“What happens if I get sick while on vacation?”
“Who organizes my return journey if I can’t travel home on my own?”
“What is a medically necessary repatriation, and how does it work?”
Many Austrians ask themselves these questions before traveling, especially when planning long-distance trips or active holidays. The good news: with the right travel insurance and a little preparation, you are well protected even in an emergency. In this article, you will learn everything important about repatriation, explained simply and with helpful tips.
The most important facts at a glance
- A repatriation brings you safely back to Austria after an accident or illness while traveling.
- Transport can take place by airplane, train, or ambulance. Depending on your state of health, medical accompaniment may also be required.
- The costs of repatriation can be very high. An air ambulance flight can often cost more than €10,000.
- Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers the cost of medically necessary treatment abroad within the EU, but it does not pay for repatriation.
- A good travel health insurance policy covers the cost of repatriation and organizes everything for you.
What does repatriation mean, and when is it necessary?
Repatriation brings you safely back to Austria after an illness or accident abroad, either with or without medical accompaniment. A distinction is made between two types:
- Medically necessary repatriation: When adequate treatment abroad is not possible or your recovery can be better ensured at home.
- Medically unnecessary repatriation: When you are fit to travel but need assistance returning home. This may be the case, for example, if your mobility is limited after an accident.
Good to know: Insurance policies often also use the term medical return transport. This refers to the same service as repatriation: organized transportation using suitable medical means of transport and possibly medical accompaniment following an illness or accident abroad.
The goal is always to ensure that you return to Austria safely and under appropriate medical conditions.
How much does repatriation cost without insurance?
The cost of repatriation can vary greatly depending on your health condition, the means of transport, and your travel destination.
- Repatriation on a scheduled flight with medical accompaniment often costs several thousand euros.
- Transport by air ambulance can cost more than €10,000.
- For distant destinations or particularly complex operations, costs can even reach six-figure amounts.
- The cost of repatriation to Austria is not covered by Austria’s statutory health insurance providers.
Without additional insurance coverage, you must bear these costs yourself. The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) therefore recommends taking out travel insurance that covers all risks.
Our tip: The CompleteCover from European Travel Insurance organizes repatriation and covers the costs if it is medically necessary. If repatriation is medically justifiable, it can also be arranged upon request under certain conditions.
Return to Austria: What does the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover abroad?
Many Austrians rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) while traveling. However, it does not cover all costs:
- The European Health Insurance Card is located on the back of your e-card. It allows you to receive medically necessary treatment in EU member states as well as in Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- The EHIC does not cover private healthcare services or the cost of repatriation to Austria.
- In non-EU countries such as the United States, Turkey, or Egypt, the EHIC is not valid.
Important to know: The European Health Insurance Card is an important basic form of protection for travel within Europe. However, it does not cover the cost of repatriation to Austria. This also applies to some travel insurance policies included with credit cards.
What should you do if you have a medical problem abroad?
Wenn Sie im Ausland krank werden oder einen Unfall haben, gehen Sie wie folgt vor:
- Contact a doctor’s office or hospital immediately.
- In emergencies, call the local emergency number. In many countries, this is 112.
- Inform your travel health insurance provider as soon as possible.
The medical experts from your insurer, together with the treating doctors on site, will decide whether repatriation is necessary and how it should be carried out.
Types of repatriation at a glance
1. Repatriation without medical accompaniment (medically unnecessary)
Typical for minor injuries, such as:
- Sprains
- Bone fractures (e.g. arm or wrist)
- After outpatient treatment
Possible means of transport include:
- Taxi
- Ambulance and emergency vehicle
- Train
- Scheduled aircraft
If you cannot travel independently, arrangements will be made to ensure a comfortable return journey. For example, a seat that allows you to elevate your leg or extra space for a cast on your arm. Medical personnel can accompany you if required.
2. Repatriation with medical accompaniment (medically necessary)
Required for serious illnesses or when vital organs are affected, for example:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Strokes
- Severe but stabilized illnesses
Depending on the situation, transport takes place by:
- Ambulance or emergency vehicle
- Scheduled aircraft with medical accompaniment
- Stretcher transport when necessary
A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional accompanies you, monitors your condition, and administers medication if needed.
3. Repatriation by air ambulance
An air ambulance is used in particularly serious cases, such as:
- Severe multiple injuries
- Illnesses in countries with inadequate medical care
How repatriation by air ambulance works:
- A specially equipped aircraft with a medical team (emergency physician and nursing staff)
- Direct transfer from the hospital to the aircraft and then to the destination hospital in Austria
- Medical care throughout the entire flight, similar to that provided in an intensive care unit
What happens to your travel companions and luggage during repatriation?
- Travel companions: One insured companion may travel home with you.
- Minor children traveling with you: A caregiver can collect your children and accompany them home.
- Luggage: Your luggage will be transported home safely.
Travel worry-free: Tips for preparation
To be protected in an emergency, your EHIC alone is not enough. You need travel health insurance. Make sure it includes the following benefits:
- Medically necessary repatriation
- Medically unnecessary but medically justifiable repatriation
- Air ambulance transport in serious cases
- Return transport for travel companions and luggage
- A 24/7 emergency assistance center or emergency app
Especially important for long-distance travel is travel health insurance that also covers countries without social security agreements with Austria, such as the United States, Australia, or parts of Asia. In these destinations, even simple medical treatments can be very expensive.
Our tip: Annual travel insurance can be worthwhile if you travel several times a year. It provides year-round coverage for all your trips during the insurance year.
Conclusion: Travel safely with the right travel protection
Medical repatriation is not a cause for concern. It is a sign of good planning. With the CompleteCover from European Travel Insurance and the knowledge of what to do in an emergency, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Comprehensive Cover protects you extensively: it covers medical services abroad in the event of illness or accident, including repatriation, search and rescue costs, and trip cancellation benefits. This allows you to travel with confidence, no matter where your journey takes you.