A medical flight moves a patient by air between countries, with a medical team and the equipment the patient's condition requires. It is done either by a private air ambulance (a flying ICU) or on a commercial flight with a medical escort, seated or on a stretcher, including ventilated patients with advance coordination and airline approval. It usually includes ground ambulances at both ends, from bed to bed.
Everything under one roof
We provide everything a medical flight needs, with one point of contact and one team responsible: Ministry of Health-approved ambulances in Israel, flight-specific medical equipment, and our own professional medical team, trained for medical flights and covered by comprehensive professional liability insurance.
Ministry of Health-approved ambulances in Israel
For the ground legs of the transfer: from the hospital or home to the airport, and from the airport to the receiving hospital or home, as part of bed-to-bed coordination. On the other side of the flight, we arrange an ambulance that is waiting when the patient lands.
Flight-specific medical equipment
Monitoring, oxygen, ventilation, infusion pumps and medication, matched to the patient's condition and to the type of flight, air ambulance or commercial.
Our own flight-trained, insured team
Physicians experienced in medical flights, under a medical director, and when needed specialists in cardiology, trauma and surgery, cardiac surgery, orthopedics and other fields, together with flight paramedics and nurses. The team is trained for medical flights and covered by comprehensive professional liability insurance. Not just a random paramedic hired for one flight.
One call or WhatsApp message to +972 53-232-1101, and we coordinate the rest, from bed to bed.
What is a medical flight?
A medical flight (also called medical repatriation or medical air transport) moves a sick or injured person by air when they need medical supervision or treatment along the way. Typical cases: a traveler who fell ill or was injured abroad and needs to return home for treatment, an Israeli patient coming home from a hospital overseas, a patient moving to a hospital in another country for further care, or a family member being brought from Israel to the USA or Europe to be closer to family.
A medical flight is more than the flight itself. It includes reviewing the medical report and confirming fitness to fly, coordinating with the sending and receiving hospitals, ground ambulances to and from the airport, the medical team and equipment, airline approvals and, when there is coverage, coordination with the insurance or assistance company.
Types of medical flights
Air ambulance (flying ICU)
A private aircraft configured as an intensive care unit, with a team and equipment matched to the case. It flies on the patient's schedule and route, and can fly lower or keep sea-level cabin pressure when the physician decides it is needed. Used for urgent cases, when no suitable commercial flight is available, when the airline declines, or by preference. More about air ambulance
Medical escort on a commercial flight
A flight paramedic, nurse or physician travels with the patient on a scheduled flight, seated or on a stretcher. It suits a wide range of conditions, including ventilated patients, with advance coordination and medical approval from the airline. More about medical escort
Stretcher on a commercial flight
For patients who need to lie down for the whole flight. The airline installs a stretcher in the cabin and the patient flies with a medical escort and equipment. More about stretcher flights
Bed to bed
Full coordination: an ambulance from the sending hospital, the flight with the medical team, and an ambulance waiting on arrival that continues to the receiving hospital or home. The escort stays with the patient the whole way.
Medical repatriation to and from Israel
Bringing patients home to Israel after an illness or injury abroad, and flying patients from Israel to the USA, Europe or elsewhere for further care or to return home. More about repatriation to Israel
For exceptional cases, we also arrange special ICU air-ambulance flights, including patients on ECMO.
Air ambulance or commercial flight with a medical escort?
Both options suit a wide range of conditions, including ventilated patients. The decision is made by the physician, based on the medical condition, urgency, destination and approvals. An air ambulance is chosen when the patient needs to fly right away or on a direct route, when a lower cabin altitude or sea-level cabin pressure is needed, when full intensive care is needed in the air, or by the family's preference.
Altitude and cabin pressure: the key medical difference
On a commercial flight, the cabin is pressurized to the equivalent of up to about 8,000 feet (2,400 m). For most patients that is safe, sometimes with extra oxygen. An air ambulance can fly lower or keep the cabin close to sea-level pressure when the physician decides it is needed. This matters in conditions where lower pressure can expand trapped air in the body or reduce oxygen levels, for example:
- After brain surgery or neurosurgery, or when there is air inside the skull.
- Pneumothorax or other trapped air in the chest.
- Decompression sickness after diving.
- Severe respiratory failure with a high oxygen requirement.
- Some heart conditions, based on the physician's assessment.
- After eye surgery with a gas bubble.
This list is not complete, and not every patient with these conditions needs an air ambulance. Our physician reviews the medical report and recommends the safe option.
What else an air ambulance makes possible
- Flexible timing and a direct route: the flight leaves when the patient is ready, with no waiting for a scheduled flight and no unnecessary stops.
- ICU equipment and team on board: ventilation, advanced monitoring, infusion pumps and medication, with a team matched to the case.
- Landing closer to the hospital: smaller airports can be used, subject to aircraft and airport approvals.
- No airline medical clearance (MEDIF): the decision is made by our medical team, not by an airline's medical department.
- Full privacy: only the patient, the team and the escorting family member are on board.
- A family member can usually fly along, depending on the aircraft.
