Travel Assistance
SkyMed can be costly or restrictive for some travelers. This guide highlights top SkyMed alternatives like Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®), Medjet, and Global Rescue, helping you choose the best plan for your next trip.
Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager
·Published on July 2nd, 2025
No matter your age, it’s smart to think about how you’d get help in a medical emergency while traveling. A sudden illness overseas or a serious injury far from home can be expensive and overwhelming. While SkyMed is one name travelers often come across, it’s not always the most budget-friendly or flexible option. That’s why many travelers are looking into SkyMed alternatives.
Maybe you’re traveling with a pre-existing condition or sticking to a fixed income, like many senior travelers, or just want a simpler backup plan. As travel safety trends point to growing interest in travel protection, this guide walks you through trusted alternatives that offer 24/7 support, help with medical transport options, and peace of mind without complex restrictions or hidden fees.
SkyMed is a well-known name in travel assistance. It provides medical evacuation and repatriation services if you’re seriously ill or injured while traveling, with plans available for individuals, couples, and families across the U.S., Canada, and select international destinations.
Key features and benefits include:
SkyMed isn’t the only provider offering emergency travel assistance. Several other companies offer strong alternatives if you’re looking for a more affordable membership, better support for pre-existing conditions, or fewer restrictions for older travelers. If you’ve been comparing SkyMed vs. Medjet or reading SkyMed reviews online, this chart can help clarify the key differences.
Below, you’ll find eight SkyMed alternatives — including well-known names like Emergency Assistance Plus, Medjet, and Global Rescue — compared on key features that matter most to older adults.
| Brand | Cost* | Benefits caps* | Age restriction | Allows pre-existing conditions** |
| Emergency Assistance Plus | ~$229/year | Varies by service type | None | Yes (no medical underwriting) |
| Medjet | ~$315/year (domestic) | Unlimited evacuation | Up to 74 for standard plans (extended plans available) | Yes (limitations apply) |
| Global Rescue | ~$139/year | Unlimited evacuation | None for most plans | Case-by-case review |
| AirMed International | ~$265/year | Full transport to hospital of choice | 74 max (Elite plans available) | Yes (with restrictions) |
| Seven Corners (Liaison Travel Plus) | ~$100-$250/trip | Up to $1M depending on plan | Varies by plan | Yes (if purchased early) |
| IAS Medical | Varies (quoted per transport) | Based on individual transport | None stated | Requires medical assessment |
| Med-Trans | ~$99/year | Transport to nearest hospital | Typically 74 or younger | Limited support |
| Assist America | Included with group benefits (not sold directly) | No cap, but U.S. return only | Typically 75 or younger | Generally not covered |
EA+ is a travel assistance membership program that helps during medical emergencies while traveling. Unlike travel insurance, EA+ focuses solely on emergency medical transportation, hospital-to-hospital transfers, and getting you home safely, no matter what—whether by air or ground. It also offers return services for traveling companions, vehicles, and even pets.
What sets EA+ apart is its high-quality service and affordability, especially for older adults. There are no age restrictions or medical exams required, making it an attractive option for travelers with pre-existing conditions. Members have 24/7 access to a trained response team that can coordinate long-distance medical transport and handle complex logistics in real time.
Frequently cited as a top choice among SkyMed alternatives, EA+ is especially popular among those looking for a simpler, more budget-friendly solution with protection for extended family.
EA+ offers individual and household plans to choose from.
EA+ offers solid emergency support services at a fraction of the cost of other providers. It’s especially appealing for seniors, thanks to no age cap and no medical underwriting.
However, it does not include trip cancellations, lost luggage, or other insurance-related events.
Customers commend EA+ for its compassionate and comprehensive support during emergencies, including assistance with logistics and expenses during international crises.
One customer on BBB said, “EA+ is the best! While vacationing in Florida, my wife had a heart attack and passed away. A simple phone call was all it took. They arranged with a local funeral home to prepare the body, and arranged a flight back to Wisconsin for both of us. EA+ took care of everything.”
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Medjet is a medical transport membership that arranges hospital-to-hospital air evacuation if you’re hospitalized more than 150 miles from home. Plans are available for both domestic and international travel, but standard memberships are limited to travelers under 75 unless extended coverage is purchased.
If you’re comparing Emergency Assistance Plus vs. Medjet, the biggest differences come down to cost, age limits, and added services. While Medjet focuses on air evacuation, EA+ includes extras like pet and vehicle return, no age caps, and no medical underwriting—all at a lower annual price.
Medjet allows members to choose their destination hospital—a key benefit for travelers who prefer care near home.
However, it’s more expensive than many alternatives, and standard plans exclude those over 74 unless you upgrade.
