Traveling Out of State for VA Care? Here's How AAA Can Cut Your Costs

Article overview

In this article, you'll learn: 

• How to identify the most common travel expenses when seeking out-of-state VA care. 
• How to save on hotels, gas and dining using your AAA Membership. 
• What additional AAA benefits can help make medical travel less stressful. 
• Whether upgrading your AAA Membership is worth it for frequent medical trips. 

When you need specialized care at a VA or military hospital out of state, the last thing you should be worrying about is how much the trip is going to cost you. The reality is that travel expenses are something you'll need to plan for. Gas, hotel stays and meals on the road can all add up, especially if your treatment involves multiple trips or an extended stay. 

Here's how you can make the most of your trips as a AAA Member.

Common travel expenses to expect

Specialized VA and military medical facilities are often located in major metro areas, which means you may be driving hours—or even flying—to get there. 

Some common costs include:

• Hotel stays near the hospital or care facility 

• Gas or rental cars for the drive

• Meals and dining during extended stays

How to save when traveling for medical care

A AAA Membership gives you access to discounts across more than 100,000 partners nationwide. For veterans traveling out of state for medical care, the most relevant savings categories are:

Hotels near VA and military hospitals

AAA Members receive special rates at thousands of hotel properties across the U.S. When booking a stay near a VA or military hospital, always check for the AAA rate, and save while earning hotel loyalty points at brands you trust.

Gas savings for long drives

Road trips to and from out-of-state care facilities aren't cheap. AAA Members can get discounted gas prices at Shell and Love’s Travel Stops, which helps offset the cost of longer drives.

Dining and restaurant deals

Spending several days near a hospital or care facility usually means a lot of takeout and dining out. AAA's Dining Deals include restaurant gift cards and discounts that can take a real bite out of your food budget. Rather than paying full price every meal, you can plan ahead and use these deals to eat well without overspending.

What other AAA benefits help during medical travel?

Beyond the core travel discounts, your AAA Membership includes a few extras that come in handy during stressful travel situations:

• Identity theft protection: Help protect your personal information while traveling with a complimentary one-month upgrade to ProtectMyID® Deluxe coverage. AAA members can also enroll in ProtectMyID Essential at no additional cost.

• 24/7 roadside assistance: If your car breaks down on the way to your appointment, AAA has you covered with towing, battery replacement and more.

• Travel planning support: AAA Travel Agents can help map out the best route, find the most affordable accommodations and identify savings along the way. Whether your vehicle is unavailable or you need reliable transportation for treatment, AAA Members receive exclusive savings on Hertz rentals, helping make medical travel more convenient and affordable.

Consider upgrading your AAA Membership

If you're frequently hitting the road for medical appointments, upgrading your AAA Membership could be a smart move. Higher-tier plans come with added travel and roadside benefits, including:

• Extended towing coverage: Get towed further distances, so you're never stranded far from help

• Free fuel delivery: If you run out of gas on the way to your appointment, AAA will bring fuel directly to you 

• Additional travel perks: Enjoy enhanced discounts on hotels, dining and more to help offset the cost of frequent trips

AAA Memberships are available for individuals and families, so your loved ones can benefit from the same plan when they travel with you or come to support you during treatment.

Traveling out of state for medical care takes courage and commitment. The financial burden that comes with repeated travel shouldn't add to the stress. With AAA discounts on hotels, gas and dining, you can focus on what matters most—your health and recovery.