What Is Long-Distance Medical Transport?
Long-distance medical transportation moves patients safely between cities that are 30 or more miles apart when flying is not medically appropriate or when specialized ground transport is required. Unlike local NEMT trips that typically cover 5 to 30 miles within a metropolitan area, long-distance medical transport involves interstate highway travel lasting 1.5 to 24+ hours, detailed route planning with rest stops, and coordination between medical facilities at both the origin and destination.
Long-distance non-emergency medical transportation differs from ambulance transport in one critical way: the patient is medically stable and does not require emergency medical interventions during the trip. Patients may still need a stretcher, supplemental oxygen, wheelchair securement, or an attendant — but they do not need paramedic-level care en route. This makes long-distance ground medical transport significantly more affordable than ambulance or air ambulance alternatives.
Dream Care Rides operates long-distance medical transport services from our headquarters at 20000 Governors Dr Suite 103H, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. We serve all three vehicle types — ambulatory (sedan/SUV), wheelchair (ADA van), and stretcher (ambulette) — for trips ranging from 30 miles to cross-country distances exceeding 1,750 miles. Every trip is staffed by CPR-certified crew members trained specifically for extended patient transport.
Ground Transport vs. Air Ambulance
Air ambulance flights within the Midwest cost $12,000 to $25,000+ and are rarely covered by insurance for non-emergency transfers. Long-distance ground medical transport from Dream Care Rides provides a medically supervised alternative at a fraction of the cost. For trips under 500 miles where the patient is medically stable, ground transport is the standard of care recommended by most discharge planners and case managers. Even for cross-country trips to Florida or Arizona, ground transport typically costs 80 to 90 percent less than an air ambulance.
Who Needs Long-Distance Medical Transport?
Long-distance medical transportation serves patients who cannot safely drive themselves or fly to a medical facility that is hours away from home. The reasons vary, but they share a common thread: the patient needs professional assistance to travel a significant distance for medical care.
Cancer Patients Traveling to Specialty Centers
Patients traveling to Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), Cleveland Clinic (Ohio), MD Anderson (Houston, TX), or other NCI-designated cancer centers for treatment protocols, clinical trials, or second opinions not available locally. Recurring trips for multi-week radiation or chemotherapy courses are common.
Post-Surgical Patients Returning Home
Patients hospitalized far from home after emergency surgery, planned procedures, or specialized operations need safe ground transport back to Illinois. These patients often cannot fly due to surgical restrictions, drainage tubes, or the need to remain reclined during transit.
Seniors Relocating Between Facilities
Elderly patients transferring from one skilled nursing facility to another in a different state, moving closer to family, or transitioning into a long-term care facility after a hospitalization. These transfers require bed-to-bed stretcher service or wheelchair transport with door-through-door assistance.
Dialysis Patients (Temporary Relocation)
Dialysis patients who are temporarily away from their home dialysis center — visiting family, recovering at an out-of-state facility, or relocating — need transport to reach a new dialysis provider. Standing order arrangements are available for recurring trips.
Hospice Patients Going Home
Families bring loved ones home for end-of-life care when they are hospitalized far from their community. These trips require stretcher transport with compassionate, experienced crews who handle the patient with dignity and care throughout the journey.
Bariatric Patients
Patients weighing 350 to 700+ pounds often need specialized bariatric stretcher or wheelchair transport to reach facilities that offer bariatric surgery, follow-up care, or rehabilitation. Standard vehicles cannot safely accommodate these patients. See our bariatric transportation page for vehicle specifications.
Clinical Trial Enrollment
Many clinical trials are only available at specific research hospitals. Patients enrolled in trials at Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt, or university medical centers may need recurring long-distance transport for the duration of the trial protocol.
Seasonal Snowbird Moves
Illinois residents who winter in Florida, Arizona, or other warm-weather states may need medical transport to or from their seasonal home when they can no longer fly or drive themselves due to mobility changes, oxygen requirements, or new medical conditions.
