Intriguing Air Ambulance Numbers You’ll Find in 2025
During a health emergency, the need for immediate, effective care can make the situation feel even more stressful. Understanding the ins and outs of air ambulance statistics, whether it’s insurance coverage, the types of aircraft used, or the costs involved, can help you make an informed decision when every moment counts.
In this article, we’ll explore key air ambulance service statistics to shed light on industry trends and provide answers to common questions. We’ll cover topics such as insurance coverage, the benefits of air ambulances, how far they can travel, and the most frequent reasons for their use.
With over 30 years of experience, REVA is a trusted provider of air ambulance services with a highly trained medical team and state-of-the-art fixed-wing aircraft. Our medical evacuation services have traveled to over 90 countries and helped patients reach renowned healthcare facilities, ensuring safe and efficient travel for all acuity levels, from stable to critical.
Are Air Ambulance Rides Covered by Insurance?
Two-thirds of air ambulance transports are not covered by private insurance, leaving many families with unexpected financial burdens. At REVA, we understand the importance of minimizing these costs, so our logistics team works directly with insurance companies to help secure coverage for air ambulance rides, including the option of single-case agreements for those without long-term coverage.
In many cases, insurance may cover medically necessary air ambulances. Our logistics staff guides you through the booking process, ensuring that you get the maximum coverage possible and alleviating some of the financial stress during a medical emergency.
What Types of Aircrafts Are Used for Air Ambulances?
Fixed-wing aircraft are used for longer medical evacuation flights while rotary-wing aircraft are used for shorter trips. At REVA, we use custom-fit fixed-wing aircraft to provide a safe and efficient air ambulance experience for patients traveling long distances to specialized healthcare facilities.
How Many People Use Air Ambulances in the United States Per Year?
In the United States, more than 550,000 people use air ambulances annually to get the care they need. This statistic reflects the growing need for quick, reliable access to specialized medical treatment, especially when ground transportation is not a viable option.
Are There Advantages to Using Air Ambulance Airplanes?
Fix-wing aircraft, compared to helicopters, offer a smoother, more stable ride, which improves comfort for patients during transport. This increased stability also allows for more medical equipment and personnel, ensuring patients receive the proper care throughout the medevac flight.
What Are the Most Common Reasons to Need an Air Ambulance?
The most common reasons for air ambulance use include cerebrovascular issues, heart attacks, head injuries, strokes, and bodily injuries. These conditions often require urgent medical attention that is best served by quick air ambulance services to specialized medical facilities.
How Far Can Fixed Wing Air Ambulances Travel?
Fixed-wing air ambulances can travel up to 2,700 miles, making them ideal for long-distance medical evacuations. This extended range allows patients to be flown to hospitals far from the point of origin, ensuring seamless access to the critical care they need.
At REVA, our air ambulance services have traveled to and from over 90 different countries worldwide, including those in the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean, for emergency, non-emergency, and pediatric needs.
How Much Do Air Ambulance Trips Cost?
In 2017, the median price for a helicopter air ambulance ride was $36,400, while airplane air ambulances cost $40,600, excluding insurance coverage. At REVA, we work directly with insurance providers to help manage costs and ensure patients receive the necessary care without unexpected financial burdens.
Who Is Transported by Air Ambulances the Most Frequently?
From 2016 to 2020, fixed-wing air ambulance transport was more common among males than females, except for those in the 36–50 age group. This trend highlights the varying needs for medical evacuation flights across different demographics.
Trust REVA for Dependable Air Ambulance Service Today
At REVA, we understand the time-sensitive importance of air ambulance services and are committed to making medical evacuation flights as accessible and efficient as possible. Our 30+ years of experience ensures that you and your loved ones receive the best care, no matter the distance or situation.
Contact REVA today for a personalized quote for air ambulance services from wherever you are to a specialized medical facility. Our logistics staff is available 24/7 to answer your insurance coverage, pricing, and scheduling questions.
Sources
“Air Ambulance: Available Data Show Privately-Insured Patients Are at Financial Risk.” U.S. Government Accountability Office. March 20, 2019. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-19-292
“Air Ambulance Use and Surprise Billing.” Gina Turrini, Joel Ruhter, Andre R. Chappel, and Nancy De Lew. Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Sept. 10, 2021. https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/aspe-air-ambulance-ib-09-10-2021.pdf
“Addressing the High Costs of Air Ambulance Services.” Dan Goldbeck, Malcolm Mahoney. American Action Forum. Aug. 3, 2023. https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/addressing-the-high-costs-of-air-ambulance-services/
“FIXED-WING AND ROTARY-WING AIR AMBULANCES: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?.” Aero Med Express. https://www.aeromedexpress.com/news/fixed-vs-rotary-wing-air-ambulance
“FAIR Health Provides Window into Air Ambulance-Related Data.” FAIR Health. Sept. 16, 2021. https://www.fairhealth.org/article/fair-health-provides-window-into-air-ambulance-related-data
“Air Ambulance Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis Report 2031.” Straits Research. Feb. 28, 2024. https://straitsresearch.com/report/air-ambulance-market
“Air Ambulance Service.” U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/air-ambulance-service