Travel Assistance
Travel membership programs offer emergency medical and transportation services, especially important for seniors and travelers with health concerns who want peace of mind while away from home.
Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager
·Published on September 29th, 2025
Travel membership programs make a significant financial difference when an emergency strikes. In the case that you’re ill or injured, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars to access emergency medical evacuation services. That amount is greatly reduced with an annual or per-trip protection plan.
Unlike traditional travel insurance, these programs focus on facilitating transportation and logistics between injury sites, hospitals, and your home if an incident occurs. Older adults and those traveling with pre-existing conditions may carry more risk and can especially benefit from this type of plan.
Here are the best travel membership programs available today so that you can find the best fit for your specific travel needs and style.
Let’s take a look at the big picture before diving into the details. The best travel membership programs vary their offerings, so you will need to compare services and benefits to find the right match.
Finding the best plan for you will involve considering the cost, scope of services and flexibility offered by each of the top travel membership companies. Here’s a side-by-side comparison, followed by a deep dive into each:
| Program | Best For | Cost | Key benefits | Medical support |
| Emergency Assistance Plus | Travelers with medical conditions, pre-existing conditions and seniors | ~$229/year | 24/7 support, medical repatriation, emergency assistance, concierge services | Full medical support including transport and evacuation |
| AAA | RVers and cross-country road trippers | ~$64.99/year | Travel discounts, roadside assistance, and basic travel assistance | Limited medical aid, mostly referrals |
| Medjet | Travelers who prioritize near-home medical care | ~$315/year | Emergency evacuation, hospital transfer | Full medical transport and repatriation |
| Global Rescue | Remote and adventurous travelers | ~$139/year | Evacuation, rescue operations, and security support | Full medical and security support |
| Allianz TravelSmart | Convenient digital control while traveling | Quote-based | Travel insurance, trip cancellation, emergency assistance | Medical support included with insurance plan |
| AARP | Travelers over 50 years old | ~$16/year | Travel discounts, insurance options, 24/7 assistance | Basic medical assistance depending on plan |
| AIG Travel Guard | Travelers seeking bundled services | Quote-based | Trip protection, emergency assistance, concierge services | Medical support included with insurance |
| International SOS | Frequent travelers who visit new destinations | Quote-based | Risk management, security, medical assistance | Full medical and security support worldwide |
| Travel Assistance International | Customized travel and bespoke coordination | ~$155/year | 24/7 assistance, concierge services, travel insurance | Medical support and emergency transport |
| Redpoint Ripcord | Remote explorers and ambitious travelers | Quote-based | Evacuation, emergency response, monitoring services | Full medical and emergency support |
Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®) is a reputable membership provider that has offered emergency travel assistance since 1996. It’s the best choice for travelers who value affordability paired with quality services. There are no age limitations, and there is no required medical exam to join, making the program an accessible choice.
In addition to medical evacuation services, EA+ has a broad scope of support for its members. This includes round-the-clock support for hospital admission as well as transportation to a hospital near your home once you’re stable.
Seniors and those managing health issues will best benefit from EA+’s lack of medical exam and age requirements. Unlike other providers that limit protection after a certain age or impose restrictions on those with health concerns, EA+ offers worldwide protection plans to everyone.
| Pros | Cons |
| Members aren’t required to submit a medical exam No age limits or restrictions Affordable and straightforward annual plans24/7 global assistance | Not bundled with travel insurance, which will need to be purchased separately Doesn’t include elective or routine procedures |
Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®) is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ rating. A current member shared the following testimonial:
“EA+ was magnificent. They made arrangements and paid for my air flight home. They also sent a nurse to accompany me on the flight, and he provided great assistance all the way back to my home in Oregon. EA+ also arranged for a professional driver to drive my car back to Oregon. I could not have asked for better help.”
EA+ makes it easy to choose a plan, with flat-rate options that are straightforward and come with handy guides that explain ev service. Here are the four plan tiers available:
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has been in business since 1902, and primarily supports members with auto and towing services.
However, the company also offers travel benefits, including trip interruption, delay support, and lost baggage protection for AAA Premier members. Emergency support also extends to emergency medical transportation and travel accident insurance.