If you or a family member needs long-distance medical transport for any reason not listed above, call (708) 505-6994. Dream Care Rides customizes every trip to the patient's specific medical and mobility needs. Patients over 300 lbs can learn more on our bariatric transportation page.
Get a Free Long-Distance Transport Quote
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Long-Distance Medical Transport Service Types
The right vehicle depends on the patient's mobility level, medical needs, and trip duration. Dream Care Rides offers three service types for long-distance medical transportation, each with vehicles built for extended patient comfort on highway trips lasting 1.5 to 24+ hours.
Stretcher Transport (Ambulette) — Bed-to-Bed Service
For patients who cannot sit upright, are bed-bound, or need to travel in a reclined position. Long-distance stretcher vehicles are equipped with adjustable-position Broda Traversa stretchers, oxygen hookups, suction equipment, IV pole mounts, and climate control calibrated for patient comfort over multi-hour trips. Every stretcher trip includes a two-person CPR-certified crew — one drives while the other monitors the patient continuously.
Base Rate: $300 – $525 | Per Mile: $5 – $16 | Long-Distance Range: $450 – $1,200+ (depending on distance)
Wheelchair Transport (ADA Van) — Door-Through-Door Service
For patients who use a wheelchair and can sit comfortably for the trip duration (2 to 8+ hours). ADA-compliant vans with hydraulic power lifts, Q-Straint securement systems, and tie-downs keep the wheelchair stable over highway miles. Climate-controlled cabin with smooth suspension designed for long-distance comfort. One CPR-certified driver provides door-to-door or door-through-door assistance at both pickup and destination.
Base Rate: $65 – $115 | Per Mile: $3 – $6 | Long-Distance Range: $200 – $500+ (depending on distance)
Ambulatory Transport (Sedan/SUV) — Door-to-Door Service
For patients who can walk with minimal assistance and sit comfortably in a standard vehicle for the trip duration. Sedans and SUVs with leather seating, climate control, and ample legroom. Best for patients traveling to specialist appointments who are mobile but cannot drive themselves due to medication effects, vision limitations, cognitive changes, or physician restrictions on driving after procedures.
Base Rate: $35 – $65 | Per Mile: $2 – $4 | Long-Distance Range: $125 – $400+ (depending on distance)
What Every Long-Distance Vehicle Includes
- ✓ CPR-certified driver(s) trained in patient handling and emergency response
- ✓ Climate control maintained at patient-comfortable temperature for the full trip
- ✓ Two-person crew for all stretcher transports (one drives, one monitors patient)
- ✓ Oxygen equipment available ($25 surcharge) for patients requiring supplemental O2
- ✓ Medical records handling and documentation transfer between facilities
- ✓ Planned rest stops every 2 to 3 hours for patient comfort and crew safety
- ✓ Space for one companion at no additional charge
- ✓ Interstate operating authority and multi-state insurance coverage
Long-Distance Route Corridors from Illinois
Dream Care Rides operates established transport corridors from Illinois to major medical centers across the Midwest, Southeast, and nationwide. Illinois sits at the center of the interstate highway network — I-90, I-94, I-80, I-65, I-55, and I-57 radiate outward to every major medical center in the region and beyond. These corridors represent our most frequently traveled routes, though we serve all lower 48 states. Call (708) 505-6994 for a quote on any destination.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Route | Stretcher Est. | Wheelchair Est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN | ~330 miles | ~5 hours | I-90 West | $1,950 – $5,805 | $1,055 – $2,095 |
| Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland OH | ~345 miles | ~5 hours | I-90 East / I-80 | $2,025 – $6,045 | $1,100 – $2,185 |
| Indianapolis, IN (IU Health) | ~185 miles | ~3 hours | I-65 South | $1,225 – $3,485 | $620 – $1,225 |
| Milwaukee, WI (Froedtert) | ~90 miles | ~1.5 hours | I-94 North | $750 – $1,965 | $335 – $655 |
| St. Louis, MO (Barnes-Jewish) | ~300 miles | ~4.5 hours | I-55 South | $1,800 – $5,325 | $965 – $1,915 |
| Detroit, MI (Henry Ford) | ~280 miles | ~4 hours | I-94 East | $1,700 – $5,005 | $905 – $1,795 |
| Nashville, TN (Vanderbilt) | ~470 miles | ~6.5 hours | I-65 South | $2,650 – $8,045 | $1,475 – $2,935 |
| Florida (Orlando / Tampa) | ~1,100 miles | ~16 hours (2-day) | I-65 S / I-75 S | $5,800 – $18,125 | $3,365 – $6,715 |
| Arizona (Phoenix / Scottsdale) | ~1,750 miles | ~24 hours (2-3 day) | I-55 S / I-44 W / I-40 W | $9,050 – $28,525 | $5,315 – $10,615 |
Estimates based on base rate + per-mile charges. Actual pricing depends on patient medical needs, equipment requirements, and scheduling. Surcharges apply for weekends (1.5x), holidays (2.25x), oxygen ($25), and extended wait times ($15 – $30 per 15 minutes). Call (708) 505-6994 for a personalized quote.
