Travel and lodging coverage

When you need to travel to get care, we’re here to help.

How travel and lodging coverage works

We’re committed to providing you with the best care. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, we can help cover travel and lodging costs for health care services that aren’t available from our network providers within 50 miles of your permanent residence, up to $5,000 per occurrence.

Prior authorization for care is required unless otherwise noted.

Services eligible for travel and lodging coverage

Get travel and lodging coverage for services including, but not limited to:

• Bariatric surgery
• Organ and tissue transplants
• Gender-affirming care

What’s covered

Travel

• Mileage to and from the facility from the member's residence and/or lodging is covered. Mileage is reimbursed according to the IRS mileage rate.

Lodging

• One double-occupancy room is covered if one or more overnight stays are required to get care.
• Coverage is limited to the room charge and tax. All other hotel expenses are excluded.

Meals

• Three meals per person, per day, are covered.

Traveling with a companion

• We’ll cover the above expenses for one companion.

What you pay

You must pay for your transportation, lodging and meals when you are billed. Payments for transportation, lodging and meals do not count toward your maximum out-of-pocket amount.

There is no copay, coinsurance or deductible for travel and lodging coverage up to $5,000 per occurrence.

How to get reimbursed

Reimbursement is effective Jan. 1, 2025 for travel and lodging services provided in 2025. More information is coming soon.

Tax information

You may be able to report certain travel expense reimbursements when you file your taxes. When required, we will send you a Form 1099-MISC. Sharp Health Plan does not provide tax advice. Please contact your tax advisor with any questions about travel expense reimbursements.