International Air Ambulance Medical Transportation
Visits to exotic, faraway destinations are, for many, the ultimate dream. However, when an illness or emergency strikes, travelers and their families face the harsh reality of finding safe, secure, international medical flights to transport them home.
At U.S. Air Ambulance, our international air ambulance flies medevac patients to and from locations all over the world. Our planes are fully-equipped ICU "ambulances in the sky" that are staffed with highly trained and experienced medical personnel. We have a 100% flight safety record with more than two decades of specialized international patient transport experience.
Multi-lingual Patient Transport Specialists are available around the clock to personally answer your questions and efficiently facilitate international air ambulance travel. We handle all of international repatriation including flight arrangements, ground transportation and travel details, so long as the patient and passengers hold current passports or visas.
U.S. Air Ambulance operates international medical flights by chartered jet, turboprop, propeller and commercial planes. Our global medical teams travel worldwide. Within the past 18 months, we have successfully operated international air ambulance flights to and from Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Other Flight Options
Depending on the condition of the patient and the urgency of travel, our international Patient Transport Specialists can discuss the following international aeromedical options with you:
International Air Ambulance Service via private aircraft is the fastest method of transporting critically ill patients from one country to another. All planes are equipped with life support equipment to meet the critical care needs of the patient. Medical Escort via Air is a cost-effective alternative when a patient is capable of sitting up during take-off and landing. The patient is accompanied by throughout the trip - including both the medical flight and any necessary transport by ground ambulance by at least one member of our medical team.
International Commercial Stretcher is a less expensive option for patients in need of international medical transport to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. U.S. Air Ambulances works with the selected commercial airline to remove several rows of seats to accommodate the patient's stretcher and medical equipment. Our international transportation escorts are medical professionals who accompany the patient for the duration of the flight, as well as during ground transfers via ground ambulance.
In the event of a medical emergency overseas, we suggest that you carry the international phone number for U.S. Air Ambulance with you:
01-941-556-6717
Our medical teams serve every continent except Antarctica and can quickly respond to an emergency situation. Health Information for International travelers:
(The following information is reproduced from the website of the U.S. Department of State to assist Americans traveling abroad.)
If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. However, payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.
Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition.
THE SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL COSTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.
Senior citizens may wish to contact the American Association of Retired Persons for information about foreign medical care coverage with Medicare supplement plans.
To facilitate identification in case of an accident, complete the information page on the inside of your passport providing the name, address and telephone number of someone to be contacted in an emergency.
A traveler going abroad with any preexisting medical problems should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country that they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.
Additional information, including disease and immunization advice, risks in particular countries, and other health guidance, is available on the Travelers' Health web page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also maintains the international travelers' hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747).
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, please consult the website of the World Health Organization. The WHO also produces a publication on International Travel and Health.
For detailed information on physicians abroad, the authoritative reference is The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists, published for the American Board of Medical Specialists and its certifying member boards. This publication should be available in your local library. For more information, please see Publications and Resources. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad maintain lists of hospitals and physicians, and many of these lists are posted on the embassy or consulate web site.
Travel Medical Insurance - What If I Am Injured or Ill While Traveling Abroad?
The information below is courtesy of the U.S. Sate Department , Bureau of Consular Affairs
MYTH - I have health insurance already that covers me in emergencies, and I'm only going scuba diving for a week.
FACT - Many health insurance plans don't cover injuries received while participating in "high risk" activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing, white-water rafting or even motorcycle riding.
MYTH - I am just traveling to London for a week and they have great hospitals and health insurance so I don't have to worry.
FACT - Several countries, like the United Kingdom, have a national health insurance program where services are paid for by the local government based on citizenship or residence status. These countries may not provide full service for non-residents.
MYTH - If I get sick or injured on my trip, I'll jut have the doctor or hospital bill my insurance company from overseas.
FACT - Your insurance plan may not pay foreign doctors or hospitals. Hospitals or doctors overseas may be willing to negotiate with your insurance company. You may have to pre-pay before treatment. Some countries require payment in cash for all medical services before an individual is allowed to leave the country.
MYTH - If I get really sick while I'm on my trip and my insurance won't pay overseas or the hospital doesn't have the equipment to treat me, I'll get the hospital to send me home. My insurance or the government will pay because it is an emergency.
FACT - Many health insurance plans don't cover the cost of returning you to the United States. Returning a seriously ill patient may require a chartered jet at a cost of $30,000 or more depending on condition and distance from the United States. Payment is the responsibility of the patient or his family.
