Dealing with medical situations and emergencies can be highly stressful and emotional. If it involves travel of some kind, or transport across medical facilities, it gets even harder.
If you wish to charter a medical flight for your loved one, this guide outlines the steps to take, covering everything from assessing medical needs to coordinating with the medical transport team.
Whether for a non-emergency medical transfer or a more urgent need, understanding the process and knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth and safe journey for your loved one.
How to Arrange a Medical Transport Flight for a Family Member: 7 Steps
Let’s get to the details.
Step 1: Assess the Medical Needs
Evaluate the patient’s medical needs and current condition. Consult with healthcare providers to understand the patient’s health status and any specific medical requirements during the flight. This assessment will help determine the level of medical care needed and the most suitable type of medical transport.
For example, a patient with respiratory issues may need oxygen support and a respiratory therapist. In contrast, a patient with cardiac conditions may require a cardiac monitor and a nurse specialized in cardiac care.
Step 2: Understand Various Medical Transport Options
Medical transport flights are specialized services designed to provide safe and comfortable transportation for patients needing medical care during travel. These flights range from private medical jets equipped with advanced medical facilities to commercial medical flights offering necessary medical support.
Types of Medical Flights
- Emergency Medical Flights:
- Used in critical situations requiring immediate medical attention.
- Often referred to as air ambulances.
- Equipped with advanced medical equipment similar to that of an ICU.
- Staffed by highly trained personnel, including paramedics, nurses, and sometimes doctors.
- Non-Emergency Medical Flights:
- For patients who need medical supervision but are not in immediate danger or require urgent care.
- Ideal for long-distance travel for treatments, follow-up appointments, or relocation to specialized care facilities.
- Can be arranged on private medical jets or commercial medical flights, depending on the patient’s needs and budget.
Choosing Between Private Medical Jets and Commercial Medical Flights
- Private Medical Jets:
- Offer high privacy, comfort, and personalized medical care.
- Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
- Staffed by dedicated medical professionals.
- Can fly to smaller airports closer to healthcare facilities, reducing travel time and stress.
- Example: A cancer patient traveling 1,000 miles for specialized treatment may benefit from a private medical jet, ensuring comfort and continuous medical care.
- Commercial Medical Flights:
- Involve booking a commercial airline seat and arranging for medical support during the flight.
- More cost-effective than renting a private jet.
- Suitable for stable patients needing medical supervision during the journey.
- Example: An elderly patient with mobility issues traveling 300 miles for a routine check-up may use a commercial medical flight with a nurse’s assistance.
Step 3: Choose The Right Type For Your Needs
We know this can be a tricky part, so here are some pointers to help you out.
Distance
- For long-distance travel (over 500 miles), private medical jets are often more suitable due to their speed and direct routes.
- For shorter distances, commercial flights may be a cost-effective option.
Medical Needs
- Patients requiring intensive medical care should opt for private medical jets equipped with advanced medical facilities.
- Stable patients with less critical needs can consider commercial flights with medical support.
Budget
- Private medical jets can cost between $10,000 to $50,000 for a one-way trip, depending on the distance and medical requirements.
- Commercial medical flights are generally more affordable, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the level of medical support needed.
Step 4: Find a Reputable Medical Transport Service
Look for medical transport companies with a strong reputation & positive reviews, and also check for credentials and certifications.
Verify that the company has the necessary certifications, such as ARGUS and Wyvern ratings, that evaluate the safety of charter operators and licenses to operate medical transport flights. This includes the staff’s qualifications and the medical staff’s experience.
Ask Questions
- What medical equipment is available on board?
- What are the qualifications of the medical staff?
- How do you handle medical emergencies during the flight?
- Do you provide customized charters aligning with our source & destination?
- If ground transportation is required at any point, will you provide the same?
- What is the cost structure, and are there any additional fees?
Step 5: Prepare for the Flight
Collect all necessary paperwork, including:
- Medical Records: Detailed medical history, current medications, prescriptions, and treatment plans. If you have any doctor’s letters, carry them along.
- Insurance Information: Verify coverage for medical transport flights and obtain any required pre-authorization.
- Travel Documents: Passports, visas, and any other required travel documents.
Pack Essentials
Prepare a list of essentials for the patient and accompanying family members, such as:
- Medications and medical supplies
- Comfortable clothing and personal items
- Snacks and hydration
- Entertainment (books, tablets, etc.)
Consider Special Needs: International Flights
When arranging a medical transport flight for international travel, there are several additional considerations to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for the patient and their family. Here are the key aspects to keep in mind:
International travel involves clearing customs and immigration in departure and arrival countries. Ensure that all necessary travel documents, such as passports, visas, and medical certificates, are in order. A private medical jet provider often assists with these formalities, expediting the process and reducing stress for the patient and their family.
