When Every Minute Matters: A Complete Guide to PHI Air Medical and the PHI Cares Membership

In a medical emergency, time is everything. For patients in rural, hard-to-reach areas or in critical condition when every second counts, air medical transport can make a difference in patient outcomes. That’s where PHI Air Medical comes in. With more than 60 air ambulance bases across 11 states, PHI Air Medical connects trauma scenes, local hospitals, and top-tier medical centers while delivering advanced care en route. Through the PHI Cares Membership, families can protect themselves from the unexpected costs of that air ambulance and care.

Why Air Medical Transport Is Critical

Speed, access, and ICU-level support – that’s the core value of air medical services. Whether responding to a stroke, heart attack, serious injury, or transferring a patient from a rural hospital, PHI Air Medical delivers expert-level care in the air. The “Golden Hour” – the first 60 minutes after a traumatic event – is key to survival. PHI’s ability to deploy quickly and provide lifesaving treatment mid-flight helps ensure patients reach the right care during that critical window.

Why Air Medical Transport Is a Worthwhile Investment

Air medical transport is not just about fast travel; it’s about delivering state-of-the-art, lifesaving care when and where it’s needed most. The investment reflects the complexity and urgency of what PHI Air Medical provides.

Every air ambulance flight includes:

• Specialized clinical crews trained to deliver critical care
• Advanced medical equipment, transforming aircraft into flying ICUs
• Rigorous safety and compliance standards, from aviation to healthcare

This infrastructure ensures care that’s fast, safe, and effective. While health insurance may cover some of the cost, patients are often left with high out-of-pocket bills. That’s where PHI Cares comes in. Our team provides peace of mind and financial protection when it matters most.

What Is the PHI Cares Membership?

PHI Cares is not insurance. It’s a membership that helps cover the portion insurance often doesn’t pay after a medically necessary PHI Air Medical transport and flight.

Key benefits of PHI Cares Membership include:

• Coverage for your entire household (plus up to three non-family dependents)
• No out-of-pocket costs
• Costs about the same as a cup of coffee per month

Our membership program is simple, affordable protection that keeps the focus on care and not the bill.

PHI Air Medical: Experience, Safety, and Reach

PHI Air Medical is part of PHI Inc., a leading aviation company with more than 76 years of service. It’s the first and only air medical provider to receive the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award twice, underscoring its commitment to safety at every level.

Coverage Areas:

• Southwest: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
• Midwest: Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky
• Eastern: Maryland, Virginia
• Southern: Alabama

See if you’re covered at our PHI Care interactive coverage map.

PHI in Action: Real Emergency Scenarios

Cardiac Emergency Response

A patient suffered a heart attack in a remote area. PHI launched within minutes, provided cardiac care during transport, and delivered the patient within the critical treatment window. The PHI Cares membership meant the family paid nothing beyond insurance.

Pediatric Trauma Transport

After a child was seriously injured in a rural area, PHI stabilized the condition in-flight, provided pediatric care, and transported them to a children’s hospital. Again, PHI Cares covered what insurance did not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do PHI helicopters fly?
Typically, our helicopters and air ambulances fly between 120–160 mph, depending on conditions.

How are flights paid for?
PHI bills your insurance first. If you’re a PHI Cares member, you pay $0 after insurance.

Is PHI Cares insurance?
No. PHI Cares is a membership that covers out-of-pocket costs not paid by your insurance for you or a household member.

PHI Air Medical and the PHI Cares Membership: Final Thoughts

PHI Air Medical brings hospital-level care to your doorstep, or accident scene, when seconds can save lives. With PHI Cares, you gain critical financial protection when you need it most.