Medical repatriation to your home country
A relative has fallen ill or been injured far from home, or you manage the case of an insured person abroad. We organise their return to their country of residence, from the hospital where they are treated to the hospital that will take over their care.
What a medical repatriation involves
A medical repatriation brings a patient back to their country of residence under medical supervision, once their condition allows the journey. Unlike an emergency evacuation, it is usually planned: the aim is to continue the treatment close to home and family, in a hospital that has agreed to admit the patient.
The transport is chosen according to the patient’s condition: a dedicated air ambulance, a seat on a scheduled flight with a medical escort, or [other options offered by the company, to be confirmed: stretcher on a scheduled flight]. Ground ambulances complete the journey at both ends.
From the hospital abroad to the hospital at home
Before departure
Medical assessment with the treating doctor, choice of transport, written quote, and a bed confirmed at the receiving hospital.
On the day
Ambulance from the ward to the airport, flight under medical supervision, the family kept informed by the coordinator.
On arrival
Ambulance to the receiving hospital and handover to the care team with a transfer report.
Each step is detailed in how a medical repatriation works.
Where we organise repatriations
We organise repatriations between Africa and Europe: from North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia), West Africa (Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali) and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DR Congo) towards France and Belgium, and from France and Spain to Morocco. Routes from Africa have their own formalities, such as landing permits, visas and health requirements, explained in our guide to medical repatriation from Africa. Each route we describe has its own page: see our medical repatriation routes.
Who pays for the repatriation?
Many travel insurance and assistance contracts cover a medical repatriation when it is medically justified. If the patient has a contract, call the assistance number first: it often has to agree to the transport in advance. The European Health Insurance Card does not cover repatriation.
Without cover, or if the insurer refuses, a private repatriation remains possible, paid by the patient or the family: [payment terms for private clients]. See our guide to insurance and repatriation and our page on costs.
The documents to prepare
- The contact details of the hospital and the treating doctor, from whom our medical team obtains the medical report.
- The patient’s identity documents and, if needed, visas for the patient and any accompanying relative.
- The insurance or assistance details, with the case number.
Our guide to MEDIF and fit-to-fly documents explains what airlines ask for.
Questions about medical repatriation
When can the patient be repatriated?
When the medical team and the treating doctor agree that the journey is safe, and once a receiving hospital has confirmed a bed. Our usual time from agreement to take-off is [usual time from agreement to take-off].
Can the family choose the receiving hospital?
Tell us the city or hospital you prefer. The hospital must agree to admit the patient to the right department; if it cannot, we look for another suitable hospital with you.
Can a relative travel with the patient?
Often, depending on the transport and the space on board. Mention it in your request so that it is included in the quote.
Do you work with insurers and assistance companies?
Yes. We work with the case manager on a guarantee of payment and provide the medical reports and invoices the file requires. See our page for insurers and assistance companies.
Bring your relative home
Tell us where the patient is and where they need to go. Our medical team reviews the file and we reply with a written quote.