With the cost of even a short air medical transport flight running into thousands of dollars, a little homework before zeroing on one is not a bad idea, especially if you have the liberty of doing so. Keep in mind that you would not have the liberty or time to choose an air medical transport operator during emergencies. However, if the situation is not life-threatening, it pays to look into certain aspects.
How Far is the Air Medical Transport Vehicle from You?
You might be paying for the distance covered by the air medical transport vehicle to reach you. So, it’s vital that you contact a local air ambulance company, which stations its vehicle close to you. This can save you several hundreds or even thousands.
Have you Got a Final Quote for the Air Ambulance Transport?
The quote that you receive from the company might not be all inclusive. This means you might have to shell out more money than what is mentioned in the quote. Contact your flight coordinator to know the exact details about the price quote.
Does your Insurance Cover Air Ambulance Transport?
There are several guidelines that one needs to follow to assure smooth coverage of air ambulance transport costs by the insurance provider. Look at aspects such as medical necessity, closest appropriate medical facility, and treating physician’s approval even before you start looking for an air ambulance.
Does the Air Ambulance Company offer Comprehensive Services?
There are several aspects that must be taken care of:
- The transport of the patient from the hospital to the air ambulance
- Transport from air ambulance to ground ambulance
- Coordination with receiving facility
- Medical repatriation beyond borders
Opt for an air ambulance company that covers these corners. Involving yourself in these matters can be time consuming and might cost you extra.
Finally, check whether you can substitute air ambulance for a commercial airline. Simple things like IV fluids, professional care, and stretchers can be accommodated in a commercial airline too, which cost far less than an air ambulance.
