Who Qualifies For International Patient Transport
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- Posted date:
- 30-06-2023
Who qualifies for international patient transport? From critical care cases to medical repatriation, discover the conditions that warrant international patient transfer. Medical Repatriation offer international patient transport for worldwide medical repatriation by air. Understand the specialized services available for individuals requiring medical attention while abroad.
What is necessary for overseas patient transportation?
Administrative Documents
When undertaking overseas patient transportation, it is imperative to ensure that all the required administrative documents are in order. Regardless of whether you are travelling within your home country or abroad, proper identification papers, including ID and passport, are necessary.
Additionally, if applicable, obtaining a travel visa is essential. We are here to assist you in navigating the administrative procedures, including helping you apply for emergency visas, should the need arise.
Fitness To Fly
Before flying, the patient's medical condition is carefully assessed to determine whether they are fit to fly. This assessment is particularly crucial when considering overseas patient transportation, especially if our medical escort service utilises commercial airliners.
Pre-existing medical conditions such as recent surgical wounds, psychiatric issues, respiratory problems, or infectious diseases can be exacerbated by the airport's bustling crowds and rush, as well as the unfamiliar environment of the cabin, which often has low levels of humidity and oxygen.
These factors may render the patient unfit to fly, as the medical attention, equipment, and medication available onboard a scheduled airliner may not be sufficient in the event of an emergency.
Based on the fit-to-fly assessment, we can determine the specialised drugs and medical equipment that the patient's medical escort will be permitted to carry, following the guidelines of the respective airline. Additionally, this assessment helps us determine if a commercial stretcher, allowing the patient to lie down during the flight, should be provided.
In cases where an ambulance jet is used for overseas patient transportation, we can supply specialised medical equipment and dispatch a specialist medical crew tailored to the patient's condition. Depending on the situation, this may include a coronavirus isolation unit, a pediatric incubator, or adjustments to air pressure to alleviate the adverse effects of cabin pressure for patients with pulmonary issues.
COVID-19 Travel Documents
Considering the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on international travel, it is important to be prepared with the appropriate Covid-19 travel documents. This may include providing Covid-19 test results, vaccination records, or digital vaccine certificates, depending on the requirements of your destination.
It is crucial to verify the acceptance of the specific Covid-19 test before undergoing testing. By ensuring fitness to fly, organising the required administrative documents, and providing the necessary Covid-19 travel documents, we aim to facilitate a smooth and secure overseas patient transportation experience.
What is needed for international patient transport?
Illnesses and injuries are unforeseeable events in life. Even if individuals are in perfect health, they can suddenly become critically ill or severely injured. In such unfortunate circumstances, overseas patient transportation to a better-equipped healthcare facility may become necessary.
Whether it is travelling long distances for diagnostic procedures or receiving advanced/specialized medical care, there are key requirements to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Overseas Patient Transportation
There are two main options for overseas patient transportation: medical repatriation and medical evacuation, with medical tourism being a subcategory of the latter.
Despite their differences, all three options share the same primary goal: to receive urgent or specialized medical care in better-equipped healthcare facilities.
The choice between medical repatriation and medical evacuation depends on the patient's specific medical condition, the level of care required, and other factors determined by healthcare professionals.
COVID-19 Travel Documents
In the current global health landscape, additional considerations are necessary to address the Covid-19 pandemic.
Patients may be required to provide specific Covid-19 travel documents, such as negative test results, vaccination records, or digital vaccine certificates, depending on the regulations of the destination country.
It is crucial to stay updated on the travel requirements and ensure compliance with all necessary Covid-19 protocols.
Administrative Documents
Sharing the necessary administrative documents is a crucial requirement for international patient transport. These documents include proper identification papers such as passports, visas (if required), and any relevant medical records.
These documents help facilitate a smooth transition through customs and immigration processes, ensuring seamless travel arrangements for the patient.
Fit-To-Fly Assessment
Before undertaking international patient transport, a comprehensive fit-to-fly assessment is essential. This assessment evaluates the patient's medical condition to determine if they are fit to travel.
It takes into consideration factors such as recent injuries, underlying medical conditions, or any other health issues that may affect their ability to safely endure the journey. The assessment helps ensure that appropriate medical arrangements and support are in place during transportation.
Options For A Medical Transport Abroad
Ground Ambulance Assistance
To ensure maximum care and convenience, Medical Air Service provides assistance during the entire journey, including transportation to and from the airport. On the day of the flight, if required, a ground ambulance will be arranged to pick up the patient either from their home or the hospital.
Similarly, at the destination country, arrangements can be made for an ambulance to transport the patient from the airport to their hotel, home, hospital, or any other specified location. This comprehensive assistance ensures that patients are accompanied by professionals every step of the way, eliminating the need to coordinate ground transportation and travel logistics in both countries.
Air Ambulances for Complex Cases
While medical escorts offer assistance and care during flights, their services are limited to cases where the patient's condition is not too critical. However, for individuals in a more critical condition, the option of travelling via an air ambulance is available. An air ambulance is an aircraft equipped with the latest medical equipment, enabling even critical care unit patients to travel to another location.
What sets air ambulances apart is that all flights organised by medical air services have a doctor on board. This means that the patient is under constant medical supervision from a professional who can intervene immediately if any complications arise. Furthermore, air ambulances are chartered specifically for the patient, ensuring a private and readily available mode of transport that can reach any location worldwide. The availability of air ambulances provides a high level of medical support and ensures a safe journey for patients requiring intensive care during transport.
By offering both ground ambulance assistance and air ambulance services, air services caters to a range of medical transport needs. Their commitment to providing comprehensive care, along with the presence of medical professionals throughout the journey, ensures that patients receive the necessary attention and support, making the transport process as smooth and safe as possible.
What Is The Cost Of International Patient Transport?
The cost of international patient transport can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include the type of service, aircraft type, the distance between sending and receiving locations, countries travelled to and traversed, as well as the patient's medical condition and the urgency of the medical evacuation.
Costs typically encompass fuel charges, landing fees, flyover permits, mileage costs, medical equipment and medications, oxygen supply, international fees, international handlers, airport taxes, and other expenses associated with international medical flights.
For example, when considering travel from Europe to New York, estimated costs in British currency could range from £10,000 to £25,000 for international airline medical escorts, £25,000 to £55,000 for international airline medical stretcher transports, and £35,000 to over £75,000 for international air ambulances.
To receive an accurate quote tailored to your specific requirements, contact our experienced case managers. With one call, our dedicated team can gather the necessary information and promptly provide you with an exact quote for all the services required to safely repatriate your international patient.
International Patient Transport
If you would like to find out any further information about our International Patient Transport Services to UK residents, our friendly team are always on hand to answer your questions and give our customers peace of mind.