During medical emergencies, every second counts. Although most urban areas are adequately served by ground ambulances, there are circumstances in which air transport is the only means of saving lives. When it comes to comprehensive health protection, understanding air ambulance services and insurance related to them is crucial. If you've never heard of air ambulance cover and how it works, this article breaks down everything you need to know. You might be surprised to learn how crucial it is to your family's safety, even though it may seem optional.
1 Crore Health Plans starting @₹18/day*.
We pay 100% of your hospital bills
From syringes to surgeries
No limit on hospital room rent
No compromises on recovery
When ground transport is impractical or too slow, air ambulance coverage, an add-on to health insurance, covers emergency medical transportation by air, via fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. These aircraft are manned by medical personnel and have life-support systems installed. Because of the sophisticated setup and specialised staff, it is usually more expensive than standard ambulance services. It is utilised in remote emergencies, serious accidents, or inter-hospital transfers.
Depending on the distance and medical need, air ambulance services can cost anywhere from several lakhs to ten lakhs or more for a single trip. Without insurance, the affected are forced to bear these high costs, which puts a strain on them during a period of severe emotional distress.
Here’s how air ambulance cover typically works:
You must have a recommendation from a doctor confirming that air transport is medically necessary based on the patient’s condition.
The insurance provider usually needs to have pre-approval before the airlift unless it’s a life-threatening emergency.
All costs, including air ambulance transport, typically via helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft, with onboard medical staff and life-support equipment, are covered under your policy.
You may also be eligible for a cashless service if the insurer or your network hospitals have tie-ups with air ambulance service providers. Otherwise, you pay upfront and claim reimbursement.
The air ambulance coverage may apply domestically or internationally, depending on the policy.
You need to submit a few documents to your insurance company to process the claim according to the policy terms. These typically include:
An air ambulance insurance coverage typically includes:
Air ambulance in health insurance is covered only if it is deemed a medical necessity. This means it has to be recommended by a doctor.
Covers the cost of using a medically equipped aircraft during emergencies and inter-facility transfers.
Access to advanced life support and monitoring equipment like ventilators, ECGs, and monitors, along with trained medical personnel for in-flight care.
While most policies offer domestic cover, some policies may also include international coverage, typically under a travel insurance.
Air ambulance cover is a critical yet often overlooked problem, especially in health insurance. While emergencies requiring medical air transport may be rare, the costs can be overwhelming without coverage. Included air ambulance cover helps you escape that overburdening cost while assuring life-saving care. It is important to note that whether to opt for this service or not depends on your location, lifestyle, and budget. And in a true emergency, care should come first, not cost.
2.5K Linkedin Followers 
Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya 
Acko Technology & Services Private Limited
#36/5, Hustlehub One East, Somasandrapalya, 27th Main Rd, Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Products 
Company
Legal
Support
Car Insurance 
Bike Insurance
Health Insurance
Group Health Insurance
Travel Insurance
Life Insurance
