Travel and Accommodation Assistance
Travel to BC Children’s Hospital
Resources here include accommodation options and travel assistance for those outside the lower mainland.
Where to Stay
- For Indigenous families travelling to Vancouver for medical procedures or treatments
- 1-2-3 bedroom accessible suites with kitchens
- Rates start at approximately $135. First Nations Health Authority may sponsor the fee.
- Minimum 3 nights. No Fee.
- Families must live at least 50 km outside of Vancouver Lower Mainland
- Guest must be parents/legal guardians of a child who is receiving medical care for a serious/life-threating illness
- Siblings are welcome, but they must be supervised at all times
- A hotel-like accessible accommodation at a reduced rate of around $100/night
- Common areas like Lounge and Kitchen
- Located around 1 km from BCCH
BCCH has some apartments reserved for extended stays and will also use some hotels for emergency stays when other accommodations are fully booked. Contact a social worker for information. Subsidies for these stays can also be accessed through BC Family Residence Program.
Travel Assistance
Hope Air is a national charity that arranges free flights for patients of all ages who cannot afford to fly to receive the medical care they require. Hope Air will also provide meal vouchers and accommodation support.
To qualify:
- Resident of B.C. and have coverage under Medical Service Plan of BC
- Accessing medical care for an insured service of MSP;
- Income limit is generally $80,000 but there is some flexibility
- Ability to travel on regular commercial flights without requiring special assistance beyond what is normally provided by most airlines.
There is no age restriction for this program. Air travel may include an escort if medically necessary and the airline seat inventory can accommodate the request for an escort.
Resources
Equipment lending, strollers, car seats: Check with the hospital staff and on-site social worker for your needs including clothing.
Mamas for Mamas is a group where you can ask for equipment and clothing. They have local chapters in Vancouver, Kelowna, Kamloops and Calgary. They can also be found on Facebook for direct appeals.
Parking (RV or otherwise) If you are staying overnight as inpatient (not Emergency department), receiving dialysis or cancer treatments – your parking is FREE
By Family Support Institute of BC
