Medical repatriation: frequently asked questions

It is the transport of a sick or injured person, under medical supervision, to their home country or to a hospital better suited to their care. Depending on the patient’s condition, it uses a dedicated air ambulance, a stretcher or a seat with a medical escort on a scheduled flight, and ground ambulances at both ends.

A medical evacuation moves a patient to the nearest place where the care they need is available, often urgently. A repatriation brings the patient back to their country of residence, once their condition allows the journey. The organisation is similar; the destination and the timing differ.

The patient, a relative, the treating doctor, an employer, an insurer or an assistance company. When the request comes from a relative, we check with the treating team and, where possible, with the patient.

It depends on the patient’s condition, the distance, the flight permits and the receiving hospital’s confirmation. Our usual time from agreement to take-off is [usual time from agreement to take-off]. See how a medical repatriation works.

Our coordination team answers on [Phone], 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also write to us on WhatsApp or by email at contact@airportmedical.com.

The decision is medical. Our medical team makes it with the treating doctor, based on a recent medical report. On a scheduled flight, the airline’s medical service must also give its approval, usually through the MEDIF form.

It depends on the care needed during the journey: a nurse, a doctor, or a doctor and a nurse together. Our team is made up of [composition of the medical team and specialities].

Often, yes, provided the transport is prepared in advance. On a scheduled flight, oxygen and medical devices require the airline’s prior approval. The medical team decides case by case.

Some infectious conditions require specific precautions, or rule out certain types of transport. Tell us about it when you make your request, so that our medical team can assess the options with the treating doctor.

The price depends mainly on the type of transport, the distance and the care needed in flight. We send a free, itemised written quote. Our page on medical repatriation costs explains what drives the price.

Many travel insurance and assistance contracts cover medical repatriation when it is medically justified. Call the assistance number on your contract before organising anything yourself. Our guide to insurance and repatriation explains what to check.

No. During a temporary stay in another EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, the card gives access to necessary state-provided healthcare on the same terms as local residents. It does not cover rescue or repatriation, nor private care.

Yes. We work with the case manager on a guarantee of payment and send the medical reports and invoices the file requires. See our page for insurers and assistance companies.

Often, depending on the space on board and the patient’s condition. Mention it in your request so that it is included in the quote.

Space is limited, especially in an air ambulance. Our allowance is [luggage allowance], and your coordinator will confirm it for each transport.

An ambulance takes the patient to the receiving hospital, where our medical team hands them over to the care team with a transfer report. The family is informed at each stage by the coordinator.

A recent medical report, identity documents, any visas or residence permits, and the insurance details if there is a contract. Our guide to MEDIF and fit-to-fly documents lists them.