When you’re injured in another country, all you want is to safely return home. Jumping on the next available flight may seem like the fastest solution, but it isn’t always the safest.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to plan your journey home after an injury abroad, including tips about when it’s safe to fly and how medical repatriation works. You’ll also learn how to prepare for international travel, and why air ambulance services are the best choice in critical situations.
If you or a loved one has been injured while traveling, contact REVA to arrange a safe, reliable air ambulance flight home. Our air ambulances are equipped like flying ICUs and staffed by in-flight paramedics, providing attentive care in the air until landing at your destination.
Steps to Take After an Accident Abroad
If you’ve been injured while traveling internationally, it’s important to act quickly. Follow these steps to protect your health and safely return home:
- Seek medical help immediately. Your health is your top priority—get evaluated and treated as soon as possible.
- Notify local authorities. File any necessary police or incident reports to document the accident.
- Contact your country’s embassy or consulate. They can assist with local resources, travel documentation, and help you communicate with your family.
- Notify your insurance provider. Begin the claims process to find out which medical transport services may be covered under your policy.
Can You Fly After an Injury Abroad?
Flying too soon after an injury can be dangerous. While returning home immediately may be your first instinct, it’s important to get evaluated by a medical professional to determine which travel options are safe.
By flying too soon after an injury or illness, you could risk:
- Lack of proper oxygen support on commercial flights
- Altitude and cabin pressure complications, especially for patients who need a sea-level cabin
- Worsening of symptoms or injuries due to lack of in-flight care
- Delays in treatment if symptoms escalate during travel
Each airline has its own rules and medical clearance requirements. Even if you are cleared by a doctor, you may still need approval from the airline and verification that the aircraft can accommodate your condition.
For patients who are not cleared for commercial flights—or for whom a commercial medical escort is not appropriate—air ambulance flights offer a safer alternative. These aircraft are designed to care for critically ill or injured patients, staffed with flight nurses, paramedics, and physicians to keep them safe and stable.
Medical Repatriation Explained: International Transport Options
Medical repatriation flights return an injured or ill patient to their home country, providing in-flight medical care to keep them safe and stable. Several modes of transport may be available depending on the patient’s condition:
Commercial Medical Escort
- A trained medical professional flies with the patient on a commercial airline.
- Best for patients who are stable, able to sit upright, and don’t need intensive care.
- Some airlines offer stretcher accommodations, blocking off rows of seats to transport patients who cannot sit upright.
Air Ambulance
- A specialized aircraft outfitted as a flying ICU.
- Staffed with critical care flight nurses, paramedics, and often physicians.
- Ideal for patients who cannot sit, walk, or safely tolerate a commercial flight.
- Provides life support, oxygen, medications, and continuous monitoring from takeoff to landing.
How to Stay Safe While Traveling Abroad
To reduce your risk or injury or illness and prepare for the unexpected, take the following precautions when traveling:
- Purchase a travel insurance policy with medical evacuation coverage. This can reduce your out-of-pocket transport costs and make repatriation smoother.
- Bring enough medication to last longer than your trip, in case of delays or supply issues abroad.
- Know your health limitations and make sure you’re well enough to travel before departing.
- Research safe destinations and follow basic safety practices: wear seat belts, use reputable transportation, and avoid unnecessary risks.
Arrange a REVA Medical Repatriation Flight– Get Home Safely
When you or a loved one suffers an injury or illness far from home, REVA provides safe, dependable medical repatriation services. Our air ambulances are equipped for critical care and staffed by medical professionals, keeping patients stable and comfortable until landing in their home country.
Contact REVA today to arrange a medical repatriation flight and return home safely with attentive in-flight care.