How pricing is calculated
DachiPlus private pay pricing is built around three variables: distance, vehicle type, and wait time. There are no mystery fees, no surge pricing, and no after-the-fact charges. The price quoted on the phone is the price you pay.
Distance is the primary factor. We measure the total trip mileage — from your pickup address to the medical facility, and back if you need a return ride. Longer trips cost more; short local trips within the same town or zip code cost less. Nassau County and Western Suffolk trips are typically the least expensive. Eastern Suffolk and cross-borough trips to New York City cost more due to distance and tolls.
Vehicle type matters for some trips. Riders who stay seated in their own wheelchair travel in a lift-equipped vehicle; tell us when you book so we send the right vehicle and confirm the fare for that trip.
Wait time is an optional add-on. If your appointment is short (under 30 minutes) and you need us to wait rather than returning for you, we can accommodate that for an added hourly wait charge. For longer appointments, we typically drop you off and return at a scheduled pickup time — which is often more economical and more comfortable than sitting in a vehicle.
The rate card
These are the same rates our online estimator and dispatchers use. Your exact fare depends on the driving distance between your pickup and the facility.
Published rates
- $35 base charge per pickup
- $5/mile for trips up to 20 miles
- $4/mile for the whole trip when it is over 20 miles
- $60/hour of waiting after 15 free minutes
- Round trips: each leg is charged separately. Tolls are extra.
Examples by distance
| Distance | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| 5 miles | $60 | $120 |
| 12 miles | $95 | $190 |
| 30 miles | $155 | $310 |
Return trips are priced the same way as the outbound leg. If you book a round trip on your first call, we coordinate the return pickup for you.
What's included in the price
DachiPlus private pay pricing includes door-through-door service as standard. That means our driver comes to your door — not just to the curb — assists you to the vehicle, escorts you into the medical facility, and ensures you are signed in or accompanied as far as the facility allows. After your appointment, the driver meets you at the exit and assists you back to the vehicle.
Every private pay trip also includes:
- One companion seat at no additional charge (a family member, aide, or caregiver may ride along)
- No surge pricing — the rate does not change based on time of day, day of week, or demand
- Professional, background-checked drivers who are trained in passenger assistance
- Vehicles that are clean, climate-controlled, and equipped for safe medical transport
- A direct line to our dispatcher on the day of the trip
We do not charge extra for standard traffic delays within the metropolitan area. If your appointment runs significantly longer than expected, we ask that you or the facility call us so we can adjust the return pickup time without additional cost.
Payment methods accepted
DachiPlus accepts all major payment methods for private pay trips:
- Credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Debit cards — any bank debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
- Cash — accepted on the day of service; please have exact or near-exact change
Payment is collected after the trip is complete, not in advance. We provide a receipt for every trip, which you can use for your medical expense records. We do not store card numbers between trips — payment is processed fresh each time.
Insurance that may cover your ride
Several common insurance types cover medical transportation for eligible members. If you have any of the following, call us before assuming you need to pay out of pocket:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Many plans include a transportation benefit as a supplemental perk. Coverage varies by plan — check your Summary of Benefits or call your plan's member services line. DachiPlus works with several Medicare Advantage plans on Long Island.
- New York Workers' Compensation: If your medical appointments are related to a workplace injury, transportation is a covered benefit under NY Workers' Comp law. We bill the carrier directly — no upfront cost to you.
- New York No-Fault Auto Insurance: If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, no-fault covers reasonable transportation to covered medical treatment. We bill the no-fault carrier directly.
- Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI): Many long-term care policies include transportation as a covered benefit. Review your policy's benefit schedule or call your insurer's claims line.
- VA Community Care: Veterans receiving care through the VA Community Care program may be eligible for covered transportation. We work with VA-authorized trips on Long Island.
When you call us, mention your insurance type and we will verify coverage and direct bill if possible. You should never assume you need to pay privately without checking your coverage first.
How to get an exact quote
Getting a confirmed price takes about three minutes. Call us at (516) 754-7777 and have the following ready:
- Your pickup address and the medical facility's address
- Your appointment date and time
- Whether you need a return trip and the approximate end time
- Your mobility situation — ambulatory, cane/walker, or wheelchair with transfer ability
- Your payment method or insurance type
We provide an exact price — not an estimate — before you confirm the booking. There is no obligation to book after receiving a quote. We are available Monday through Saturday, 6 AM to 8 PM.
Ready to book?
Get your exact quote in under three minutes.
Call us with your pickup address, destination, date, and mobility needs. We give you a confirmed price on the spot — no surprises, no hidden fees.