We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Emergency Assistance Plus Review

Monday, July 7th

2025 Medical Evacuation Reviews

Emergency Assistance Plus Review 1 Star Rating

Emergency Assistance Plus

1 Star Rating
  • Pricing ranges from $209 to $339/year
  • Choose between Essential and Premier tiers of coverage
  • Choose between Individual and Family plans
  • 24/7/365 response team
  • "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
  • In business since 1996
  • Over 2 million subscribers since inception

Emergency Assistance Plus, or EA+ for short, has offered medical evacuation and transportation coverage since 1996. With over 2 million members covered over the years, this company uses a 24/7/365 response team with a global network of medical professionals, including experts in flight physiology.

2 medevac plans to choose from

There are two medical evacuation plans to choose from at Emergency Assistance Plus: Essential and Premier. Both are available as Individual or Family (self/spouse or partner/all dependent children) plans, priced at $209 and $279 for individuals or $269 and $339 for families. All plans include the following benefits:

Premier upgrade is worth the cost

However, upgrading to the Premier package gets you upgraded from economy class if you're able to be transported home via commercial airliner, transportation to the destination of your choice and not just home (if you live in San Francisco but want to be treated at UCLA), a hotel stay while waiting for transportation home, bereavement reunion coverage, transportation for not just one but three travel companions, pet care and return home, and a hotel room for the travel companion while the member is hospitalized. We'd say that's probably worth the extra cost, if you're going to use EA+ for your medical evacuation coverage.

Best Medical Evacuation Services

Actual benefits provided don't line up with expectations

What about reputation? EA+ has the Better Business Bureau's top grade and accreditation, with only one complaint filed with the BBB in the most recent three-year period. But, that doesn't seem to line up with the nearly three dozen reviews left on the BBB site, averaging a not-so-impressive 2.47 out of 5 stars.

Customer complaints

More than one EA+ client said that when they tried to make a claim that ought to have been covered, they got no help. This included a denial for not getting advance authorization on an emergency hospital trip, telling the client "If you are not admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay, we don't cover any expenses.” Another complaint said that when they expected EA+ to coordinate with their travel insurance provider and help with a transfer to a different hospital, they were told "We don't do any of those things. That's just marketing.” Not exactly what you want to hear, is it?

Lots of exclusions to be aware of

That lines up with some of the exclusions we spotted in the fine print at the bottom of the Emergency Assistance Plus website. For example, if you are a resident of Washington State, you have to be traveling more than 100 miles from your home to use your coverage. You can't get any coverage here if you live in New York State. And, here's the one that's the ultimate loophole: "All services must be arranged and provided by EA+.” Kind of defeats the purpose of "emergency services” if they have to be approved by EA+ first!

Best Medical Evacuation Services

No positive reviews to speak of, outside of the EA+ website

In fact, other than the testimonials on the Emergency Assistance Plus website itself, we couldn't find anyone with glowing praise for this medical evacuation provider. Pointing out the numerous exclusions in the policies here, most people considering becoming a member are counseled by previous subscribers to look elsewhere.

Lowest-ranked option for medevac coverage

Emergency Assistance Plus is our lowest-ranked option among medical evacuation providers. It seems like the company looks for opportunities to deny you benefits, and often in ways that don't become apparent until you actually try to use your policy. With virtually no independently-verified positive feedback, EA+ has miles to go before we'd trust them with our safety while traveling. We recommend that you get your medical evacuation policy from one of the higher-ranked options on our list.

Which Medical Evacuation Service is the Best?

Medical evacuation services have gained significant popularity due to the critical role they play in ensuring timely and efficient transport of patients needing urgent medical care. This rise in popularity is due to a number of factors that emphasize the importance of accessibility, advanced medical care, and global reach in emergency situations.

Imagine you're trekking through a dense jungle in Southeast Asia when you slip and severely twist your ankle. Stranded in a remote location with no immediate medical aid, you activate your emergency beacon. Within hours, a specialized medical evacuation team arrives by helicopter, transporting you to the nearest advanced medical facility for treatment.

The Best Medevac Services Compare Medevac Services Compare Medical Evacuation Reviews What are the best Medevac Services Best Medical Evacuation Reviews