If you regularly make long drives to your favorite destinations in the United States, AAA is a solid choice. It offers multi-layered driver support in one plan, and can assist with a variety of roadside issues.
| Pros | Cons |
| Blends roadside support with travel protection in a single plan The Premier membership tier provides sufficient travel insurance Covers a spouse and children under 21 | Protection is modest compared to plans like EA+ Heavily caters to road travelers and may not be best for those who fly Roadside assistance is only available in North America |
AAA is not accredited by the BBB, but has extensive reviews on Trustpilot. The overall sentiment suggests that customers are unhappy with long wait times and issues with agents.
However, many members also mention positive and smooth customer service experiences on Trustpilot, with one user sharing:
“CJ was very nice, kind, and professional. He called to give me a time he would arrive and was on time. He was very efficient and cordial.”
AAA membership prices start at $64.99 for a basic plan, which is overall low in cost compared to other options on this list. The three membership tiers include:
Note that these prices may vary depending on your region, and that plans often include perks and discounts in addition to travel protection and assistance.
Medjet’s travel protection membership helps travelers by paying for air transport to the hospital of their choice in a medical emergency. You must be traveling at least 150 miles from home to activate this service, and transportation includes all ground transfers, medical monitoring, and medical staff as needed.
Medjet is best for travelers who are uncomfortable staying in the nearest acceptable hospital while abroad. Transport is seamless, and the team entirely handles logistics while you recover.
| Pros | Cons |
| Relocate to the hospital of your choice, even if not medically necessary Logistical support from the emergency to your return home No health exam required for members 75 years of age or younger | Emergency enrollment isn’t available, so you must purchase a membership in advance Expenses aren’t reimbursed and only covered when directly coordinated by Medjet The Diamond plan for seniors requires medical records and has transport limitations |
Medjet is an A+ rated BBB accredited business and has generally positive reviews. The biggest complaints revolve around issues with the claim process, while the highest marks mention excellent customer service when reaching out during a trip.
One user shared her experience supporting her husband in an emergency:
“Medjet did a wonderful job monitoring his stay in the hospital, and organizing the trip back to our hospital. We can’t thank them enough for their speed and care in getting my husband back […] we would never travel without Medjet.”
Medjet offers both the MedjetAssist and MedjetHorizon plans, as well as the senior-focused annual membership. There are also a handful of specialty membership options. Here’s a breakdown of starting pricing:
Additional plans are designed for expats, students, and faculty as specialty options.
Global Rescue offers an emergency medical service membership with the option to add on additional security services. Their team is highly specialized, staffed with former military personnel, nurses and paramedics, ready and well-informed to assist in an emergency.
While this is a solid membership, when it comes to EA+ vs. Global Rescue, EA+ is a better choice for general travelers with wider accessibility. However, Global Rescue may be a better choice if you go into remote areas or participate in high-risk sports or activities.
Global Rescue provides field rescue services in higher-tier memberships, which means their team will pick you up from the exact spot of your accident. This is particularly helpful for those who are embarking on ambitious travel, such as extended hikes or visits to rural villages.
| Pros | Cons |
| Medical air evacuation services are completely included for members Choose from international or domestic evacuation to your hospital of choice Global Rescue has a solid money-back guarantee | Trip cancellation is limited Annual medical transportation is limited to one or two per year, depending on your plan |
Global Rescue isn’t accredited by the BBB, and select Trustpilot reviews mention a lack of transparency around medical and transport logistics. A handful of users have reported a positive experience contacting the support team. One member shared a successful experience:
“We had a fantastic experience with [Global Rescue] with a helicopter rescue on our prior expedition.”
Global Rescue’s most affordable plan starts at $139, although pricing varies depending on your specific needs. Here are the available tiers:
The Allianz TravelSmart membership is a digital travel guide that can help you better manage your time abroad. Through the Allyz TravelSmart app, Allianz Global Assistance policyholders can manage claims, their insurance plan, and access real-time alerts while traveling.
Organized travelers will appreciate Allianz TravelSmart for its streamlined approach to organizing and easily accessing travel safety services. It creates a user-friendly interface around the Allianz Global Assistance travel protection plan, taking a modern approach to travel safety.
