Private Non-Emergency Ambulance
Private ambulance transport, without the eligibility criteria.
Private, non-emergency patient transport. In an emergency, call 999.
Private Non-Emergency Ambulance with Book An Ambulance
NHS patient transport is for patients who meet strict eligibility criteria, and it can’t always fit your times. A private non-emergency ambulance can: anyone can book one, for any journey, at a time that suits.
We aren’t an ambulance operator. We arrange your journey with regulated providers in our network — the vehicle and crew that suit the patient, at a competitive price — and look after the booking from quote to arrival.
This is a private, paid service for planned journeys. It isn’t an emergency service: in an emergency, call 999.
What we can arrange
- Wheelchair, stretcher and bariatric ambulances
- Discharges, transfers and appointments
- Local journeys and long distances
- One-way, wait-and-return or two separate journeys
Who it’s for
- Patients not eligible for NHS transport
- Anyone who needs a time NHS transport can’t offer
- Families, care homes, hospitals and insurers
Who it’s for
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1
Tell us about the journey
Where from, where to, when, and how the patient moves about. It takes a few minutes, at any time of day.
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2
We source your quote
We put the journey to providers in our network and send you a quote before you commit to anything.
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3
Accept and relax
Accept and pay online. Your journey coordinator confirms the crew and vehicle and keeps you updated.
Non-Emergency Ambulance: common questions
What is the difference between private patient transport and NHS patient transport?
NHS Patient Transport Services (PTS) are generally reserved for patients who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Private patient transport offers:
- Greater flexibility
- Faster bookings
- Wider eligibility
- Nationwide availability
- Choice of transport type
- Appointment-specific scheduling
Private transport is often chosen when NHS transport is unavailable, unsuitable, or unable to meet the patient's preferred timetable.
Do I need a medical reason to book patient transport?
No. Private patient transport can be booked for any individual who would benefit from additional support during travel.
Common reasons include:
- Limited mobility
- Recent surgery
- Frailty
- Wheelchair use
- Hospital discharge
- Long-distance medical appointments
- Specialist treatment centres
Many private patient transport passengers simply prefer the reassurance and comfort of travelling with healthcare-trained professionals.
Can anyone book a private ambulance?
Yes. Anyone can arrange private ambulance transport.
Bookings are commonly made by:
- Patients
- Family members
- Care homes
- Hospitals
- GP practices
- Solicitors
- Case managers
- Insurance companies
- Holiday travel providers
If you are unsure of the patient's requirements, the team at BookAnAmbulance.co.uk can guide you through the booking process.
How much does private patient transport cost?
The cost depends on several factors including:
- Distance travelled
- Patient condition
- Vehicle type
- Crew requirements
- Stretcher requirements
- Oxygen requirements
- Waiting time
Each quote is personalised to ensure patients receive the most suitable service.
Do you offer emergency transport?
Private ambulance services are primarily designed for planned and pre-booked transport.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you should always dial 999 immediately.
For urgent but non-emergency transport requirements, our team may be able to assist subject to vehicle availability and clinical suitability.
You may also need
- Hospital Discharge Transport Getting home, or to the next ward, without waiting days for a bed-to-door journey. Learn more
- Wheelchair Accessible Transport Travel in your own wheelchair, with a crew to help from door to door. Learn more
- Stretcher Transport For patients who need to lie down for the journey. Learn more
Trusted by patients, families & care professionals
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google as Vecta Healthcare, the company behind Book An Ambulance.
“We used Vecta Healthcare to bring my 93 year old father in law from Scotland to Stockport. Right from the start Ian was very responsive. He answered questions and was clear and very helpful. When we were let down the day before the move he quickly found another company and crew. The crew were really good. They really took care of him. 10/10 to all 3 of them.”
“My husband had an important appointment at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and needed to travel from his rehabilitation centre in Northamptonshire to London. The usual patient transport could not guarantee arrival on time for his appointment, so I approached Vecta Healthcare. They responded straight away arranged everything in a professional, friendly and client-focused way. My husband’s travel to London and his return journey both went smoothly. Due to unforeseen circumstances his hospital discharge date and time have changed but Vecta Healthcare staff were great in managing this change, communicating and reassuring me when I was in a bit of a panic. The ambulance crews were fantastic. We made to the hospital on time and safely and timely back to my husband’s rehabilitation centre. Great service, well worth it. We would definitely use again and highly recommend.”
“Can't fault this friendly, efficient and compassionate service”
“Wonderful caring service. I would definitely use again if I needed a private ambulance service.”
“At an extremely stressful time for our family Vecta arranged a private ambulance for my bed bound father with very little notice. The communication was excellent, costs clear and value for a very skilled job the crew did with the steps and narrow door ways. More than this though- every member of the team- by phone, for payment, the crew- showed so much compassion for us all. Can’t recommend enough.”
Get a personalised quote.
Quotes available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tell us what you need — we'll handle the rest.