What Is A Non-Emergency Medical Flight?

 

If your loved one needs a medical transfer but is in stable condition, a non-emergency medical flight may be the safest and most comfortable option. These flights provide medical oversight without the urgency or intensity of an emergency medevac.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about non-emergency medical flights — what they are, who benefits from them, and the different types available. You’ll also learn how costs are determined, what insurance might cover, and how to arrange a flight tailored to your medical needs.

If your loved one is medically stable but not able to fly on a commercial flight, REVA provides professional non-emergency medical flights with safe, reliable care from takeoff to landing. Contact us today to arrange a non-emergency air ambulance– we’re here to make a difficult time easier for your family.

Understanding Non-Emergency Medical Flights

A non-emergency medical flight serves patients who have been ill or injured, received treatment, and are in stable condition, but not well enough to travel alone on a commercial airline.

In these cases, patients may:

• Travel via a commercial medical escort, accompanied by a flight nurse or paramedic
• Be transferred on an air ambulance staffed with a medical team.

Though the patient may not need critical care, they still require monitoring and support during the flight.

Who Can Benefit from A Non-Emergency Medical Flight?

Anyone recovering from a medical condition and unable to travel solo may benefit from a non-emergency air medical transport, including:

• Travelers recovering from illness or injury abroad 
• Elderly patients who need extra assistance
• Individuals with chronic conditions that are stable but need in-flight monitoring
• Post-surgical patients who are stable but not ready to travel unaccompanied

Types of Non-Emergency Medical Flights

There are several types of non-emergency medical flights:

Commercial Medical Escorts

This can also include a commercial medical stretcher escort. If the patient is stable enough and the airline permits it, the airline can reserve a number of rows and seats in the back of the aircraft. A stretcher system can then be set up so the patient can be safely secured for the duration of the flight. A medical team is positioned next to the patient throughout the flight to provide care if needed.

Air Ambulance Flights

Private air ambulances are medically equipped and staffed by a basic-level medical team, including flight nurses and paramedics. While it doesn’t carry the full equipment of a critical care unit, it provides a safe, controlled environment for stable patients who need medical oversight during flight.

Private Medical Jets

This is a variation of a commercial medical escort. It typically involves a chartered jet where the individual is able to walk on, accompanied by a flight nurse or paramedic. It’s crucial that the patient is stable. Also, if they require oxygen or oxygen canisters, the jet must be hazmat-approved. We can’t simply walk onto any jet with oxygen bottles unless it meets those requirements.

How Much Does a Non-Emergency Medical Flight Cost?

The cost of a non-emergency medical flight depends on several factors:

• Type of flight (medical escort, air ambulance, or private jet)
• Distance, takeoff location, and destination
• Required medical equipment or staffing (e.g., physician, specialized treatment)
• Permits and logistical fees (fuel, landing fees, immigration clearance)
• Insurance coverage, including travel or health insurance

How to Arrange a Non-Emergency Medical Flight

Arranging a non-emergency medical flight is very similar to arranging an emergency air ambulance flight. You can:

• Speak with your insurance or travel assistance provider
• Contact a medical flight provider like REVA 

Here’s what you can expect when you arrange a non-emergency medical flight:

1. Medical intake by a nurse
2. Assessment to determine if the patient is fit to fly
3. Crew and aircraft selection
4. Coordination with pilots, operators, and medical personnel

At REVA, we treat every case as a critical care transport, regardless of urgency.

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Medical Flights

There are several key differences between emergency and non-emergency medical flights: 

Non-emergency medical flights: 

• Patient is stable
• Patient may not need oxygen or IV
• Patient can walk onto aircraft

Emergency medical flights: 

• Patient is in critical condition
• Patient may be on a ventilator, cardiac monitor, IV drips
• Patient may need stretcher or full life support

Regardless of urgency, medical flights carry similar equipment to be prepared for any changes in the patient’s condition.

Alternatives to Non-Emergency Medical Flights

Depending on geographic location and patient stability, alternatives to non-emergency medical flights include:

• Ground ambulance
• Train or ferry
• Private boat transport (e.g., from a private island)
• Private car service with enough space for patient comfort

No matter the mode of transportation, we never jeopardize the safety or the care of the patient.

Arrange A Non-Emergency Medical Flight with REVA

If your loved one is in stable condition but cannot fly on a commercial aircraft, they may benefit from a non-emergency medical flight. REVA provides trusted medical flights for patients of all acuity levels, keeping them safe and stable in the air until they reach their destination.

Contact REVA today to arrange a non-emergency medical flight. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, coordinate insurance coverage, and make a stressful time easier for your family.