Publié le 21/07/2026
Medical Repatriation: The Reality Behind Common Misconceptions
Medical repatriation isn’t always what you might imagine. More often than not, it involves a human situation that needs to be understood, a medical decision that must be confirmed, and a journey that must be meticulously organized. This is by no means a trivial matter: according to France Diplomatie, a medical repatriation can cost up to €80,000—expenses that are not covered by consular services and are most often covered by an assistance contract or travel insurance. This is by no means a trivial matter: when repatriation is necessary, the cost can quickly reach very high levels (sometimes more than €100,000). These costs are not covered by consular services but are most often covered by an assistance plan or travel insurance.
In the event of hospitalization abroad, our teams spring into action immediately to assess the beneficiary’s situation. They contact the hospital and the beneficiary to gather all relevant information and evaluate the beneficiary’s needs. This comprehensive understanding of the context then allows us to provide the most appropriate support. An often-overlooked point to keep in mind: medical and hospitalization expenses abroad can be particularly costly and are reimbursed only under the terms specified in your insurance coverage. It is therefore recommended that you review your policies before departure.
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How is the decision to repatriate made?
Coverage begins as soon as the beneficiary is able to travel, provided that the mode of transportation is truly adapted to their medical condition. Depending on the medical condition, a medical team can be mobilized both in France and abroad, with doctors and nurses ready to provide care.
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How is a medical evacuation organized?
Many repatriations are arranged using means other than medical evacuation flights: ambulances, taxis, trains, or commercial flights. The appropriate method is never chosen at random: it depends on the recipient’s health condition, the risks involved in the journey, and the conditions necessary to ensure the recipient is accompanied throughout the entire process
In practical terms, as soon as a beneficiary covered by an assistance policy encounters a medical issue abroad, an assistance case is opened and handled by our teams, from the initial report through to the beneficiary’s return.
This is where our expertise truly comes into play: knowing how to assess, coordinate, and make decisions, while also remaining attentive to the experience of the person we’re assisting. Because the right response is the one that truly takes care of the policyholder.
By structuring every repatriation around medical assessment, coordination, and compassionate support, the IMA Group offers its insurance partners and their policyholders a reliable, well-managed, and reassuring response at just the right time.
Because being there when it counts isn’t just about responding to an emergency.
