Medical Evacuation
Also known as: Medevac, Air ambulance transfer, Emergency medical transport
Medical evacuation is the emergency transport of a patient to a facility with better care, often by air ambulance across borders.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You're trekking near Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal when a member of your group develops symptoms of severe altitude sickness. The nearest hospital with ICU capability is in Kathmandu, a 30-minute helicopter ride but an 8-hour drive. A medevac helicopter is called. The flight costs roughly $4,000. Without travel insurance with evacuation cover, you're paying that upfront before the helicopter takes off.
Why travellers need to know
Medical evacuation is one of the most expensive things that can happen to you abroad, and one of the hardest to arrange in the moment. Costs range from $5,000 for a short helicopter transfer to over $100,000 for an intercontinental air ambulance. Most standard travel insurance policies include evacuation cover, but the limits vary widely and some exclude high-altitude trekking or remote areas. Before any trip to a country where local healthcare is limited, check that your insurance explicitly covers evacuation to your home country or nearest adequate facility.
Country-specific notes
Helicopter evacuation: $3,000–5,000
Helicopter evacuation from trekking routes is common and well-established. Routes from Annapurna and Everest base camps are flown regularly by multiple operators.
Warning
Some insurance fraud has been reported involving unnecessary evacuations. Use operators recommended by your trekking agency or embassy.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
How Nomedic helps
Your Nomedic IPS gives evacuation teams your allergies, medications, and diagnoses via QR code — no phone calls to your GP back home.
Sources
Your health records, anywhere you go
Your records, ready before the helicopter lands.
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