London, Scotland and across the UK
Medical Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Australia
Australians who fall ill in the United Kingdom are usually in good hands. Under the reciprocal health care agreement, Australian residents can get medically necessary treatment in NHS hospitals. What the agreement doesn't cover is the trip home, which is one of the longest journeys any patient can make.
Send patient details
A few details is enough. A coordinator calls you back to go through the rest.
What situations do Australians face in the United Kingdom?
Most of the patients we help from the UK are older Australians visiting family, travellers on long holidays, and younger Australians living and working there. The question is rarely whether care is good enough; it is when and how the patient can safely travel more than 16,000 kilometres.
Falls and hip fractures
Older travellers who fall and need surgery, then want to recover near family in Australia.
Strokes and heart problems
Patients treated in NHS stroke and cardiac units who need long-term rehabilitation at home.
Cancer diagnosed while away
A new diagnosis during an extended stay, where the patient wants treatment planned with an Australian team.
Young Australians living in the UK
Working holiday makers and expatriates with serious illness or injury who want to be home with family.
How do hospitals in the United Kingdom handle discharge for a transfer?
NHS hospitals are under constant pressure for beds, and once a patient is medically fit, the ward will want to discharge them. Discharge summaries can take a day or two to be typed up, so ask the ward early. The consultant's view on fitness to fly carries a lot of weight with airlines and insurers.
Private patients at hospitals in London and elsewhere follow a similar process, with the addition of an account to settle. We speak with the treating consultant, agree the safest way to travel, and arrange the ambulance from the ward to the airport.
Commercial stretcher or dedicated jet: which is right?
Seated with a medical escort
The usual option from the UK. A nurse or doctor flies with the patient, often in business class, either nonstop London to Perth or with one connection to the east coast.
Commercial airline stretcher
Some airlines offer a stretcher on UK to Australia flights with notice and airline medical approval. Availability is limited and lead times can be several days.
Dedicated air ambulance jet
A Gulfstream G550 needs two fuel stops and crew changes, and the trip takes 24 hours or more. Reserved for patients who can't travel any other way.
Because a dedicated aircraft from the UK is so expensive, we always check first whether a commercial option is safe.
How stretcher repatriation compares in costWhat documents are needed?
We need the passport, the NHS or private discharge summary, imaging and the insurance details. Australian residents treated under the reciprocal agreement should keep their Medicare card and passport handy, as the NHS hospital may ask to see them.
Patients on regular medicines should bring enough for the whole journey and the first days in Australia, as UK prescriptions cannot be filled here. Ask the ward pharmacy for a supply and a printed medication list.
Which routes do we fly from the United Kingdom?
All routes we flyFlight details for the main route home from the UK:
FAQ
Repatriation from the United Kingdom: common questions
Last reviewed 9 November 2026. Read alongside official travel advice: Travel advice: the United Kingdom (Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade); Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (Services Australia); Am I fit to fly? Guidance for passengers (UK Civil Aviation Authority).
International medical repatriation guide