Medical repatriation from India: how to bring a patient home

Reviewed by the AirAmbulance.org editorial team · Updated 6 November 2026 · Editorial policy

Medical repatriation from India covers travellers and visiting family flying home to the US, UK, Europe or the Gulf after an illness or injury in India.

Typical routes

• India to the UK: long-haul, usually with a fuel stop for an air ambulance.
• India to the US: very long, with multiple stops; commercial escorts are common.
• India to the Gulf: shorter regional flights, such as Mumbai to Dubai.

Options

• Air ambulance jet for stretcher and critical-care patients.
• Commercial stretcher or seated medical escort for stable patients.

Practical points

• Get the discharge or medical summary in English, with a fit-to-fly opinion.
• Confirm insurer approval and the receiving hospital abroad.
• Make sure passports and visas for the patient and companion are in order.

General information only, not medical, legal or insurance advice. Rules, coverage and prices change; confirm with your provider and insurer.