Hospital Appointment Transport: When You Qualify for NHS Patient Transport and When You Don’t

Short answer: NHS-funded non-emergency patient transport is a specialist service, not a general free taxi. NHS England says most people should make their own way to hospital. Funded transport is reserved for cases where it is essential for safety, safe mobilisation, condition management, or recovery.

What is NHS non-emergency patient transport?

Non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) help eligible patients travel to or from NHS healthcare — for treatment, appointments, admission, or discharge — when their medical or mobility needs mean ordinary travel is not appropriate. Having a hospital appointment by itself does not automatically make you eligible.

Who may qualify for NHS patient transport?

Who is normally expected to arrange their own travel?

If you can safely travel by car, public transport, taxi, or with help from family or a carer, NHS guidance generally expects you to make your own arrangements. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme may help with the cost of travel to specialist treatment — this covers travel costs, not the transport itself.

What happens if you are refused NHS patient transport?

Not qualifying does not mean you cannot attend your appointment. Your options include a family member or carer who can drive you, public transport (bus routes 7, 9, 13, 112, 165, 300/X30, and 321 serve Stoke Mandeville Hospital), or a pre-booked taxi for door-to-door travel with a vehicle suited to your mobility requirements.

How do you check your eligibility before an appointment?

1. Ask your GP, hospital team, or referring healthcare professional about the relevant patient transport service.
2. Explain your actual medical, mobility, or support needs rather than simply saying you need a lift.
3. Follow the assessment process used by the local transport provider.
4. If you are not eligible, arrange an alternative early — do not leave it until the morning of the appointment.

How does NHS patient transport compare to a private taxi?

What about emergencies?

This guide is about planned, non-emergency journeys. If someone has a medical emergency or their life is at risk, call 999.

Related Aylesbury hospital travel guides

If your appointment is at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, our parking, buses, and taxi guide covers every way to get there. For the National Spinal Injuries Centre, our NSIC visitor and accessibility guide covers the specialist travel considerations. For a pre-booked taxi, read our Stoke Mandeville Hospital taxi guide.

ABC Taxis 247 has been running in Aylesbury since 1989. Every driver is licensed by Buckinghamshire Council and holds an NVQ Level 2 in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving. Drivers doing home-to-school and vulnerable-passenger work hold an enhanced DBS check.

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Last checked: 16 September 2026. NHS transport rules can change. Check the current guidance before relying on this information.

Sources: NHS: organising hospital transport · NHS England: NEPTS eligibility criteria