High-Risk Pregnancy Abroad: Air Ambulance Transfer
A pregnancy complication during a stay abroad is a delicate situation. We coordinate the medical transfer of the mother with the right expertise, in close agreement with the obstetric team.
Airlines apply restrictions to pregnant passengers that vary by company and by stage of pregnancy, and a complication abroad often leaves no standard option. An air ambulance can be considered when the obstetric team agrees that the transfer is safe and useful. We coordinate with the treating obstetrician and the receiving maternity, and organize the crew and equipment the situation requires.
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
- Complication during a pregnancy while abroad, with the wish to continue care closer to home
- Transfer to a maternity with a neonatal intensive care unit
- Threatened premature labor, when the obstetric team judges that a transfer is possible
- Return home of a pregnant patient who cannot travel on a commercial flight
How the transport is organized
Before the flight
- Review of the obstetric file and recent examinations with the treating obstetrician
- Fitness-to-fly assessment by our coordinating physician, with the obstetric team
- Coordination with the receiving maternity and its neonatal unit
- Transfer from the hospital to the aircraft, on a stretcher and in a comfortable position
On board
- Medical crew with obstetric or neonatal expertise when relevant
- Continuous monitoring of the mother's vital signs
- Oxygen and emergency equipment for the mother and, if needed, for a newborn
- Cabin pressure and comfort managed according to the situation
Fitness to fly and timing
Whether and when to fly depends on the pregnancy stage, the nature of the complication and the obstetric team's opinion. The decision is never taken by us alone: it rests with the obstetrician, the receiving team and our coordinating physician together.
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
Sometimes, if the obstetric team considers that the transfer is safe and useful. Our coordinating physician reviews the file with the treating obstetrician before any flight is confirmed.
Airlines apply restrictions that vary by company and by stage of pregnancy, and they may refuse a passenger with a complication. An air ambulance is organized around the patient's needs, with a medical crew.
Yes. A newborn can be transferred with a specialist neonatal team and an incubator — see our pediatric and neonatal transfer service.
A medical situation abroad can't wait.
Our coordinators are available right now — every day, at any hour.