International air services: commercial flight or air ambulance?

International air services

If you’re considering international air services for medical repatriation for yourself or a loved one, you might well be feeling overwhelmed and anxious, but our experienced team can help you explore your options. The all inclusive services we provide aim to reduce any unnecessary stress surrounding the process and ensure the patient receives first-class medical care during their journey home. We take care of all the paperwork involved and make sure the transport runs smoothly and a bed is waiting on the other side.

Air Ambulance or commercial flight: what’s the difference?

At EMS, we have two types of international air services. The first one is an Air Ambulance. Air Ambulance  involves a medical repatriation by a private air vehicle such as a helicopter or airplane. Along with a dedicated medical team, each air vehicle EMS uses has been fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment and life-saving technology.

An alternative option for medical repatriation by air travel, is a commercial flight accompanied by a medical escort team. The medical team will pick the patient up from the local hospital and accompany them on a flight with a commercial airline that meets our standards. All necessary medicine and equipment will be brought on the aircraft by the medical team, while our office staff make all other arrangements. Once the plane lands in your home country, the team will travel with the patient to your chosen hospital and won’t leave until the patient is settled and a successful handover has taken place.

When to choose an Air Ambulance

• The fastest way to bring a patient back home: If you or your loved one is critically ill or medical care from home is required urgently, then an Air Ambulance is ideal.
• For every case: Sometimes commercial flights will be ruled out such as the need for a patient’s need for a ventilator or if you have a potentially infectious disease. 
• Distance is no problem: With our international air services distance is not an issue. The medical team can transport you over long or short distances from any location. 

When to choose a commercial flight with Medical Escort

• You can get your original flight: Depending on seat availability for the Medical Escort team.
• An alternative commercial flight can be booked quickly.
• The costs are lower: In comparison to a private Air Ambulance the costs are lower.

Does my insurance cover international air services?

It’s important to have the relevant and appropriate medical repatriation cover in your travel insurance policy. Many insurance policies will cover some or all of the cost of medical repatriation, but clauses can apply relating to circumstance such as injury during adventure holidays, high risk activities or pre-existing conditions.

If you’re unsure of your policy, our team can support you in the communication with the insurance company before you agree to use the EMS services.

Contact

If you would like to talk through your situation and find out about your options for international air service to transport a patient, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form to request a free quote – without any obligation – to get a clearer picture of what’s involved.