Note: If traveling to a country where the primary language differs, consider arranging for translation services to facilitate communication with medical staff and authorities.
Step 6: Consider Cost and Insurance
Medical transport flights can be expensive. Private medical jets can range from $10,000 to $50,000 for a one-way trip, while commercial medical flights typically cost between $3,000 and $10,000. This can vary based on additional factors.
Insurance Coverage
- Review your health insurance policy thoroughly to understand the coverage available for medical transport flights.
- Look for specific provisions for air ambulance services, non-emergency medical flights, and international medical transport.
- Many insurance policies require pre-authorization for medical transport flights. Contact your insurance provider to obtain any necessary pre-authorization forms and ensure they are completed and submitted promptly.
- Remember that some policies may cap the amount they will pay for air transport, while others may exclude certain types of flights or medical conditions.
- If you have multiple insurance policies, such as primary and secondary coverage, coordinate with both providers to determine how benefits will be applied.
- If your insurance coverage is insufficient to cover the full cost of the medical transport flight, explore financial assistance programs that may be available.
- Submit all required documentation promptly to facilitate the claims process and ensure timely reimbursement.
Step 7: Prepare for the Day of the Flight
Follow a checklist to ensure all preparations are complete.
Pre-Flight Checklist
- Confirm flight details with the medical transport company.
- Ensure all necessary documentation is ready.
- Pack all essential items for the patient and accompanying family members.
- Arrange for reliable ground transportation to and from the airport at both the departure and arrival locations.
- Communicate with the receiving medical facility in advance to ensure they are prepared for the patient’s arrival. Provide them with detailed information about the patient’s medical condition, treatment plan, and any specific requirements.
During Travel
- The medical team will monitor the patient’s condition and provide necessary care.
- The flight may include stops for refueling or crew changes, depending on the distance.
- If you require anything on board, communicate with the medical team or the provider.
Private Medical Jets With JetOptions
Our medical charter jets are specialized aircraft equipped with advanced facilities and have trained medical personnel to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care while in transit.
The travel schedule, route, and source and destination points are at the patient’s convenience.
Amenities On Board
Our medical jets are flying hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and experienced medical professionals.
Some of the amenities you can expect on board are:
- Critical Medical Equipment: Ventilators, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, and oxygen systems, ensuring patients receive all the necessary medical care during the flight.
- Comfortable interiors with well-lit, spacious cabins, comfortable seating, and noise-reducing to create a peaceful environment.
- Highly trained medical personnel such as paramedics, nurses, and sometimes doctors.
- Additional customization allows for configuring the cabin layout, selecting the appropriate medical equipment, and arranging for specialized medical staff.
Common Types of Private Aircraft You Can Charter
Several types of aircraft are common, each offering best-in-class flying experience for doctors, medical staff, and family if required. Some of these include:
- Heavy Jets: Ideal for long-distance medical transport, heavy jets provide spacious cabins and superior range.
- Example: Gulfstream G650 offers luxurious interiors and state-of-the-art technology, perfect for international patient transfers.
- Super-Midsize Jets: Combining range and efficiency, super-midsize jets are great for cross-country trips.
- Example: Learjet 60 is known for its speed and comfortable interiors, often equipped with advanced medical facilities.
- Midsize Jets: Balanced for shorter medical flights, midsize jets are great for quick turnarounds and have solid performance.
- Example: Learjet 45 offers speed and efficiency for regional patient transport.
- Turboprops: Versatile and reliable, turboprops are excellent for accessing remote areas. Turboprops are smaller jets in size comparatively and cost-friendly as well.
- Example: King Air 350 features a comfortable cabin and short-runway capability, making it ideal for rural or isolated locations.
What’s More?
- Book any aircraft, anytime, anywhere, often in 2-3 hours or less.
- Fly without worries on aircraft rated above FAA standards for safety and operation through ARGUS and Wyvern and carry $50,000,000 to $250,000,000 in insurance.
- Avail 24/7 Complimentary Concierge services such as Medical Staff Escorts, Security, Ground Transportation, Hotels, and more.
- Access an Aviation Account Executive 24/7.
- Get optimum rates in the market without sacrificing safety.
- Premium aircraft condition is guaranteed.
- Fly in authentic one-way charters, and one-way rates are guaranteed. (Restricted to specific routes)
- Get a complimentary upgrade when available.
Get in touch with us so that we can comfortably plan your medical travel. Let us do all the work for you!
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