Does Travel Insurance Cover Air Ambulance Services?

When medical emergencies happen abroad, the care you need may not be nearby — or even accessible by road. In those critical moments, an air ambulance can be the only way to get you to a hospital with the resources to treat your condition. But air ambulance transport is expensive, and most travelers have the same question: Is this covered by my travel insurance?

The answer is: sometimes, but not always. Understanding when air ambulance services are included, what conditions apply, and how the claims process works can help you make informed choices and avoid six-figure bills during an already stressful situation.

What Is an Air Ambulance?

An air ambulance is a medically equipped aircraft staffed with doctors, nurses, or paramedics, used to transport patients who are too sick or injured to travel by commercial airline or ground ambulance. These flights are often the only option in remote areas or when immediate treatment is required at a distant facility.

Air ambulance services may be used to:

Transfer a patient from a local hospital to a larger or better-equipped medical center
Respond to a critical accident in a remote or rural region
Return a stable patient to their home country for further treatment (repatriation)

When Travel Insurance Covers Air Ambulance Services

Many comprehensive travel insurance policies include air ambulance coverage under the emergency medical or evacuation section. But coverage depends on specific criteria:

The situation must be medically necessary and not elective
The transport must be pre-approved and arranged by the insurer
Local care must be inadequate or unavailable
The flight must be to the nearest suitable medical facility, not necessarily to your home country

Note: Air ambulance transport for non-emergency reasons (such as convenience or comfort) is almost never covered.

What’s Typically Covered

If the conditions above are met, your policy may cover:

The full cost of the air ambulance flight
Medical staff on board (doctor, nurse, paramedic)
Life-support equipment and medication needed in flight
Ground ambulance transfers on both ends
Coordination and communication with hospitals and your family

Covered Service	Typical Conditions
Air ambulance to nearest hospital	Must be urgent and medically necessary
In-flight medical staff	Provided based on the level of care required
ICU-level equipment in flight	Covered if needed for life support or stability
Ground transport to/from aircraft	Often included but must be related to the flight

Caution: If you arrange an air ambulance on your own without insurer approval, even for an urgent situation, your claim may be denied. Always contact the emergency assistance line first.

What Isn’t Covered

Most travel insurance policies do not cover:

Air ambulance use for non-urgent medical issues
Transport to a hospital or country of your personal choice unless medically justified
Costs incurred if you travel against medical advice
Services provided without insurer coordination

If you're traveling to a remote area or have pre-existing health concerns, it’s important to verify that your policy includes air ambulance coverage — and that the limits are high enough.

The Cost of Air Ambulance Transport Without Insurance

The reality is sobering: without coverage, the cost of air ambulance transport can range from $25,000 to $150,000 CADor more, depending on distance, equipment, and medical staff required. International evacuations across oceans or continents are at the highest end of the scale.

Tip: If you’re planning high-risk travel — such as adventure sports, remote trekking, or visiting countries with limited medical infrastructure — double-check your policy’s air ambulance terms before you leave.

How to Access an Air Ambulance If You Need One

In an emergency, your first step is to contact your insurance provider’s 24/7 emergency assistance number. They will assess your condition, consult with attending doctors, and arrange medically appropriate transportation if necessary.

You’ll need to provide:

Your policy number and contact information
Details about your location and condition
The name and contact of the local hospital or physician

Once approved, the insurer will handle the logistics, including medical teams, equipment, flight planning, and hospital coordination.