Midwest Corridors (90 – 470 Miles)
The Milwaukee corridor (90 miles via I-94 North) is our shortest and most affordable long-distance route, ideal for patients needing specialty care at Froedtert Hospital or Children's Wisconsin. The Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic corridors (330 and 345 miles respectively) serve patients seeking the highest level of specialty care in the country. The Nashville corridor (470 miles via I-65 South) connects Illinois patients to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the top research hospitals in the Southeast.
Cross-Country Corridors (500+ Miles)
For patients who need to travel to Florida (approximately 1,100 miles) or Arizona (approximately 1,750 miles), Dream Care Rides provides multi-day ground medical transport with planned overnight stops. These cross-country routes are most commonly used by snowbird patients returning home after developing medical conditions during winter stays, families relocating elderly parents closer to home, and patients traveling to destination medical centers for specialized procedures. Multi-day trips include coordinated overnight accommodations at accessible hotels or medical facilities along the route.
For detailed cost breakdowns on any route, visit our long-distance medical transport cost guide.
Long-Distance Medical Transport Pricing
Long-distance NEMT pricing combines a base rate with a per-mile charge. The base rate covers vehicle dispatch, crew assignment, equipment setup, and the first portion of the trip. The per-mile rate covers the actual distance traveled. Total cost depends on the service type, distance, medical equipment needed, and scheduling. Every quote from Dream Care Rides is transparent and confirmed before the trip — no hidden fees, no surprise charges.
| Service Type | Base Rate | Per Mile | Long-Distance Range | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambulatory (Sedan/SUV) | $35 – $65 | $2 – $4/mi | $125 – $400+ | 1 driver |
| Wheelchair (ADA Van) | $65 – $115 | $3 – $6/mi | $200 – $500+ | 1 driver |
| Stretcher (Ambulette) | $300 – $525 | $5 – $16/mi | $450 – $1,200+ | 2-person crew |
How the Pricing Formula Works
Your total cost is calculated as: Base Rate + (Distance in Miles x Per-Mile Rate) + Surcharges. The base rate varies based on service type and medical complexity. The per-mile rate depends on vehicle type, equipment needed, and whether the trip requires a two-person crew. Here are sample calculations for common corridors:
Illinois to Milwaukee (90 mi)
- Ambulatory: $35 + (90 x $2) = $215 to $65 + (90 x $4) = $425
- Wheelchair: $65 + (90 x $3) = $335 to $115 + (90 x $6) = $655
- Stretcher: $300 + (90 x $5) = $750 to $525 + (90 x $16) = $1,965
Illinois to Mayo Clinic (330 mi)
- Ambulatory: $35 + (330 x $2) = $695 to $65 + (330 x $4) = $1,385
- Wheelchair: $65 + (330 x $3) = $1,055 to $115 + (330 x $6) = $2,095
- Stretcher: $300 + (330 x $5) = $1,950 to $525 + (330 x $16) = $5,805
Illinois to Nashville (470 mi)
- Ambulatory: $35 + (470 x $2) = $975 to $65 + (470 x $4) = $1,945
- Wheelchair: $65 + (470 x $3) = $1,475 to $115 + (470 x $6) = $2,935
- Stretcher: $300 + (470 x $5) = $2,650 to $525 + (470 x $16) = $8,045
Illinois to Florida (1,100 mi)
- Ambulatory: $35 + (1,100 x $2) = $2,235 to $65 + (1,100 x $4) = $4,465
- Wheelchair: $65 + (1,100 x $3) = $3,365 to $115 + (1,100 x $6) = $6,715
- Stretcher: $300 + (1,100 x $5) = $5,800 to $525 + (1,100 x $16) = $18,125
Surcharges and Additional Fees
| Surcharge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Weekend trips | 1.5x base rate |
| Holiday trips | 2.25x base rate |
| Wait time (beyond grace period) | $15 – $30 per 15 minutes |
