What Uber Health is and who uses it
Uber Health is a ride service run by Uber that moves people to medical appointments, dialysis centers, physical therapy, and other healthcare locations. Unlike the regular Uber app, Uber Health is ordered by healthcare providers, social workers, or care coordinators on behalf of their patients — not by the patient themselves through a consumer app.
Healthcare organizations use Uber Health to solve a real problem: patients miss appointments because they have no reliable way to get there. A hospital system, insurance plan, or social services agency sets up an account with Uber Health, then books rides for the people in their care. The ride is free to the patient because the healthcare organization pays Uber directly.
You might encounter Uber Health if you are enrolled in a Medicaid plan, receive care through a hospital network, or work with a social worker or care coordinator who has access to the platform. Some employers also use it for employees who need medical transportation during work hours.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Health rides are ordered by your healthcare provider or care coordinator, not by you through an app — the provider books and pays for the ride.
- The service covers transportation to medical appointments, dialysis, chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and similar healthcare visits.
- You do not pay for the ride; the healthcare organization that ordered it covers the cost.
- You receive a confirmation code or link before your ride, and you can track the driver in real time just like a regular Uber.
- If your provider or insurance plan offers Uber Health, ask them how to request a ride or whether rides are automatically arranged for you.
How a ride gets ordered through Uber Health
The process starts on the provider's side, not yours. A hospital, clinic, insurance plan, or social services agency has an Uber Health account. When a staff member — a nurse, social worker, appointment scheduler, or care coordinator — sees that you need transportation to an appointment, they order the ride through the Uber Health platform.
The provider enters your pickup location, the destination (usually the medical facility), and the appointment time. Uber Health then matches you with a nearby driver. You receive a confirmation, usually by text message or email, with a code or link to track your ride. The driver can see your pickup location and knows this is a healthcare ride, but does not see your medical information.
Some healthcare organizations set up Uber Health so that rides are ordered automatically when an appointment is scheduled. Others require a staff member to request a ride manually a day or two before the appointment. Ask your provider or care coordinator which system they use.
What types of medical trips Uber Health covers
Uber Health is designed for trips to healthcare locations and appointments. This includes visits to hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers, chemotherapy infusion centers, physical therapy offices, mental health counseling, and specialist appointments. The ride can also take you to a pharmacy to pick up medication after an appointment.
The service does not cover social trips, grocery shopping, or transportation to work — only healthcare-related journeys. If you need a ride to a medical appointment and your provider has Uber Health, that is the type of trip the service is built for.
What happens on the day of your ride
On the day of your appointment, you will receive a confirmation message with a pickup time and a code or tracking link. At the scheduled time, a driver will arrive at your pickup location — usually your home, but it could be another address your provider specified. You get in the vehicle just as you would with a regular Uber ride.
The driver knows this is a healthcare trip but does not have access to your medical records or appointment details. You can track the driver's location in real time using the link sent to you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact your healthcare provider or care coordinator — do not cancel through a consumer Uber app, because Uber Health rides are not booked that way.
After the appointment, if you need a return ride home, your provider must order that separately. Some healthcare organizations automatically book return trips; others require you to request one. Check with your provider about their return-trip policy.
Who pays for Uber Health rides
The healthcare organization that ordered your ride pays Uber Health. You do not receive a bill or pay out of pocket. The cost is covered by the hospital, clinic, insurance plan, or social services agency that arranged the transportation.
Uber Health is typically offered as part of a broader care program. Some Medicaid plans include it as a covered benefit. Hospital systems use it to reduce no-shows and improve patient outcomes. Employers sometimes offer it to employees who need medical transportation during work hours. The funding model depends on which organization is paying for your care.
How to request an Uber Health ride
You do not request the ride yourself. Instead, tell your healthcare provider, care coordinator, social worker, or appointment scheduler that you need transportation to your appointment. They will determine whether Uber Health is available through their organization and will order the ride for you.
If you are unsure whether your provider uses Uber Health, ask directly: "Do you offer transportation to appointments?" or "Can you arrange a ride for me?" They will tell you what options are available. Some providers offer Uber Health; others use different transportation services or programs. Your provider will explain what they can do.
If you already have a scheduled appointment and have not been offered transportation, reach out to the appointment scheduler, your care coordinator, or the patient advocate at your healthcare facility. They can tell you whether a ride can be arranged.
What to do if something goes wrong with your ride
If the driver does not show up, arrives very late, or you have a problem during the ride, contact your healthcare provider or care coordinator when ready. They have a direct relationship with Uber Health and can resolve issues, request a replacement ride, or document the problem. Do not try to contact Uber through the consumer app — Uber Health is a separate system.
If you miss your appointment because of a transportation problem, tell your provider right away. They may be able to reschedule and arrange a new ride. If the transportation failure was on Uber Health's side, your provider can report it and request that the issue be corrected for future rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Uber Health if I do not have a smartphone?
Yes. Your provider or care coordinator orders the ride, and you receive a confirmation by text message or phone call. You do not need to read an app or use a smartphone to ride. The confirmation will include the driver's name and vehicle details so you can identify your ride.
What if I need a ride but my provider has not offered Uber Health?
Ask your healthcare provider, social worker, or care coordinator what transportation options they offer. Some use Uber Health, others use local medical transportation services, volunteer driver programs, or Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation. Your provider can tell you what is available to you.
Do I have to use Uber Health if my provider offers it?
That depends on your provider's policy. Some organizations make Uber Health the default transportation option for patients who need it. Others offer it as one choice among several. Ask your provider whether you can choose a different transportation method if you prefer.
Can a family member or caregiver ride with me?
Yes. Uber Health rides are regular Uber vehicles, and you can bring a companion. Let your provider know if you need a ride for two people so they can request an appropriate vehicle size.
What information does the driver see about me?
The driver sees your pickup location and the destination (the medical facility), but not your name, medical condition, appointment reason, or health information. The driver knows it is a healthcare trip but has no access to your medical details.