How to arrange a medical repatriation in 3 steps and what you need to know about it
When a loved one falls ill or has an accident abroad, bringing them home or to a trusted hospital can prove to be a challenge. But not with a medical repatriation by EMS. Find out how it works.
Step 1: get an estimate for medical repatriation in three steps
You can call us 24/7 to arrange a medical repatriation. You might however want to start the process by getting a rough outline for the costs. Get this by filling out the three simple steps on this form. Hit submit and, within the hour, you’ll receive an estimate by email.
Step 2: talk to an expert at EMS
Once we’ve sent your estimate, one of our repatriation specialists will call you to follow up. You can ask them anything you like – they organise hundreds of medical transports every year, so there’s no issue or question they won’t have encountered before!
They will also ask you some quick questions, such as:
- What’s happened to your patient?
- Are they in hospital right now and what care are they receiving?
- How urgently do they need to get back home?
If you can’t get to the phone, no problem. You can also chat to us by WhatsApp, iMessage, email or even arrange a video call if you prefer.
Step 3: choose your transport and get a quote
If you’re new to medical repatriation (that’s most people, by the way), you may not know there are three key ways to get your patient home. The transport mode you choose depends on your specific needs, budget, equipment and more. Don’t worry, your specialist will help you decide between:
- Air Ambulance: a private jet with onboard paramedics and equipment
- Road Ambulance: a vehicle designed for long-distance medical journeys
- Medical Escort: a repatriation on a regular flight, accompanied by an EMS medic
Ready to press ahead? Us too! Once we receive payment for the detailed quote, we’re on the road or in the air in no-time.
Five frequently asked questions about medical repatriation
- How can I bring a patient back home safely after an accident or sudden illness abroad? Contact us with your situation. Bringing people back to their own country in order to receive the best care possible is our specialisation.
- How does repatriation work? We offer a bed-to-bed service and will only leave once the patient is settled into their new hospital, all paperwork is exchanged and a successful handover has taken place. Find out more.
- What’s important when considering a medical repatriation? The mode of transport, the costs, the required medical personnel, the distance and the safety of the patient. Just tell us about your situation, we’ll help with the rest.
- Who arranges the repatriation process? We at EMS organise the entire repatriation: taking care of any transport involved, assembling the right medical team, liaising with hospitals on both ends, the repatriation itself, and all the medical paperwork. We aim to take as much of the stress off of your shoulders by taking care of all the practicalities surrounding the repatriation.
- How much will the repatriation cost? Costs depend on a number of factors, such as distance, type of transport, urgency… We cannot give you an accurate estimate without knowing your situation. However, you can directly request a free quote and learn what to expect.
Do you have more questions about medical repatriations?
Contact us! Feel free to ask us your questions, we’re here to help. You can also have a look at our frequently asked questions section on this website, just click here. And remember that whenever you are in need, we get you to safety.