Medjet Review: Worth the Cost for Student Travel?
Medjet provides hospital-to-hospital transport to your chosen facility—but hospitalization requirement limits coverage.
Introduction & First Impressions
Medjet provides reliable hospital-to-hospital medical transport to your chosen facility worldwide, making it a solid choice for students studying abroad at established universities—but the critical hospitalization requirement means Medjet cannot help with pre-hospital emergencies, remote location field injuries, or situations requiring immediate extraction before reaching a hospital. For students at urban universities in developed countries, Medjet delivers appropriate protection at mid-range pricing ($425 family annual), but families whose students travel to remote locations or engage in wilderness activities should consider providers with field rescue capabilities unavailable from Medjet. For comprehensive pre-departure planning guidance, see our complete study abroad safety checklist.
Medjet operates as a medical transport membership service founded in 1991, pioneering the air-medical transport membership concept. The company arranges hospital-to-hospital transport for members hospitalized 150+ miles from home, transporting patients to their chosen facility rather than just the nearest hospital. Unlike traditional travel insurance that limits evacuation to “nearest adequate facility,” Medjet members control destination choice. Medjet offers two membership levels: MedjetAssist (medical transport only) and MedjetHorizon (adds travel security and crisis response services).
As a student matters attorney and former EMT with emergency response management experience, I’ve evaluated Medjet’s service model for students studying abroad. The hospital-choice feature distinguishes Medjet from budget providers, and the no-pre-existing-condition-exclusions policy (under age 75) creates meaningful access for students with chronic conditions. However, the hospitalization requirement means Medjet cannot assist with field emergencies or pre-hospital situations—a critical limitation for wilderness travel or remote locations.
This review analyzes Medjet’s membership agreements, service documentation, verified customer experiences from 2024-2025, and compares services against other providers across 12 critical evaluation criteria for study abroad families.
Transparency Note
This review contains affiliate links to Medjet. If you purchase a membership through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our analysis, testing methodology, and recommendations remain completely independent—we only recommend services we’ve thoroughly evaluated and believe provide genuine value to study abroad families. All pricing, features, and service details have been verified directly with Medjet as of October 2025.
Medjet Membership Overview: Hospital-to-Hospital Transport
What’s Included
Hospital-to-Hospital Medical Transport:
- Arranged transport from hospitalization location to home-country hospital of choice
- Air ambulance or commercial medical escort depending on condition
- All transport costs covered (no claims, no out-of-pocket expenses)
- Medical team accompaniment during transport
- One travel companion transported at no additional cost
24/7 Operations Support:
- Operations center staffed for emergency coordination
- Medical consultation with attending physicians
- Bed securing at receiving hospital
- Family notification and communication
- Medical transport arrangement and execution
Additional Services (MedjetAssist):
- Medical referrals and translation services
- Message relay and monitoring
- Transfer of mortal remains
- Unlimited domestic and international coverage
MedjetHorizon Enhanced Services (Add-on):
- Travel security and crisis response (terrorism, violent crime, natural disasters)
- Ground ambulance transfer (under 150 miles)
- Specialty hospital transfer services
- Security evacuation coordination
- Cash advance for medical emergencies
- Legal referrals
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Area | Worldwide (150+ miles from home) |
| Evacuation Cap | Unlimited (no dollar limits) |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | No exclusions (under age 75) |
| Coverage Trigger | Hospitalization required (150+ miles from home) |
| Field Rescue | ❌ Not included (hospital-to-hospital only) |
| Age Restrictions | Under 75 (standard); 75-84 (Diamond, requires application) |
| Trip Duration Limits | 90 consecutive days per trip (annual membership) |
| Hospital Choice | ✅ Member chooses destination hospital |
Price Point & Value Positioning
2025 Pricing:
- Individual Annual (MedjetAssist): $315/year
- Family Annual (MedjetAssist): $425/year
- Individual Annual (MedjetHorizon): $474/year
- Family Annual (MedjetHorizon): $614/year
- Short-Term Options: $99-$385 (8-30 days)
Value Comparison:
Medjet costs 42% more than Emergency Assistance Plus ($299 family) but provides hospital choice and no pre-existing condition exclusions (under age 75). Compared to Global Rescue ($745 family), Medjet costs 43% less but lacks field rescue capability—meaning Medjet cannot extract students from remote locations before hospital arrival.
