Stretcher Transport Cost: Complete Pricing Guide for Chicago & Illinois
Stretcher transportation with Dream Care Rides costs $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles. This guide breaks down every cost component, compares stretcher transport to ambulance and wheelchair pricing, and shows you how to save on gurney transport.
How Much Does Stretcher Transport Cost in 2026?
Stretcher transport (also called gurney transport) is the most comprehensive non-emergency medical transportation service. It costs more than ambulatory or wheelchair transport because it requires a specialized medical vehicle, hydraulic stretcher equipment, and a two-person crew.
Dream Care Rides Stretcher Rates (2026, per leg)
Base Rate
$350–$400
Per Mile (after the first 5)
$6.00
The base range reflects the stretcher type. Mileage comes on top, loaded miles past 50 bill at $9.00/mi, and flat add-ons such as bariatric equipment (+$175) or weekend service (+$50 per leg) are added per leg. Call (708) 505-6994 for an exact quote based on your specific trip.
Stretcher Transport Pricing Breakdown
A stretcher transport quote includes several components. Understanding each part helps you compare quotes and know exactly what you are paying for.
Base Rate: $350–$400
The base rate covers vehicle dispatch, the two-person crew (driver plus attendant), stretcher equipment, patient loading and unloading, and the first 5 miles of each leg. The base rate is the fixed starting cost regardless of distance.
Per-Mile Rate: $6.00/mi
After the initial miles covered by the base rate, a per-mile charge applies for the remaining distance. The per-mile rate for stretcher transport is higher than other service types because the specialized vehicle consumes more fuel and the two-person crew is committed for the full trip duration. Loaded miles past 50 bill at $9.00/mi.
Two-Person Crew
Every stretcher transport includes a driver and a patient care attendant. The attendant assists with safe patient transfers, monitors the patient during transit, and handles stretcher operation. This two-person requirement is a primary cost driver compared to wheelchair transport (single driver).
Stretcher Transport Cost by Distance
The following estimates show base + loaded mileage for one stretcher leg at Dream Care Rides rates, before surcharges, empty-return (deadhead) miles and tolls. Actual costs depend on the stretcher type, time of day, and any add-ons; your exact price shows before you book.
| Distance | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Common Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 miles | $350 | $400 | Local hospital transfer |
| 10 miles | $380 | $430 | Hospital to home discharge |
| 25 miles | $470 | $520 | Suburban facility transfer |
| 50 miles | $620 | $670 | Regional medical center |
| 100 miles | $1,070 | $1,120 | Out-of-area specialist |
| 200 miles | $1,970 | $2,020 | Long-distance transfer |
Need a precise cost estimate? Use our NEMT Cost Calculator or call (708) 505-6994 for a free quote.
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Surcharges and Add-On Costs
Beyond the base rate and mileage, certain conditions add surcharges to your stretcher transport cost. Knowing these in advance helps you plan your budget.
| Surcharge | Cost | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend surcharge | +$50 per leg | Saturday and Sunday trips |
| Holiday surcharge | Added fee, shown before you book | Major holidays (New Year's, Christmas, etc.) |
| Wait time | $15/15 min (first 15 min free) | Beyond standard grace period at pickup/dropoff |
| Oxygen equipment | +$25 per leg | Patients requiring supplemental O2 during transport |
| Stairchair service | +$40 per leg | Buildings without elevator access |
| After-hours pickup | +$50–$300 per leg | Pickups between 6 PM and 7 AM |
| Bariatric stretcher | +$175 per leg | Patients who need bariatric equipment |
Cost-Saving Tip: Whenever possible, schedule stretcher trips during weekday business hours to avoid weekend and holiday surcharges. Weekend legs add +$50 per leg, pickups between 6 PM and 7 AM add +$50–$300 per leg, and major holidays add a fee shown before you book.
