What Are the Types of Medical Repatriation?

When planning a patient’s return from overseas, understanding the types of medical repatriation is essential—not just in terms of the transport itself, but the medical staff who accompany them. Many people assume the main choice is between air ambulance and commercial escort. However, the real clinical decision lies in determining the right grade of care: paramedic, nurse, or doctor.

Clinical Assessment Comes First

At SkyCare, every case is reviewed by our medical team based on complexity, stability, and risk. We liaise directly with the treating hospital to examine discharge notes, scan results, and the patient’s ability to tolerate movement. As a result, we can design a repatriation plan that matches medical needs precisely.

Matching the Escort to the Patient

Therefore, we don’t just choose a vehicle—we assign the right staff. A straightforward fracture may only need a paramedic. But someone recovering from surgery or showing neurological symptoms might require a critical care nurse or even an ICU doctor. In contrast, less complex cases may safely travel on a stretcher with basic monitoring.

Tailored Care for Every Scenario

Whether your situation involves older people, frailty, respiratory issues, or post-operative care, we’ll ensure the safest medical escort is in place. Our team is available 24/7 to advise, plan, and act fast. Above all, our mission is to bring patients home safely—with the right team by their side.

Travel health risks and repatriation decisions can vary by region and condition. For additional background, patients and families can consult the UK government’s official travel health advice before making arrangements.

Level 1Low Acuity

These patients are medically stable and need minimal support during their journey. They are often mobile, conscious, and do not require constant medical supervision. This category typically includes patients with simple fractures, post-operative recovery (with no complications), or older travellers who need some assistance.

Typical Crew: Nurse or paramedic
Transport Type: Commercial medical escort or basic air ambulance
Support: Airport meet-and-greet, assistance with luggage and mobility

Level 2 Medium Acuity

Patients in this category need active medical support and monitoring during travel. They may be oxygen-dependent, recovering from more involved surgery, or managing conditions that could deteriorate in-flight. They are stable but require the presence of a medical professional throughout the journey.

Typical Crew: Paramedic and/or doctor
Transport Type: Dedicated air ambulance
Support: Full ground ambulance, airside access, and medical equipment

Level 3 High Acuity

Level 3 patients have complex medical needs requiring full clinical oversight and possibly intensive care-level interventions. These cases may involve head injuries, stroke, ventilator support, or multi-trauma cases. Our critical care teams manage every detail of stabilisation, monitoring, and advanced care throughout transport.

Typical Crew: Doctor and critical care nurse or paramedic
Transport Type: ICU-grade air ambulance with full life support
Support: Bespoke clinical planning, hospital coordination, specialist transfer

Our Objectives for Every Air Transfer

To move each patient to the right place, at the right time, for the right care — as close to home as possible — using the appropriate team and mode of transport.

To ensure seamless, efficient continuity of care across all stages of the journey.

To deliver every transfer with maximum safety, comfort, and dignity, while minimising pain, anxiety, or distress.

With our own fleet of ground ambulances and dedicated air ambulances, SkyCare delivers high-quality, medically tailored repatriation — always with compassion, dignity, and clinical excellence.

Ready to Arrange a Medical Repatriation?

Our medical repatriation process begins with a clinical review — not guesswork. Every patient is assessed by a senior clinician, who determines the appropriate category of care, crew, and transport plan based on medical stability, risk, and urgency. We handle all communications with the treating hospital, ensure documentation is complete, and coordinate with UK receiving teams for a safe, structured handover.

With SkyCare, families are supported — but the clinical decisions are made by professionals who understand the complexities of in-flight medical care. Whether your loved one needs oxygen, monitoring, mobility assistance or critical care in the air, we assign the right team to deliver a safe, dignified journey home.