Emergency Return & Repatriation Guidefor Medics Abroad
Need to return home urgently from a disaster zone? Follow this step-by-step guide with official contacts.
Important: This is general guidance only. Contact your sending organization and insurance provider first. We do not arrange travel or handle emergencies.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps in order to safely coordinate your return home.
Ensure Immediate Safety
Move to a secure location away from immediate danger. Assess yourself and others for injuries. If injured, seek local medical attention before attempting travel.
Contact Your Sending Organization
Notify your deployment organization immediately. They may have emergency protocols, evacuation insurance, and logistics support already in place for volunteers.
Activate Your Insurance & Assistance Provider
Call your medical evacuation and travel insurance provider. Have your policy number ready. They can coordinate and pre-approve air ambulance or medical escort services.
Contact Your Embassy or Consulate
Register your situation with your country's embassy. They provide consular assistance, emergency travel documents, and can facilitate communication with family back home.
Gather Essential Documents
Collect your passport, medical records, insurance documents, organization ID, and prescriptions. Keep digital copies on your phone and physical copies in a waterproof bag.
Arrange Transportation
Based on medical needs, book a commercial flight with medical escort, or coordinate an air ambulance through your insurance provider. Confirm medical clearance for travel.
Coordinate Arrival Logistics
Ensure someone can receive you at your destination. Arrange ground transportation from the airport and confirm follow-up medical care is in place before you land.
Document Everything for Reimbursement
Keep all receipts, medical records, and communication logs. Your organization and insurance provider will need these to process expense claims and reimbursements.
Quick Contacts
U.S. State Department emergency lines. Other nationalities: contact your embassy.
U.S. State Department — From Overseas
Available 24/7 for U.S. citizens experiencing emergencies abroad.
U.S. State Department — From U.S. or Canada
For family members calling on behalf of a citizen abroad.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Enroll to receive safety alerts and help the embassy locate you in an emergency.
Region-Specific Help
Search for your country or region to find embassy contacts and local emergency numbers.
Haiti
U.S. Embassy / Consular Assistance
+509 2229-8000
Local Emergency Numbers
Police
114
Ambulance
116
Fire
115
Emergency services may be unreliable. Contact your organization for evacuation support.
Other nationalities: Contact your country's embassy or consulate for equivalent consular assistance. Use the Embassy Directory to find your diplomatic mission.
Airline & Medical Repatriation Options
Choose the right transport method based on your medical needs and insurance coverage.
Commercial Flight with Medical Escort
A commercial flight accompanied by a medical professional (nurse or doctor) who monitors your condition during travel.
Pros
- • Most cost-effective option
- • Widely available on major routes
- • Insurance often covers this tier
Cons
- • Requires medical clearance from airline
- • Limited medical equipment in-flight
- • Subject to flight schedules and delays
Air Ambulance (Medevac)
A dedicated medical transport aircraft staffed with critical care personnel and full medical equipment.
Pros
- • Full ICU-level care in-flight
- • Direct routing to destination
- • Can access remote or damaged airports
Cons
- • Very expensive ($25,000–$100,000+)
- • Requires insurance pre-authorization
- • Limited availability in disaster zones
Commercial Medical Stretcher Service
A commercial flight with a section of seats removed to accommodate a stretcher and medical equipment.
Pros
- • More affordable than air ambulance
- • More medical capability than escort
- • Available on long-haul routes
Cons
- • Requires airline coordination (48–72h)
- • Limited to certain aircraft types
- • Still costly without insurance
Official Resources
Verified government and international organization links for travel and emergency assistance.
U.S. Department of State — Travel
Official source for travel advisories, embassy contacts, and emergency services for U.S. citizens abroad.
U.S. Embassy Finder
Find the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with contact information and emergency services.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Enroll your trip to receive security updates and help the U.S. embassy contact you in an emergency.
CDC Travel Health Notices
Health advisories, vaccination requirements, and medical guidance for international destinations.
WHO Emergency Information
Global health emergency information, outbreak data, and medical response guidance.
International SOS
Global medical assistance and security services (requires membership or insurance integration).
Important Disclaimers
- • This is general guidance only. Contact your sending organization and insurance provider first.
- • We do not arrange travel, handle emergencies, or provide medical advice.
- • Phone numbers and emergency contacts may change. Verify all information with official sources before relying on it.
- • Global Hemostasis is not affiliated with any embassy, government agency, or repatriation service listed here.
- • If you're currently in a disaster area shown on our map, use the location to find relevant contacts above.