If you use oxygen at home but your equipment isn’t practical for a flight or vacation, a rented portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is the usual answer. Here are real rates and terms, and what you need to sort out.
What it costs (example: OxygenToGo, 2026)
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| First week | $399 |
| Each additional week | $299 |
| Continuous 24/7 flow device | +$100 per week |
| Shipping (to and from) | Extra, billed to you |
| Optional rental insurance | $125 per week, $500 deductible |
| Late return (overtime) | $100 per day |
| Shortest term | 1 week (weeks rounded up) |
| Batteries | 3 included; extras on request |
| Monthly | Quote on request |
Source: OxygenToGo POC rental forms 2026, read 13 October 2026. The form lists a stipulated equipment value of $3,500 if the equipment isn’t returned. Prices vary by company. Get a written quote including shipping.
Cost examples
| Trip | Rental (pulse) | Rental (continuous) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $399 + shipping | $499 + shipping |
| 2 weeks | $698 + shipping | $898 + shipping |
| 4 weeks | $1,296 + shipping | $1,696 + shipping |
Arithmetic from the rates above. For comparison, buying new: Rove 6 $2,795, FreeStyle Comfort $2,415, OxyGo NEXT $2,495 (13 Oct 2026; see best portable oxygen concentrator).
Before you book
| Step | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Get a prescription | Required before the rental ships | OxygenToGo, FDA |
| Ask about pulse vs continuous | Your clinician should confirm a pulse setting works for you; continuous costs more | Pulse vs continuous |
| Check insurance | OxygenToGo doesn’t bill Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance | OxygenToGo |
| Ask your Medicare supplier first | If you’re on Medicare oxygen, your supplier provides your equipment and service (Medicare oxygen) | CMS |
| Book delivery early | At least 2 full days before departure; no airport delivery | OxygenToGo |
| Read the cancellation terms | Full charges once shipped; non-use isn’t refunded | OxygenToGo |
Flying with a rental
- Airline notice: CAIRE’s manual says to contact your carrier at least 48 hours before departure.
- Batteries: carry enough for at least 150% of your expected travel time, including ground time, connections and delays (OxygenToGo, CAIRE, Inogen, OxyGo). OxygenToGo says you’re responsible for bringing enough batteries.
- Spares in the cabin: extra batteries must be individually protected against short circuits and carried on.
- FAA label: the unit must meet FAA acceptance criteria. Rules are in flying with a portable oxygen concentrator.
Use the battery life tables to work out how many batteries you need. Example: a 6-hour door-to-door trip needs 9 hours of battery. On a Rove 6 at setting 2, that’s two standard batteries (5 h each).
At your destination
OxygenToGo says its rental units come with a car adaptor and wall power cord and accept up to 240 V, but you’ll need a physical plug adapter abroad. Keep the unit away from open flames and smoking (Inogen spec sheet: no open flames within 6.56 ft), and plug in whenever you can.
Verdict
For a trip of a week or two, renting costs a fraction of buying. Budget about $400 to $700 plus shipping for a pulse unit at OxygenToGo’s rates. Get your prescription and the right delivery type (pulse vs continuous) sorted first, book delivery 2 days early, tell your airline 48 hours ahead, and pack batteries for 150% of your journey. If you travel for many weeks a year, compare the total with buying.
Related: Rove 6 vs FreeStyle Comfort, OxyGo NEXT review, used and refurbished POCs.
More travel planning
See cruising with oxygen and oxygen at altitude.