Federal, exists in every state
Ask about NIH study care, travel and lodging
Official name: NIH Clinical Center and Children’s Inn support
NIH study care has no charge. Travel support needs protocol coverage or NIH approval; family lodging at the Children’s Inn is free when available. Confirm arrangements before booking.
Study care at no charge, with travel and family lodging when approved.
Program details
Who does what
The three parts, side by side. The agency decides; nobody on this page does.
You
Ask the trial team to contact NIH; travel office 1-866-227-9339, Children’s Inn 301-496-5672.
Your social worker
The hospital social worker helps locate the right office and gather supporting records.
The care team
Records and letters when the application asks for them.
- Who decides
- The agency or plan named in the first step
- Ask your social worker
- “Is this an NIH-run study, and can the team confirm travel and lodging approval before we book?”
How to apply
First step: Ask the trial team to contact NIH; travel office 1-866-227-9339, Children’s Inn 301-496-5672.
- Ask the trial team to contact NIH; travel office 1-866-227-9339, Children’s Inn 301-496-5672.
Official application / program page ↗
Where it starts: Ask the trial team to contact NIH; travel office 1-866-227-9339, Children’s Inn 301-496-5672.
What to gather
- The relevant plan or benefit notice
- Documents showing the need and relevant income
How long: Ask the deciding office for its current processing time.
What a yes looks like
Written confirmation of the benefit, its scope and any cost.
What a no looks like, and the next move
Ask for the reason in writing and the review route.
The numbers and the rules
The arcane layer, kept on purpose. Checked September 10, 2026.
What it is worth
Study care and approved travel or family lodging, subject to NIH admission and arrangements.
Covers: Study care and approved travel or family lodging, subject to NIH admission and arrangements.
What it costs the family: Ask the agency or plan to confirm any charge before committing.
The eligibility facts, as published
- Review
- The agency or plan must confirm the conditions described here.
The trap: The agency or plan checks the conditions; this guide does not decide the application.
What changes by state: Plan and local implementation vary.