Repatriation to Germany:

When the journey home becomes a challenge

A fall in the Andes. A heart attack in Bali. An unexpected bout of illness while travelling on business. Suddenly you are no longer a tourist or business traveller - but a patient in a foreign healthcare system. In such situations, travelling home becomes not only a logistical challenge, but also a question of safety and medical care.

How can a successful repatriation to Germany be achieved? And who can help you make the right decisions? It's about protecting your health, relieving your family and offering you the best possible support in an exceptional situation. The crucial question is then:

How do I get back home safely?

Under what circumstances does a medical repatriation become necessary?

Not every stay abroad ends as planned.

Typical scenarios that make repatriation necessary:

  • Acute emergencies:
    Accidents, strokes, serious infections

  • Inadequate care on site:
    Lack of specialists, inadequate hospital equipment

  • Chronic deterioration:
    Complications of pre-existing conditions

  • Exceptional psychological situations:
    Severe anxiety disorders, acute depression

Repatriierung nach Deutschland: Ein Patient in einem Flugzeug wird von drei Rettungskräften liegend auf einer Trage transportiert.

This is how repatriation to Germany works step by step

1. initial assessment by experts

  • Emergency call to our 24/7 emergency hotline
  • Medical documentation is analysed (x-rays, medical reports)
  • Decision: scheduled flight with escort or ambulance jet?

2. logistical realisation

  • Ambulance flight: Equipped with intensive care monitoring, ventilators, emergency medication
  • Ground ambulance: For transport within Europe
  • Hospital coordination: Advance notification to the destination hospital in Germany

3. the return

  • Handover to German doctors
  • Support with insurance issues
  • On request: Aftercare by case manager

Repatriierung nach Deutschland: Ein Arzt in einem weißen Kittel mit einem Stetoskop um dem Hals hält ein weißes Modellflugzeug zwischen den Händen.

Who bears the costs of repatriation?

The costs vary greatly - depending on the type of transport, distance and medical complexity. Here is an overview of the typical fees and services:

  • Air ambulance (intercontinental):
    Cost range: €80,000-150,000
    Insurance cover: Private travel health insurance

  • Scheduled flight with medical escort:
    Cost range: €5,000-15,000
    Insurance cover: Often PKV/GKV (EU foreign countries)

  • Ground transport (EU):
    Cost range: € 2,500-7,000
    Insurance cover: Partly GKV

Important when it comes to insurance:

  • Most private travel insurance policies cover repatriation - but only if medically necessary.
  • Those with statutory insurance are only entitled to reimbursement of costs in EU countries.

Do you have any questions?

Why you should turn to professionals

In an emergency, every minute counts – and every decision!

You can rely on our experience from thousands of repatriations:

  • Life-saving expertise:
    Flight medics know risks such as pressure changes or the risk of thrombosis.

  • Networking:
    We work with clinics worldwide - even in countries with language barriers.

  • Psychological relief:
    Relatives receive clear instructions instead of bureaucratic chaos.

Checklist for travellers

With these four important measures you are well protected in an emergency:

Amount of cover for ambulance flights?

Who coordinates in an emergency?

Translated into local language + English

Apps like ‘MyTherapy’ help

What a professional repatriation with ‘Fly Me Back’ really means

1. more than just a flight
An ambulance transport is not just a ‘transfer’ - it is a mobile intensive care unit. Specially trained teams ensure your safety during the entire transport: they not only monitor your vital signs, but also continuously adapt your treatment. This makes the decisive difference between a risky transfer and a medically accompanied journey home.

2. time is life - and we win it
In medical emergencies, every hour counts. Thanks to our global network of partner clinics and transport service providers, we can often organise repatriations within 24 to 48 hours - without you having to deal with bureaucratic hurdles or language barriers.

3. a protective shield for relatives
Family members are emotionally overwhelmed in such crises. We not only take care of the organisation, but also provide psychological support: with clear action plans, regular updates and a direct contact person who is available around the clock.

Repatriierung nach Deutschland: Flugplatz mit einem Krankenwagen, einem Helikopter für medizinische Transporte sowie zwei in orangefarbene Overalls gekleidete Menschen.

Conclusion: A medical repatriation to Germany is not a standard service

It is a highly complex task that combines medical expertise, international logistics and human sensitivity. Our experience shows: Those who rely on experts in this exceptional situation make the best decision for their health and well-being.

Our promise to you

Whether you are a business traveller in New York and fall ill or a pensioner in Spain, we will bring you back - safely, quickly and with the necessary respect for your situation. Because for us, you are never just a ‘case’, but a person who wants to go home.

Fly Me Back - because every journey home deserves to be safe.

If the worst comes to the worst, you can reach us 24/7 at: +49 (0)201 45887121

Get in touch with us!

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