Medical Evacuation FAQ

Medical evacuation coverage provides assistance in transporting you from a location where you're injured or ill to a medical facility capable of providing appropriate care. It's essential because it ensures you receive prompt medical attention, especially in remote areas where local facilities may be inadequate for your needs. It also helps protect you financially: out-of-pocket costs for medevac services can range from $15,000 to over $150,000.
Air ambulance services domestically typically involve transporting patients between hospitals within the same country, often for specialized care or to reach a higher-level facility. On the other hand, medevac services during travel refer to the evacuation of individuals from a foreign country back to their home country or to a suitable medical facility.
Yes, medical evacuation coverage typically covers at least one travel companion for the member being transported. If you've purchased a family plan, your coverage will usually include transportation for everyone on the policy. However, they may not actually be booked to travel with you if there isn't room, and the benefit may come from a different part of your policy (the trip interruption benefit instead of the evacuation portion).
While medical evacuation coverage is designed to provide assistance in emergencies, there may be limitations depending on your policy. For example, coverage may be subject to certain conditions, such as being a certain distance from home or requiring hospitalization. Additionally, there may be restrictions on pre-existing medical conditions or certain high-risk activities.
In most cases, medical evacuation coverage does not require pre-approval for emergency services. However, it's essential to contact your coverage provider as soon as possible in the event of a medical emergency to initiate the evacuation process and ensure timely assistance. Most policies stipulate that the provider has to be the one to arrange the medevac in order for it to be covered by the policy, so be sure to read the terms carefully and understand what steps you'll need to take to qualify.
Assessing your travel plans, destinations, and potential risks can help you determine if medical evacuation coverage is necessary. If you're traveling to remote or high-risk areas, participating in adventure activities, or have pre-existing medical conditions, medical evacuation coverage can provide invaluable peace of mind and assurance during your travels.
Medical evacuation is indeed included in some travel insurance policies, but there are several reasons why you might consider a separate medical evacuation policy. Firstly, the extent and quality of medical evacuation coverage can vary significantly between travel insurance policies. A separate medical evacuation policy often offers more comprehensive coverage specifically tailored to emergency transportation needs, including air ambulance services and repatriation to your home country. Additionally, travel insurance policies may have coverage limits, exclusions, or restrictions that could impact the level of assistance you receive during a medical emergency. Having a dedicated medical evacuation policy ensures you have access to specialized assistance and resources in critical situations.
Not typically. Health insurance primarily focuses on covering medical expenses related to diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalization for illnesses or injuries. However, medical evacuation involves specialized transportation services to transfer individuals from one location to another for medical care, and that's not usually covered by health insurance.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Of course, most of us don't live such exciting lives. But, medical evacuation might still be a necessity: you might be on a business trip in a different town when you experience sudden chest pain, or perhaps you're on a cruise in the Caribbean and you break your arm getting on the tender to the port. If the local hospital lacks the necessary facilities and expertise to address your condition adequately, having medical evacuation coverage can get you transportation to a renowned cardiac center in a nearby city or back home to the States for surgery on your arm in a facility you trust (and in a language you speak).

One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of medical evacuation services is the critical need for rapid response in medical emergencies. When people suffer severe injuries or illnesses in remote or inaccessible locations, the ability to quickly transport them to advanced medical facilities can be life-saving. Medical evacuation services provide a vital lifeline, ensuring that patients receive immediate attention and are moved to appropriate care centers with minimal delay.

Additionally, the level of care provided during medical evacuations is a key factor in their appeal. These evacuation services are often equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics who specialize in critical care transport. This can ensure that patients receive continuous and specialized medical attention throughout the journey, bridging the gap between the site of the emergency and the healthcare facility.

Medical evacuation providers offer crucial services for individuals who encounter medical emergencies while traveling, typically transporting a patient from one location to another, often from a remote or under-equipped medical facility to a more advanced one, or even back home.. These services can be purchased as standalone memberships or policies, or they can be bundled with travel insurance policies offered by insurers.

How can you determine which type of medical evacuation coverage is right for you, and from which provider? There's a lot to keep in mind, but here are a few ways you can compare your options and make your choice:

  • Coverage area. Consider where you frequently travel. Providers may offer global coverage or have limitations based on regions or countries. Ensure your chosen provider covers the areas you visit most. Also look into whether the provider is networked with other evacuation services for greater coverage.
  • Medical services provided. Evaluate the range of medical services offered. This includes emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains in case of death, medical referrals, and assistance in locating appropriate medical facilities.
  • Transportation options. Look into the transportation options available. Providers may offer air ambulances, ground ambulances, or even commercial flights with medical personnel onboard. The speed and level of medical care during transportation can vary.
  • Coverage limits and exclusions. Understand the coverage limits and exclusions of the policy. Some providers may impose restrictions on pre-existing conditions or adventurous activities like extreme sports.
  • Cost and value. Compare the cost of coverage against the value of services provided. While affordability is important, prioritize comprehensive coverage over low premiums, especially considering the potentially high costs of medical evacuation. One way that some companies add value is through additional benefits like coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, transportation for travel companions, or even returning your vehicle to your home.
  • Reputation. Be sure to consider what other clients say about the medical evacuation provider. Is there ample evidence that they'll come through for you in your time of need? Can you rest assured that you'll be able to reach someone 24/7 and get a quick response time?

Medical emergencies can be unpredictable, but having reliable evacuation coverage can give you a lot of peace of mind while traveling. To help you choose the right plan and provider, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have meticulously researched and ranked some of today's most popular medevac options. Use this information to get the protection you need for your next adventure!

The Best Reviews of Medevac Services