5 times when it’s vital to repatriate a sick patient

1. Local medical care is inadequate

Not every country offers the same standard of healthcare or access to specialist treatments. Standards of hygiene, nursing care and treatment vary - and in many hospitals in developing countries, they are simply inadequate.  If the patient requires advanced care—such as dialysis, ventilation, or neurosurgery—that isn’t available locally, repatriation to a home-country hospital is often the safest option.

2. The patient’s condition is deteriorating

When a patient becomes unstable or doesn’t respond to treatment, rapid transport to a more advanced healthcare system can make all the difference. An Air Ambulance equipped with ICU-level equipment and specialist staff ensures a safe transfer.

Sometimes the right consultants, surgeons, equipment and techniques aren’t available where they’re currently treated. If your patient needs specialist cancer care or heart surgery, they may need to source it in another country. Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands, amongst others, are all known for the high standard and availability of their specialist medical care. 

3. The patient needs long-term rehabilitation

After a stroke, brain injury, or major trauma, patients often require extensive rehabilitation. In these cases, it’s often better to return home to a trusted environment—with familiar language, surroundings, and medical history.

Practical tip: Always request a medical report in English from the local hospital before travelling back, to ensure a smooth handover.

4. The patient is stable and wants to return home

Sometimes repatriation isn’t medically urgent, but it’s the best choice for the patient’s well-being. If they are stable and wish to recover in their home country, a medically escorted flight offers peace of mind for everyone involved.

Sick patients are almost always better off being close to their loved ones - for emotional support, food and supplies, help around the home or hospital, and any number of other reasons. 

Wondering who decides if repatriation is possible?

Our doctors evaluate the patient’s condition and coordinate with local clinicians to make an informed decision.

5. Cultural and language barriers

When a loved one gets sick, getting clear information about what’s happening and how they’re going to be treated is absolutely vital – both for their sake and for yours. Unfortunately, as we’ve found time and again with our patients, this doesn’t always happen when they’re in a foreign hospital. Often, that’s due to the language barrier; they can’t understand the doctors, or they can’t make themselves properly understood. Sometimes there are cultural barriers. And sometimes the hospital’s communication just isn’t great. These things add huge stress when stress is the last thing you need.

When is repatriation not advisable?

Repatriation isn’t always appropriate. In some cases—such as when a patient is critically unstable or requires high-risk treatment—it’s safer to remain in local care. Our team will always prioritise safety and provide honest, expert guidance.

Quick checklist: should you consider medical repatriation?

• Is the patient stable enough to travel?
• Is there a lack of specialist care in the current location?
• Are there emotional or family-related reasons to go home?
• Will the patient need rehabilitation in the near future?
• Are local medical costs rising fast?
• Is support available at home?

Let experience guide the way

Our doctors and nurses have successfully coordinated thousands of international patient transfers. Whether it’s a planned return flight or an emergency evacuation, each case requires personal attention and medical precision. That’s why we combine advanced clinical knowledge with logistical expertise—so you can count on a safe journey home. 

We can make sure you have an interpreter or local language expert alongside you if you need one. We can even send you lists of recommended private hospitals and specialists around the world.