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Best 6 Travel Assistance Companies in 2026 for Confident Travel

The best travel assistance companies give you hands-on support when you need it the most, providing emergency logistical and transportation services abroad at an affordable price.


Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager

Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager

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Published on November 26th, 2025

When something unexpected happens while abroad, preparedness can be the difference between an inconvenient moment and a full-blown emergency. The best travel assistance memberships help travelers proactively arrange emergency services, such as hospital transfers and logistical support, when needed.

Travel assistance plans like Emergency Assistance Plus R® (EA+®) extend beyond traditional travel insurance. Instead of reimbursing select expenses post-incident, EA+ provides direct 24/7 care with its robust medical teams, medical connections, and skilled concierges.

If you’re a globetrotter looking for support, read on to learn about the top travel assistance services and decide which one fits your unique travel needs and budget.

The 6 best travel assistance companies

There are many top travel assistance companies out there, but the right choice for you depends on the scope of services, restrictions, and overall cost. Must-have travel assistance features include a global medical network, round-the-clock emergency coordination, and travel-home assistance. 

CompanyBest forStarting plan priceKey offerings
EA+Broad protection with minimal limitations~229/yearUnlimited evacuations, vehicle and companion relocation, no pre-existing condition or age limits
SkyMedCaribbean travel; flight, hotel, and car rental discounts~$795/yearSkyMed Travel discount services, hospital-of-choice services
Medjet AssistTransportation to the medical facility of your choice~$315/yearHospital-of-choice services, air-medical transport
Global RescueField evacuation from remote or high-risk regions~$375/yearField evacuation services from a military-trained team, crisis and natural disaster protection
DAN TravelAssistFlexible support worldwide~$40/year24/7 support, search and rescue services
Good Sam TravelAssistRoad trip and RV travel~$45/yearVehicle relocation, passenger support

1. EA+: Best overall 

EA+ website showing caption “Pack Some Peace of Mind with EA+

Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®) is the top choice for travelers seeking protection at a reasonable cost. EA+ has a wide breadth of services, from medical transport to escorting loved ones home. Members also benefit from TripInsure, an additional offering that functions similarly to travel insurance, protecting trips subject to delays, cancellations, or interruptions. 

EA+ offers two plan options: the Essential plan and the Premier plan. Neither requires a medical exam nor imposes an age limit, and a membership protects multiple trips of any duration under an annual plan. 

Key offerings: 

  • Transportation home for companions, minors, and pets affected by your emergency
  • Unlimited evacuations
  • Vehicle relocation services
  • No preexisting condition or age restrictions
  • No restrictions on travel distance 

Pricing: Starts at $229/year

EA+ offers two plans, keeping things simple. The Essential plan costs $229 per year for individuals and $289 per year for families. The Premier plan costs $299 per year for individuals and $359/year for families. This elevated option provides support for up to three companions and paid hotel stays. 

Restrictions: 

  • Doesn’t offer support for medical expenses, such as surgery
  • Doesn’t offer field rescue services

Review:

A Better Business Bureau review from an annual member highlights why EA+ is the best travel assistance option, with all logistics handled seamlessly in a time of need: 

“EA got me home with a nurse from CO [Colorado] to my home in Northern New England. I was picked up at the hospital and flew home with a drain and an IV. EA took care of all the arrangements. They stayed in touch my whole week in the hospital. We can not say enough about them.”

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2. SkyMed: Best travel assistance company for travel deals 

SkyMed website showing caption “Your Hospital-to-Hospital Emergency Air Transport

Founded in 1989, SkyMed specializes in comprehensive protection at an affordable rate. The company primarily services the U.S., the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Mexico, making it ideal for those who travel to these regions. 

In addition to travel assistance program services, SkyMed offers a cost-saving benefit called SkyMed Travel. This built-in agency helps members find rare travel experiences and steep discounts, which is a big perk for budget travelers. A comparison of SkyMed vs. Medjet reveals this can lead to deeper savings, as Medjet doesn’t offer a similar service. 

However, travelers with preexisting conditions are subject to a waiting period and may want to go with a plan that doesn’t have medical restrictions, such as EA+. 

Key offerings: 

  • Transportation to your hospital of choice so you don’t need to navigate foreign healthcare systems 
  • Medical escorts on both air ambulances and commercial flights
  • Supports companion visits to a medical facility or accompanying you home
  • SkyMed Travel Club benefits, such as discounted car rentals, hotels, and flights

Pricing: Starts at $795/year

An individual SkyMed plan starts at $795 a year, while an annual family plan begins at $995 a year and includes one companion and dependent children. Three- and five-year plans are available at additional discounts. For short-term travel, members can opt for the SkyMed Essentials plan, which offers daily protection starting at $22 per night per room. 

Restrictions: 

  • Only includes transportation and logistics, not medical expenses
  • 90-day waiting period for those with preexisting medical conditions
  • Field rescue services aren’t included
  • Relatively high annual fee

Reviews:

A SkyMed member on TrustPilot shares how much the program saved her on transportation costs during an unexpected emergency: 

“I will never let this lapse! My husband had a motorcycle accident in Alaska last summer. SkyMed responded immediately and helped me to find someone to crate my trike and cargo trailer and ship it home. They paid almost $12k to the shipper directly immediately and secured $1k airfare to send us home the day after he was released from the hospital.”