Target Audience
Best For:
- Students at established urban universities with quality medical infrastructure
- Students with pre-existing conditions (no exclusions under age 75)
- Frequent travelers wanting hospital choice control
- Study abroad programs in developed countries
- Students who want transport to familiar doctors and facilities
- Families prioritizing cost-effective mid-range coverage
Not Suitable For:
- Students traveling to remote/wilderness destinations (no field rescue)
- Pre-hospital emergencies or field injuries (hospitalization required first)
- Students on tight budgets (Emergency Assistance Plus $126 cheaper)
- Wilderness research or adventure programs (need field rescue capability)
- Students age 75+ (requires Diamond application with medical review)
Service Model & Operational Capabilities
The Hospitalization Requirement: Core Service Limitation
Core Service Model: Medjet’s defining characteristic is hospital-to-hospital transport with member choice of destination facility. Once a member is hospitalized 150+ miles from home, Medjet arranges and pays for transport to the member’s chosen hospital—typically near home with familiar doctors. This “hospital choice” model differentiates Medjet from travel insurance that only covers evacuation to “nearest adequate facility.” For detailed explanation of medical evacuation vs. medical repatriation coverage differences, see our foundational guide.
Critical Limitation: Medjet requires hospitalization before services activate. Students injured in remote locations, wilderness emergencies, or pre-hospital situations cannot access Medjet services until hospitalized—meaning Medjet provides zero coverage for field rescue, wilderness extraction, or emergency situations requiring immediate evacuation before hospital arrival.
Operational Structure:
- 24/7 Operations Center: Staffed for emergency coordination, medical consultation, transport arrangement
- Response Protocol: Member calls from hospital → Operations team contacts attending physician → Medical transport assessment → Bed secured at receiving hospital → Transport arranged (air ambulance or commercial medical escort) → Bedside-to-bedside coordination
- Transport Method: Air ambulance with medical team for critical patients; commercial airline with medical escort for stable patients
- Vendor Network: Medjet contracts with licensed Part 135 air carriers (does not own aircraft)
Service Quality Indicators:
- Established Provider: Founded 1991 (34 years operational history)
- Industry Pioneer: First company to introduce air-medical transport membership concept
- Professional Coordination: Experienced operations teams arrange all transport logistics
- No Claims Process: Members pay zero out-of-pocket for qualifying transports
Former EMT Perspective:
“Medjet’s hospital-to-hospital model works well for students at established universities where local emergency services transport to hospitals first. The hospital choice feature provides meaningful value for families wanting students treated by familiar physicians. However, Medjet cannot help students injured before reaching a hospital—wilderness injuries, remote location emergencies, or pre-hospital situations require field rescue capabilities that Medjet does not provide.”
How Medjet Performs: The Critical Evaluation
Core Functionality – Hospital-to-Hospital Transport Execution
Does Medjet Deliver When It Matters?
Real-World Performance Metrics: Based on verified member testimonials and documented transport operations 2024-2025:
Transport Success:
- Documented successful hospital-to-hospital transports globally
- Air ambulance and commercial medical escort services delivered as promised
- Members consistently report professional coordination and execution
- Zero documented service denials for qualifying emergencies (hospitalized members)
Response Time Data:
- Operations center initial response: Immediate 24/7 availability
- Physician coordination: 2-6 hours for medical consultation and bed securing
- Transport execution: 24-48 hours typical timeframe from hospitalization to home
- Ground ambulance coordination: Bedside-to-bedside logistics managed
Case Study (2024 Member Experience – Verified)
“My wife took a bad fall that left her with 9 broken ribs and a collapsed lung. We went to hospital for treatment and discovered emergency surgery was required. Once she was stable, we called Medjet. They coordinated everything—contacted her doctors at home, secured a bed, arranged the air ambulance with medical team, transported her from hospital in [international location] to our home hospital. We paid nothing. The entire $180,000+ transport cost was covered by our membership.”
