Does Insurance Cover Air Ambulance Services?

Air ambulances are expensive, and figuring out what your insurance will (and won’t) pay for can be confusing—especially during a medical emergency. With guidance from REVA, you can coordinate your insurance coverage ahead of time and save thousands.

In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know about air ambulance insurance coverage. You’ll learn what factors impact coverage, how different insurance types apply, and what alternatives exist when coverage falls short.

If you or a loved one needs an air ambulance flight, REVA will coordinate with your insurance provider to reduce your out-of-pocket costs and ensure a stress-free process. Contact us today to learn more about our air ambulance services– we’re here to make a difficult time easier for your family.

What Costs Are Associated with Air Ambulance Services?

Air ambulance services are notoriously expensive. Generally, anyone who pays for an air ambulance out of pocket would pay thousands of dollars. However, if you have commercial private insurance, your out-of-pocket responsibility may be limited to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

The cost of an air ambulance may be influenced by the following factors:

• Distance of the flight 
• Type of medical team onboard (standard vs. specialized)
• Level of emergency
• Cabin pressure needs, such as sea level pressurization for patients with brain injuries or strokes

Additional costs may include ground ambulance transfers, medical equipment, and pre-flight coordination, especially for international flights.

Types of Insurance Coverage for Air Ambulance Services

Coverage for air ambulance services can vary based on the type of insurance, the patient’s medical condition, and whether the transport is deemed medically necessary. Understanding your insurance policy’s fine print is essential to avoid unexpected costs.

Private Insurance

Private insurance typically does cover air ambulance services under several conditions:

• The service must be medically necessary
• It must be authorized in advance, except in emergencies
• The provider should ideally be in-network

Even with coverage, you may still be responsible for:

• Deductibles: The amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
• Co-insurance: A percentage of the total bill (e.g., 20%) that you’re responsible for after the deductible is met.
• Out-of-pocket maximums: Once this limit is reached, your insurer covers 100% of the remaining costs for the year.

Your insurer may deny coverage if the flight was not pre-approved or deemed not medically necessary, so documentation and authorization are essential.

Government Insurance 

Federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid may cover air ambulance services under certain criteria:

• The flight must be necessary to access medical care that cannot be provided locally
• The patient’s condition must warrant immediate and rapid transport
• Services must be authorized and rendered by an approved provider

Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved amount after the Part B deductible is met, with the remaining 20% as the patient’s responsibility. Medicare may also impose restrictions on international air ambulance flights, so be sure to check your specific policy details.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is separate from private insurance and is especially important when traveling internationally, as standard health plans may not provide coverage outside your home country. Here’s what you should know:

• When both travel and private insurance are available, travel insurance is typically considered primary.
• Travel insurance may cover both medical evacuation and repatriation to your home country.
• Unlike health insurance, travel policies may also cover non-medical situations, such as emergency return due to political unrest or natural disaster.
• Travel insurance and health insurance cannot be combined for double reimbursement. One policy will take precedence—usually the travel insurance for out-of-country incidents.

Factors That Affect Insurance Coverage for Air Ambulance Services

Even if you have insurance, coverage for air ambulance transport isn’t guaranteed. Several factors can impact whether your air ambulance service is approved and paid for by your insurer:

• Prior authorization and approval may be required for non-emergencies.
• Medical necessity must be proven based on your condition and insurer’s guidelines.
• Emergency services generally don’t require pre-authorization, but pre-determination is recommended.

It’s also important to find out whether your air ambulance provider is In-network or out-of-network with your insurance company. For example, REVA is in-network with:

• Florida Blue
• Humana
• Medicare
• United Healthcare

If you have other commercial insurance, your plan may be considered out-of-network, and your deductible and out-of-pocket cost will be much higher.

Your insurance policy may also have exclusions for air ambulance services, which are listed in your benefits package. For instance, if you leave the country for a cosmetic or dental procedure, any complications requiring air ambulance services might not be covered.

Alternatives to Insurance Coverage for Air Ambulance Services

If your insurance plan doesn’t cover air ambulance services, or if coverage is denied, you have several options:

• Pay out-of-pocket, though this is usually extremely expensive
• Crowdfunding (e.g., via GoFundMe)
• State or federal aid, including help from your senator or representative
• Single Case Agreements (SCAs): A one-time negotiated agreement between your provider and insurance company to ensure coverage and guarantee payment for a specific situation

Arrange Air Ambulance Services with REVA

When a medical emergency strikes, REVA is your loved one’s lifeline in the sky. Our team works directly with your insurance provider to coordinate coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs—so you can focus on your family member’s recovery.

Contact REVA today to arrange air ambulance services for your loved one.