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely digital interface for managing your travel insurance membership Free in addition to a Allianz Global Assistance plan A convenient way to stay updated on the details of your Allianz policy | The app itself doesn’t provide evacuation or insurance benefits, it simply supplements the service Only valuable when used alongside an Allianz travel insurance plan You may incur roaming or data charges while using the app abroad |
Allianz Global Assistance, the parent company of the Allyz TravelSmart app, has an A+ BBB rating and a 4.44 average rating on the site as well. Negative reviews reference a lack of clarity around policy terms, while positive reviews specifically praise the TravelSmart app.
One member detailed their experience using the app:
“Great for traveling when you have Allianz travel insurance, especially if you have multiple trips as you can see them all in the app.”
Allianz Global Assistance memberships include both single-trip and annual plans, and the app itself is free. When you apply for a quote, you will be asked to provide your:
AARP is a nonprofit organization that provides travel perks for its members. There are hundreds of airlines, hotels, and cruise lines that partner with AARP and offer reduced rates and member-exclusive benefits. While this plan doesn’t include emergency services, it’s a great way to save money on travel.
AARP’s travel benefits are specifically designed to help seniors save money over time, making a membership an excellent fit for retirees who have time for frequent travel.
| Pros | Cons |
| Travel and non-travel discounts available for members Curated vacation bundles Low-cost membership | Travel benefits are not uniform and will vary depending on the travel provider You need to book travel through AARP’s website to take advantage of discounts Doesn’t replace evacuation and medical services |
AARP is not BBB accredited, but a well-known service with many reviews on Trustpilot. Its overall rating is relatively low, with many senior members reporting accessibility issues.
However, some users mention getting value out of their membership while traveling, especially when it comes to well-rounded benefits:
“They have a great rewards program that I have utilized for books, discounts, and outings.”
An AARP membership is the most affordable option on this list of the best travel membership programs, with prices starting as low as $12 a year.
The American International Group (AIG) is a global insurance company that houses the Travel Guard membership, a service that offers travel protection, with the opportunity to add the Travel Guard MedEvac Plan for medical and air evacuation emergency protection.
International travel membership services don’t always offer insurance, but this one does. In fact, the Travel Guard MedEvac Plan is built directly onto traditional travel insurance, so you get the best of both worlds with full protection.
| Pros | Cons |
| Bundled medical and evacuation services Serviced by AIG, a trustworthy company Pre-existing condition plans are available when plans are purchased well in advance | Evacuation only brings members to the nearest hospital, not one of their choice There isn’t a standalone MedEvac membership, so you have to get Travel Guard insurance for access |
AIG Travel Guard is generally well-received and has an A+ rating on the BBB. However, there are mixed user reviews on Trustpilot, with complaints often mentioning slow response times regarding claims.
Here’s an honest review from a Travel Guard member:
“Coverage is decent, and they provided assistance when I was stuck overseas. Could be faster on reimbursements.”
AIG Travel Guard’s website doesn’t offer pricing and instead provides a quote form that one can fill out for a membership price. Travel Guard offers:
International SOS offers security and medical assistance and has a massive global footprint with services in over 1,200 locations worldwide. Their team is massive as well, with over 13,000 experts ready to help travelers.
If you travel frequently and often visit rural, remote, or under-resourced locations, International SOS may be a good fit with its vast network. This applies to students, aid workers, and business travelers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Over 1,200 regions served globally High medical and security expertise | Evacuation is to the nearest hospital, not the location of your choice Pricing isn’t transparent and requires a custom quote |
International SOS has received mixed reviews on Trustpilot, and one member reports a good experience with high responsiveness:
“I was on a business trip and got a nasty chest infection. Called the assistance center, spoke with a nurse who found an appointment with a doctor the same day. Very reactive.”
International SOS will provide a quote based on your travel destination, home location, age, and the cost of your trip.
Travel Assistance International offers bespoke emergency assistance and insurance options, and is the oldest independent travel provider in the U.S. The company has a global presence and can tailor to diverse needs for a secure travel experience.