Members frequently praise Medjet for its prompt and professional service. Testimonials highlight successful evacuations from various global locations, emphasizing the peace of mind the membership provides.
According to one Medjet member’s testimonial, “You never think it’s going to happen to you. But if it does, it’s the best protection you can have.”
Known for its boots-on-the-ground approach, Global Rescue offers field rescue, medical evacuation, and travel security services for international and adventure travelers. Members receive 24/7 access to medical and security experts, hospital transport, and extraction from remote or high-risk locations.
If you’re comparing Global Rescue vs. Medjet, both offer strong evacuation support, but Global Rescue stands out for its field rescue capabilities and international coordination. People also frequently compare EA+ vs. Global Rescue, where EA+ often comes out ahead on affordability, household protection, and support for older travelers.
Global Rescue is ideal for travelers heading off-grid or overseas, offering services that go beyond standard medical transport.
On the downside, longer memberships are more expensive, and the details around pre-existing condition support aren’t always clear upfront.
Members appreciate Global Rescue’s rapid response and field rescue capabilities, especially in remote or high-risk areas. Some users note that the service is particularly beneficial for adventure travelers.
One Reddit user commented, “We had a fantastic experience with GR with a helicopter rescue on our prior expedition.”
With its own fleet of medically equipped aircraft, AirMed International provides air ambulance transport for travelers who need to be transferred between hospitals while away from home. The company delivers bedside-to-bedside service, meaning a medical team is with you throughout the entire journey. Plans cover both domestic and international travel, with optional upgrades.
AirMed is often grouped with Medjet and Global Rescue in premium evacuation comparisons, offering reliable service and in-house flight operations. However, travelers may need to choose higher-tier plans to access full destination flexibility or international repatriation.
One of AirMed’s biggest strengths is its full operational control—from pilots to medical crews—which can lead to smoother, faster transport.
That said, the need to upgrade for broader destination access and higher-tier benefits may not suit all budgets.
Employees highlight AirMed’s commitment to patient care and professionalism. While direct customer reviews are limited, the company’s reputation among staff suggests a strong focus on quality service.
One customer commented on BBB, “I truly believe that the service I received on my husband’s behalf saved his life. Everyone I dealt with was kind, compassionate and focused on achieving a positive outcome—while dealing with an exceedingly difficult set of circumstances. They succeeded and I am incredibly grateful.”
Liaison Travel Plus is a medical evacuation plan offered by Seven Corners, designed for international travelers who want flexibility and coverage for pre-existing conditions. It’s often cited as one of the more customizable SkyMed alternatives, with benefit caps reaching up to $1 million depending on the plan selected.
While the pricing is attractive, travelers must purchase the plan soon after their initial trip deposit to qualify for certain benefits, including pre-existing condition waivers. It’s a good fit for those who prefer à la carte coverage options over flat-rate memberships.
Flexible coverage limits and strong emergency benefits make this plan appealing, but eligibility rules and plan complexity may be a barrier for some.
Customers report positive experiences with claim processing and customer service. However, some users mention challenges with understanding policy details and communication during the claims process.
One Trustpilot review reads, “Integrity based, quality focused and customer oriented is how I would describe our experience with Seven Corners.”
For travelers who need a one-time medical evacuation rather than a membership plan, IAS Medical offers fully private, bedside-to-bedside air ambulance services. Based in the U.K., the company coordinates global transport using medically equipped aircraft and in-flight clinical teams, with a focus on long-distance repatriation from Europe and beyond.
Unlike other SkyMed alternatives, IAS Medical charges on a per-transport basis and is typically used for urgent or complex cases requiring full medical supervision.
IAS provides highly specialized care and aircraft dedicated to individual transports, but pricing is custom-quoted and can be significantly higher than membership-based options.
Clients praise IAS Medical for its professionalism and the comfort provided during medical repatriation flights. The medical team’s attention to patient well-being is also frequently noted.
One client on IAS Medical says, “Your ability to deal with clients and the patient in such a critical medical state is quite exemplary.”
Med-Trans is a U.S.-based air medical transport service that operates a large fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft across more than 25 states. Instead of selling direct-to-consumer memberships, Med-Trans partners with local hospitals and EMS providers to offer community-based programs that give members access to emergency air transport when needed.
While not a direct match for subscription-style SkyMed alternatives, residents in rural areas who want affordable emergency transport through a regional provider sometimes choose Med-Trans.
This is a budget-friendly option for those who live in Med-Trans service areas and want protection in case of emergency airlift.
However, coverage is tied to specific regions and isn’t designed for long-distance or international travel.
Employees describe Med-Trans as a supportive workplace with a strong team environment. While specific customer reviews are scarce, the positive internal culture suggests a commitment to service quality.
