Nobody wants to consider the possibility of facing a serious medical emergency while on vacation in the Caribbean region. However, if such an unfortunate event were to occur, what options do you have? How will you return home for recovery or further treatment, or travel abroad to seek urgent care? Do not worry, MTI 24/7 is here to assist you with your medical repatriation or evacuation.

Things to know about the Caribbean and medical transport from this region:

• Barbados, St. Lucia, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts are considered some of the best islands to visit in the Caribbean region.

• Travelers should be aware of common medical conditions in the region, including temperature-related issues, water-related illnesses, and vector-borne diseases.

• The Caribbean region exhibits a diversity of healthcare systems.

• An air ambulance flight may be essential for various reasons, especially when a patient needs intensive care, specialized equipment, or a sea-level flight.

• Medical conditions requiring air ambulance transport include severe head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and cardiac arrest.

• After facing a medical emergency on a Caribbean island, tourists often want to return to their home countries (medical repatriation).

• Each Caribbean island offers a different level of specialty care.

• Medical evacuation becomes imperative when crucial care is unavailable locally.

• MTI 24/7 provides medical transport from the Caribbean islands.

• Our medical escort service caters to stable patients who can travel commercially.

• Opt for our Bed-to-Bed service for stress-free patient transport to or from the Caribbean region.

Tourism in the Caribbean: What are the best islands to visit?

The Caribbean offers diverse destinations for travelers, from luxurious escapes to nature-filled adventures. Here are the best islands to explore:

• Barbados: Perfect for accessible luxury, beaches, and lively culture.

• St. Lucia: Ideal for romantic getaways with iconic Piton views.

• Anguilla: Renowned for its secluded, pristine beaches.

• British Virgin Islands: A blend of sailing, culture, and natural beauty.

• Dominica: A paradise for divers and eco-tourists.

• Grenada: Known for waterfalls, hot springs, and rainforests.

• Puerto Rico: Offers vibrant culture, history, and cuisine.

• St. Kitts: Explore by scenic railways and historical sites.

These islands cater to various travel preferences, from relaxation and adventure to cultural immersion.

Common medical emergencies in the Caribbean region

If you are traveling to the Caribbean region, you should be aware of common medical conditions, including:

• Temperature-related issues: Heatstroke and dehydration can be risks due to the warm climate. Travelers should stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

• Water-related illness: Consuming untreated or unboiled water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea. Travelers are advised to drink bottled or boiled water and avoid consuming drinks with ice cubes made from tap water.

• Vector-borne diseases: Dengue fever is a major concern in many Caribbean islands. Zika and Chikungunya may also be risks depending on the location and time of year. Taking measures to prevent mosquito bites is important.

Healthcare system in the Caribbean islands

To be prepared for any medical emergencies, both expatriates and visitors are advised to conduct thorough research before embarking on a trip to the Caribbean islands. The region exhibits a diversity of healthcare systems, ranging from well-developed public systems and private facilities in places like Cuba and the Bahamas, to varying degrees of access in others. Puerto Rico, in particular, stands out for its affiliation with the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, which offers veterans medical care. It is recommended to secure comprehensive health insurance and to carry some cash, as it is customary to make upfront payments at hospitals and clinics.

What is an air ambulance?

If you are not familiar with what an air ambulance is, think of it as a specialized aircraft designed to transport ill and injured individuals safely and quickly from one location to another. At MTI 24/7, we ensure our air ambulances are fitted with ICU-level medical equipment, such as Intensive Care Ventilators and 12-channel multifunctional ECG monitors. We can usually adjust the equipment to meet the specific medical needs of each patient. During the flight, you will be attended to by our medical crew, which includes a doctor and a nurse or paramedic. They will monitor your condition, administer medications, and respond swiftly to any complications that may arise during the trip. To make your journey more comfortable, we often allow a family member or friend to accompany you on our ambulance aircraft at no extra cost.

When is an air ambulance flight required?

An air ambulance flight may be essential for various reasons, especially when a patient needs intensive care, specialized equipment, or a sea-level flight, making it impossible for them to travel on a commercial airliner. Additionally, this type of patient transportation is utilized when traveling by ground ambulance is impractical due to distance, terrain, or even international borders.