3. Medjet Assist: Best travel assistance company for hospital choice 

Medjet Assist website showing caption “Global Medical Transport, Travel Security & Crisis Response Memberships

Medjet has been a well-known name in travel medical assistance since 1991. The company claims it was the first to offer air-medical transport in a membership plan. 

Medjet allows you to choose the medical facility you’re transported to, while other services often default to the nearest appropriate facility. Medjet Assist will also transport members regardless of a medical necessity, giving travelers more control over how and where they are transported. 

Key offerings: 

  • Transportation to your hospital of choice when traveling more than 150 miles from home
  • Transport is included even if there isn’t a medical necessity
  • A travel companion is allowed on a medical or commercial flight
  • Additional crisis and security support is available via the premium Medjet Horizon plan

Pricing: Starts at ~$315/year

Medjet Assist’s pricing depends on several factors. However, a single traveler opting for an annual base medical transfer plan can expect to pay $315 a year. An annual family plan starts at $425. The more robust Medjet Horizon plan starts at $474 for individuals and $614 for families annually. 

Restrictions: 

  • An emergency must occur 150 miles or more from your primary residence for the membership to activate
  • Protection is limited to two medical evacuations per year 
  • Membership costs rise when spending more than 90 consecutive days abroad

Reviews:

Seasoned traveler and blogger Nomadic Matt recommends Medjet, and his testimonial explains why:

“If you’re looking for coverage that goes above and beyond what most companies offer, you’ll want to consider Medjet—especially if you’re concerned about the cost of a medical evacuation.”

4. Global Rescue: Best travel assistance company for field rescue 

Global Rescue website showing caption “Travel Boldly™ with the world’s leading travel protection

Established in 2004, Global Rescue is known for its robust field rescue services, making it an ideal choice for travelers in remote or rugged locations. The company dispatches military-trained teams and highly skilled paramedics into dangerous locations during emergencies. 

This level of field rescue is rare among travel assistance companies and top Global Rescue competitors, making it a unique and valuable benefit. For example, when comparing Medjet vs. Global Rescue, the latter wins for including field rescue support. 

Key offerings: 

  • Field rescue services that extract travelers from high-risk situations in hard-to-reach regions
  • Medical transportation to a home hospital of choice
  • Evacuation during a natural disaster or political unrest (available as an upgrade)
  • Telehealth services with Johns Hopkins-certified physicians

Pricing: Starts at $375/year

Global Rescue’s base annual plan starts at $375 for individuals and $670 for families. Members can add a security evacuation or high-altitude evacuation service to their total package for an additional fee. 

Restrictions: 

  • Travel support  activates only when members are more than 100 miles from their primary residence
  • Evacuation services are only available when members are stable enough for transport
  • Medical forms and evaluations are required for travelers ages 75-85

Reviews:

A Global Rescue member explains in a Yelp review how the travel services were invaluable in risky conditions, such as a safari: 

“I have had Global Rescue for years and never had to use them until this year. While on a safari in South Africa, my safari vehicle was attacked by an elephant and flipped over. I was injured and called Global Rescue. They responded immediately and continued to assist me throughout the next several days until my medical needs were addressed. I hope to never need to use them again, but I am confident that they will be there when needed.”

5. DAN TravelAssist: Best for flexible global support  

AN TravelAssist website showing caption “Members receive DAN TravelAssist which provides valuable Travel Assistance Services and up to US$150,000 (US$100,000 in NY)

The Divers Alert Network (DAN) was originally created to support diving safety and has since expanded into broader emergency assistance. It established a subsect called DAN TravelAssist that provides flexible, 24/7 travel support to members who are 50 miles or more from home.

This membership stands out for its adaptability. An annual membership protects unlimited trips and includes medical evacuation and logistical support both internationally and domestically, as long as an emergency occurs beyond the 50-mile range. 

Key offerings: 

  • 24/7 assistance with travel documents and logistics
  • Includes repatriation of remains, companion transport, and the return of a minor to a home residence
  • Search and rescue and global security support available in higher-tier memberships

Pricing: Starts at ~$40/year

The Regular Individual Membership starts at $40 a year, and the Enhanced Individual Membership begins at $70 a year. The enhanced membership tier increases the benefit limit from $150,000 to $500,000 and includes add-ons like security evacuations and search and rescue support. 

Restrictions: 

  • You must have an active DAN membership to qualify for the TravelAssist program
  • For reimbursement, all travel logistics must be arranged exclusively by DAN TravelAssist
  • Assistance is capped at a certain dollar amount, depending on your plan

Reviews:

A current member expresses satisfaction with DAN TravelAssist, describing how the company provided swift support in a time of need: 

“The team was quick to respond, really knew their stuff, and were super professional. They really helped me feel calm during a scary time. I definitely suggest their services to anyone who wants some extra peace of mind while they’re exploring.”

