Does Health Insurance Cover Air Ambulance in India? How to Claim

Short answer: some Indian health insurance policies cover air ambulance charges, but many do not, and those that do usually set a limit. Cover is most often found as an “air ambulance” benefit or add-on in the policy wording, and it normally applies only when the transfer is medically necessary and advised by the treating doctor. Check your policy schedule, and call your insurer or TPA before the flight if you can.

Does my health insurance cover an air ambulance?

It depends on the exact policy. Look for these words in your policy document or schedule:

• “Air ambulance” as a listed benefit or optional cover. If it is there, note the limit (a fixed rupee amount or a share of the sum insured).
• “Emergency ambulance” or “road ambulance”. This usually covers road ambulances only, with a small limit. It rarely pays for a flight.
• Conditions such as: the transfer must be to the nearest hospital that can treat the patient, must be advised in writing by the treating doctor, and must be within India.

Group policies from employers and travel insurance for trips abroad often have different rules. Travel insurance may cover medical evacuation back to India.

Cashless or reimbursement?

Most air ambulance claims in India are paid as reimbursement: the family pays first and claims afterwards. Some insurers allow pre-authorisation. If time allows, ask the insurer or TPA for written approval before the flight. In an emergency, do not delay the transfer for this. Inform the insurer as soon as possible, usually within the time limit in your policy.

Documents to keep for the claim

• A letter from the treating doctor saying why the air transfer was medically necessary
• Discharge summary or transfer summary from the first hospital
• Admission papers from the receiving hospital
• The air ambulance invoice and payment receipt
• Patient ID, policy number and the insurer’s claim form

We give you an overall invoice for the transfer, and a tax invoice on request once the transfer is complete, to submit with your claim.

What does an air ambulance cost if insurance does not pay?

A chartered air ambulance within India costs about Rs 5.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, depending on the route, all-inclusive. A stretcher on a commercial flight costs about Rs 3.5 to 4.5 lakh, if the patient is stable enough to fly on a scheduled flight. See our cost guide for route prices.

Frequently asked questions

Does health insurance pay for an air ambulance in India?

Only if your policy lists air ambulance as a benefit or add-on, and usually up to a set limit. Check the policy wording.

Is the claim cashless?

Usually not. Most families pay first and claim reimbursement with the doctor’s letter, invoice and hospital papers.

What if my claim is rejected?

Ask the insurer for the reason in writing. You can complain to the insurer’s grievance cell and, if not resolved, to the Insurance Ombudsman or through IRDAI’s complaint system.

Will you help with the paperwork?

Yes. We give you an overall invoice and, on request, a tax invoice after the transfer is complete, to submit with your claim.

This page is general information, not insurance advice. Your policy wording decides what is covered.

Call 080 6500 6179 for a written quote you can share with your insurer.