This new miniseries about the additional costs a cancer diagnosis can cause, is highlighting a few of the most common concerns members of the Online Community talk about in our forums.
We know that cancer can have an impact on your finances and we often see members talking about the cost of transport and parking when attending hospital appointments. If this is something you are concerned about, hopefully you’ll find the information in this blog helpful.
Some people need to travel a long distance for hospital appointments which can cause a lot of worry when it comes to arranging how you will get there. Arranging your own transport arrangements can feel overwhelming especially when looking at the cost involved with parking, fuel or public transport. Even if you aren't travelling far, these extra costs can all add up.
“We were told to expect 7.5 weeks of therapy. We know that, at current prices, this is going to cost over £400 in petrol alone.”
Community member, Prostate cancer forum
“All went OK today but l was up there for hours. Appointment at 10 am, radioactive injection at 11am, and then blood tests at 1pm and 3pm. I was more upset by the £8.20 car parking”
Community member, Breast cancer forum
Help with travel costs
Travelling for medical appointments can be expensive if you are having regular treatment and tests. You may be able to claim a refund for your travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) which can cover some petrol costs.
“some hospitals do discounted car parking for cancer treatment check that too.”
Community member, Head and neck cancer forum
“No special oncology parking at my hospital but I did get a substantial reduction in parking costs due to having to attend every day for radiotherapy.”
Community member, Head and neck cancer forum
Macmillan's 'Help with the cost of cancer' booklet has details of other ways you can get help with parking costs including the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge. There’s more information about the Health Travel Costs Scheme and Local transport services who may be able to help on the Macmillan website. Often there's local groups that offer practial help to people who need it and often includes help with getting to hospital.
There are other transport options to consider when planning your journey to hospital appointments. Often there’s travel support schemes that can take you to your appointments. This could be non-emergency hospital patient transport services or Community transport services.
“To be honest I have always taken hospital transport when I have needed rads... parking is awful and the stress of parking wasn't worth the hassle.”
Community member, Breast cancer forum
Macmillan grants and financial guidance
There's lots of different ways Macmillan can help as there's a list of useful resources linked in our 'New cost of living resources from Macmillan' blog.
The Money and work teams here at Macmillan an offer tailored information and guidance around the financial support available to you. Our Financial Guides can look at personal finances such as mortgages and pensions and the Welfare Rights team can complete a full benefits assessment and support you with any applications. They’ll also refer you to our Energy advice team if needed and share information about our Macmillan grant if you’d like to know more about this.
Macmillan grants are one-off payments that help people living with cancer cope with the extra costs that cancer can cause. If you're struggling with parking and travel costs, please call 0808 808 00 00, send an email or use live webchat to speak with our specialist teams from 8am to 8pm every day.
“I would recommend phoning the Macmillan help line for advice…they were very helpful, they can advise re benefits, grants etc”
Community member, Breast cancer forum
Have you experienced additional costs due to your cancer diagnosis? Use the Comment box below to tell us more about this. If you’d like to share your personal experience in our Community news blog- please contact community@macmillan.org.uk and use ‘guest blog’ in your email.
