As a senior travel planner who has navigated complex medical evacuations with clients across six continents, I understand the critical importance of having reliable transport options when emergencies strike far from home.
This comprehensive analysis examines Medjet’s unique approach to medical evacuation, their customer service quality, and whether their membership model delivers superior value compared to standard travel insurance evacuation coverage.
In this article...
Financial Strength and Company Background
Founded in 1987 in Birmingham, Alabama, Medjet pioneered the air medical transport membership concept and remains the leading provider in this specialized market.
The company is backed by Lloyd’s of London, which maintains an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, providing solid financial security for member services.
Medjet operates as an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC), meaning they arrange and coordinate medical transport services through a network of partners rather than owning aircraft directly.
This approach allows them to maintain access to over 250 air ambulances across 50+ dispatch locations worldwide without the overhead of aircraft ownership.
The company has been BBB accredited since 2015 with a perfect A+ rating and maintains partnerships with prestigious organizations including the NFL, AARP, and Virtuoso luxury travel agencies.
Medjet serves residents of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, covering both domestic and international medical transport scenarios.
Unique Market Position and Service Philosophy
Unlike traditional travel insurance providers, Medjet operates as a membership service focused exclusively on medical evacuation and security transport.
The key distinction: Medjet transports you to the hospital of YOUR choice in your home country, not just the “nearest acceptable facility” like most travel insurance evacuation benefits.
Most importantly, Medjet does not require medical necessity for transport – if you’re hospitalized 150+ miles from home and medically cleared for travel, they’ll transport you home simply because you want to go.
This represents a fundamental shift from traditional evacuation coverage, which typically only activates when local facilities cannot provide adequate care.
💡 Personal Note: I’ve seen clients stuck in perfectly adequate foreign hospitals for weeks because their travel insurance wouldn’t authorize transport home. The psychological comfort of recovering near family and trusted doctors shouldn’t be underestimated – it often accelerates healing significantly.
Recommended Plans
Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.
Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).
Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.
Service Portfolio and Coverage Options
Medjet offers two primary membership types designed for different traveler needs and risk tolerance levels.
MedjetAssist (Base Membership):
- Medical transport to home hospital of choice
- Coverage for one travel companion
- 24/7 emergency coordination
- No medical necessity requirement
- No pre-existing condition exclusions (under age 75)
- Communication and interpretation services
MedjetHorizon (Enhanced Membership):
- All MedjetAssist benefits
- Emergency medical cash advance up to $60,000
- Travel security and crisis response services
- Evacuation for non-medical emergencies (terrorism, natural disasters)
- 24/7 security hotline with boots-on-ground response capability
Both memberships can be purchased for short-term trips (as low as $99) or annual coverage (starting at $315).
The company offers specialized options for students, expatriates, and even motorcycle enthusiasts who want their bikes transported home.
Customer Experience and Service Quality
Medjet maintains exceptional customer satisfaction with zero BBB complaints filed in the past three years – remarkable for any service provider.
Customer testimonials consistently highlight the peace of mind factor and white-glove service during actual medical emergencies.
“We can’t thank them enough for their speed and care in getting my husband back to the [home hospital]. Would never travel without Medjet,” shared one BBB reviewer whose spouse required emergency transport.
The company’s 24/7 response capability receives particular praise, with members reporting prompt, professional coordination during high-stress medical situations.
However, some negative feedback exists on travel forums from users seeking exceptions to Medjet’s rules, suggesting the company maintains strict adherence to membership terms.
Pricing Philosophy and Value Proposition
Medjet’s pricing reflects their white-glove service model and unlimited transport cost coverage.
Short-term memberships start at $99, making them accessible even for budget-conscious travelers taking expensive trips.
Annual memberships begin at $315 for individuals, with family plans available that cover spouses and dependent children.
The MedjetHorizon upgrade adds security services for approximately $100-200 additional annually, depending on membership level.
Unlike traditional travel insurance, there are no deductibles, claim forms, or coverage limits – once activated, Medjet covers 100% of transport costs regardless of expense.
✅ Pro Tip: Medjet works best as a supplement to comprehensive travel insurance, not a replacement. You still need traditional coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, and baggage protection. Think of Medjet as premium medical transport insurance for worst-case scenarios.
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Strengths and Weaknesses Analysis
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Transport to hospital of YOUR choice | Only covers medical evacuation – no trip protection |
| No medical necessity requirement | Higher cost than evacuation benefits in travel insurance |
| A+ BBB rating with zero recent complaints | 150-mile minimum distance requirement |
| Lloyd’s of London financial backing | Limited to residents of US, Canada, Mexico |
| No pre-existing condition exclusions | Membership model requires annual renewal |
| 24/7 global response capability | May be overkill for simple domestic travel |
Target Customer Analysis
Medjet works exceptionally well for affluent travelers who prioritize medical security and want guaranteed transport to trusted home hospitals.
The service suits travelers with chronic health conditions, frequent international travelers, adventure travelers heading to remote locations, and older travelers concerned about medical emergencies abroad.
It’s particularly valuable for travelers taking expensive trips where the psychological comfort of home medical care justifies the membership cost.
Consider alternatives if you’re primarily concerned with trip cancellation protection, travel on a tight budget, or rarely venture more than 150 miles from home.
The membership model means you’re paying for peace of mind even when not traveling, which may not suit infrequent travelers.
Alternatives to Consider
Global Rescue offers similar evacuation services with field rescue capabilities that Medjet doesn’t provide, making them better for adventure travelers in truly remote locations.
Traditional travel insurance with high evacuation limits from providers like IMG or Berkshire Hathaway may be more cost-effective for travelers who also need comprehensive trip protection.
Credit card evacuation benefits like those from premium cards can provide basic evacuation coverage for cardholders who don’t need Medjet’s enhanced services.
Industry Recognition and Partnerships
Medjet’s partnerships with AARP (offering 20% member discounts), the NFL, and Virtuoso luxury travel agencies demonstrate their reputation in high-end travel and insurance markets.
The company’s 35+ year track record and status as the original medical transport membership provider gives them significant credibility and experience.
Their consistent A+ BBB rating and absence of consumer complaints suggests strong operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
*ℹ️ Fun Fact: Medjet has transported members from locations as remote as Antarctic research stations and offshore oil platforms. Their network includes access to specialized aircraft capable of long-range medical transport with full life support equipment, including helicopters for initial extraction from areas inaccessible to fixed-wing aircraft.
Bottom Line Assessment
Medjet represents the premium choice for travelers who want guaranteed medical transport to their home hospital regardless of medical necessity.
Their 35+ years of experience, Lloyd’s of London backing, and exceptional customer satisfaction make them the gold standard in medical evacuation services.
However, their specialized focus means they’re not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance – they’re a premium supplement for worst-case medical scenarios.
If you value the psychological and practical benefits of recovering at home with trusted doctors and family nearby, Medjet’s membership model provides unmatched peace of mind.
For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking comprehensive trip protection, traditional travel insurance with evacuation benefits may provide better overall value.
You can compare their services with comprehensive travel insurance options here to determine the best combination of coverage for your travel protection needs.
Always review the full membership terms carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!
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Can Save Up to 30%!
