Frequently Asked Questions

Proof of income is valid for 12 months from the date it was submitted. IRS tax returns are valid for 12 months or until a new return is filed. If you're using other forms of financial verification such as Social Security or disability award letters, unemployment documentation or other proof, you'll need to resubmit updated documents each year. We also collect bank statements every 3 months to verify ongoing eligibility. Because our system automatically removes uploaded files after 30-60 days, we may occasionally ask you to reupload documents to reverify your information. If you've submitted income documentation within the past year and your financial situation hasn't changed significantly, you don't need to submit it again. When you start a new request, we'll check our records and let you know if your information is still current, saving you time on repeat requests.

No, U.S. citizenship is not required. Mercy Medical Angels serves anyone who needs transportation to medical care within the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Your personal information will never be shared or reported. For commercial airline travel, a Real ID or other TSA-approved identification is required at the airport.

Absolutely not! Mercy Medical Angels provides assistance as a gift. There is no repayment required, ever. We're a nonprofit funded by donations, grants and generous supporters who want to assist people like you access medical care. You don't need to pay us back, and accepting our assistance won't affect your credit, benefits or any other services you receive.

No, you don't need a doctor's referral to request assistance. However, you do need proof of your medical appointment (a letter, portal screenshot or email from your medical facility). Your doctor doesn't need to refer you to Mercy Medical Angels. You can request assistance directly.

No. We cannot assist with rental cars, toll fees, parking fees or lodging expenses. For resources that may assist with these costs, visit findhelp.org or speak with your hospital's social worker.

Absolutely. We understand that many patients need transportation for ongoing treatments that may span weeks or months. We're equipped to assist with recurring appointments as long as eligibility requirements are met. When you submit your request, include your full treatment schedule (how many times per week or month). We'll calculate the frequency and total distance to determine the best assistance plan. For frequent appointments (three or more times per week), we may provide monthly gas cards or Uber/Lyft vouchers to simplify travel. Even if your treatment facility is nearby (under 25 miles one way), we may still be able to assist if you're traveling 12 or more times per month. We recognize that frequent short trips can quickly become a financial strain. Please provide your appointment schedule (frequency and duration), the length of your treatment plan (for example, 3 months, 6 months or ongoing) and documentation confirming recurring treatment. Important note: If you verify income through SSI or bank statements, you'll need to submit updated proof every 3 months. Our system automatically removes uploaded files after 30-60 days for privacy and security, so we recommend including income documentation with each application to avoid delays.

Yes! We understand that having support during medical travel is important. Companion travel is available for all types of transportation. For Ground Transportation, a companion can always travel with you at no additional cost. For Volunteer Pilot Flights, one companion can travel in most cases. Weight and space limits may apply based on aircraft size, and the pilot confirms companion approval when coordinating your flight. For Commercial Flights, one companion can travel with you. We cover their flight ticket cost as well, and the companion is also responsible for their own airline taxes/fees (~$25-55). Let us know on your request form that you'll have a companion, and we'll make the necessary arrangements.

Absolutely! Veterans are welcome to use our services. Many Veterans need to travel to VA hospitals or specialty care facilities that aren't covered by VA transportation benefits. You can use Mercy Medical Angels assistance for appointments at non-VA facilities, when VA transportation isn't available or sufficient and in addition to (not instead of) VA benefits. Thank you for your service, and we're honored to assist you access the medical care you need.

Yes, but the type of transportation depends on your oxygen needs. For Ground Transportation, you can bring your own oxygen equipment. For Volunteer Pilot Flights, some volunteer pilots can accommodate passengers who need oxygen, but not all. Small aircraft have limitations on oxygen equipment. Let us know about oxygen requirements on your request form. For Commercial Flights, airlines have established procedures for passengers needing oxygen. You'll need to coordinate with the airline about bringing oxygen equipment. Always inform us about oxygen requirements so we can match you with appropriate transportation.

Yes. If you have future medical appointments that require travel assistance, you're always welcome to submit new requests. If it's been within 12 months since your last request, you don't need to resubmit your proof of income (we'll have it on file). If you verify income with bank statements, you'll need to provide updated statements every 3 months. The process will be faster since we already have your information. If it's been more than 12 months, you'll need to provide updated proof of income. Everything else works the same way as before. There's no limit to how many times you can request assistance, as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements. Private Pilot flights have no limit on the number of requests. Commercial and Ground transportation are typically limited to once per month, depending on available resources. These limits may vary based on funding and volunteer availability.

For safety reasons, we do not fly women over five months pregnant or with high-risk pregnancies on volunteer pilot flights. Small aircraft fly at lower altitudes and may not be suitable for later-stage or complicated pregnancies. If you are pregnant and need medical travel assistance, please contact us to discuss alternative transportation options that may be safer for you.

We appreciate that you may have a preference, but the final decision is based on several factors: Distance (this is the primary factor in determining eligibility for each service type), Medical needs (volunteer pilot flights require certain medical clearances that commercial flights don't), Timeline (commercial flights are easier to book on short notice than volunteer pilots) and Availability (volunteer pilot availability varies by region and season). Our team will always select the best option for your specific situation and explain why. If you have concerns about the recommended transportation type, please discuss them with our team. We'll listen and work with you to address any worries.