How much does an air ambulance cost?
How much does an air ambulance cost?
$20,000 – $80,000 average cost without insurance
Average cost of an air ambulance
An air ambulance costs $20,000 to $80,000 on average for a single flight without insurance, but prices range from $6,500 to $100,000 or more, depending on the location, provider, aircraft type, distance traveled, and level of medical support provided. An emergency trip in a helicopter ambulance costs $12,000 to $50,000+.
Air ambulance costs in the U.S. have increased 75% to 85% over the last decade.
| Aircraft type | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Helicopter / rotary-wing | $12,000 – $50,000+ |
| Airplane / fixed-wing | $40,000 – $100,000+ |
The No Surprises Act (NSA), effective 2022, protects insured patients from receiving surprise out-of-network charges for emergency services they did not choose. Although ground ambulance transportation costs were excluded, the NSA does include air ambulance transportation costs.
What this means for you: If you have insurance coverage and your air ambulance ride was medically necessary, an out-of-network ambulance company cannot bill you for the balance after your insurance company pays them the allowable in-network amount for the service.
Air ambulance cost per mile
While hourly rates are common for non-medical helicopter rides and chartered planes, most emergency air transportation companies charge a base rate plus a charge per mile for the distance from pickup to destination. Mileage charges alone average $50 to $350+ per mile, depending on the aircraft and current fuel rates.
Helicopters require more fuel than fixed-wing planes and cost more per mile as a result. However, the total cost for fixed-wing ambulance rides is typically higher than that of helicopter rides due to the longer distances traveled.
Air ambulance cost factors
Several factors can impact the final cost of an air ambulance ride, including:
Distance: Longer flights that cover more distance cost more due to increased fuel requirements and operating costs. International medical transport typically requires additional paperwork and sometimes special authorization, which increases the final cost.
Aircraft type: Helicopter or rotary-wing air ambulance rides typically cost more per mile but less in total than fixed-wing airplane ambulance rides. A helicopter may be the only option in an area with limited landing space, while a fixed-wing plane is often the only option for longer distances.
Ambulance provider: An air ambulance transportation company may be non-profit, hospital-based, government-owned, or privately owned. Privately owned companies dominate the market and typically charge the most. Most trips through non-profits like Life Flight cost less than those through a privately owned company.
Level of medical care: Flights that require a more advanced medical team and the use of specialized medical equipment will cost more.
Ground transportation: You may incur additional costs if the situation requires ground ambulance transportation on either end of the air ambulance ride.
Insurance coverage: A patient's insurance coverage can significantly affect the out-of-pocket costs. Patients with limited or no health insurance coverage may face the full cost.
Air ambulance membership: Many companies offer memberships that help cover or fully cover the out-of-pocket costs for a medically necessary trip that your primary health insurance does not cover.
Some air ambulance memberships allow for same-day membership transport. If your situation safely allows for it, sign up with the company online and pay the annual fee—often less than $100—before calling for the air ambulance.
FAQs about air ambulances
What is an air ambulance?
An air ambulance is an aircraft—either a helicopter or an airplane—equipped with the equipment and staff to provide emergency medical services similar to those provided in an emergency room or intensive care unit. Air ambulances are used when someone needs emergency medical transport faster than ground transportation can provide.
Does insurance cover air ambulance costs?
Insurance coverage for air ambulance services varies depending on the insurance provider and plan. For medically necessary emergency air transport, some health insurance plans may cover the full cost, while others may only cover a portion or require a high deductible. Check with your provider to confirm your specific coverage.
Studies show that 50% to 70%+ of air ambulance rides are handled by out-of-network providers. However, under the No Surprises Act, effective as of 2022, insured patient charges cannot be higher than the in-network provider cost "and must count toward any in-network deductible and out-of-pocket maximum."
Does Medicare cover air ambulance costs?
In most cases, Medicare Part B partially covers the cost of air ambulance transportation if you need emergency transport that ground ambulances or other transportation methods cannot provide. The patient is typically responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after they've met their deductible.
Medicare may pay for non-emergency ambulance transportation in some cases, provided your physician documents that the ambulance transportation is medically necessary.
Can I choose which air ambulance to use?
In many cases, the decision of which air ambulance service to use is made by the emergency medical team or hospital staff. However, in non-emergency cases, patients may have more flexibility in choosing a provider.
Are air ambulances only for life-threatening emergencies?
No, air ambulances are not only for life-threatening emergencies. They can also be used for non-emergency medical transport, such as transferring patients between facilities or transporting patients with chronic conditions that require specialized care.
Are air ambulance costs negotiable?
In some cases, air ambulance companies may be willing to negotiate costs or set up payment plans for patients facing financial hardship. However, a lower rate or payment plan option is not guaranteed and depends on the specific provider and circumstances.
Managing the high cost of air ambulances
While air ambulance services are often essential and lifesaving, the high costs can be financially devastating for many patients. Planning for the worst-case scenario with the following strategies can help you manage the expense:
Insurance review: Thoroughly review your health insurance policy for coverage details. Some plans may require pre-approval or have specific in-network providers to maximize coverage.
Documentation: Ensure that a healthcare professional documents the air ambulance transport properly as medically necessary. This can help strengthen insurance claims and appeals.
Cost comparisons: If time permits you to do so safely, compare costs among different air ambulance providers to find the most affordable option that meets your medical needs.
Financial assistance programs: Ask about financial assistance programs or discounts for qualifying individuals based on income levels or other criteria.
Payment plans: Negotiate with the air ambulance provider for a manageable payment plan that spreads out the cost over an extended period.
Medical travel Insurance: Consider purchasing specialized medical travel insurance that includes air ambulance transportation coverage, especially if you travel frequently or have a chronic condition.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.