The last thing that comes to mind during emergencies is money. Staying alive takes priority over everything else and naturally so. It is after the emergency and when you are inadequately covered by insurance that air ambulance cost finally comes into picture. There are several factors on which medical flight costs depend on. In this guide, we briefly discuss the important cost factors.
The Distance that Air Ambulance Needs to Cover
Unlike a cab that usually considers the distance from the point that you occupy it, air ambulance charges go beyond this point. You might be expected to cover the cost from the air ambulance base to your location and also for the journey undertaken by the air ambulance to get back to its base. Opting for the nearest air ambulance might make more sense in situations like these.
The Type of Air Ambulance Vehicle
For longer distances, an air ambulance with a jet engine might be more suited. Of course, this might translate into higher costs. At the same time, helicopters are ideal for emergencies that occur on busy streets. While one cannot exactly choose which vehicle to hire, it must be understood that aircraft type and costs are directly related to each other.
The Extent of Care the Health Condition Demands
There are two components to medical care: personnel and equipment. If the condition demands that the air ambulance be loaded with advanced life support and monitoring systems, the costs will shoot up. Also, there might be a requirement for specialized human care that only highly skilled professionals can provide. And such care usually comes at a premium.
Air Ambulance Landing Fees and Logistical Charges
When an air ambulance lands on an airport or helipad, it is usually charged a fee for it. Also there might be other charges such as visa, hospital booking, ground ambulance charges, etc. Your air ambulance service provider is obviously going to factor all that in while drawing the bill.