Medical escort on a commercial flight: a complete option
A medical escort on a commercial flight suits a wide range of conditions, including ventilated patients, seated or on a stretcher, with a flight paramedic, nurse or physician at the patient's side and the right equipment. It requires advance coordination and medical approval from the airline, and we handle all of that. When the physician decides a commercial flight is suitable, it is a safe and widely used option.
| Air ambulance | Medical escort on a commercial flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Private aircraft, flying ICU | Scheduled flight, seated or on a stretcher |
| Altitude and cabin pressure | Can fly lower or keep sea-level cabin pressure when the physician decides it is needed | Standard cabin pressure (up to about 8,000 ft / 2,400 m); suits most patients, sometimes with extra oxygen |
| Timing and route | On the patient's schedule, direct | Per the airline schedule, sometimes with a connection |
| Equipment and team | Full ICU equipment and a team matched to the case | Medical escort and portable equipment matched to the case, including ventilation |
| Airports | Including smaller airports closer to the hospital | The airline's airports |
| Airline medical clearance (MEDIF) | Not required | Required; we coordinate it |
| Ventilated patients | Yes | Yes, with advance coordination and airline approval |
| Privacy | Full, private aircraft | In the passenger cabin, per airline arrangements |
| Family member | Usually on board, depending on the aircraft | Can fly on the same flight |
| Ambulances at both ends | Yes | Yes |
| When it is chosen | Urgency, need for lower altitude or sea-level cabin pressure, full intensive care, no suitable flight or approval, or preference | When the physician decides a commercial flight is suitable and a flight and approval are available |
Quick medical flight quote
Leave a few details and we will call or WhatsApp you back, 24/7.
Common routes: USA, Europe and beyond
- USA ↔ Israel: long-haul medical flights in both directions, by air ambulance or on a commercial flight with a medical escort, seated or on a stretcher. Medical flights between the USA and Israel
- Europe → Israel: medical repatriation after an accident, surgery or hospital stay while traveling or working abroad. Medical repatriation to Israel
- Israel → home country: tourists and visitors who fell ill or were injured in Israel and need to fly home with a medical escort. Medical assistance for tourists in Israel
- Asia and other regions: medical flights to and from Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and other destinations. Air ambulance routes
How a medical flight works, step by step
- First contact, 24/7: call or WhatsApp +972 53-232-1101 with the patient's location, destination and a short description of the condition.
- Medical report: send a recent medical report from the hospital. Our physician reviews it and, when needed, speaks with the treating team.
- The right solution: we recommend an air ambulance or a commercial flight with a medical escort, and the team and equipment needed.
- Quote and insurance coordination: a written quote, and coordination with the insurer or assistance company when there is coverage.
- Approvals and logistics: airline medical clearance, a bed at the receiving hospital, ground ambulances at both ends.
- Flight day: pickup from the bed, the flight with the medical team, an ambulance on arrival and a structured handover to the receiving team.
What affects the cost of a medical flight?
There is no fixed price for a medical flight. Every case is quoted individually, and you can get a quote after sending the medical report and destination.
- Distance and destination: from where to where, and flight time.
- Type of flight: air ambulance, or a commercial flight with a medical escort (seated or on a stretcher).
- The medical condition and the equipment needed: oxygen, ventilation, monitoring, infusion pumps.
- The team: flight paramedic, nurse, physician or specialist.
- Ground ambulances at both ends and ground logistics.
- Urgency and timing.
- Insurance coverage, if any.
See also: Medical flight without insurance
The medical team: who escorts the patient
The team is matched to each case. Our medical flights are escorted by physicians experienced in medical flights, under a medical director, and when needed by specialists in cardiology, trauma and surgery, cardiac surgery, orthopedics and other fields, together with flight paramedics and nurses.
Flight paramedic, flight nurse or physician escort?
The medical escort is whoever fits the patient's condition, and our physician sets the team after reviewing the medical report:
- Flight paramedic: for patients who need supervision, monitoring and treatment along the way, on a commercial flight or an air ambulance.
- Flight nurse: for patients who mainly need nursing care, medication and help throughout the journey.
- Physician escort: for complex cases, ventilated patients and situations that may require medical decisions in flight, and a specialist when needed.
Not just a random paramedic: every escort is part of our own professional medical team, trained for medical flights, covered by comprehensive professional liability insurance and working under a medical director. See also: Flight paramedic / medical escort for flights · Medical escort on commercial flights
The company is managed by David (Didi), a senior paramedic with over 20 years of personal experience in medical flights.
How to choose a medical flight provider
Look for a provider that is available 24/7, has physicians experienced in medical flights, offers both air ambulance and commercial medical escort and will honestly recommend what fits, coordinates bed to bed including ambulances, and gives a detailed written quote.
- 24/7 availability and a direct line by phone and WhatsApp.
- A medical team experienced in medical flights, and a physician who reviews the medical report before recommending a solution.
- Both options, air ambulance and commercial medical escort, with a recommendation based on the patient's condition.
