Elderly Patient Abroad: Medical Repatriation by Air Ambulance or Escorted Flight
When an elderly or frail relative falls ill abroad, the family wants to bring them home safely. We organize the transfer — by air ambulance or by a commercial flight with medical escort — according to the patient's condition.
An elderly patient may be hospitalized after a fall, an infection or a worsening chronic condition during a stay abroad. Depending on the medical situation, the best option may be a dedicated air ambulance or, for a stable patient, a scheduled flight with a medical escort. Our coordinating physician compares the options with the treating team and recommends the one that fits, then we organize the transfer end to end, bed to bed.
Our coordinating physician assesses each case together with the on-site medical team to determine the equipment required and the transport mode best suited to the patient's condition.
When we are called in
- Elderly traveler hospitalized after a fall, a fracture or an infection abroad
- Chronic condition that worsens during a stay abroad
- Bringing a frail relative living abroad closer to family
- Return home after a hospital stay, with a medical escort
How the transport is organized
Before the flight
- Collection of the medical file, current treatments and the patient's usual level of autonomy
- Assessment of fitness to fly by our coordinating physician with the treating team
- Choice between air ambulance and commercial flight with medical escort
- Coordination of ground transfers on both sides, and of the receiving hospital or care home
On board
- Medical escort (physician or nurse) for the whole journey
- Stretcher or adapted seating, depending on the patient's condition
- Monitoring, oxygen and medication management
- Comfort and presence of an accompanying relative whenever possible
Fitness to fly and timing
The timing depends on the patient's stability and the reason for the hospital stay. Our coordinating physician discusses it with the treating team and with the family, and explains the options and their respective timelines.
Our team can work directly with the patient's insurer or assistance company to arrange fast coverage — see our dedicated page for insurers and assistance companies.
This page gives general information about how a medical transport is organized and is not medical advice. Every decision is taken by the treating physicians together with our coordinating physician, case by case.
Related services
Common questions
No. For a stable patient, a scheduled flight with a medical escort may be enough. For a patient who is unstable or who cannot sit, a dedicated air ambulance may be recommended. Our coordinating physician compares the options.
Yes, in most cases an accompanying relative can travel with the patient. We organize their travel.
We coordinate with the receiving hospital, or with the care facility chosen by the family, and arrange the ground transfers on both sides.
A medical situation abroad can't wait.
Our coordinators are available right now — every day, at any hour.