Stroke abroad: Can You Fly After a Stroke?

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Strokes occur unexpectedly – no pre-signs or pre-indications, a true medical threat even for those with no pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, or symptoms.

Hence, a stroke can happen to people who are flying abroad, raising many questions. What are the risk factors? Can someone fly after a stroke with a normal airline and in a normal plane? Is it even safe to fly after one? Are there any prerequisites to flying after a TIA? How did Covid-19 and the whole coronavirus pandemic change how we fly for these patients? Are long-haul flights 'ok' post-stroke? Do you need travel insurance to take a flight?

So, what Is a Stroke?

Well, to answer all of these questions, one needs to understand what a stroke is? It's a medical condition in which the brain is deprived of oxygen. There are two types. An ischemic attack is generally due to the presence of a blood clot restricting blood flow. A haemorrhagic attack occurs due to bleeding. The consequences of a stroke depend on which part of the brain was affected and for how long. However, one thing that is alarming is that patients who have suffered from a mini-stroke, TIA , or temporary impairment to the brain might consider it as a warning that they are at risk of suffering from a larger stroke in the future.

Flying After a Stroke – How to Manage?

As a result, multiple significant risks are linked to flying after a stroke, specifically with a normal airline. A key reason patients desire to fly after one might be that better medical care and medical help are available in their home country. Moreover, homesickness and potential language barriers with the local doctors are popular reasons why people wish to fly back to their home destination as quickly as possible. It raises the need for getting a professional air ambulance service often accompanied by an onboard doctor, even at the eleventh hour, instead of a standard airline.

Our medical flight services for stroke patients 

At Medical Repatriation UK, we know very well that after a stroke the brain is not getting enough blood supply and that can result in irreversible damage in those brain areas where supply is less. Therefore, a stroke needs rapid treatment and quick medical response, even when one is on a holiday! You can contact our services for emergency repatriation questions, even at the eleventh hour to prevent any subsequent damage after a stroke and to help minimize upcoming risks, such as the patient's condition worsening. We will be glad to assist you no matter your travel insurance policy or travel insurance provider's term.

We have a qualified team of flight professionals that is readily available to guide the patients regarding various ways that can get them home safely by air travel or ground. Our air ambulances flights are equipped with top-notch and state-of-the-art equipment so that we can take care of you at every step while escorting you to your homeland. Moreover, our medical experts will accompany you during your emergency flight home which will surely raise your confidence. They are here to monitor the stroke patient's condition during the flight. At your demand, Medical Repatriation UK will arrange an air ambulance as quickly as possible. Moreover, our modern equipment and experienced personnel on the air ambulance guarantee that if any emergency occurs during the flight, they will be there to intervene and offer timely medical care. They are equipped with the right medication as well to make sure there are no risks at all.

In some cases, if a stroke survivor or a traveller's health condition permits it, the medical repatriation can be carried out onboard a scheduled airliner, where the latter is transported in a screened-off area worldwide arrangeable both for short-haul and for long distances. This depends on the airline's approval.

There can be special cases where the patient does not feel comfortable flying due to factors affecting their mobility, or the doctor has recommended that flying is not a safe option. In that case, we can provide a road ambulance instead of an aeroplane. Our road ambulances are also well-equipped, and a dedicated medical team will accompany you to the destined hospital. We have specifically taken care of the vehicle suspension so that our patients can have a comfortable journey on the road.

Contact us for an air ambulance 

If you wish to have more information on taking a plane or how we will handle a TIA, you can get in touch with us. Contact us on the following numbers for detailed guidance regarding costs and methods involved in medical repatriation for a stroke survivor.

• By telephone: +44 020 8038 4564
• By email: info@medical-repatriation.uk
• Via our contact form