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Air Ambulance Costs: What You Need to Know

If you are like most people, you do not book an air ambulance ride very often. This specialized medical transportation method can involve some expensive services, and different providers can vary widely in how much they charge patients. While each flight is unique, most air ambulance providers consider similar factors in determining their prices. Understanding these costs is a significant part of finding the right air ambulance service for your needs.

How Much Is an Air Ambulance?

The answer to this question is far from straightforward. Air ambulances often come with a range of costs that correspond to variations in the type of care and the resources provided. Since most air ambulance companies are for-profit, you will see some providers offering basic packages and others meeting the highest medical care standards with luxury amenities.

Factors That Affect the Cost of an Air Ambulance

Like commercial flights, air ambulance flights can vary widely. If you fly with a budget airline, you might get charged for elements that are often included, like carry-on bags or snacks. You could also pay more to fly in a special environment, like business or first class. Air ambulance providers also have various options and different ways of charging you for their services. You can better choose an appropriate air ambulance provider by learning what elements affect air ambulance costs.

Some cost factors for an air ambulance transport include:

Distance Traveled

Unsurprisingly, longer flights typically cost more. A longer flight requires more fuel, more wages paid to the staff, and more medical care delivered in flight. Coordinating international flights can also create more challenges and increase costs. Mileage might be a large or small part of your costs, depending on how the company sets its prices. Most providers offer some combination of fixed and variable fees.

Level of Care

More intense medical needs may increase the price of an air ambulance. A fragile or unstable patient could require more sophisticated equipment or a larger care team to respond to issues. Even basic care can vary widely, and the experience could be stressful for the patient.

You may also see different prices for different expertise levels. A well-trained, attentive team deserves good pay and other resources required to do their jobs well, like flight-specific training. Some companies skimp on qualifications to save costs, but asking about the company’s dedication to training and education can help you gauge their expertise.

Some elements that can signify a well-qualified care team include:

  • Care team experience: Most air transport certifications require several years of experience in complex environments like the intensive care unit (ICU) and neonatal care.
  • Flight crew experience: Your flight crew should have experienced pilots. Our Captains, for instance, have a minimum of 3,000 hours of experience and the highest certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
  • Ongoing education: Everyone involved in medical transportation — from the communications team to the flight crew — should have ongoing education to ensure up-to-date knowledge.
  • The company’s accreditations: Industry accreditations attest to a provider’s ability to provide a service according to standards after a rigorous review process and ongoing inspections. Accreditations from the European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) and the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) can indicate quality care delivery.

Quality of Equipment

The quality of medical equipment and the plane itself could vary drastically. Advanced technology and resources are crucial for appropriate care, but they cost more. Some companies will use out-of-date equipment and still charge an arm and a leg. Always ask about your provider’s equipment and capabilities.

This equipment can affect the care team’s capabilities and the flight experience. For instance, our aircraft fly higher than most commercial planes, allowing them to avoid weather-related turbulence for a smoother ride. It adds comfort for the patients and helps the care team work in a steady environment. We also make sure the plane’s interior is comfortable and spacious, giving patients a low-stress experience and giving the care team more room to work.

Another aspect of equipment quality to consider is maintenance. A poorly maintained plane creates incredible risk, so a well-trained team and strict maintenance processes are essential. They will help ensure the aircraft gets inspected according to FAA regulations and is safe to fly.

Additional Services

Services outside of basic medical care can also contribute to your air ambulance’s cost. For example, ground transportation from the air ambulance to another destination, such as a long-term care facility, can increase the overall price.

Another example of extra services is holistic medical care. Our patients receive resources rooted in holistic care to make the flight more relaxing and comfortable. Some examples include music, hand massages, aromatherapy, and conversation. Most of these services are low in price but can transform the experience.

AirCARE1’s Ethical Pricing Approach

While these services can be costly on their own, many air ambulance providers ramp up prices even further. They add extraordinary markups to these services, gouging patients in need without concern for their financial situations. Other providers might offer deceptively low prices at first. Then, they add extra charges during or after your flight without explaining them, or they offer subpar services that might be inadequate, stressful, or uncomfortable. Either way, these companies take advantage of patients in an extremely stressful time. We wanted to create an alternative.

At AirCARE1, we strive to make high-quality air ambulance services accessible with an ethical approach to pricing. We offer full transparency and fair costs, and we will not nickel-and-dime you with surprise charges during or after the flight.

You can expect the following advantages baked into all of our air ambulance services:

  • High-quality bedside to bedside care delivered by trained and certified medical professionals who specialize in air transport
  • Holistic services to promote comfort, relaxation, and an optimal environment for patient health
  • A fleet of capable air ambulance aircraft that fly higher, faster, and smoother than most commercial jets maintained by a team of licensed A&P mechanics.
  • Medical equipment on par with what you would find in a medical facility, including intensive care facilities
  • Dual accreditation from CAMTS and EURAMI — a rarity in the industry
  • Experienced pilots, many of whom hold some of the highest certifications available from the FAA

Since we put these benefits into every single flight, you can be confident that your quoted price includes exceptional holistic care from our attentive, qualified team.

Get a Transparent Quote From AirCARE1 Today

AirCARE1 is built on the mission of doing right by our patients. Unlike some of our competitors, we offer fair and realistic prices without sacrificing quality. Denise Waye, a critical care nurse, founded AirCARE1 after seeing the pitfalls of this industry. She wanted to give patients a better solution, and eliminating price gouging is just one of the ways we reach that goal.

Tell us about your situation to get an honest quote on air ambulance transport today!

 

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