Stretcher Transport vs. Wheelchair vs. Ambulance Costs
Choosing the right service level is the single biggest way to control your transportation cost. Here is how stretcher transport compares to other options:
| Service | Base Rate | Per Mile | Crew | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambulatory | $50–$60 | $3.00/mi after the first 3 miles | 1 driver | Walking patients |
| Wheelchair | $60–$70 | $3.50/mi after the first 3 miles | 1 driver | Wheelchair users |
| Stretcher | $350–$400 | $6.00/mi after the first 5 miles | 2-person crew | Reclined patients |
| Ambulance | $1,200 – $2,500+ | $15 – $30+ | EMT/Paramedic crew | Emergencies only |
If your loved one can sit upright in a wheelchair, wheelchair transport saves $280 to $340 on the base rate alone compared to stretcher service. Our team at (708) 505-6994 can help you determine the appropriate service level based on the patient's medical needs. Read our ambulette guide for details on all service types.
When Is Stretcher Transport Medically Necessary?
Stretcher transport is the right choice when the patient cannot sit upright or needs to remain reclined during the ride. Common situations include:
Post-operative patients often cannot sit upright due to incision sites, pain, or surgical restrictions. Stretcher transport provides a flat, stable surface for the ride home.
Moving a patient between hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. Stretcher transport ensures safe, monitored transfers over any distance.
Individuals who cannot bear weight, transfer to a wheelchair, or sit upright for extended periods require stretcher-level support.
Patients above standard wheelchair weight limits may need bariatric stretcher equipment for safe transport. See our bariatric transport service.
Patients with open wounds, burns, or pressure injuries may need to lie flat to prevent further injury during transport.
Patients transitioning to hospice care or comfort-focused settings often require stretcher transport for dignity and comfort.
Not sure if you need stretcher or wheelchair transport? Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 and describe the patient's condition. Our team will recommend the appropriate service level — we will never upsell you to stretcher transport if wheelchair service meets the patient's needs.
Insurance and Medicaid Coverage for Stretcher Transport
Stretcher transport is one of the most expensive NEMT services, so understanding your insurance options is critical to managing costs.
Illinois Medicaid
Illinois Medicaid covers stretcher transport when it is medically necessary. FFS members bill HFS directly through enrolled providers, with prior authorization via Transdev/NETSPAP. MCO members access stretcher rides through their plan's broker. Dream Care Rides is an enrolled Medicaid stretcher transport provider for trips starting within 6.5 miles of our Olympia Fields or Palatine bases. Call (708) 505-6994 to verify your coverage. More details on our Medicaid rides page.
Medicare
Original Medicare covers ambulance stretcher transport for emergencies but does not cover non-emergency stretcher NEMT as a standard benefit. Some Medicare Advantage plans include supplemental NEMT benefits that may cover stretcher service. Check your specific plan details.
Private Pay
Without insurance coverage, stretcher transport is paid out of pocket at published rates. Dream Care Rides offers transparent pricing, upfront quotes, and volume discounts for recurring stretcher trips. Visit our private pay page or rates page for details.
Read our stretcher transport prior authorization guide for step-by-step instructions on getting Medicaid approval.
How to Save on Stretcher Transport Costs
Stretcher transport is the highest-cost NEMT service, but several strategies can reduce your total expense without compromising patient safety.
Verify Medicaid Eligibility First
If the patient has Illinois Medicaid, stretcher transport may be fully covered. Always check Medicaid eligibility before paying out of pocket. Call (708) 505-6994 and we can help verify coverage.
Schedule Weekday Trips
Avoid the weekend surcharge (+$50 per leg), after-hours fees and holiday fees by scheduling non-urgent stretcher trips Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Consider Wheelchair Transport If Possible
If the patient can sit upright in a wheelchair, wheelchair transport costs $60–$70 base + mileage versus $350–$400 base + mileage for stretcher. Ask the patient's doctor if wheelchair transport is medically appropriate.
Use Recurring Ride Scheduling
For ongoing stretcher transport needs (therapy, dialysis), standing-order scheduling can reduce per-trip costs through volume-based pricing. Contact our team to discuss recurring ride plans.
