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19 August 2022

What is Airline Medical Transport?

Sometimes a patient’s medical condition is such that, while they still need urgent repatriation back to the UK, they don’t need the services of a fully equipped air ambulance. Instead, airline medical transport can be arranged.

We at IAS Medical can arrange airline medical transport in one of two ways, depending on the patient’s condition: bed-to-bed stretcher repatriation in a dedicated medical cabin (also known as a Passenger Transport Compartment, or PTC), or bed-to-bed stretcher repatriation at the back of the airliner. In both cases the patient gets the benefit of a door-to-door ambulance service at both airports, as well as a medical escort who travels with them. We provide airline medical transport in partnership with a number of major commercial airlines, arranging all aspects of the flight including ticketing for the patient and their companion; pre-flight medical clearance; oxygen approval and priority boarding.

Another option, although only suitable for the least severe cases, is medical escort repatriation. Providing a tremendous saving over the cost of a private air ambulance, the patient and their medical escort are accommodated in conventional seats on board a scheduled airliner. Although the level of medical care is very basic, and thus only suitable for non-serious cases, the patient still gets the services of an aero-medically trained escort, who will monitor and assist them during the flight, and help relieve their anxiety. This type of airline medical transport is ideal for patients with minor neurological or orthopaedic injuries, behavioural disorders and ambulatory problems.

There are many benefits to airline medical transport, not least the reduction in cost over a dedicated air ambulance, especially over long distances. Since airliners don’t generally have to stop for refuelling, the repatriation process can be speeded up, especially if it’s a direct flight between major commercial hubs. Unlike an air ambulance, where space is at a premium, the patient’s luggage and family can travel home with them (provided seats are available.)

How is this calculated?

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Overview

If you need to arrange medical transport, the last thing you should be worrying about is money, so here at IAS Medical we offer all-inclusive prices to help you understand exactly what to expect. The cost of an air ambulance will depend on your individual circumstances, with prices depending on the following factors:

  • The patient’s location and the distance they need to travel
  • The type of aircraft needed
  • The number of medical staff required
  • The airport landing fees
  • The journey required by ground ambulance

The cost of medical crew

The overall cost of booking an air ambulance depends on various factors, including the number of medical staff required and the expertise needed to support the patient’s medical needs.

As an indication of how this affects the overall cost of an air ambulance, the cost of recruiting medical experts is as follows:

  • Flight Surgeons: £700 per day
  • Doctors: £700 per day
  • Nurses: £350 per day
  • Paramedics: £350 per day

The cost of our aircraft

Prices will depend on the type of aircraft you need to book, according to the clinical needs of the patient, the size of aircraft required and the equipment needed on board. Prices will also vary depending on how many people would like to accompany the patient on their journey, although this may not be possible depending on the patient’s medical condition.

For non-serious cases, there is often a choice of aircraft, in which case we will use the most cost-effective aircraft available.

The cost of airport landing fees

All airports charge landing and aircraft handling fees, which will impact on the overall cost of your medical transport. There may also be extension fees to keep the airport open, as well as aircraft de-icing fees.

We provide air ambulances from major airports right across the world, so we can get as close as possible to the patient’s hospital ward. We then use an RAF airport for flights into London, which helps to keep air ambulance costs as manageable as possible.

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