| Supplemental oxygen | $25 |
| Stairchair assistance | $25 |
| Overnight accommodations (multi-day trips) | Quoted per trip |
For a detailed breakdown of all NEMT rates, visit our pricing page. For a personalized quote on your specific route, call (708) 505-6994 or use our NEMT cost calculator.
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Insurance and Payment for Long-Distance Medical Transport
Long-distance medical transportation payment works differently from local NEMT. While Medicaid covers most local medical rides in Illinois, long-distance and interstate trips have different rules and approval processes. Private pay is the most common payment method for long-distance medical transport because it avoids authorization delays and provides maximum scheduling flexibility.
Private Pay (Most Common for Long-Distance)
The majority of long-distance medical transport trips are paid privately. Private pay offers several advantages over insurance-based transport: no prior authorization delays, flexible scheduling, vehicle and crew selection based on preference, and confirmed booking within 24 hours. Dream Care Rides accepts credit card, debit card, and ACH bank transfer for private pay trips. Payment is due at booking, with the balance adjusted after the trip if actual conditions differ from the quote. Visit our private pay page for more information on payment methods and financial assistance resources.
Medicaid Coverage (Illinois)
Illinois Medicaid covers NEMT as a mandatory benefit, but interstate long-distance trips require prior authorization and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The key requirement is that the destination facility must provide a level of care not available at a closer facility. Managed care organization (MCO) members must coordinate through their plan's transportation broker. Fee-for-service members need prior authorization from the state's transportation manager. Approval timelines vary from 5 to 15 business days, so plan ahead. For details on the full Illinois Medicaid NEMT process, see our Medicaid rides page and our Illinois NEMT guide.
Medicare Coverage
Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover non-emergency medical transportation, including long-distance ground transport. Medicare limits transportation coverage to ambulance services when the patient meets strict medical necessity criteria. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include limited NEMT benefits, but these are typically restricted to local trips and may not cover interstate transport. Contact your Medicare Advantage plan directly to ask about long-distance NEMT coverage.
Private Insurance & Workers' Compensation
Some private insurance plans and workers' compensation policies cover long-distance medical transportation when the treating physician documents that the trip is medically necessary and the destination facility provides care unavailable locally. Coverage varies significantly by plan and insurer. Dream Care Rides provides detailed trip documentation, invoices, and medical necessity letters to support insurance reimbursement claims.
Financial Assistance Resources
Patients who cannot afford long-distance medical transport out of pocket may qualify for transportation financial assistance through hospital social services departments, disease-specific foundations (such as the American Cancer Society, National Kidney Foundation, or Patient Advocate Foundation), or state programs. Ask your social worker or case manager about transportation assistance options before your trip. Dream Care Rides can provide cost documentation to support financial assistance applications.
