Loaner phones

I need to get my iPhone 7 fixed due to a "No SIM card" issue. I attempted to fix it over the phone with apple thinking it was a software issue, but they suspect it to be a hardware issue now. I live 4 hours away from the closest apple store and over chat they claim they will only give out loaners "in store by the store manger in critical situations". I cannot text or call off of my phone and cannot bring it in to get fixed in-person. I will not go without my phone for an additional week. Is this policy actually real?? What kind of customer service is that? Any advice or tips?