How Planning an Air Ambulance Trip is like a Rubik's Cube

One of the most common questions we receive at MedFlight911 is, "What does an air ambulance cost?" In fact, this is one of the most searched questions on Google about medical transportation and with good reason. Everyone knows medical costs can be high and it is always difficult to understand what exactly is covered by insurance. That is why we are here. We are experts in organizing and scheduling air ambulance trips. However, even with that expertise, what exactly an air ambulance trip will cost is still not an easy question to answer.

There are many issues and concerns that go into planning a medical transport trip. In many ways, planning an air ambulance trip is like solving a Rubik's Cube. There may be multiple solutions, but ultimately there is only one correct answer and conclusion. All the colors, or in our case, patient, caregivers, pilots and a plane must line up exactly.

The cost of an air ambulance trip is based on several factors – cost of the airplane, fuel costs, staffing and equipment. Many of these costs are additionally based on where the patient is located and their ultimate destination. While we work diligently to keep costs economical, it is important to remember that when arranging for an air ambulance trip, you are essentially chartering a private plane and hiring private staff for the duration of the trip.

The nursing staff works shifts of 7-14 days on call, moving from airport to airport location across the country as needed. They are not working for two weeks straight without a rest, but they can be moved as needed during that period of time to be ready for a trip. The pilots are legally bound to fly no more than 10 hours in a 24-hour block of time. This means, on long flights, the pilot often needs to be replaced. Add in maintenance expenses for the plane and fuel costs, both of which we have no control over, and you begin to see how complicated planning and pricing can be. These complications are exactly why you hire MedFlight911. Planning trips like this is what we do every day. We have gotten very proficient at the Rubik's Cube!

We would love to speak with you in more detail about our planning. Contact us for a free, no obligation medical transport quote, at 888.359.1911.