What is a medevac?

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

A medevac (medical evacuation) is the transport of an ill or injured person to medical care, by helicopter, aircraft, ground ambulance or boat, with medical care on the way.

Types of medevac

• Helicopter medevac: from an accident scene or small hospital to a major hospital.
• Fixed-wing medevac: longer distances, between hospitals, or home from abroad.
• Commercial medevac: a stable patient flying on a scheduled airline with a medical escort.

What happens on board

• A medical crew, often a flight nurse and paramedic, sometimes a doctor.
• Monitoring, oxygen and medication, and for critical patients intensive-care equipment.
• A handover to the receiving hospital's team on arrival.

Who arranges it

• Emergency services or hospitals for urgent local flights.
• Insurers and assistance companies for travellers.
• Families and case managers for planned transfers and flights home.

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