Air Ambulance & Medical Repatriation FAQs
Answers to Air Ambulance & Medevac Questions
Your Guide to Air Ambulance FAQs
Searching for reliable answers about air ambulance services? These Air Ambulance FAQs explain what to expect—clearly and simply. At SkyCare, we’ve supported hundreds of families, insurers, and hospitals through medical repatriations. This section brings together the most common questions, so you can feel confident before taking the next step.
What Do Air Ambulance Services Include?
We don’t just fly patients—we manage the entire journey. Every air ambulance mission includes a clinical team, critical care equipment, and all ground transfers. Our team also works with hospitals on both sides to ensure seamless coordination.
Looking for trusted answers about air ambulance, medevac, or medical repatriation services? This FAQ section covers the most common questions — clearly, quickly, and with real clinical insight.
SkyCare has supported hundreds of patients, families, and case managers across Europe and beyond. These FAQs explain what’s involved in medical flights, who qualifies, and what to expect before, during, and after the journey.
Common Questions About Air Ambulance & Medical Flights
The cost of an air ambulance depends on several key factors — including the patient’s condition, departure and arrival locations, clinical requirements, and aircraft availability. Prices for a medical repatriation flight within Europe typically start from £5,000–£35,000, while longer routes or intensive care transfers will cost more.
At SkyCare, we provide fixed-price, all-inclusive quotes so you know exactly what’s covered — including medical crew, equipment, ground ambulances, and coordination. To get an accurate price based on your needs, you can request a personalised quote online.
An air ambulance is a medically equipped aircraft used to transport patients who need urgent or specialist medical care during flight. It functions like a flying intensive care unit (ICU) and is staffed by doctors, paramedics, or nurses trained in in-flight critical care.
SkyCare operates air ambulances across the UK, Europe, and internationally, ensuring fast, safe, and clinically managed transfers for both critical and non-critical patients. In addition to emergency missions, we also support private clients and high-net-worth individuals seeking discreet, personalised medical transport with enhanced comfort.
You can take a virtual tour of our aircraft to explore the onboard setup, or meet the SkyCare team who deliver expert care on every journey.
An air ambulance is necessary when a patient cannot safely travel by commercial airline due to their medical condition, or when urgent medical evacuation is required between hospitals, countries, or remote locations.
Typical scenarios include:
Neonatal and paediatric emergencies
Stroke or trauma recovery
Rapid access to specialist treatment abroad
Air ambulance services are also essential for immunocompromised patients, those requiring isolation, or anyone who cannot obtain a commercial fit-to-fly certificate. In these cases, a private air ambulance or medical flight with escort is often the only safe and clinically approved option.
You can read more in our guide to getting home when sick abroad.
Yes — SkyCare provides specialist ICU air ambulance services for patients needing the highest level of in-flight medical support.
Specialist Care for Complex Cases
Our air ambulances are staffed by experienced critical care doctors and ICU-trained nurses. We manage complex medical scenarios such as:
Ventilated or intubated patients
Cardiac monitoring
Continuous IV medication
Post-surgical stabilisation
Advanced Equipment Onboard
We carry a full suite of intensive care equipment, including ABG monitors, defibrillators, infusion pumps, and emergency medication. Each ICU repatriation is led by a consultant-level ITU physician, ensuring hospital-level care from departure to arrival.
Our mission is to deliver safe, seamless air ambulance repatriation for critically ill patients—wherever they are in the world.
Learn more about our intensive care air ambulance service here.
Yes — we operate dedicated paediatric and neonatal air ambulance services for infants and children of all ages. These missions are led by specialist clinicians trained in paediatric intensive care, supported by advanced equipment such as neonatal incubators, ventilators, and temperature-controlled systems.
Whether it’s a premature baby needing transfer between neonatal units or a child requiring medical repatriation from abroad, we ensure safe, clinically managed flights with full in-flight monitoring and care.
Arranging a repatriation is straightforward — and our team is available 24/7 to help you through it. You can contact us via:
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Phone: +44 203 150 3999
Once we receive your request, our operations team gathers patient information, assesses clinical requirements, and provides a fixed quotation tailored to your situation.
If you’re happy to proceed, we handle every detail: medical team selection, ground ambulance booking, flight logistics, and necessary clearances. We also liaise with the sending and receiving hospitals to ensure smooth coordination and continuity of care.
We manage the process from start to finish — so you can focus on supporting your loved one.
Air ambulances can often be dispatched within hours of confirmation — depending on aircraft availability, patient readiness, medical report, and destination logistics.
Our 24/7 operations team works fast to mobilise medical crews, arrange hospital handovers, and secure flight clearances. While timing is influenced by factors like weather, distance, and local airfield permissions, we prioritise rapid response wherever possible.
For urgent missions, contact us now to check real-time aircraft availability and secure a fast, clinically led repatriation.
Each air ambulance flight is staffed with a specialist medical team, carefully matched to the patient’s condition and clinical needs. This typically includes a consultant, doctor, critical care nurse, paramedic, or specialist flight medic. We assign staff using a clinical matrix to ensure both safety and cost accuracy.
For neonatal and paediatric transfers, we may include a neonatal nurse, paediatric intensivist, or other age-specific experts.
All staff are selected based on up-to-date medical reports to ensure the highest standard of care during repatriation.
SkyCare air ambulances are fully equipped to deliver intensive care during flight. Each aircraft carries advanced medical equipment including ventilators, multi-parameter monitors, defibrillators, infusion pumps, oxygen systems, and suction units. This allows our team to provide safe, high-level care for a wide range of medical conditions.
For complex or critical care cases, we also include arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, a full range of emergency medications, and specialist neonatal equipment such as Baby Pods or incubators.