- Full bed-to-bed coordination, including ambulances at both ends.
- Experience working with insurers and assistance companies.
- A written quote that details what is included.
Medical flights: frequently asked questions
What is a medical flight?
A medical flight moves a sick or injured patient by air, with a medical team and the equipment the patient's condition requires. It can be a private air ambulance or a medical escort on a regular commercial flight, seated or on a stretcher. A complete medical flight usually also includes ground ambulances at both ends, from the sending hospital bed to the receiving bed.
What is the difference between an air ambulance and a medical escort on a commercial flight?
An air ambulance is a private aircraft set up as a flying intensive care unit, flying on the patient's schedule and route, and able to fly lower or keep sea-level cabin pressure when the physician decides it is needed. A medical escort means a flight paramedic, nurse or physician travels with the patient on a scheduled flight, seated or on an airline stretcher. Both options suit a wide range of conditions; our physician recommends the safe option after reviewing the medical report.
Can a ventilated patient fly on a commercial flight?
In many cases, yes. A ventilated patient can fly on a commercial flight on a stretcher, with a suitable medical team and ventilation equipment, subject to advance coordination and medical approval from the airline. When a commercial flight is not suitable, an air ambulance is arranged.
When does a patient need a low-altitude flight or sea-level cabin pressure?
On a commercial flight the cabin is pressurized to the equivalent of up to about 8,000 feet (2,400 m). That is safe for most patients, sometimes with extra oxygen. Some conditions may require a lower cabin altitude, for example after brain surgery, with a pneumothorax or other trapped air, after decompression sickness, with severe respiratory failure, or after eye surgery with a gas bubble. An air ambulance can fly lower or keep sea-level cabin pressure when the physician decides it is needed.
Can a patient fly on a stretcher on a commercial flight?
Yes, on many airlines and routes. The airline installs a stretcher in the cabin, usually in place of several rows of seats, and the patient flies lying down with a medical escort and equipment. It requires airline medical clearance and advance booking, which we coordinate.
How do you arrange a medical flight from the USA to Israel, or from Israel to the USA?
We review the medical report, recommend an air ambulance or a commercial flight with a medical escort, coordinate with the sending and receiving hospitals, arrange the medical team, equipment and airline approvals, and book ground ambulances at both ends. The same applies to medical repatriation from Europe, Asia and other regions.
How quickly can a medical flight be arranged?
It depends on the patient's condition, the medical documents, aircraft or seat availability, airline approvals and the receiving hospital. Urgent cases start coordination immediately, 24/7. An air ambulance usually allows the fastest departure.
How much does a medical flight cost?
There is no fixed price. Each case is quoted individually, based on the route and flight time, air ambulance or commercial flight (seated or stretcher), the medical condition and equipment, the team (paramedic, nurse, physician or specialist), ground ambulances at both ends, urgency, and insurance coverage. Send the medical report and destination to get a quote.
Does travel insurance cover medical repatriation?
Many travel insurance policies cover medical repatriation, subject to the policy terms and the insurer's approval. We can coordinate with the insurer or assistance company. If there is no coverage, a private quote is available.
What does bed to bed mean?
Bed to bed means one team coordinates the entire transfer: an ambulance from the sending hospital or home, the flight with the medical team, an ambulance waiting on arrival, and a structured handover to the receiving hospital or home. The medical escort stays with the patient throughout.
Do you provide the ambulance to and from the airport?
Yes. In Israel we use Ministry of Health-approved ambulances for the ground legs to and from the airport. On the other side of the flight we coordinate an ambulance that is waiting when the patient lands.
Who escorts the patient: a flight paramedic, a flight nurse or a physician?
It depends on the patient's condition, and our physician decides after reviewing the medical report. A flight paramedic suits patients who need monitoring and treatment on the way, a flight nurse suits patients who mainly need nursing care and medication, and a physician, or a specialist when needed, escorts complex and ventilated patients.
Why not just hire a private paramedic for the flight?
A medical flight is more than one person sitting next to the patient. Our escorts are our own professional team, trained for medical flights, working under a medical director, covered by comprehensive professional liability insurance, and backed by the full coordination: medical review, equipment, airline approvals and ambulances at both ends. It is not a random paramedic hired for one flight.
What do you need from us to start?
A recent medical report from the treating hospital, the patient's location and destination, a preferred date, and contact details. Call or WhatsApp +972 53-232-1101, 24/7, or use the form on this page.
Quick medical flight quote
Leave a few details and we will call or WhatsApp you back, 24/7.
Need a medical flight now?
Send the destination and the medical report by phone or WhatsApp, 24/7.
Phone: +972 53-232-1101
WhatsApp: +972 53-232-1101
Address: HaAmakim 102, Tiberias, Israel
Related: Medical flights USA–Israel · Air ambulance · Medical escort on commercial flights · Flight paramedic · Stretcher on a commercial flight · Medical repatriation to Israel · Medical flight without insurance · Medical assistance for tourists · VIP paramedic · Patient transfers in Israel · Home · עברית: הטסה רפואית, המדריך המלא