What Qualifies for Medjet Services:
Medjet transports members who are:
- Hospitalized as inpatient 150+ miles from primary residence
- Medically stable for transport (or stabilized at local facility first)
- Accepted as patient at receiving hospital with secured bed
- Requiring continued hospitalization (not discharged or medically cleared)
Critical Limitation – What Does NOT Qualify:
- ❌ Pre-hospital emergencies (injured but not yet hospitalized)
- ❌ Field injuries in remote locations (wilderness, backcountry, ocean)
- ❌ Simple injuries (sprains, minor fractures treated and released locally)
- ❌ Discharged patients able to return home without medical attention
- ❌ Mild illnesses that don’t prevent travel
- ❌ Injuries within 150 miles of home
Student Scenario Analysis:
✅ Medjet WORKS:
- Student hospitalized in Barcelona after car accident → Medjet transports to home hospital
- Student hospitalized in Tokyo requiring surgery → Medjet arranges transport to U.S. facility
- Student hospitalized in London needing extended care → Medjet flies home with medical team
- Student with appendicitis in Paris hospitalized → Medjet coordinates transport after stabilization
❌ Medjet CANNOT HELP:
- Student injured while hiking in remote Peru (no hospital reached yet)
- Student requiring emergency extraction from Amazon research site (field injury)
- Student injured in wilderness requiring helicopter rescue before hospitalization
- Student with medical emergency in location inaccessible to ambulance services
- Student with sprained ankle treated and released from ER (not hospitalized)
Geographic Coverage – Worldwide Hospital-to-Hospital
Global Coverage: Where Medjet Operates
Worldwide Service Area: Medjet provides comprehensive worldwide coverage for hospital-to-hospital transport from any location where member is hospitalized 150+ miles from home. Coverage includes:
Covered Regions (when hospitalized):
- North America: USA, Canada, Mexico (hospitals accessible by ground ambulance)
- Europe: All European countries with established hospital infrastructure
- Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, India, Singapore, etc.
- South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia (urban hospitals)
- Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco (established medical facilities)
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand (major cities and regional hospitals)
| Urban University Destinations | Medjet Coverage |
|---|---|
| University of Barcelona (Spain) | ✅ Hospital transport available |
| University College London (UK) | ✅ Hospital transport available |
| Sciences Po Paris (France) | ✅ Hospital transport available |
| University of Tokyo (Japan) | ✅ Hospital transport available |
| University of Sydney (Australia) | ✅ Hospital transport available |
| National Autonomous University of Mexico | ✅ Hospital transport available |
Accessibility Requirement: Both originating and receiving hospitals must be accessible by ground ambulance to airfield capable of accommodating air ambulance aircraft. Remote wilderness locations without hospital access or ground transport routes cannot qualify for Medjet services.
Student Matters Attorney Analysis:
“Medjet’s worldwide hospital-to-hospital coverage provides appropriate protection for students attending established universities in developed countries. Students hospitalized in Barcelona, London, Tokyo, or Sydney can be transported to home hospitals—meaningful value for families wanting familiar doctors. However, students traveling to remote wilderness areas, conducting field research hours from hospitals, or engaging in backcountry activities face coverage gaps because Medjet cannot assist until after hospitalization.”
Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
Pre-Existing Conditions: No Exclusions Under Age 75
Coverage Approach: Medjet’s standout feature: no pre-existing condition exclusions for members under age 75. Students with chronic conditions—diabetes, asthma, heart conditions, epilepsy—receive full coverage without medical questionnaires, health reviews, or condition-specific exclusions.
Age-Based Policy Differences:
Under Age 75 (Standard Membership):
- ✅ No health questions during enrollment
- ✅ No pre-existing condition exclusions
- ✅ No medical review required
- ✅ Immediate coverage after activation
Age 75-84 (Diamond Membership):
- ⚠️ Application required with physician medical statement
- ⚠️ Health questionnaire must be completed
- ⚠️ Medical review (5-7 business days approval time)
- ⚠️ Possible exclusions for specific conditions
- ⚠️ Limited to one transport per year
Competitive Advantage: Unlike Global Rescue (case-by-case pre-existing condition review creating enrollment uncertainty), Medjet provides guaranteed coverage for all pre-existing conditions for members under 75—making Medjet the strongest choice for students with chronic health conditions.
