FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

CompassPal Travel is a physician-led concierge service that bridges the gap between compassionate palliative care and the freedom of travel. We are redefining what’s possible for individuals with life-limiting or serious illnesses by offering tailored travel support with medical in-flight accompaniment, holistic care coordination, and logistical planning. Whether it's a family reunion, a last-minute bucket-list trip, or simply a change of scenery, we ensure your comfort, safety, and joy from takeoff through touchdown, and beyond.

Our network includes a full spectrum of palliative-care experts: board-certified palliative physicians, registered nurses, licensed therapists (physical, occupational, speech), clinical social workers, dietitians, chaplains, and grief counselors. Each provider is carefully vetted for patient-centered compassion, so you get both the medical support and emotional guidance, should the need arise while abroad.

While we are in most cases able to accommodate pressing requests, where possible we recommend starting your planning at least 4–6 weeks prior to your desired departure date. That lead time allows us to:

  1. Verify medical clearances and coordinate schedules.
  2. Arrange any special equipment or mobility aids (e.g. oxygen tanks)
  3. Handle special flight or accommodation requests (e.g., wheelchair assistance, specialized ground transportation).

If, however, you need something on short notice, please let us know—our team will do everything possible to find you a solution.

Absolutely! Whether you require a wheelchair, scooter, portable oxygen concentrator, hospital bed, or other assistive devices, CompassPal Travel will coordinate with airlines, hotels, and medical-equipment vendors to ensure seamless delivery and setup. Just provide your prescription or specification, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Yes! Even if you are not classified as a palliative patient (check out our blog post, “What Exactly IS Palliative Care?” if you’re unsure), but would like to enjoy the comfort and security of physician-led travel, we at CompassPal Travel would be more than happy to serve you.

Our fee structure is transparent:

    • Patient accompaniment fee: This is a base charge plus an hourly rate for flight time. It includes a 36-hour physician stay at the destination in order to ensure client comfort after arrival.
 
    • Physician airfare costs: Determined by the airline.
 
    • Trip planning & Logistical support (if required): Flat fee for planning and booking. We handle all the details—from booking flights to coordinating with local palliative or other care providers in the destination—ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience.
 
  • Equipment & Supplies (if required): Detailed invoices are provided for easy reimbursement where applicable.

We know that the unexpected can occur, so our packages may also include delay surcharges, expedited processing fees (for trips scheduled with less than 72 hours’ notice), physician per diem charges (for stays beyond 36 hours), additional personnel if needed, as well as specialized ground transportation.

Payment may be made via direct wire transfer or major credit/debit cards.

That is absolutely no problem! We can offer you a package which consists of physician accompaniment in-flight, airfare costs for the physician, and our hourly physician rate for flight time. All of our packages include a 36-hour minimum physician stay to ensure that you are settled, at no additional cost to you.

Absolutely! For your comfort and peace of mind we encourage either in-person or virtual meetings with the team prior to your travel.

We create a unified care plan that travels with you. Before you depart, your accompanying physician reviews your medical history and goals of care. As you move from city to city (or country to country), you will always have contact information for our nearest partner providers (who would’ve been alerted of your trip beforehand), as well as access to your medical records—so there’s never a gap in pain management, therapy, or emotional support.

Safety is our top priority. If an urgent medical issue arises, you or your caregiver can call our nearest partner provider for that location or local EMS. You are also urged to contact us so that we can notify your primary physician, and coordinate any necessary medical evacuation or transfer. You’ll always have responsiveness and support, wherever you are.

We encourage family or designated caregivers to be part of every step. You can:

  • Join our planning calls and share personal preferences.
  • Access a private online portal where you can view itineraries, care plans, and provider notes.
  • Receive guidance on any aspect of the trip, all you need to do is reach out!

Your “care team” is truly a team—because the journey is as much about loved ones as it is about you.