Documents for Medical Air Transport

Documents for medical air transport serve three different purposes: clinical assessment, flight or airline acceptance, and international travel requirements. One report may not satisfy every purpose. Requirements vary with the patient’s needs, transfer method, airline and countries involved. This checklist helps prepare an enquiry; the relevant parties must confirm the final requirements.

Clinical assessment documents

A current clinical summary, relevant treatment information and details of support needed during the journey may be requested. The documents should accurately reflect the treating team’s assessment. Where a fitness-to-fly report is required, check its requested format, language and validity separately. This guide cannot determine which report would permit an individual patient to travel.

Airline and special-assistance documents

For commercial flights, an airline may request its own medical information form or special-assistance request. Forms commonly called MEDIF fall into this category, but the form and process are not identical across carriers. Stretcher, oxygen and equipment requests can have separate acceptance conditions. Submitting a report does not constitute approval; check the relevant written confirmation.

Identity, travel and hospital coordination

Check identity or passport details and, where applicable, visas and entry requirements for the patient and each accompanying traveller. Prepare the discharge and receiving arrangements, contact people and handover location. If an insurer or assistance company is involved, obtain written clarification of service coverage and payment approval. An insurance document alone does not guarantee payment.

Before sharing documents

Begin with coordination details such as route and timing. Avoid attaching health reports or identity documents to general marketing enquiries; ask the team for the document submission process. Clarify which documents are needed, who will review them and how missing information will be completed. Notify the coordinator if the information or the patient’s needs change.

Related services and guides

• Air ambulance services
• Patient Transfer on Commercial Flights
• Medical Escort Services
• Stretcher Transport on Commercial Flights
• Air Ambulance vs Commercial Medical Escort
• Medical Team and Patient Transfer Operations

Contact MEKJET to discuss your route and timing.

Content updated: 8 October 2026. Service scope and availability are confirmed through the quotation and relevant assessments.