Examples of medical conditions requiring air ambulance transport include:

• Severe trauma or head injuries that need rapid intervention.

• Spinal cord injuries requiring specialized immobilization.

• Hemorrhagic stroke demanding critical care during transit.

• Severe respiratory failure requiring ventilator support.

• Cardiac emergencies, such as cardiac arrest.

Medical repatriation to or from the Caribbean Islands

After facing a medical emergency on a Caribbean island, tourists often find themselves longing to return to their home countries. This desire stems from several factors, including the potential for more affordable care back home. For instance, US citizens facing medical emergencies in Jamaica might face bills in the tens of thousands of dollars. Moreover, many patients struggle with navigating the healthcare system in an unfamiliar language. Others simply prefer the comfort of being in a familiar environment, surrounded by their loved ones, during their recovery process or when undergoing further treatment. Regardless of the reason for choosing medical repatriation, MTI 24/7 is here to assist you in traveling back to the United States, Canada, or any other country.

Medical evacuation from the Caribbean Islands

Each Caribbean island offers a different level of specialty care. Should you find yourself in a critical condition, requiring urgent medical attention that is not available locally, the necessity for medical evacuation to a destination equipped with more advanced healthcare facilities becomes imperative. At MTI 24/7, we are here to assist you, whether your needs include medical transport from Antigua and Barbuda (St. John's), Cuba (Havana), or the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), among others.

Medical escort for stable patients flying in and out of the Caribbean region

Do you require medical assistance during a flight to or from the Caribbean islands? MTI 24/7’s medical escort service caters to stable patients who can travel commercially. We can accommodate your needs, whether you can be seated during transit or need to lie down on an in-flight stretcher. A qualified healthcare professional, either a nurse or paramedic, will accompany you throughout the journey and provide medical care as needed, ensuring your safety and well-being. They will offer support before, during, and after your flight, for example, by assisting you with navigating the airport in a wheelchair or boarding the plane. This solution is more cost-effective than our air ambulance service, with flights available in both business and economy class depending on your health condition. To make the best choice for your needs, please be aware that commercial flights have limited medical supplies and may have restrictions on travel dates.

Bed-to-Bed service for medical transport to or from the Caribbean region

Handling transportation logistics after a critical injury or illness can be overwhelming. That is why MTI 24/7 provides a Bed-to-Bed service. Our team will not only arrange your medical flight to or from the Caribbean region but also manage the organization of ground ambulances to transport you to the airport and pick you up upon landing. From your current location to your final destination, you will receive medical supervision from the same crew, ensuring a seamless and stress-free transportation experience.

Choose us for your flights to and from the Caribbean islands

You might be wondering why you should choose us over other medical transport charter services. The answer lies in our extensive experience transporting patients around the globe. Additionally, our team of aviation experts is available 24/7, ensuring that you can be assisted with your medical transport needs at any time. By selecting us to organize your medical flight, you will enjoy personalized support and maximum relief, thanks to our multilingual team that speaks 16 languages. Another advantage of choosing our patient transport service is our commitment to transparency, you can be certain that there will be no hidden fees. Above all, your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

How to book our air ambulance Caribbean or medical escort service?

To get in touch with our aviation specialists, you simply have to make a phone call, send an email, or fill out our contact form. During a free consultation, we will gather essential information about your situation and health needs. We will then assess your circumstances and recommend the best patient transport solution for you to travel safely to or from the Caribbean islands. We will provide you with a non-binding quotation for review. Furthermore, we will manage every aspect of your medical repatriation or evacuation, whether by air ambulance or with the assistance of a medical escort, once you have agreed to our proposal. You can generally be airborne on the same day of booking or the next.

Get in touch with us for your medical flight to or from the Caribbean

Whether you or your loved ones require medical transport to or from the Caribbean, do not hesitate to contact our team. We are more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding our services or provide you with a non-binding quote.

Reach us by:

• Phone: USA: +1 646 335 06 83 / UK: +44 20 3608 0959

• Email: info@mti-247.com

• Our contact form