In Summary
MedAire supports commercial airlines and business & general aviation (BGA) with 24/7 medical and security assistance, backed by a global provider network that has been reviewed and approved. The outcome is faster access to appropriate care, higher confidence in referral quality, and stronger operational continuity when crew or passengers need help away from home.
Quick Answer
A vetted provider network helps flight operations by enabling reliable medical referrals, destination support, and global case coordination.
Aviation teams responsible for operational readiness and duty of care, including:
In-flightInfluences diversion decisions by identifying the best available hospitals, locations, and medical specialties. |
On-the-groundSupports clients and crewmembers with accessing high-quality care in unfamiliar locations. |
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250+ Airlines Supported |
6,800+ BUSINESS AIRCRAFT Covered |
Aviation travel creates medical and security uncertainty:
This can lead to crew unavailability, schedule disruptions, and re-planning. A directory is not enough. Aviation teams need verified intelligence to support fast choices.
MedAire and International SOS maintain a global medical infrastructure and network of over [[fnf:vetted_providers]]vetted providers operating across [[fnf:spin_cities_count]]+ cities, supported by [[fnf:ac_count]] Assistance Centers.
This network is used to facilitate clinical referrals (primary care, urgent care, hospital-level care, and specialist care) as well as support with security concerns such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters rendering a location unsafe.
MedAire's approach is built around one operational question: Can this facility deliver the right level of care, for this patient, in this location?
At least once every three years, the Network Services team conducts in-person or virtual visits to verify the quality of medical services. Providers are assessed using one standardised global approach, concentrating on:
This information is compiled into a database which is kept up to date with: pictures, maps, languages spoken, opening times and payment processes. Alongside this, we compile any additional client feedback, to guarantee the quality of referrals.
This is the difference between a Google search and an audited, verified network.
For crewmembers who need to access medical assistance during a layover or a mission, the process is simple:
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Step 1 Call MedAire 24/7 for Medical Advice MedAire is not just for emergency use. When ill or injured, call to provide: symptoms, location, and your medical history. |
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Step 2 MedAire Assesses the Situation & Obtains Consent This allows us to inform and liaise with your management. |
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Step 3 Care is Coordinated on Your Behalf Phone advice, teleconsultation (with prescription delivery) and/or outpatient referral. |
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Step 4 Management is Kept Informed Throughout MedAire provide case monitoring, updates, and fit-to-operate recommendations. |
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Step 5 Case Closed Final documentation is provided to management. |
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Scenario 1: |
Scenario 2: |
Scenario 3: |
A crew member becomes ill during a layover and may be unfit for duty. This situation requires balancing care for the individual with the operational needs of the flight in order to protect the schedule.
Why it matters to ops
Delayed care can extend downtime, trigger last-minute crew replacement, and create cascading disruptions across the network.
How MedAire supports THE CREWMEMBER
MedAire coordinates care using a vetted global provider network so you are not relying on ad hoc local recommendations. We help identify an appropriate level of care (specialist, ED), coordinate the referral, and support follow-up so the crew member can safely return-to-duty where clinically appropriate.
Operational outcome
Faster time to appropriate care and fewer avoidable delays driven by uncertainty or inconsistent local care pathways.
A client needs care at a remote destination. Local options are limited. The flight department has minimal local support. Discretion is essential.
Why it matters to ops
Remote locations increase clinical uncertainty. Business Aviation itineraries also change quickly. One medical issue can force re-routing, extended stays, or complex follow-up across multiple legs.
How MedAire supports
MedAire uses its global network to identify appropriate care and coordinate next steps with the least operational disruption possible. If specialty care is required, we help locate the right capability and coordinate follow-up as the itinerary evolves.
Operational outcome
Faster access to suitable care in remote locations, and a coordinated plan that supports both passenger wellbeing and trip continuity.
Pilot of a cargo operator requires urgent escalation to specialist care or medical evacuation coordination.
Why it matters to ops
Complex medical situations require rapid assessment, coordination with multiple facilities, and potentially arranging medical evacuation. Time-critical decisions affect both patient outcomes and operational continuity.
How MedAire supports the operation
MedAire's physician team assesses the situation, identifies appropriate specialist facilities within the network, and coordinates escalation of care. If evacuation is required, we manage logistics including medical escort arrangements and receiving facility coordination.
Operational outcome
Expert clinical guidance drives decision-making, reducing risk and ensuring appropriate care pathways. Coordinated evacuation planning minimizes delays and provides clear operational guidance to flight departments.
A global network is only as valuable as the infrastructure behind it. For aviation operators, that means having MedLink physicians available at 35,000 feet, regional Assistance Centers coordinating local care, and verified provider intelligence that removes guesswork from high-stakes decisions.
When a crew member falls ill on layover, when a passenger needs specialist care in a remote location, or when a complex case demands evacuation planning, the network, the clinical expertise, and the operational coordination work together, this means fewer delays driven by uncertainty, and the confidence that comes from knowing your crew and passengers have access to expert care, wherever they are.
Find out more about how this network can support your operations:
Crew Support (Commercial Aviation)
MedAire360 membership (Business Aviation)