International SOS offers travel protection services to keep travelers safe. This company provides medical assistance, evacuations, pre-trip health services, remote support, crisis management, and more. However, not everyone finds it reliable.
Lengthy hold times and miscommunication are among International SOS’s biggest issues. Some customers also need clarification with pricing details, leading to dissatisfaction.
This leaves travelers searching for better alternatives for their travel protection needs.
To this end, we present the three best alternatives to International SOS below. Continue reading to find out the best travel protection services other than International SOS.
However, before we consider the alternatives, let’s discuss what International SOS is and what it does for travelers.
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- International SOS – The Basics
- Three Best Alternatives to International SOS in 2024
- Alternative #1: Global Rescue
- Alternative #2: World Travel Protection
- Alternative #3: MedJet
- What to Look for in an International SOS Alternative?
- What is the Best International SOS Alternative?
- Get Started with Global Rescue
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- International SOS provides extensive medical and travel security services, but some users experience issues like lengthy hold times and unclear pricing.
- Global Rescue is a top alternative, offering quick response times, comprehensive services, and a focus on both medical and security needs.
- World Travel Protection specializes in corporate and educational travel, providing 24/7 support and tailored risk management services.
- MedJet offers specialized medical transport services with options for individuals and families, ensuring prompt evacuation to preferred hospitals.
- When choosing an International SOS alternative, consider factors like response time, service scope, pricing transparency, customer support, and technology integration.
International SOS – The Basics
International SOS is a provider of medical and travel security assistance services for organizations and travelers worldwide.
The company specializes in helping individuals and companies manage health and security risks while traveling or working abroad.
International SOS operates a network of assistance centers, clinics, and health professionals worldwide, offering 24/7 support to ensure travelers’ safety and well-being.
Services Offered by International SOS
International SOS offers various services to protect those traveling abroad, such as medical assistance, Telehealth, and travel security services.
Let’s quickly discuss how International SOS can protect you while traveling.
Medical Assistance
International SOS offers access to medical advice, emergency medical evacuations, and hospital referrals.
They provide comprehensive health services, including pre-trip health assessments, vaccinations, and access to a global network of medical professionals.
International SOS coordinates and arranges medical evacuations in an emergency to appropriate healthcare facilities.
Travel Security Services
The company provides real-time security updates, advice on safe travel practices, and assistance during political instability, natural disasters, or other security threats. Their security experts offer on-the-ground support and can arrange emergency evacuations from high-risk areas.
Telehealth and Remote Support
International SOS offers telehealth services, allowing travelers to consult with medical professionals remotely for non-emergency issues. This service is particularly useful for travelers in remote locations where access to healthcare may be limited.
Crisis Management
The organization provides comprehensive crisis management support, including contingency planning and response services for organizations dealing with critical incidents that may impact their employees’ health and safety.
However, as mentioned above, International SOS has some issues, such as long hold times, leaving many wanting more. Due to these issues, we’ve compiled a list of the three best alternatives to International SOS.
Three Best Alternatives to International SOS in 2024
Here’s a glance at the ten best alternatives to International SOS.
Let’s start by discussing the number one alternative, Global Rescue.
Alternative #1: Global Rescue
Global Rescue provides comprehensive travel protection services, including medical, security, and evacuation support. Its memberships offer a range of benefits designed to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers worldwide.
Services include emergency medical evacuations, field rescues, and access to medical advisory professionals. With a Totalcare Telehealth service, Global Rescue helps you manage health concerns remotely.
The company’s emphasis on quick response times and comprehensive support systems makes it a reliable choice for travelers. Let’s find out what makes Global Rescue an attractive option for your travel protection needs.
Global Rescue Features and Benefits
Global Rescue offers extensive travel protection and support features, such as travel security services and Telehealth.
Here are the standout features of Global Rescue:
Travel Security Services
Global Rescue provides comprehensive travel security services to keep you safe while traveling in volatile or high-risk regions. These services include thorough risk assessments that help you understand the potential dangers in your destination, enabling you to make informed decisions about your travel plans.
In a crisis, Global Rescue can swiftly conduct security evacuations to remove you from dangerous situations.
Their real-time intelligence updates also keep you informed of emerging threats, ensuring you are always aware of the latest developments that could impact your safety. This robust support system is vital for travelers who need reliable protection in unpredictable environments.
Totalcare Telehealth
With Global Rescue’s Totalcare Telehealth, you can access medical consultations from the comfort of your location, no matter how remote.
This service connects you with board-certified doctors who provide immediate medical advice and treatment options, ensuring you receive the care you need without the delays associated with in-person visits. Totalcare Telehealth is especially valuable for travelers in remote or underdeveloped areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.
Whether you need advice on managing a chronic condition or immediate help with an unexpected illness, this service provides a lifeline to quality healthcare, ensuring your well-being throughout your journey.
Trip Evacuation Services
Global Rescue’s trip evacuation services offer critical support in emergencies, covering both medical and security-related evacuations.
Whether you are facing a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention or in a dangerous security situation, these services ensure that you are promptly evacuated to a safe location or appropriate medical facility.
