When a medical emergency strikes abroad, the priority is clear: get the patient home safely, quickly, and with the right level of care. At Air Stretcher, we specialise in international medical evacuation services, offering medically supervised transport from anywhere in the world—delivered from our base in France. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a pre-existing condition, or a sudden illness during travel, our team ensures patients are transported with compassion, professionalism, and full coordination with insurance providers. 

What Is International Medical Evacuation? 

A Lifeline for Travellers in Crisis 

Medical evacuation (or medevac) refers to the urgent transportation of a patient from a foreign country to their home country or a specialised medical facility. It is often required when: 

• A traveller suffers a medical emergency abroad 

• A patient needs hospitalisation in their home country 

• Local medical services are inadequate for the condition 

• A pre-existing medical condition worsens during travel 

Our air ambulance and medical escort services are tailored to each case, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate level of care—from basic life support to ICU-level critical care. 

Why Travel Insurance Matters 

Coverage That Can Save Lives—and Costs 

Many travellers underestimate the importance of travel insurance until they face a crisis. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover: 

• Emergency medical evacuation 

• Medical expenses and hospitalisation 

• Repatriation of the patient or remains 

• Trip cancellation, interruption, or delays 

• Lost baggage, personal effects, and travel documents 

We work closely with insurance companies, insurance brokers, and travel assistance providers to ensure that insured patients are evacuated without delay. Whether you have travel medical insurance, international health insurance, or a student health plan, we help you navigate your insurance policy, deductibles, and reimbursement process. 

Who Needs International Medical Evacuation? 

From Tourists to Expats and Students 

Our services are designed for: 

• Travellers with pre-existing conditions 

• Expatriates living abroad 

• Students on international exchange programmes 

• Missionaries, volunteers, and frequent travellers 

• Business travellers and holidaymakers 

Whether you’re covered by group insurance, individual health plans, or multi-trip travel insurance, we coordinate with your insurance provider to ensure a smooth and medically appropriate evacuation. We also support missionaries, international students, and expats with tailored medical travel insurance solutions. 

Medical Coverage and Insurance Plans 

Understanding Your Policy 

Not all insurance policies are created equal. We help patients and families understand: 

• What is medically necessary and authorised for evacuation 

• How to activate emergency assistance and file insurance claims 

• What’s included in accidental death and dismemberment coverage 

• How to manage out-of-pocket costs and insurance premiums 

• The difference between comprehensive travel insurance and basic coverage 

We also assist with insurance comparison, helping you evaluate insurance products and insurance programs that offer the best medical benefits for international travel. 

How Air Stretcher Handles Medical Evacuations 

From First Call to Final Destination 

Our process includes: 

1. Medical assessment and coordination with local doctors 

1. Liaison with your insurance agency or travel insurance company 

1. Arrangement of air ambulance, stretcher, or medical escort 

1. Coordination of ground ambulance and hospital admission 

1. 24/7 emergency assistance and multilingual support 

We use air amulances when there are no commercial routes and commercial flights with medical staff onboard. Our team includes paramedics, flight nurses, and emergency medical technicians, all trained in international medical transport and critical care. 

Insurance and Reimbursement Support 

Navigating the Paperwork 

We assist with: 

• Insurance claims and claim forms 

• Certificate of insurance verification 

• Medical documentation and referrals 

• Coordination with underwriters and insurance programs 

• Support for accidental death, dismemberment, and trip cancellation insurance 

Whether your policy is underwritten by a global provider like Allianz Global Assistance, Travelex, or Travel Guard, we ensure that your insurance benefits are maximised and your medical expenses are reimbursed. 

Why Choose Air Stretcher? 

Global Reach, Local Expertise 

• Based in France, operating internationally 

• Accredited air ambulance service with a proven safety record 

• Partnerships with insurance providers, embassies, and medical facilities 

• Transparent pricing and insurance quote support 

• Compassionate care for every family member and traveller 

We’ve helped patients from all over the world return home safely—whether from a ski accident in the Alps, a cardiac event in Africa, or a medical emergency in Southeast Asia. 

How to Arrange an International Medical Evacuation 

Fast, Simple, and Secure 

To arrange a medical evacuation: 

1. Contact our 24/7 dispatch team 

1. Provide your travel insurance policy or medical insurance plan 

1. Receive a free consultation and transport plan 

1. Let us handle the rest—from bedside to home country 

Visit our contact page or call us directly to begin the process. 

Conclusion 

International medical evacuation is not just about transport—it’s about restoring safety, dignity, and peace of mind during a crisis. With Air Stretcher, you’re not just transported—you’re cared for, protected, and supported every step of the way. 

Contact us today to learn more or request a quote for your international medical evacuation needs. You can also explore our blog for insights on travel protection, insurance tips, and patient stories.