Facing a cancer diagnosis brings many challenges, and the difficulties go far beyond the fight against the disease. On a day-to-day basis, there’s also managing travel to treatments, appointments and exams, which can be a huge burden. But we have good news for you. There are rights that make these journeys easier and offer the necessary support so that the focus can be on treatment and well-being.
Is transportation to treatment a guaranteed right?
Cancer patients are entitled to transportation, particularly in the case of regular treatments or consultations that require frequent travel. To guarantee this support, there are certain conditions and processes that must be followed.
Access to non-emergency transport
In cases of non-urgent transportation, i.e. when it is not an emergency, cancer patients can access free transportation or transportation with costs reimbursed by the National Health System (SNS), as long as they meet certain requirements. The main criterion is the need for transportation under special conditions, such as ambulance transportation, when the person has difficulty moving (for example, when transportation in a wheelchair or in a bedridden situation is necessary).
Conditions for obtaining transportation
In order for a cancer patient to enjoy this right, a prescribing doctor must issue a credential proving the need for transportation. This credential will be delivered to the administrative services of the hospital or health center, which will process the request. Transportation can be prescribed for treatments related to the cancer disease or, in some situations, for palliative care.
Travel expenses
If the patient needs transportation, and is in a difficult economic situation, the SNS can cover the full cost of transportation. If the person has a degree of disability of 60% or more, transportation is fully reimbursed, which means that even in situations of great financial strain, health should never be an obstacle to accessing treatment. This includes transportation in ambulances or vehicles suited to the patient’s needs.
The importance of the medical certificate of incapacity
In order for the patient to have access to these facilities, they must have a Medical Certificate of Multipurpose Disability . This official document certifies that the person has a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60%, which allows the patient to access exemptions and co-payments in various areas, including transportation to health care.
You can obtain this certificate after a clinical assessment and, if approved, it offers a series of benefits, such as exemption from user fees at hospitals and health centers, as well as access to other important rights, such as reimbursement for medicines.
How transportation works in the SNS
When transported by the NHS, cancer patients can be transported by ambulance or 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, they will be transported by ambulance.
It is important to note that this transportation is not limited to a single trip, but can be requested for several appointments or treatments, as necessary. The SNS guarantees that transportation will be provided whenever it is medically necessary, which ensures greater peace of mind for patients and their families.
For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions available on the Health Regulatory Authority website.
How do I request transportation?
To request this type of transportation, the patient must obtain a medical prescription proving the need for the service – the Multipurpose Certificate mentioned above – with a detailed clinical justification. With the prescription in hand, the user can:
- Request transportation from the health services in your area
- Contact entities authorized to provide this service directly (fire departments, Red Cross, associations or specialized companies such as Ambula).
In some health units, such as IPO Lisboa, the management and scheduling of transport for non-urgent patients is done centrally by the Transport Center. To take advantage of this service:
- Patients must make an appointment in advance, directly through the MyIPO Lisboa platform
- You can also apply by e-mail(centraltransportes@ipolisboa.min-saude.pt), telephone (217 229 800 / 217 200 400) or in person at the hospital.
Specialized transport and specific clinical situations
In the case of patients who need special care during transportation, 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 transportation is safe and comfortable, and that adequate care is provided for each patient’s specific conditions.
Ambula as the ideal solution for transporting non-emergency patients
For those who need non-urgent transport, Ambula offers a specialized transport service that provides comfort and safety on every journey. If you are looking for a practical solution adapted to your transportation needs, Ambula is available to guarantee your mobility, always with the care and attention that an oncology patient deserves.
The role of support institutions
Organizations like the Portuguese League Against Cancer play a very important role in this process by providing additional support to cancer patients, either by offering transport or with other types of financial and social assistance. The LPCC, for example, can help cover the costs of medication, technical aids and transportation, providing crucial support in difficult times.
The League also collaborates with hospitals and other health institutions, helping to fill gaps in the system and ensuring that patients have access to the necessary treatment and follow-up.