All equipment is tailored to the patient’s clinical needs, ensuring our air ambulance service delivers hospital-level care from take-off to landing.
Yes — SkyCare is fully regulated by both the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These independent bodies conduct regular inspections to ensure we meet strict standards in medical care, safety, and operational delivery.
We also operate exclusively through certified air carriers who comply with UK and international aviation medical standards. Every medical repatriation flight is delivered in line with best practices for air ambulance care.
SkyCare is currently on the pathway to EURAMI accreditation, further demonstrating our commitment to global benchmarks in aeromedical excellence.
Because of this high-level compliance, patients and families can trust us to handle every step — from clinical approvals to in-flight care — with safety, discretion, and professionalism.
Available 24/7 to guide you through medical repatriation — fast answers, expert support, complete coordination.
Need Help with a Medical Repatriation?
Need help arranging air ambulance repatriation or medical evacuation? Our team is ready to support you with fast, medically-led repatriation flights across the UK, Europe, and worldwide. Whether it’s an emergency or planned transfer, we coordinate every step — from hospital bedside to safe arrival home.
As a trusted provider of private air ambulance services, we offer expert clinical teams, ICU-equipped aircraft, and 24/7 assistance. Reach out now to get personalised advice, a clear quote, and immediate peace of mind.
👉 Get Help NowSearch below to explore the countries and territories we currently serve for medical repatriation and air ambulance transport. New regions are added regularly — contact us if your location is not yet listed.
Where We Can Arrange Air Ambulance Flights
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What our clients say.
Airport-to-Hospital Medical Transfer in London
Straightforward and genuine. Craig helped us get our mum safely from the airport to the hospital. Highly recommended.
Commercial Medical Escort from Boston, MA to London
SkyCare made a complex overseas transfer from Boston to London feel effortless. Craig and Sarah were outstanding — calm, professional, and always in touch. They handled everything, from visas to flight logistics, with genuine care and attention. The costs were very reasonable, but it was their empathy and support for both patient and family that made all the difference. I can’t recommend them enough.
Vietnam to London — Medical Repatriation by SkyCare.
Fantastic professional company. We couldn’t have done this without them. My friend suffered a stroke and was paralysed on the right side. Due to a technicality, his insurance wouldn’t cover repatriation, so we had to go private. If anyone is ever in the same position, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend SkyCare. They made a stressful situation feel manageable, and I’m so grateful for their calm, capable support throughout.
France to UK — Ski Injury Repatriation by SkyCare.
Fantastic service. I was repatriated from France after a skiing accident with multiple injuries. We contacted Craig at 4am and by 10pm I was home — ground ambulance, air ambulance, and ground ambulance again. Everything went smoothly with incredible medical care and kindness. After two miserable weeks in hospital, I finally felt safe and supported. I cannot thank SkyCare enough and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Vietnam to London — Stroke Repatriation by SkyCare.
Amazing team of people. My brother had a stroke in Vietnam and the insurance company were useless. SkyCare guided me through the process, sorted everything out, and got him safely home. The whole team were fantastic, but special thanks to the medical crew — Adam and Sarah — who flew out and did an incredible job. I can’t recommend SkyCare enough for their calm, professional help in such a difficult time.
UK to Malaysia — Long-Haul Medical Repatriation by SkyCare.
If you’re in the UK looking for a repatriation company, I couldn’t recommend SkyCare enough. They arranged medical transport for my dad from London to Kuala Lumpur — a 12-hour flight. From my first message, they responded quickly and handled all documents and approvals efficiently. Huge thanks to Craig for making everything smooth and to Nurse Nav for caring for my dad the whole way home.
Spain to UK — Stroke Repatriation by SkyCare.
SkyCare were brilliant with us, helping to bring my dad home to England after he suffered a stroke in Spain. From the moment we reached out to the day of the repatriation itself, the entire team showed professionalism, compassion, and expertise. We felt fully supported and reassured throughout the process. Thank you to everyone involved — I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend SkyCare to anyone in a similar situation.
Las Palmas to UK — Air Ambulance Repatriation by SkyCare.
Thank you to Craig and Ben for organising our return home from Las Palmas. My dad was extremely anxious about the process, but everything ran so smoothly at every stage. Mum is now safe in Maidstone Hospital, and she’s just happy to be somewhere she can easily communicate. The whole experience was calm, compassionate, and professional — we really appreciate everything SkyCare did to make it seamless.
— Pete McNair (via email)
France to UK — COVID-Era Medical Repatriation by SkyCare.
From first contact to the final update confirming safe arrival, SkyCare’s care and coordination were second to none. They handled all COVID testing, documents, and border requirements with professionalism and warmth. Repatriating two elderly parents during a pandemic was daunting, but they made the process seamless — even providing journey tracking door to door. Their genuine care and clear communication reassured us at every stage. I highly recommend SkyCare for compassionate international patient transfers.
Cannot thank the team at BM Ambulance enough for getting my Dad home from Spain. Craig/Sarah/James/Emma & Danny were all absolutely amazing. It was a huge 24 hour journey and they made Mum & Dad feel comfortable and safe the entire way. I don’t think my Dad would have made it without your help. He’s still not in the best of health but at least we have him home. We definitely could not have done this without you. Thank you all involved. Amazing people offering a fantastic service. x
BM Ambulance Service helped my son get home after he fell ill in France. They were fantastic from the start to finish. I do hope we never have to go through this again but if you are unfortunate enough to need this, I would highly recommend.
I would have given more than 5 stars if I could have. A big thank you to Craig, Sarah and John for the safe delivery of our much loved mum, mother in law, Nan and great grandmother from Spain after suffering a stroke.
Accreditations
AOC (Air operator certificate) #2480
British Business & General Aviation Association
European Business Aviation Association
