Help, I’ve Fallen…. How Do I Get Home After Being Injured Abroad?

Breaking a bone in Berlin, contracting pneumonia in Peru, or slipping on cobblestones in Croatia. No one plans for a health emergency while traveling abroad, but the truth is: it happens every day. And when it does, the stress of figuring out how to get home safely, especially while injured or seriously ill, can feel overwhelming.

At Flying Nurses International, we provide seamless medical flight transport services for travelers who need help getting home after unexpected medical events. Here’s what you should know about your options—and how we can help make the process easier, safer, and more affordable than expected.

When Medical Flight Transport Is Needed After an Injury Abroad

While many travelers recover quickly from minor issues, some situations require expert medical supervision during transit. These can include:

• Fractures, dislocations, or broken bones from falls or accidents
• Emergency surgeries that require follow-up care back home
• Cardiac events or strokes requiring stabilization and medical monitoring
• Severe infections or illnesses that affect breathing, mobility, or consciousness
• Post-hospital recovery, where travel alone isn’t possible

In any of these cases, getting home is not as simple as booking a regular flight. You may be too weak to travel unassisted, require medical clearance from an airline, or need equipment like oxygen or mobility aids. At moments like these, medical air transport services are invaluable.

How Medical Flight Nurses Ensure Safe Travel

Our RN flight nurses aren’t just highly skilled professionals, but your safety net from bedside to bedside. With over 27 years of experience and a 100% safety record, we’ve helped thousands of patients navigate difficult situations with dignity and confidence.

We’ve arranged flights from nearly every continent, bringing patients home safely from destinations across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

From the moment you contact us, an RN Flight Coordinator takes charge of planning every detail, including:

• Communicating with the overseas hospital and your primary care team
• Collecting and translating medical records, if needed
• Securing airline medical clearance
• Coordinating ground transportation and transfers
• Acquiring and handling medical equipment like oxygen, wheelchairs, and medications
• Escorting you on your flight in business or first class for comfort and stability

In-flight, our patient transport service team monitors your condition and provides care based on your doctor’s orders. Whether you need help walking, managing pain, or monitoring vitals, you’re in capable, compassionate hands throughout the journey.

Understanding Your Transport Options

We work with you and your medical team to determine the best method of travel based on your needs, stability, and budget:

1. Commercial Medical Escort

This is the most cost-effective solution for medically stable patients. You’ll travel in a commercial airline cabin—usually business or first class—with one of our RN flight nurses by your side. Medical escorts are ideal for patients who need medical supervision but do not require ICU-level care.

2. Air Ambulance Referral

We can coordinate an air ambulance through our trusted network for patients with complex conditions requiring intensive medical attention. While more costly, it ensures round-the-clock critical care during transport.

3. Tailored Patient Transport Services

Every patient’s needs are different—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to medical transport. We evaluate each case individually to determine the safest, most efficient plan for getting you or your loved one home. Our patient transport services are flexible and thoughtfully designed to balance safety, comfort, and cost, providing peace of mind every step of the way.

Why Travel Insurance (and Planning Ahead) Matters

One of the most common questions is: “Will insurance cover this?” The answer depends on your policy.

Standard travel insurance often covers emergency evacuation and repatriation, but the details matter. It’s essential to review:

• Coverage for medical flight transport
• Requirements for pre-authorization
• Whether your condition is considered a covered emergency
• Coordination with your domestic health insurer

We strongly encourage travelers, especially seniors and those with pre-existing conditions, to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Doing so can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs and help you access the care you need faster.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, our RN Flight Coordinators can guide you and work with your insurance provider.

Real Stories, Real Peace of Mind

We’ve seen firsthand how our services change lives. Here are just a few examples:

“You and your organization helped bring my wife Kristen home from India almost 4 years ago… We couldn’t have done it without you.” — Grateful Husband

“We are so happy to have Wesley with us again. He was pleased with the entire trip, especially your flight nurse.” — Wesley’s Family.

“My father and mother are both 85. You transported him from Missouri to California safely—and with such kindness.” — Family of Elderly Patient

Behind every testimonial is a team that planned, coordinated, and provided compassionate care every step of the way.

Your First Call After a Fall

If you’ve been injured abroad and are wondering how to get home safely, you don’t need to figure it out alone. Flying Nurses International provides trusted, cost-effective medical air transport services with an unwavering focus on safety and comfort. From arranging paperwork and medical clearance to traveling, our nurses are with you at every step, so you and your family can focus on healing.

What to Expect When You Reach Out for Help

Falling ill or getting injured overseas is stressful, but getting home doesn’t have to be. With Flying Nurses International:

• You get a dedicated RN Flight Coordinator who handles every detail.
• A trained flight nurse accompanies you during your journey.
• We tailor each patient transport service to your medical needs.
• You’ll receive care, coordination, and compassion from start to finish.
• We offer a safe, reliable alternative to costly air ambulances.

If you or a loved one needs help getting home after a health emergency abroad, we’re here to make the process safe, smooth, and supportive.

Injured abroad and unsure what to do next? Contact Flying Nurses International today to speak with a compassionate RN Flight Coordinator and begin your safe return home.