have the Atestado Médico de Incapacidade Multiuso (the Multi-purpose Medical Certificate of Disability). This official document certifies that the person has a degree of disability of 60% or more, which allows the patient to access exemptions and subsidies in various areas, including transport for health care.
You can obtain this certificate after a clinical assessment and, if approved, it offers a range of benefits, such as exemption from user fees at hospitals and health centres, as well as access to other important rights, such as subsidies for medicines.
How transport works within the SNS
Transport for cancer patients, when provided by the SNS, can be carried out by ambulance or by simple patient transport vehicles. The choice of the appropriate means depends on the patient’s clinical situation. For example, if the person is unable to walk or is bedridden, transport will be by ambulance.
It is important to stress that this transport is not limited to a single journey, and can be requested for several appointments or treatments, as needed. The SNS ensures that transport will be provided whenever it is clinically necessary, which gives greater peace of mind to patients and their families.
For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions available on the Entidade Reguladora da Saúde (Portuguese health regulator) website.
How to request transport?
To request this type of transport, the patient must obtain a medical prescription confirming the need for the service – the Multi-purpose Certificate mentioned above – with a detailed clinical justification. With the prescription in hand, the patient can:
- Apply for the transport at the health services in their area
- Contact directly the bodies authorised to provide this service (the fire brigade, the Red Cross, associations or specialist companies, such as Ambula).
In some health units, such as IPO Lisboa (the Lisbon Oncology Institute), the management and scheduling of non-emergency patient transport is handled centrally by the Central de Transportes (the Transport Centre). To use this service:
- Patients must book in advance, directly through the MyIPO Lisboa platform
- They can also make the request by email (centraltransportes@ipolisboa.min-saude.pt), by telephone (217 229 800 / 217 200 400) or in person at the hospital.
Specialist transport and specific clinical situations
In cases of patients who need special care during transport, such as those who require isolation or medical care during the journey (for example, in cases of chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment), the SNS ensures the availability of ambulances equipped with the necessary resources. These ambulances are adapted to ensure that the transport is safe and comfortable, and that appropriate care is provided for the specific conditions of each patient.
Ambula as the ideal solution for non-emergency patient transport
For those who need non-emergency transport, Ambula offers a specialist transport service that provides comfort and safety on every journey. If you are looking for a practical solution tailored to your transport needs, know that Ambula is available to ensure your mobility, always with the care and attention that a cancer patient deserves.
The role of support institutions
Organisations such as the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro (the Portuguese League Against Cancer) play a very important role in this process by providing additional support to cancer patients, whether through offering transport or through other types of financial and social assistance. The LPCC, for example, can help cover costs for medicines, assistive devices and transport, providing crucial support in difficult times.
The League also works with hospitals and other health institutions, helping to fill gaps in the system and ensuring that patients have access to the treatment and follow-up care they need.
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