Get a Free Stretcher Transport Quote
Dream Care Rides provides free, no-obligation quotes for stretcher transport anywhere in the Chicago metropolitan area and throughout Illinois. Our quotes are transparent — you see the base rate, mileage charge, and any applicable surcharges before you book.
Online Quote
Visit dreamcarerides.com/booking to enter your trip details and receive an instant price estimate.
Phone Quote
Call (708) 505-6994 to speak with our scheduling team. We can provide a quote and answer any questions about stretcher transport.
Get Your Stretcher Transport Quote Now
Transparent pricing. No hidden fees. Enter your trip details for an instant cost estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stretcher Transport Costs
Stretcher transportation with Dream Care Rides costs $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles. For a typical 10-mile stretcher trip, base + loaded mileage for one leg comes to $380 to $430, before surcharges, empty-return miles and tolls. Weekend trips add +$50 per leg, and major holidays add a fee shown before you book. Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 for an exact quote based on your trip details.
Stretcher transport costs more because it requires a specialized medical vehicle, a hydraulic stretcher or gurney, a two-person crew (driver plus attendant), and additional safety equipment. Wheelchair transport uses an ADA van with a single driver and costs $60–$70 base + mileage. The two-person crew requirement alone significantly increases operational costs for stretcher service.
Yes, stretcher transport through an NEMT provider like Dream Care Rides is significantly cheaper than ambulance transport. Stretcher NEMT costs $350–$400 base + mileage, while an ambulance typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 or more per trip. For non-emergency medical transport where the patient does not need active medical monitoring, NEMT stretcher service saves roughly 65% to 85% on the base compared to ambulance rates.
Yes, Illinois Medicaid covers medically necessary stretcher transportation to covered medical appointments. Fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid members use enrolled providers who bill HFS directly, with prior authorization through Transdev/NETSPAP. Managed care (MCO) members access stretcher rides through their plan's transportation broker. Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 to check your Medicaid eligibility for stretcher transport.
For Medicaid-covered stretcher transport in Illinois, prior authorization is typically required. FFS members obtain authorization through Transdev/NETSPAP, while MCO members go through their health plan's broker. For private pay stretcher transport, no prior authorization is needed — you can book directly with Dream Care Rides online or by calling (708) 505-6994.
In medical transport, the terms stretcher and gurney are used interchangeably. Both refer to a wheeled platform that allows a patient to lie flat during transport. Technically, a gurney is a specific type of stretcher with wheels and adjustable height, while a stretcher can refer to any flat surface for carrying a patient. For NEMT billing and booking purposes, stretcher and gurney transport are the same service at the same cost.
Long-distance stretcher transport is calculated per leg using the base rate ($350–$400) plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles; loaded miles past 50 bill at $9.00 per mile. Base + loaded mileage for one leg comes to approximately $620 to $670 for 50 miles, $1,070 to $1,120 for 100 miles, and $1,970 to $2,020 for 200 miles, before surcharges, empty-return (deadhead) miles and tolls. Contact Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 for a precise long-distance quote.
Yes, Dream Care Rides provides stretcher transport seven days a week, including holidays. Weekend trips add a flat +$50 per leg, and major holidays add a fee shown before you book. Call (708) 505-6994 to schedule weekend or holiday stretcher transport.
Standard stretcher transport includes a hydraulic stretcher or gurney, patient securement straps, a climate-controlled medical vehicle, and a two-person crew (driver plus attendant). Optional add-ons include supplemental oxygen equipment (+$25) and stairchair service (+$40) for buildings without elevator access. Bariatric stretchers are available for patients over 300 pounds (+$175 per leg).
You can book stretcher transport two ways: online at dreamcarerides.com/booking (enter your trip details for an instant quote) or by calling (708) 505-6994 to schedule with our team. For recurring stretcher transport, such as dialysis or therapy appointments, ask about standing-order scheduling to lock in consistent times and reduce per-trip costs.
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