6. Good Sam TravelAssist: Best for RV and recreational travelers

Good Sam TravelAssist website showing caption “Hit the open road and
experience the joy of travel.

Good Sam TravelAssist offers a top-rated travel membership for road assistance. The budget-friendly program is also ideal for family emergency travel assistance, with built-in services for loved ones and pets if anything happens on the road. 

The program offers the return of RVs, motorcycles, and automobiles both internationally and domestically. It’s best for those who go on long-distance road trips or rent a vehicle while abroad, but it provides services for air travelers as well. 

When comparing the features offered between EA+ and Good Sam TravelAssist, each plan offers similar benefits, but EA+ has more robust services such as transportation home and medical monitoring. 

Key offerings: 

  • Return of a vehicle or reimbursement for gas and tolls, up to $100 per day
  • Security evacuation services
  • Return of deceased remains

Pricing: Starts at $89.99/year

Good Sam TravelAssist offers an annual Standard plan beginning at $89.99 (with a $45 introductory rate) and a Premier plan starting at $179.99 (with a $90 introductory rate). 

Restrictions: 

  • Doesn’t include medical expenses 
  • Benefit limits apply to certain services, such as a $200 cap on  ground ambulance transport
  • Protection excludes countries under the U.S. State Department Level 4 advisory

Reviews:

A Good Sam TravelAssist member highlights how easily the program arranged support during a cross-country emergency:

“My husband and I were on a cross-country trip in our RV when he became ill in Ohio. He was hospitalized for congestive heart failure, and the doctors recommended that we fly home. I made one phone call to TravelAssist, and they took care of everything.”

Things to look for in a travel assistance company

Choosing between the best travel assistance brands is less daunting when you understand the key elements to look for. Must-have travel assistance features include a global medical network, round-the-clock emergency coordination, and travel-home assistance. 

Graphic comparing Travel Insurance and Travel Assistance. Two columns side by side

Here’s what to consider before purchasing a membership:

Scope of services 

The best travel assistance plans offer essentials like medical transportation, repatriation services, and 24/7 support. Choose a reputable company, so logistics run smoothly. Optional add-ons to consider include crisis evacuation, companion transportation, and support with lost documents. The best elderly travel assistance plans don’t carry age or pre-existing condition limitations, offering more complete protection.

Restrictions 

Many fall for common travel assistance plan myths and assume all emergencies automatically qualify. But even the best travel assistance memberships have restrictions, and you need to make sure they won’t interfere with your trip.  

Some companies don’t include pre-existing conditions or have stricter requirements for older travelers. There are also distance limits to consider. For example, Medjet Assist only activates support when travelers are 150 miles or more away from home. 

Pricing and plans 

Travel assistance memberships vary greatly in pricing. You can expect to pay $45 to $800 annually for protection. This may seem steep, but even air ambulance costs could skyrocket into the thousands, so travelers save money in an emergency. 

Companies like EA+ offer reasonable rates and straightforward pricing, while others provide customized plans and premium add-ons. Choose the structure that best protects your trip within your budget. 

Compare plans

Protect your travel plans with EA+

EA+ is the best choice for travelers seeking year-round protection and flexibility. With flat annual pricing and 24/7 medical transport support, it’s one of the best travel memberships for dependable emergency services. Enroll now for transparent, reliable support on your next adventure. 

Remember that finding the right fit is key to feeling secure while traveling. Make sure to compare the above options so you can explore confidently knowing you’re protected. 

Enroll now

FAQ

These commonly asked travel assistance membership questions can help you pick the right plan: 

What is a travel assistance company?

Travel assistance companies offer immediate transportation and emergency service support when something goes wrong while traveling. Services typically include hospital transportation, skilled medical support, and transportation to your home residence.

While traditional travel insurance often covers medical costs and flight interruptions, it usually doesn’t include emergency evacuation services. Travel assistance programs fill this gap and can save you tens of thousands of dollars if there’s an incident. Some companies even bundle travel insurance with memberships at a reduced rate, offering comprehensive protection. 

What is the difference between travel assistance and travel insurance? 

Travel insurance reimburses expenses like rescheduled flights, lost luggage, and medical bills, usually after you submit a claim. Travel assistance provides real-time support and arranges logistics for those who need emergency medical evacuation or repatriation services.

Do I need travel assistance if I already have health insurance?

For full protection, consider purchasing travel assistance alongside health insurance. Most insurance plans don’t include emergency transportation to medical facilities and cannot handle logistics in real-time. 

Can travel assistance help with family members or pets in case of an emergency?

Many travel assistance plans, such as EA+, offer support for both companions and pets. Certain plans will include transportation home for loved ones or arrange for a family member to join you at a hospital. 

What is the top-rated travel membership for road assistance?

If you’re exploring in a vehicle or RV, the Good Sam TravelAssist program is the best option. It provides a vehicle return service and reimburses up to $100 per day if a companion is able to drive. 

How do I choose the best travel assistance company for my trip? 

Select a travel assistance company that aligns with your travel style and the types of trips you take. Essential services include 24/7 support and medical evacuation. Always check restrictions and distance requirements to ensure you pick a dependable plan. 


Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager

About the Author

Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager

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.