A customer review on Trustburn says, “Med-Trans exceeded my expectations. Their service was top-notch, and they took great care of me during the transportation.
Assist America provides global emergency medical services, including evacuation, repatriation, and coordination of care—but it’s not available as a standalone membership for individuals. Instead, it’s typically included as a benefit through employer-sponsored health plans, alumni associations, or group insurance providers.
Although it isn’t commonly featured in roundups of consumer-facing SkyMed alternatives, Assist America may already be available to travelers through their existing group benefits, offering behind-the-scenes support during emergencies abroad.
Assist America offers broad international support and can coordinate emergency care in unfamiliar places, but individuals can’t purchase it directly, and availability depends on your group or employer coverage.
Users who accessed Assist America through group benefits express gratitude for the assistance provided during emergencies abroad. Some employees note the demanding nature of the work, reflecting the company’s active role in crisis situations.
One customer testimonial reads, “What impressed me the most was that they were very helpful and kind. I love that you will help us in foreign countries. All very satisfactory—very good medical service.”
Not all emergency assistance plans are created equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in a crisis. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, it’s important to understand what services are included, how they’re delivered, and which features align with your health, budget, and travel habits.
Here are five key factors to consider when evaluating emergency medical transport or travel assistance memberships:
Pre-existing conditions are one of the most common concerns for older travelers. Some plans exclude them entirely, while others provide partial or conditional support. Often, plans must be purchased within a specific window after booking your trip.
Unlike many plans, EA+ does not exclude services due to pre-existing conditions. However, services won’t be provided if you travel against medical advice, without medical clearance for a serious condition, or to seek treatment.
Look for programs that offer pre-existing condition waivers or, ideally, don’t require medical underwriting at all. This can save you from unexpected claim denials during an already stressful medical event. Some travelers may wish to pair an emergency assistance plan with travel insurance options for seniors to ensure full coverage.
Some plans limit benefits to domestic travel, while others offer global support at higher-tier price points. It’s essential to check whether your plan includes international evacuation, repatriation, and coordination with overseas providers.
If you’re planning international travel or live part-time abroad, make sure your membership includes cross-border services and understands the medical systems of the regions you frequent.
A strong plan doesn’t just cover transport—it also ensures someone is available to help the moment something goes wrong. Look for 24/7 access to emergency response teams who can coordinate care, contact hospitals, and guide you through logistics.
Plans with multilingual assistance, medical advisory lines, or real-time crisis response add extra peace of mind, especially when navigating emergencies in unfamiliar locations.
Reviewing the fine print may not be fun, but it’s essential. Some plans cap air ambulance cost coverage or only cover transport to the nearest appropriate hospital—not one of your choosing. Others may exclude certain types of medical events or limit how many transports you can request annually.
Make sure you understand what’s included and what isn’t. Plans with unlimited benefits or flat-rate pricing models may offer more predictable value over time.
Getting you to safety is one thing, but what happens to your spouse, kids, or pets? Some plans like EA+ include return transportation for travel companions or can arrange to bring vehicles, pets, or even RVs home if you’re hospitalized or medically evacuated.
If you often travel with others, especially children or pets, choose a plan that supports reunification and return logistics as part of its core services.
Learn moreSeniors have more at stake when traveling, from health concerns to complex logistics in an emergency. Choosing the right emergency assistance plan means fewer surprises, faster help, and peace of mind wherever you go. For many older adults seeking simple, affordable protection, EA+ remains one of the most reliable SkyMed alternatives available, with plan options and pricing to fit your travel needs.
As you compare your options, be sure to read the fine print. Look closely at age limits, pre-existing condition support, and whether the plan includes help for your family members or travel companions.
Ready to find the plan that fits your needs?
Enroll nowIt depends on your needs. Travel insurance is worth considering to cover cancellations, delays, and lost luggage, while travel assistance plans like EA+ focus on emergency medical evacuation and transportation services. Many travelers choose to carry both for full protection.
AirMed operates its own fleet of medically equipped aircraft, offering bedside-to-bedside service. Medjet contracts with providers and allows members to choose their destination hospital, but only after they’re stabilized for transport.
Medjet is best for travelers who want transport to a preferred hospital once stable. Global Rescue is more focused on field rescue and crisis response, especially for international or remote travel. The better option depends on your destination and risk level.
Medjet’s individual plans typically start around $315 per year, while EA+ begins at approximately $229 per year. EA+ often includes more non-medical services, like pet or vehicle return, and has no age limits or medical underwriting.
Costs typically range from $12,000 to over $80,000, depending on distance, aircraft type, and level of medical support required. Even when scheduled in advance, these flights use specialized teams and equipment, which makes them expensive. Membership programs can significantly reduce or eliminate these costs.
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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