What Uber Health is and who can use it
Uber Health is a ride service run by Uber that moves people to medical appointments, dialysis centers, physical therapy, and other healthcare locations. It is not a taxi service you book yourself — healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government programs book rides on behalf of their patients or members. You do not pay Uber directly; the organization that arranged your ride pays Uber.
You can use Uber Health if a doctor's office, hospital, clinic, insurance plan, or Medicaid program has set up an account with Uber and has booked a ride for you. Some employers also use Uber Health for their employees. The service operates in most major U.S. cities, though availability depends on your location and which organization is paying for the ride.
Uber Health is separate from regular Uber or Uber Eats. You will not see it as an option in the regular Uber app. Instead, the healthcare provider or program will send you a link, text message, or email with a ride code or booking confirmation. You use that code to track your ride and get picked up.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Health rides are booked and paid for by healthcare providers, insurance companies, or Medicaid programs — not by you directly.
- You receive a ride code or link from the organization that arranged your ride, and you use that to confirm pickup and track your driver.
- The service covers transportation to medical appointments, dialysis, rehabilitation, and other healthcare visits, but not personal errands or non-medical trips.
- You do not need to have an Uber account, a smartphone, or a credit card to use Uber Health.
- If you miss a ride or need to cancel, contact the healthcare provider or program that booked it, not Uber directly.
How to use Uber Health when a ride is booked for you
When a healthcare provider, insurance plan, or Medicaid program books an Uber Health ride for you, you will receive a notification. This may come as a text message, email, or phone call, depending on how the organization set it up. The notification will include a ride code, a link to track your ride, or instructions on how to confirm your pickup.
On the day of your appointment, open the link or enter the ride code into the Uber Health system. You will see the driver's name, photo, vehicle type, and estimated arrival time. You do not need to have an Uber account or the regular Uber app installed. If you do not have a smartphone, you can call the phone number provided in your notification to confirm your pickup by voice.
Wait at the pickup location at the time specified. The driver will arrive in a standard Uber vehicle. Tell the driver your name so they can confirm they have the right passenger. The ride will take you to the medical appointment address that was entered when the ride was booked. You do not pay the driver — payment goes directly to Uber from the healthcare provider or program.
What Uber Health covers and what it does not
Uber Health covers rides to medical appointments and healthcare-related visits. This includes appointments with doctors, dentists, mental health providers, and specialists. It also covers transportation to dialysis centers, chemotherapy infusions, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation facilities. Some programs use Uber Health for rides to pharmacies to pick up prescriptions, though this varies by program.
Uber Health does not cover rides for personal errands, grocery shopping, social visits, or trips unrelated to healthcare. It also does not cover rides to work, school, or entertainment. The ride must be to a location that the healthcare provider or program has identified as a medical destination.
The distance and time of the ride are not limited by Uber Health itself, but the organization paying for the ride may have its own rules about how far they will cover. Some programs cover only rides within a certain radius of your home or within your county. Ask the healthcare provider or program what their distance limits are before your appointment.
Which organizations offer Uber Health rides
Medicaid programs in many states use Uber Health to help members reach medical appointments. The specific states and programs that offer this vary, and not all Medicaid managed care plans include it. Contact your Medicaid plan or your state Medicaid office to find out whether Uber Health is available to you.
Some private insurance companies, employer health plans, and health systems have also partnered with Uber Health. If you have insurance through your job or through the individual market, ask your insurance company whether they offer Uber Health rides. Many large hospital systems and clinic networks in urban areas have set up Uber Health accounts for their patients.
Dialysis centers, cancer treatment centers, and rehabilitation facilities sometimes book Uber Health rides directly for their patients. If you receive care at one of these facilities, ask your care team whether they can arrange transportation through Uber Health.
What to do if you miss a ride or need to cancel
If you miss a scheduled Uber Health ride, contact the healthcare provider or program that booked it as soon as possible. Do not contact Uber directly — Uber Health rides are managed through the healthcare organization's account, not through the regular Uber customer service line. The healthcare provider or program can tell you whether they can rebook the ride or whether you need to reschedule your medical appointment.
If you need to cancel a ride before it arrives, use the cancellation link or code in your notification, or call the phone number provided. Some programs charge a cancellation fee if you cancel too close to the scheduled pickup time, though policies vary. Ask the healthcare provider or program about their cancellation policy when they first book your ride.
If a driver does not show up or arrives very late, contact the healthcare provider or program immediately. They can reach out to Uber on your behalf and may be able to book a replacement ride. Keep the ride code or confirmation number so you can reference it when you call.
Accessibility and language support in Uber Health
Uber Health drivers are trained to assist passengers with mobility challenges, but you should let the healthcare provider or program know about any accessibility needs when they book your ride. This allows them to note your needs in the system so the driver is prepared. If you use a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device, mention this when confirming your pickup.
Uber Health does not automatically provide interpretation services, but some healthcare organizations that use Uber Health have arrangements with interpreters or can provide language support through the booking process. If you need an interpreter or have limited English, tell the healthcare provider or program when they book your ride so they can make arrangements.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can request a text-based or relay service option when confirming your pickup. The phone number provided in your notification can connect you to a relay service if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Uber account or the Uber app to use Uber Health?
No. Uber Health is separate from the regular Uber app and account. You do not need to download anything or create an account. You will receive a link or ride code from the healthcare provider or program, and you use that to confirm your pickup. If you do not have a smartphone, you can call the phone number in your notification to confirm by voice.
What if I do not have a phone or cannot receive text messages?
Tell the healthcare provider or program that booked your ride about this when they contact you. They can arrange for a phone call instead of a text, or they can provide you with a phone number to call to confirm your pickup. Some programs can also have a staff member at the clinic call you to confirm.
Can I bring someone with me on an Uber Health ride?
Yes, you can usually bring a companion or caregiver. Tell the healthcare provider or program when they book the ride if you will have someone with you. The driver will have space for one additional passenger in most cases. If you need to bring more than one person, let the healthcare provider know so they can arrange additional rides if necessary.
What happens if the driver takes me to the wrong location?
Contact the healthcare provider or program that booked the ride immediately. Provide them with the ride code and tell them where you were taken. They can contact Uber to report the error and may be able to arrange a replacement ride or a refund. Do not pay the driver out of pocket.
Is Uber Health available in my area?
Uber Health operates in most major U.S. cities, but availability depends on your location and which organizations in your area have partnered with Uber. Contact your healthcare provider, insurance company, or Medicaid program to find out whether Uber Health is available to you. You can also check the Uber Health website to see which cities and programs currently offer the service.