A global trend on the rise
In 2025, the demand for international air ambulance services reaches an unprecedented peak. This growth is mainly driven by the increase in international travel, the aging population, the rise in medical emergencies occurring outside the country of residence, and the lessons learned from recent global health crises. That is why more and more travelers, expatriates, and organizations are seeking fast, safe, and internationally compliant medical repatriation.
What is an international air ambulance?
An international air ambulance refers to a medical transport service by aircraft, overseen by specialized personnel, thus ensuring continuity of care during a transfer between two countries. These missions are carried out onboard aircraft equipped like flying intensive care units, with continuous clinical monitoring.
➞ Also read: What is an air ambulance and when should you use one?
4 key factors driving the rising demand
1. The increase in international travel
Remote work, post-pandemic tourism, and extended stays are fueling a significant rise in global mobility. This trend exposes more travelers to medical emergencies abroad, sometimes in places without advanced medical infrastructure.
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2. The reality of insurance and assistance plans
Most insurers now include air medical transport in their policies. However, some exclusions apply, especially for travelers with pre-existing conditions or those in higher-risk age groups. In this context, it is essential to carefully review the details of one’s insurance coverage, including reimbursement limits, deductibles, and eligibility criteria.
➞ Also read: Does my insurance cover air medical transport?
3. Unequal access to care abroad
Even in popular destinations, intensive care services can be limited or nonexistent. In these cases, air ambulance transport effectively prevents a patient’s condition from worsening by transferring them to a specialized hospital. Moreover, medical costs abroad can be extremely high, and the quality of care may vary. For example, some patients prefer to be repatriated to undergo surgery in Canada, benefiting from a familiar medical environment, better recovery, and more reassuring follow-up.
➞ Also read : 5 destinations on the rise among Canadians in 2025
4. The impact of pandemics and health crises
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of air ambulances in transporting infected patients who required intensive care. In such situations, air ambulance services also help relieve overcrowded hospitals or transfer patients to better-equipped units, ensuring smoother management of critical care—even on an international scale. As a result, several operators, including Airmedic, were called upon to intensify their operations during the crisis.
What Airmedic offers
A fleet dedicated to international medical repatriation
Each aircraft is configured to meet the standards of critical care units, notably with monitors, ventilators, infusion pumps, and specialized equipment, allowing for continuous patient stabilization from bed to bed.
| Pilatus PC-12 | Learjet 45XR |
| Economical turboprop aircraft, ideal for covering most of Canada and the United States. | Fast, medicalized jet designed for long-distance international missions. It allows for quicker interventions than the PC-12 while offering a high level of patient comfort. |
➞ Also read : Inside a medical aircraft: equipment, crew and capabilities
View our full fleet: Medical aircraft | Our fleet and team
Turnkey international service
Our teams handle every aspect of an international medical repatriation:
- Coordination with both local and receiving hospitals
- Search for available hospital beds
- Administrative procedures and customs authorizations
- Bed-to-bed transport with continuous clinical monitoring
- Ongoing communication with families and assistance companies
➞ Also read: The hidden step in medical evacuations: Why bed search is crucial
Why choose Airmedic for international repatriation?
Thanks to its clinical expertise, specialized fleet, and partner network, Airmedic is one of the few private companies in Canada capable of providing comprehensive international medical repatriation services—meeting the highest standards of safety and compassion.
- International expertise accredited (Transports Canada, Accreditation Canada, EURAMI – in processus)
- Complete turnkey service: coordination of every stage of medical transport
- Multilingual staff to facilitate communication with international partners
- Specialized medical crew: nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and paramedics trained in in-flight critical care
- State-of-the-art equipment suitable for all patient profiles, including newborns, psychiatric, and obstetric cases
- Clear and transparent pricing: no hidden fees, fast quotes
➞ Also read: How to choose the right air ambulance company? 7 essential criteria
Conclusion : Plan ahead to stay protected
The growing demand for international air ambulance services in 2025 reflects a simple reality. Indeed, it highlights a real need for safe and rapid medical mobility in a constantly moving world. Therefore, whether you are a healthcare professional, an insurer, or a traveler, planning for medical repatriation can literally save lives.
For these reasons, don’t hesitate to inform your insurance company that you wish Airmedic to be the preferred provider in the event of a medical repatriation.
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