Debunking 5 Common Myths About Travel Assistance Plans

Travel assistance plans are an invaluable resource for travelers, yet many misunderstand what these plans actually provide. 

Let’s clear up some of the most common myths about travel assistance and uncover the real benefits. 

Myth #1: Travel assistance is only for international trips or cruises

One common misconception is that travel assistance plans are exclusively for grand adventures like international trips or cruises. 

We’ve actually heard this myth from some of our own members! But it’s not accurate…  

The truth

Travel assistance is just as valuable for domestic trips, whether you’re on a cross-country road trip, visiting family a few states away, or taking a quick weekend getaway. Plans from Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+) can help if you face unexpected medical emergencies, or even the need for evacuation—no passport required.  

See more travel assistance benefits for road trips and other domestic travel. 

One of our members, Patricia P. from Oregon, suffered a broken hip while visiting her family just a few hours drive from her home state. Here’s how a travel assistance plan from EA+ was able to help: 

“I was taking a vacation trip to Nevada to see my brother and nephew. Two days into my vacation, I was visiting my nephew at his home. Shortly after I arrived there, I was standing and did not see that I was right beside the edge of his sunken living room. Suddenly I fell off the edge, causing great pain! 

I was taken to Urgent Care, then transported to the hospital where x-rays showed I had broken my hip. During my hospital stay and after my surgery, I contacted EA+ for their help. 

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.” 

– Patricia P., Oregon 

Myth #2: Travel assistance is the same as travel insurance

Some travelers confuse travel assistance with travel insurance, assuming the two are interchangeable. This might actually be one of the most widespread misconceptions we’ve come across over the years at EA+. 

But that’s actually not the case!  

The truth

While both travel assistance and travel insurance offer peace of mind, they serve different purposes. 

Travel insurance focuses on financial reimbursement for trip cancellations, delays, or lost luggage. Additionally, many travel insurance policies require you to pay for your services upfront, then file a claim to be reimbursed when you get home. 

Travel assistance, on the other hand, provides logistical support during emergencies—such as arranging medical evacuations, securing hospital transfers, or finding the nearest pharmacy. With a travel assistance plan from EA+, we arrange and provide all services upfront with no out-of-pocket costs to you for the services we provide. 

These services actually complement each other nicely, which is why EA+ offers exclusive travel insurance plans to our members specifically designed to supplement your travel assistance membership. 

Read a detailed breakdown of the differences between travel insurance and travel assistance. 

Myth #3: Travel assistance only helps in medical emergencies

Another myth is that travel assistance plans only cover medical issues. With EA+, this couldn’t be further from the truth! 

The truth

Travel assistance plans can provide much more than just help with medical emergencies and evacuations. They can help with non-medical situations, such as coordinating emergency travel home, providing replacement travel documents if yours are lost, or even finding a translator if language barriers arise. 

Here’s a story how EA+ helped Cynthia H. with a tragedy she experienced while traveling: 

“In 2022, we took our first trip after the pandemic to fish and birdwatch. On the first afternoon after arriving in Port Clinton, OH, my husband had a massive heart attack while climbing the stairs to our condo accommodations. He died before the EMT’s could arrive, and they were quick. 

I was away from home, now alone, with my husband’s body to get home to Cincinnati. I called EA+ from the hospital while we were waiting for the coroner to arrive. The person on the phone went into immediate help mode, gave me a case number, and once I gave the information about where my husband’s body was being taken, and our funeral home in Cincinnati, they helped me arrange and paid for transportation of my husband’s body back to Cincinnati. They helped me know what to do to get my husband’s body home and paid for the transportation, his cremation, and some death certificates. It was a real comfort to me in a difficult time. 

The funeral home in Cincinnati told me he had never had a company be in such a hurry to pay them for their services and was quite impressed.” 

– Cynthia O., Ohio 

Myth #4: Travel assistance is only useful for older travelers

Some believe travel assistance is designed primarily for seniors or those with health concerns. Given the wide range of services available and the fact there are no age restrictions on plans from EA+, this is actually false. 

The truth

Travel assistance plans are valuable for all ages. Whether you’re a young adventurer, a family with kids, or a senior traveler, unexpected situations can arise at any time. From helping stranded travelers get home to providing support during natural disasters, these plans are a safety net for everyone. 

Myth #5: Travel assistance is too expensive to be worth it

A final myth is that travel assistance plans cost too much for the average traveler. 

The truth

Many plans are surprisingly affordable, offering a variety of tiers to fit different budgets. When you consider the potential cost of a medical evacuation or emergency travel arrangements, the value of a travel assistance plan becomes clear. It’s a small investment for significant peace of mind. 

Why travel assistance plans are a must-have for all types of travel

Travel assistance plans aren’t just for international jet-setters or people with specific needs—they’re for anyone who wants support and security during their journeys. By debunking these myths, we hope you can see the true value of a plan like Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+), which goes far beyond traditional travel insurance.  

Are you ready to travel with peace of mind? Learn more about travel assistance plans here.