TAI is a great choice for those who want to tailor their protection to prepare for a unique travel situation. This could include nomads, expats,
and those who fly regularly for work, as these travelers may have special requirements to accommodate their lifestyles.
| Pros | Cons |
| Concierge services that handle emergency logistics Available for expats and non-U.S. members | Less popular than other seasoned memberships on this list No public reviews available |
The BBB does not accredit Travel Assistance International, and there are no reviews for the service on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit. However, the company has earned a reputation since its founding in 1995 and is generally well-trusted.
TAI’s Safe Travels Annual basic plan starts at $155 per person, with costs rising to $675 for a premium plan. The company provides quotes for add-ons as well, such as global medical protection, trip insurance, and long-term travel.
Redpoint Resolutions is a travel assistance company that offers Redpoint Ripcord, a dedicated service for adventure travelers and thrill seekers. Members receive a combination of rescue service and travel insurance coverage that extends beyond the average policy.
If you’re a globetrotter who likes challenges and seeks them abroad, this membership is a good fit. It could be helpful for backpackers, mountaineers, climbers, game hunters, and travelers who visit politically delicate regions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Point-of-injury rescue and transport services Additional protection options for extreme travel Highly informed response team | Restricted in specific destinations like Iran and North Korea Pricing isn’t transparently listed online |
Redpoint Resolutions is accredited through the BBB and has an A rating. Several testimonials are available on the company website, and one client stated:
“We thought we were going to die. $372. The best investment I ever made.”
Redpoint Ripcord prices its memberships based on a traveler’s age, trip length, destination, and desired options. You can choose to purchase a plan that only offers evacuation, or one that includes travel insurance as well.
When choosing the right travel membership program, check in with your personal priorities:
EA+ provides exceptional value with worldwide emergency support services alongside pet services and lost document support for all members.
Enroll in an EA+ plan of your choice today to get the protection you deserve and invest in your future safety.
Learn moreTravel memberships extend beyond emergency support and can also enhance your trip while making it more comfortable. Here are two to consider:
Airline loyalty programs reward regular travelers (and branded credit card holders) with travel perks, and are often divided into several tiers. Members may receive:
Hotel membership programs are beneficial for travelers, making it easier to settle in and enjoy your accommodations while away from home. Perks may include:
Whether you’re seeking safety trends or comfort, travel membership programs offer outsized value. For a reasonable fee, members can have peace of mind without risking a significant expense.
EA+ accommodates all types of travelers, but is a great fit for those concerned about health issues or their age, keeping them from qualifying for other services. It includes all of the must-have features for travel in one convenient plan, available to all.
Enroll nowHere are a few commonly asked questions regarding travel club membership services, dispelling any travel assistance membership myths:
Yes, many travel membership programs provide value for older adults. While some travel memberships may limit protection for seniors, some are less restrictive. EA+ is an excellent choice for older travelers and doesn’t impose age limits or require medical documents.
No, not all travel memberships provide medical emergency protection. For example, hotel and airline programs primarily provide perks but don’t always offer travel protection services.
EA+ is a good choice for international travelers, since it offers global protection at a reasonable rate. Pair this service with an airline loyalty program for extra value. Other popular options include Medjet and Global Rescue, and the best choice depends on your unique travel needs.
Travel memberships can range from under $20 a month to several hundred dollars, depending on the type of service they provide. Some of the best travel programs are free, while others charge a premium.
Yes, you can conveniently connect with an AAA travel agent for free if you are a current member. However, specialized services or upgrades may carry an additional fee.
To access Costco Travel benefits, you need an active membership. You can use both a Gold Star and an Executive membership to access bookings.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you may be able to save a substantial amount of money with the Travel Leisure Club over time. Just keep in mind that this plan doesn’t provide medical or transportation support.
Bryanna has been with Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) for nearly 20 years, starting in customer service and now, as Senior Product Manager, she is responsible for member experience – including ensuring that the services EA+ provides continues to meet the evolving needs of EA+ members. Bryanna is passionate about EA+ members and making sure that Emergency Assistance Plus delivers on its brand promise to get members home safely in their time of need.
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