The ability to quickly mobilize and transport you out of harm’s way is crucial for travelers engaging in high-risk activities or visiting unstable regions.
Global Rescue Pricing
Global Rescue offers three primary pricing plans, each tailored to different needs. Each plan is further broken down according to the length of coverage and features. Here’s a detailed overview of the pricing structure, but below, we’ve simplified the plans for you.
Individual Plan – Starting at $349
The Individual Plan offers comprehensive evacuation services covering both medical and security emergencies. It also includes 24/7 telehealth access for medical consultations, real-time intelligence reporting on risks, and local field rescue services for emergency response from your location.
Family Plan – Starting at $615
The Family Plan extends all the features of the Individual Plan to cover family members, including spouses and dependents. This plan also provides enhanced support with priority response for families, ensuring that your loved ones receive prompt assistance in emergencies.
Student Plan – Starting at $275
The Student Plan is tailored specifically for young travelers and is more affordable at $275 per year. It offers student-specific coverage, including comprehensive medical and security services, making it an ideal choice for students seeking reliable travel protection.
Let’s move on and look at the next alternative, World Travel Protection.
Alternative #2: World Travel Protection
World Travel Protection offers comprehensive travel risk management services tailored specifically for corporate and educational travel. These services ensure that organizations and institutions can safeguard their employees and students while they are abroad.
Their services encompass a wide range of support, including medical assistance, security risk management, and travel assistance, providing peace of mind before, during, and after trips.
With a global network of resources and experts, World Travel Protection delivers timely and effective solutions to manage any challenges that may arise during travel, from health emergencies to security threats.
Let’s discover why World Travel Protection is a good alternative to International SOS.
World Travel Protection Features and Benefits
World Travel Protection provides several features to improve travel safety, such as 24-hour support, medical assistance, and more.
Here are the main features that World Travel Protection brings to the table.
24-Hour Support
World Travel Protection provides travelers with round-the-clock support to handle any emergencies or disruptions that may arise during their journey.
This service includes assistance with canceled flights, lost luggage, and emergency evacuations, ensuring travelers have a reliable point of contact whenever issues occur.
With immediate access to medical and security professionals, travelers can be confident that they will receive prompt and effective help when needed, minimizing stress and uncertainty during their trip.
Medical Assistance
World Travel Protection offers robust medical assistance services, including virtual care, emergency medical services, and in-person care assistance.
Travelers can easily connect with a network of practicing doctors and nurses, ensuring that their medical needs are addressed efficiently, no matter where they are.
Whether managing a minor health concern or responding to a medical emergency, this service provides peace of mind by ensuring that professional medical support is always within reach.
Security Assistance
World Travel Protection delivers comprehensive security assistance to help mitigate risks before and during travel. This includes pre-travel intelligence, which provides travelers with critical information about potential risks and safety measures specific to their destination.
On-the-ground support further enhances traveler safety with security protocols tailored to their profile and location. Additionally, real-time updates keep travelers informed of emerging threats, allowing them to make informed decisions and stay safe throughout their journey.
World Travel Protection Pricing
World Travel Protection offers custom pricing based on your needs. Prices are based on various factors that must be assessed. Click here to get a custom quote from World Travel Protection.
If World Travel Protection does not suit your needs, another viable alternative is MedJet.
Alternative #3: MedJet
MedJet provides travel protection services focusing on medical transport and evacuation. It serves individuals, families, corporations, students, expatriates, and groups. MedJet ensures quick and efficient medical transfers to hospitals of your choice.
Below, we discuss why MedJet is a good option for travel safety and security needs.
MedJet Features and Benefits
MedJet offers several comprehensive travel and medical protection features, including medical transport, security response, and more.
Here’s why MedJet is an attractive option:
Medical Transport
MedJet offers premier medical transport services for its members, providing critical support when you need it most.
This service includes hospital-to-hospital transfers, ensuring that you receive treatment at your preferred medical facility, whether it’s close to home or across the globe.
MedJet’s air medical transport is available to members who are hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, and the service is not limited by pre-existing conditions, age, or claim denial from insurance.
Security Response
MedJet provides high-grade security response services to protect members during crises like natural disasters, political unrest, or violent incidents.
These services include evacuation from unsafe locations and access to 24/7 crisis response teams that offer real-time updates and support. The security response plan is tailored to each member’s needs and covers various scenarios, from civil threats to environmental dangers.
MedJet’s extensive global network ensures swift and efficient evacuations, allowing members to escape from volatile situations quickly and safely. Additionally, members receive ongoing advice and assistance to deal with the complexities of international travel in high-risk areas.
Travel Assistance
MedJet offers comprehensive travel assistance services, ensuring members experience smooth and hassle-free travel. This includes help with lost or stolen documents and making emergency travel arrangements like flight rebookings or accommodation changes.
MedJet also assists with legal referrals and provides translation services if needed. Their travel assistance is available worldwide, giving travelers peace of mind knowing that they have expert support, whether dealing with a minor inconvenience or a major travel disruption.
MedJet Pricing
MedJet offers different membership plans tailored to various needs, such as individual, family, corporate, non-profit, student, expatriate, and group memberships.