How to Book Long-Distance Medical Transport
Booking a long-distance medical transport trip with Dream Care Rides takes one phone call or one online form submission. We handle all the logistics — route planning, facility coordination, crew assignment, equipment preparation, and overnight accommodations for multi-day trips. Here is the process from first contact to safe arrival.
Call or Submit a Quote Request
Call (708) 505-6994 or submit a quote through our online booking form at dreamcarerides.com/booking. Provide the pickup address, destination address, patient mobility level (stretcher, wheelchair, or ambulatory), any medical equipment needs (oxygen, IV, etc.), preferred travel date, and whether a companion will ride along.
Receive Your Personalized Quote (Within 1 Hour)
Our logistics team calculates the route, assigns the appropriate vehicle type, and provides a transparent quote that includes base rate, per-mile charge, and any applicable surcharges. For multi-day cross-country trips, the quote includes overnight accommodation arrangements. There are no hidden fees. The quote is valid for 7 days.
Medical Assessment & Documentation
For Medicaid or insurance-covered trips, we help coordinate the required prior authorization and Physician Certification Statement (PCS). For private pay, no authorization is needed. Our team gathers any medical information needed to ensure the right vehicle and equipment are assigned.
Confirm and Schedule
Once you approve the quote, we confirm the booking and assign a crew. We coordinate directly with the sending and receiving facilities, verify all documentation, and plan rest stops and overnight accommodations along the route. You receive a detailed trip itinerary before departure day.
Transport Day: Safe Pickup to Safe Delivery
Our CPR-certified crew arrives at the scheduled time, handles the patient transfer (bed-to-bed for stretcher, door-to-door for wheelchair/ambulatory), and departs on the pre-planned route. The crew maintains communication with dispatch and can provide real-time updates to family members. At the destination, the crew completes the full handoff to the receiving facility or family.
Recommended Lead Time
We recommend booking long-distance trips 48 to 72 hours in advance for stretcher transport and 24 to 48 hours for wheelchair and ambulatory trips. Cross-country trips (500+ miles) benefit from 5 to 7 days of lead time for optimal route planning and overnight coordination. For urgent situations, call (708) 505-6994 directly and we will do everything possible to accommodate your timeline.
Safety and Comfort on Long-Distance Medical Trips
A 3 to 24 hour medical transport trip demands a higher standard of preparation than a 20-minute local ride. Dream Care Rides builds safety and comfort into every aspect of long-distance operations, from crew training to vehicle maintenance to route planning.
CPR-Certified Crews
Every driver and attendant on long-distance trips holds current CPR certification and has completed patient handling training. Stretcher transports always have a two-person crew — one focuses on driving while the other monitors the patient throughout the journey. For trips exceeding 8 hours, driver rotation is planned to prevent fatigue.
Route-Planned Rest Stops
Every long-distance route is pre-planned with rest stops every 2 to 3 hours. We identify accessible rest areas, fuel stations, and hospitals along the route before departure. The patient and companion can stretch, use restrooms, and take a break from the vehicle. All rest stops are ADA-accessible.
Emergency Protocols
Our crews carry emergency equipment and know the location of every hospital along the planned route. If a medical situation develops during transport, the crew activates 911 and provides first aid until paramedics arrive. Routes are never planned through areas without nearby hospital access.
Vehicle Maintenance & Pre-Trip Inspection
Long-distance vehicles undergo comprehensive pre-trip inspections covering tires, brakes, fluid levels, climate control, and all patient equipment. We do not use vehicles with known mechanical issues for long-distance runs. Backup vehicles are on standby in case of equipment failure.
Companion Policy
One companion rides along at no additional charge on any long-distance trip. The companion sits in the cabin and has access to the same climate control, rest stops, and amenities as the patient. Many families prefer to accompany their loved one, especially for cross-state and cross-country trips.
Patient Comfort Monitoring
For stretcher patients traveling 4+ hours, our crews provide periodic position adjustments, offer water and light snacks, and maintain a calm, quiet environment. Wheelchair and ambulatory patients receive regular comfort checks, and the crew adjusts climate control, seating position, and stop frequency as needed.
