5 Must-Have Features in a Travel Assistance Plan

A comprehensive travel assistance plan can make the difference between a manageable travel hiccup and a full-blown crisis. 

Whether you’re navigating an unexpected medical emergency, assisting a loved one during a hospital stay, or simply trying to get home safely, the right travel assistance plan ensures peace of mind. Knowing which features to prioritize can help you select a plan that provides the best support for your unique travel needs. 

In this article, we’ll unpack: 

• How medical evacuation services can be a lifesaver in emergencies.
• The significance of assistance services for travel companions. 
• Why 24/7 medical and travel assistance is crucial for travelers. 

Let’s explore the five most important features of a travel assistance plan. 

1. Medical Evacuation Services

Medical evacuation services are the backbone of any comprehensive travel assistance plan. These services ensure that if you face a medical emergency during your trip, you can access proper treatment without worrying about logistical challenges. 

Key features to look for include: 

• Emergency medical evacuation: Provides transportation via ground or air ambulance to a more appropriate hospital if your current facility cannot properly treat your condition.
• Transportation home after hospitalization: Arranges for a safe return home after stabilization, including with a nurse if medically necessary to ensure ongoing care as medically necessary.

For instance, if you’re injured in an area with limited medical capabilities, a plan with robust medical evacuation services ensures timely transport to a facility equipped to handle your situation. 

Keep in mind, the average cost of an air ambulance within the U.S. is $36,711! Learn more about air ambulance costs and services here: 

• What Is the Average Air Ambulance Cost and How To Prepare [2025]

2. Assistance for Companions

Emergencies during travel can affect more than just the person experiencing the crisis—travel companions often face logistical and emotional challenges, too. A good travel assistance plan includes services to support companions in these situations. 

Key features to look for include: 

• Transportation home for companions: Ensures companions can return home safely if the member is evacuated or passes away.
• Arrangements to join a hospitalized member: Provides travel arrangements for a loved one to join a member who is hospitalized and alone far from home.
• Transportation home for children or grandchildren: Arranges care and travel for minor children or grandchildren if the primary traveler is unable to accompany them.
• Pet care and return home assistance: Helps ensure pets are cared for and returned home when emergencies disrupt travel plans.
• Hotel room for companion during hospitalization: Covers accommodations for companions who need to stay nearby while the member is hospitalized.

For example, imagine you’re hospitalized abroad and traveling with children—this benefit ensures they’ll be safely transported home or cared for, reducing the strain on your recovery. 

Similarly, these services ease the burden on companions by addressing travel and accommodation needs, enabling them to focus on supporting the affected traveler. 

3. 24/7 medical and travel assistance anywhere in the world

Emergencies don’t wait for convenient hours, and travelers often find themselves in unfamiliar situations where quick access to help is critical. A reliable travel assistance plan offers 24/7 medical and travel support to address any challenges that may arise, no matter where you are. 

Key features to look for include: 

• Emergency medical monitoring: Provides ongoing updates to your family about your condition and coordinates with local healthcare providers.
• Emergency message forwarding: Ensures urgent messages are delivered to family, friends, or home doctors during a crisis.
• Insurance information transfer: Facilitates communication with medical providers about your insurance to simplify the billing process.
• Prescription replacement assistance: Helps replace lost or forgotten medications during your travels.
• Locator services: Assists in finding doctors, dentists, emergency rooms, or attorneys when needed.

Imagine losing your prescription medications while abroad or requiring immediate assistance to locate a specialist—24/7 support ensures you’ll have expert help at your fingertips. This constant availability provides peace of mind and helps you navigate unexpected hurdles with confidence. 

4. Transportation home

One of the most vital aspects of a travel assistance plan is ensuring you can safely return home during or after an emergency. Whether due to a medical crisis, unforeseen travel disruptions, or other emergencies, transportation home services provide travelers with peace of mind. 

Key features to look for include: 

• Transportation home: Arranges for your safe return home after hospitalization or evacuation.
• RV/Vehicle return: Ensures your car, RV, or other vehicle is transported back to your home if you’re unable to drive it yourself.
• Return of remains: Handles the respectful repatriation of remains in the unfortunate event of a traveler’s death while away.
• Hotel stay while awaiting transportation home: Covers accommodation costs if you need to wait for arrangements to be finalized.
• Bereavement reunion: Facilitates travel arrangements for family members to join you in cases of critical illness or loss.

For instance, if you’re hospitalized after an accident during a road trip, these services can manage the safe return of both you and your vehicle. Additionally, offering support like hotel stays and bereavement reunions minimizes logistical stress during already difficult situations. 

5. Value and cost

Balancing the cost of a travel assistance plan with the value it provides is critical. While a plan’s features are important, ensuring affordability without sacrificing essential benefits is key to making the best decision.

Key factors to consider include:

• Protection vs. cost: Evaluate the range of services offered in relation to the price. Comprehensive plans often provide more peace of mind, but they may cost slightly more.
• Customizable options: Look for plans that allow you to tailor coverage to your specific needs, such as adding coverage for high-risk activities or extended travel durations.
• Membership plans comparison: Consider different levels of membership (e.g., basic vs. premium) to find one that fits your budget while offering the essential features you need.
• Reviews and testimonials: Research customer feedback to gauge satisfaction with the plan’s responsiveness and services.
• Hidden costs: Pay attention to fine print for additional fees that may not be obvious upfront.

For example, a premium plan might include extras like bereavement reunions or extensive travel assistance but may not be necessary for short domestic trips. Conversely, frequent travelers or those venturing abroad may find the additional cost well worth the enhanced protection.

Choosing the right travel assistance plan can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disruption during your journey. With Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+), you gain access to an industry-leading suite of services designed to protect you and your loved ones in any travel situation.

From medical evacuation to companion support, 24/7 global assistance, and transportation home, EA+ delivers peace of mind at an affordable price. Whether you’re dealing with unexpected emergencies or simply planning for the unexpected, EA+ ensures you’re never alone in a crisis.

Don’t wait until you’re caught in an emergency to realize the value of comprehensive travel assistance. With EA+, you can travel confidently, knowing expert help is just a call away.

Learn more about EA+ today and find out how you can protect yourself, your family, and your travel plans from unforeseen challenges. Visit Emergency Assistance Plus or call 866-863-4460 to get started.