Cost of Medical Repatriation & Escorts

Travel is expensive. Things going wrong whilst travel can escalate costs can beyond what most of us can afford. According to Insurance Council of Australia’s market research only 8% of Australians travel without travel insurance. However, most travelling Australians don’t understand what they are covered for and only 42% were properly insured Covered by travel insurance AND didn’t have undeclared medical issues AND didn’t engage in uninsured risky behaviour.

This can be risky for those that become sick or are engaged in an accident whilst travelling. For medical repatriation using private chartered aircrafts can cost up to $450,000 (from Europe to Australia) depending on time of the year, demand and availability. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness the cost increases with the patient’s medical needs.

Patients that are in the medical condition that allows them to be transported using commercial airlines on business class or economy class seats are in comparison more cheaper than stretchers. Stretchers costs depend on airline availabilities, currency exchanges rate and route availability. Many airlines don’t offer stretchers and turn around time for stretchers can vary greatly from 2 to 6 weeks. Business class medical repatriation includes an experienced escort is an option and are usually readily available with approval from the commercial airline. Costs are dependent on flight routes, seat and escort availabilities.

Medical repatriation and escorts are costly so the next time you book your travel make sure you have adequate travel insurance that includes medical repatriation and expenses and covers you for the right adventure activities.