How to Choose an Air Ambulance in India: 8 Things to Check Before You Book

Short answer: before you book any air ambulance in India, get these in writing: the aircraft’s tail number (registration), the aircraft type, who the medical team is, what equipment will be on board, and a complete bed-to-bed quote with nothing left out. A good provider will answer all of these within minutes.

8 things to check before you book an air ambulance

1. The aircraft registration. Ask for the aircraft’s tail number (registration). With it you can check the aircraft and confirm it is DGCA-approved.
2. The aircraft type. A pressurised twin-engine jet or turboprop suits long distances and critical patients. Ask whether a stretcher, oxygen and power for the equipment are built in.
3. The medical team. Ask who flies with the patient: a critical-care doctor, an anaesthetist or a paramedic, and how much flight experience they have.
4. Equipment on board. For ICU patients: ventilator, multi-parameter monitor, defibrillator, infusion pumps, suction and enough oxygen for the whole journey plus a margin.
5. A complete written quote. It should cover the aircraft, medical team, equipment, ground ambulances at both ends, airport charges and taxes. Ask what is not included.
6. Bed-to-bed handover. Check that the provider coordinates with both hospitals and that the receiving hospital has confirmed a bed.
7. Timing. Ask when the aircraft can actually take off, not just the advertised response time, and where the aircraft is now.
8. Family and cancellation. Ask how many family members can fly with the patient, and the refund policy if the flight is cancelled for medical or weather reasons.

Our answers to these questions

• Doctor on board throughout the flight
• Bed-to-bed transfer, with ground ambulances at both ends included
• Up to 2 family members fly with the patient at no extra cost
• No GST: ambulance services are exempt
• A clear, all-inclusive quote before you confirm
• Aircraft tail number, medical team and equipment details shared before departure

Chartered air ambulance prices within India are about Rs 5.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh depending on the route. See route prices in our cost guide.

Warning signs

• A very low phone price that grows once you confirm
• No written quote, or a quote without the ground ambulances
• The company will not share the aircraft’s tail number
• Pressure to pay the full amount before the medical team has seen the patient’s reports

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if an air ambulance company is genuine?

Ask for the aircraft’s tail number (registration), a written quote, and the medical team’s details. A genuine provider shares these quickly.

Who regulates air ambulances in India?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates the aircraft and operators. The medical side is the provider’s responsibility.

Which is the best air ambulance in India?

The best one for your patient is the provider that answers all eight questions above in writing, can fly when you need it, and gives a clear bed-to-bed quote. Compare at least two written quotes if time allows.

Call 080 6500 6179. We will answer all eight questions in writing for your patient’s route.