Frecuently Asked Questions

- What types of patients require an air ambulance?
Patients that need to be transported distances over 200 miles and require medical attention and/or are unable to tolerate sitting upright in an airliner. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance typically transports patients injured while on vacation needing to be flown home, patients with serious medical conditions needing transportation to a distant medical center that has capabilities unavailable locally, chronically ill patients who want to relocate closer to family members, and patients who are traveling outside the US and become ill or injured requiring evacuation back to the United States.

- What arrangements does Jet Rescue International make for the flight?
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance makes all arrangements regarding the air ambulance flight. This includes having our Medical Director or Medical Crew Supervisor obtain a pre-flight medical consult, arranging ground ambulances at both ends of the flight, Clearing Customs and immigration,ordering in-flight catering, handling insurance paperwork, notifying the receiving hospital of the arrival time and confirming bed availability, as well as any special requests of the family.

- Is Air Ambulance service covered by Medicare or other insurance plans?
Many insurance plans, HMO's, PPO's and IPO's cover air ambulance services. It is important to check your plan to see that there is an air ambulance benefit and what the criteria is. Most plans require that medical necessity is met. This means that a physician must certify that the transportation by air ambulance is indicated and that transportation by other means may endanger the patient. Some plans require that the transport is a life threatening emergency or that the destination is the closest appropriate facility. In addition, be sure to check if there is a maximum benefit and what the benefit level is ( for example a 80% benefit level means the family must pay 20% of the charges ).

- Does Jet Rescue Air Ambulance provide international Repatriation service?
Yes. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance has extensive experience in international evacuations around the world. We can arrange for our medical team to transport the patient on a long-range aircraft or as a more cost effective solution, arrange for a stretcher to be placed on a commercial aircraft. Commercial medical escorts can be less than half the cost of a private jet. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance has evacuated patients from Europe, Central and South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

- What assurances are there that the aircraft is safe?
All of the aircraft Jet Rescue Air Ambulance uses are operated by Aero Jet Services.Part 135 Operator Certificate # J7EA116I Aero Jet Services is regulated by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). These are very stringent regulations that outline pilot training and aircraft operation and maintenance. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance meets or exceeds all of these guidelines. In addition, all Captains utilized by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance /Aero Jet Services are trained Bi-annually at Flight Safety or an equivalent factory approved, simulator based program. All Jet Rescue Air Ambulance Aircraft are designed and equipped for all weather operation and have outstanding safety records.

- Can Jet Rescue Air Ambulance assist me in determining whether my insurance will cover the charges?
Yes. Our Flight Coordinators will call your insurance company on your behalf and attempt to obtain pre-authorization. In addition, Jet Rescue will submit all claim forms and other required documentation. If we are able to obtain an authorization from your insurance company we will not require payment at the time of service.

- What is "bedside to bedside" service and why is it important?
Bedside to bedside service means that the medical crew is with the patient from the discharging facility, on the flight, and is with the patient until arrival at the receiving facility. Although many companies do not provide this service, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance considers that bedside to bedside service is very important and we provide this service on every flight. It allows our crews to maintain continuity in care, even while on the ground ambulance and also insures that a detailed medical report is given to the receiving medical crew.

- If I must pay out of pocket, how much might the service cost?
Many factors determine the final cost of an air ambulance transport. The primary factors being the distance flown, the type of aircraft utilized, and the medical needs of the patient in flight. A Domestic transport of modest distance in a twin engine aircraft could cost as little as $3,00 to $5,000. On the other hand, the cost of a cross country transport of a very critically ill patient in a long range jet would increase commensurately. Fortunately, as a direct provider of Air Ambulance Services, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance can minimize these costs! Through efficient scheduling and special one-way pricing arrangements many clients can see final costs on the lower end of the ranges.

- May a family member come with the patient?
Normally yes and there is no additional charge. There is however cases where our Medical Director may not approve a family member for a variety of reasons that may impede patient care.