Red Funnel has introduced a new fare guarantee to support Isle of Wight residents travelling to NHS appointments on the mainland.
The new Flexible Returns Policy ensures that if a patient needs to change their return journey – whether due to delays or finishing earlier than expected – they can travel on the next available sailing without incurring any additional charges, even if it falls during a higher fare sailing.
This applies upon proof of travel for an NHS appointment.
The change was prompted by customer feedback, which provided insight into the experiences of those returning from hospital appointments. In response, Red Funnel has acted to provide greater reassurance and flexibility for patients, ensuring they can return home without additional stress following a potentially challenging day.
The ferry operator is also reaffirming its commitment to supporting Island residents attending NHS appointments on the mainland by highlighting the range of discounted travel options available. Passengers travelling to hospital appointments on foot can access special discounted fares of £12.80 return (also appliable to a companion), while those travelling with a car benefit from a 50% discount or a fare cap of £31 per leg, whichever is lower. Where a carer is required for a foot passenger to travel, the carer can also travel free. (
Neil Chapman, Director of Operations for Red Funnel, says:
“We are committed to supporting Islanders and ensuring that essential journeys for NHS care are as affordable and stress-free as possible. We are especially grateful one of our customers for sharing their experience with us and made us reflect on how we could do more. Their feedback directly inspired this change, and we hope it will now make the return journey home easier, more predictable, and worry-free.”
Red Funnel is also reminding patients of the onward hospital connections available to them, including:
- Patients travelling by bus from the Isle of Wight to Southampton General or Royal South Hants hospitals can purchase a Freedom or Rover ticket from Southern Vectis and use it for travel with Bluestar or Unilink on the mainland. Read more here.
In addition, Red Funnel offers additional assistance to Island patients through a dedicated Accessibility Specialist. This role provides personalised guidance and support for passengers with physical or hidden disabilities, accessibility requirements, or those travelling for hospital or medical appointments.
Operating as a ‘concierge-style’ service, the Accessibility Specialist provides peace of mind, consistent communication, and a single point of contact to help customers navigate their journey with confidence. Customers seeking support can contact the Accessibility Specialist by calling 01983 681263 between 07:00-15:00, Monday to Friday, or by emailing [email protected].
For more details visit https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/plan/fares/healthcare-travel.
Well done to Red Funnel.
Too be honest these fares should be covered by the NHS,
it is not the patients thought if St Mary’s does not carry
out all procedures required.
I had cause over the last few years to use this service for my wife’s treatment on the mainland. The staff at Red Funnel, from the very helpful lady on booking codes, Nell, to the port staff, made our journey more bearable. We must have had in the region of 20 visits to mainland facilities. The “new” system was always in place to us on each visit as we often had to arrive early or late for our return journey.
Thanks Red Funnel Staff. 5*