However, prices vary greatly depending on the type of person or entity enrolling for coverage and the type of coverage required.
Medjet features two main types of plans: MedJetAssist and MedJetHorizon. Click here for full pricing details and membership options.
MedJetAssist – Annual Memberships Starting at $315 Per Year
MedjetAssist is the core membership plan offering unparalleled medical transport services. This plan ensures that members who are hospitalized more than 150 miles from home can be transported to their preferred medical facility, whether domestically or internationally. The plan covers hospital-to-hospital transfers, providing peace of mind during health emergencies.
MedJet Horizon – Prices Vary Based on Needs and Exact Coverage Requirements
MedjetHorizon takes the benefits of MedjetAssist a step further by incorporating comprehensive security and crisis response services.
In addition to medical transport, Horizon members receive enhanced protection during security threats, natural disasters, political unrest, or other emergencies. This plan includes services like emergency evacuation from unsafe locations, access to a 24/7 crisis response center, and real-time security updates.
What to Look for in an International SOS Alternative?
When considering alternatives to International SOS, consider criteria such as response time, service scope, and pricing transparency.
Here’s how to choose the best International SOS alternative:
Response Time
One of the most critical factors to consider when evaluating an alternative to International SOS is the response time. In emergencies, whether medical or security-related, every second counts.
The alternative service provider should offer quick and efficient emergency response services, ensuring that help is available promptly, no matter where in the world you are.
This includes the speed at which they can arrange medical evacuations, provide security assistance, or deliver on-the-ground support. The provider’s ability to mobilize resources and coordinate with local services rapidly can significantly affect the outcome of an emergency.
Service Scope
Another crucial aspect to consider is the scope of services the alternative provider offers. A comprehensive range of services is essential to meet the varied needs of travelers, whether they are individuals, corporate groups, or students.
The ideal provider should offer extensive medical services, including emergency medical evacuation, hospital transfers, and access to global healthcare professionals.
Additionally, security services should be comprehensive, covering everything from pre-travel risk assessments to real-time crisis management and evacuation.
The provider should also offer ancillary services like travel assistance, including help with lost documents, emergency travel arrangements, and legal or translation services, ensuring that you are fully supported.
Pricing Transparency
Pricing transparency is a key factor when choosing an alternative to International SOS. It is important to work with a provider that offers clear and straightforward pricing structures so you understand exactly what you are paying for.
Alternative services should avoid hidden fees or unexpected charges that could complicate budgeting and decision-making. Ideally, the provider will explain their costs and services in advance, including additional fees for specialized services like medical evacuations, security extractions, or extended support.
Customer Support
Reliable and accessible customer support is another essential consideration when choosing an International SOS alternative. In times of crisis, having access to knowledgeable and responsive customer service representatives can provide reassurance and guidance.
The alternative provider should offer 24/7 customer support through multiple channels such as phone, email, and live chat to ensure that help is always within reach.
Additionally, their support team should be well-trained to handle various situations, from medical emergencies to security threats, and capable of coordinating the necessary resources quickly and efficiently.
Technology Integration
Integrating advanced technology is a crucial feature to look for in an International SOS alternative. The provider should offer state-of-the-art tools, such as telehealth services, which allow travelers to access immediate medical consultations remotely. This is particularly valuable for those in remote or underserved areas where access to healthcare may be limited.
Additionally, the provider should utilize technology to offer real-time security alerts, track global events, and provide up-to-date travel advisories. Mobile apps that give travelers easy access to their services, provide location tracking, and allow quick communication with support teams are also highly beneficial.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing an International SOS alternative, let’s compare the three alternatives we’ve reviewed today to see which one is best for you.
What is the Best International SOS Alternative?
Here’s how the top three competitors stack up against each other.
| Alternative | Response Time | Service Scope | Pricing Transparency | Customer Support | Technology Integration | Overall Score |
| Global Rescue | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| World Travel Protection | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MedJet | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Get Started with Global Rescue
Global Rescue tops the list due to its comprehensive services, quick response times, and transparent pricing. It offers an excellent support system and advanced technology integration, such as telehealth services, ensuring you’re well-protected wherever you are.
Global Rescue provides reliable and efficient solutions whether you need medical evacuation, security assistance, or travel advisory services.
Get started with Global Rescue today and ensure your travel safety with the best in the industry. Remember that Batten Safe has you covered for all of your emergency preparedness needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Global Rescue a Better Alternative to International SOS?
Global Rescue excels in response time and service scope, offering comprehensive medical and security services with transparent pricing. Their focus on quick mobilization and efficient evacuation sets them apart from other providers.
How Does World Travel Protection Support Corporate and Educational Travelers?
World Travel Protection provides tailored travel risk management services, including pre-travel risk assessments, 24/7 support during travel, and post-trip assistance, ensuring safety and security for employees and students abroad.
Can Medjet’s Services Be Used for Both Domestic and International Travel?
Yes, MedJet’s medical transport services are available for domestic and international travel, ensuring that members can be transported to their preferred medical facility, whether close to home or anywhere across the globe.