Why Choose Dream Care Rides for Long-Distance Medical Transport
Multiple companies offer long-distance medical transportation services. Here is what distinguishes Dream Care Rides from other long-distance medical transport companies operating in the Midwest and nationally.
| Feature | Dream Care Rides | Typical Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Transparent Pricing | Published base rates + per-mile. Full quote before booking. | Often "call for quote" with no published rates |
| Vehicle Types | Stretcher, wheelchair, ambulatory — all available for long distance | Many offer only 1 or 2 vehicle types |
| Illinois-Based Operations | HQ in Olympia Fields, IL. Local crew knowledge of IL facilities. | Many are out-of-state or broker-based |
| Medicaid Accepted | Yes, with prior authorization for long-distance trips | Many long-distance companies are private pay only |
| NPI on File | NPI #1033989991 — registered healthcare transportation provider | Many lack NPI registration |
| Google Rating | 5.0 stars with 45+ verified reviews | Varies widely |
| Cross-Country Capability | All 48 contiguous states. Multi-day trips with overnight coordination. | Many limit to regional coverage |
| Companion Policy | One companion rides free on every trip | Companion fees common ($50-$150) |
Otse Amorighoye
Founder & CEO, Dream Care Rides | NPI #1033989991
Otse Amorighoye founded Dream Care Rides to provide safe, reliable medical transportation for patients across Illinois and nationwide. The company is headquartered at 20000 Governors Dr Suite 103H, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. For long-distance medical transport inquiries, call (708) 505-6994.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Distance Medical Transport
Dream Care Rides provides medical transportation across all lower 48 states from our Illinois base. There is no maximum distance limit. We regularly transport patients 300 to 500 miles to facilities like Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Cross-country trips to Florida (1,100+ miles) and Arizona (1,750+ miles) are handled with planned rest stops, driver rotation, and overnight logistics. Call (708) 505-6994 to discuss your specific route.
Long-distance medical transport from Illinois to Florida (approximately 1,100 miles) costs $2,235 to $4,465 for ambulatory, $3,365 to $6,715 for wheelchair, and $5,800 to $18,125 for stretcher service. These estimates use Dream Care Rides base rates ($35-$65 ambulatory, $65-$115 wheelchair, $300-$525 stretcher) plus per-mile charges ($2-$4, $3-$6, $5-$16 per mile respectively). Overnight accommodations and crew expenses for trips over 8 hours are quoted separately. Call (708) 505-6994 for your exact quote.
An ambulance provides emergency medical care with paramedics and advanced life-support equipment for patients in acute medical crisis. Long-distance medical transport (also called non-emergency medical transportation or NEMT) moves medically stable patients who need assistance traveling but do not require emergency interventions during transit. Ambulance transfers cost $5,000 to $25,000+ for long-distance trips. Long-distance NEMT from Dream Care Rides costs a fraction of that amount — stretcher transport starts at $300-$525 base plus $5-$16 per mile. If your condition is stable, NEMT is the medically appropriate and far more affordable option.
Illinois Medicaid covers NEMT as a mandatory benefit, but long-distance and interstate trips require prior authorization and are evaluated case by case. The key requirement is that the destination facility must provide a level of care not available at a closer in-state facility. Managed care organization members must coordinate through their plan transportation broker. Fee-for-service members need prior authorization from the state transportation manager. Approval typically takes 5 to 15 business days. Visit our Medicaid rides page at dreamcarerides.com/medicaid-rides for the full process. Call (708) 505-6994 and our team can help you navigate the authorization process.
Yes. Bed-to-bed service is the standard for all long-distance stretcher transports from Dream Care Rides. Our two-person CPR-certified crew arrives at the sending facility, transfers the patient from their hospital or facility bed onto our Broda Traversa stretcher, secures all safety harnesses, transports the patient for the full route distance, and then transfers them into the bed at the receiving facility. Medical documentation is handed off directly to the receiving care team. This eliminates the need for family members to handle any part of the physical transfer.
Yes. For trips exceeding 6 to 8 hours of drive time, we plan overnight stops at accessible hotels along the route. Our crew assists the patient at every transition point, from vehicle to hotel room and back. For stretcher patients who cannot transfer to a hotel bed, we coordinate with medical facilities along the route for safe overnight stays. All overnight logistics are planned before departure day so there are no surprises.
Yes. Dream Care Rides maintains all required interstate operating authority for non-emergency medical transportation. Our vehicles are registered for interstate commerce, our insurance covers multi-state operations, and our drivers carry the proper credentials for cross-border patient transport. Our NPI number is 1033989991. We handle the regulatory requirements so families do not have to worry about licensing when booking an out-of-state trip.
Yes. One companion can ride along at no additional charge on any long-distance trip. Many families prefer to accompany their loved one, particularly for trips to out-of-state specialty hospitals. Let us know when booking so we can assign a vehicle with appropriate seating for both the patient and companion. Additional companions may be possible depending on the vehicle type. Call (708) 505-6994 when booking to confirm companion availability.
Patients should pack medications for the full trip duration plus one extra day, comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, and any medical devices they use daily. Bring copies of medical records, insurance cards, and the receiving facility contact information. Eat a light meal before departure. Our team provides a detailed preparation checklist when you book. For stretcher patients, the sending facility handles most preparation.
Choose stretcher transport if the patient cannot sit upright for extended periods, is bed-bound, has recent surgical wounds, or requires a reclined position for medical reasons. Stretcher transport costs $300-$525 base plus $5-$16 per mile. Choose wheelchair transport if the patient can sit comfortably in a wheelchair for the trip duration, which may be 2 to 8 hours depending on the route. Wheelchair transport costs $65-$115 base plus $3-$6 per mile. Call (708) 505-6994 for a recommendation based on your specific situation.
Yes. Our stretcher and wheelchair vehicles accommodate supplemental oxygen for the full duration of any long-distance trip. We carry sufficient oxygen supplies for the planned trip duration plus a reserve. An oxygen surcharge of $25 applies. Patients who require continuous oxygen should notify us when booking so we can verify equipment capacity for the specific route distance. Ventilator-dependent patients require a higher level of care and should discuss requirements with our team at (708) 505-6994.
Cancellations made 72 or more hours before the scheduled pickup receive a full refund. Cancellations between 24 and 72 hours before pickup are subject to a 25 percent fee to cover crew scheduling and route planning costs. Cancellations within 24 hours of pickup are subject to a 50 percent fee. Medical emergencies that require cancellation are handled on a case-by-case basis. Call (708) 505-6994 as soon as you know your plans have changed.
Yes. We offer round-trip long-distance medical transportation and many families book this way for out-of-state specialist appointments. Round-trip pricing is quoted as two separate one-way trips. For multi-day appointments where the patient stays overnight at the destination, we coordinate the return pickup date and time before departure. Standing arrangements for recurring out-of-state visits are also available. Call (708) 505-6994 to arrange round-trip service.
Related Services and Resources
Stretcher Transportation
Local and long-distance stretcher ambulette service from Illinois
Wheelchair Transportation
ADA-compliant wheelchair van service across Chicagoland and beyond
Senior Transportation
Specialized transport for elderly patients and facility residents
Hospital Discharge Transportation
Same-day discharge transport from Chicago-area hospitals
Long-Distance Transport Cost Guide
Detailed pricing breakdowns for every route corridor
Pricing and Rates
Full rate schedule for ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transport
Medicaid Rides
How Illinois Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation
Private Pay Options
Payment methods, billing, and financial assistance for private pay patients
Book a Ride
Submit a trip request and get a quote within one hour
Last updated: March 28, 2026. This page is reviewed and updated quarterly. For current pricing on long-distance medical transport services, call (708) 505-6994.