Student Application: Students with asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, heart conditions, or any chronic illness receive full Medjet coverage under standard membership (ages under 75) with zero exclusions or medical review requirements.
Recommendation: Students with pre-existing conditions benefit most from Medjet’s inclusive policy, particularly when compared to Global Rescue’s case-by-case approach that may result in coverage denials or exclusions.
Member Experience: Enrollment to Emergency Response
Setup & Enrollment Process
Ease of Purchase:
- Online enrollment via secure affiliate link (simple enrollment process)
- No medical questionnaire required (under age 75)
- No health disclosure or pre-existing condition review
- Membership activation: Immediate upon purchase (must activate before departure)
- Digital membership cards provided upon enrollment
Required Information:
- Basic contact and billing information
- Primary residence address (establishes 150-mile radius)
- Emergency contact information
- Travel companion details (if applicable)
Annual Membership Terms:
- Valid for one year from effective date
- Covers unlimited trips (90 consecutive days maximum per trip)
- Domestic and international coverage included
- Refundable until effective date (non-refundable after activation)
Daily Usage & Coverage
Ongoing Member Requirements:
- Carry Medjet contact information while traveling
- Contact Medjet immediately upon hospitalization 150+ miles from home
- Provide hospital location and attending physician information
- Follow operations team instructions for transport coordination
Emergency Activation Protocol:
- Member hospitalized 150+ miles from home
- Call Medjet operations center (24/7 phone number)
- Operations team contacts attending physician for medical assessment
- Medjet secures bed at member’s chosen home hospital
- Transport arranged (air ambulance or commercial medical escort)
- Bedside-to-bedside transport executed
- Family kept informed throughout process
Transport Limits:
- Two transports per membership year (standard membership)
- One transport per membership year (Diamond membership ages 75-84)
- One travel companion transported with member at no additional cost
Customer Service & Communication
Reported Member Experiences (2024-2025):
- Operations center responsiveness: Highly rated by members
- Transport coordination: Professional and efficient execution
- Medical team quality: Experienced, compassionate care during transport
- Family communication: Regular updates throughout process
- Cost transparency: Zero out-of-pocket expenses for qualifying transports
Consistently Positive Reviews:
- Members praise “angels appeared” level of relief when Medjet coordinates transport
- BBB accreditation and positive testimonials across platforms
- Industry recognition (Forbes, Travel + Leisure, USA Today recommendations)
- Long-term repeat members citing peace of mind value
Service Clarity: Medjet provides clear documentation of service terms, hospitalization requirements, and transport criteria—members understand coverage parameters and activation process.
Learning Curve: Minimal. Members need only understand: (1) must be hospitalized, (2) must be 150+ miles from home, (3) call operations center to activate. Simple, straightforward process.
Medjet vs. Competitors: How It Stacks Up
Direct Competitor Comparison
| Factor | Medjet | Global Rescue | Emergency Assistance Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost (Family) | $425 | $745 | $299 |
| Service Area | Worldwide | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Evacuation Cap | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Field Rescue | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ❌ Not included |
| Hospitalization Required | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | No exclusions (under 75) | Case-by-case | Generally covered |
| Hospital Choice | ✅ Member chooses | Member chooses | ❌ Nearest facility |
| Security Services | Available add-on (Horizon) | Available add-on | ❌ Not offered |
| Age Restrictions | 74 max (standard) | None | None |
Price-to-Value Assessment
Medjet’s Value Proposition:
- Mid-range pricing between budget (EA+) and premium (Global Rescue)
- Hospital choice control (transport to facility you select)
- No pre-existing condition exclusions (members under 75)
- No health questions or medical review (under 75)
- Established provider with 34-year track record
- Industry pioneer in air-medical transport membership
Where Medjet Falls Short:
- Hospitalization required—cannot help with pre-hospital emergencies or field injuries
- 42% more expensive than Emergency Assistance Plus for students who don’t need hospital choice
- No field rescue capability for remote location emergencies
- Age 75+ requires Diamond membership application with medical review
Unique Selling Points
What Sets Medjet Apart:
- Hospital Choice Control: Only provider (besides Global Rescue) allowing member to choose destination hospital
- No Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions: Guaranteed coverage for chronic conditions (under age 75)
- No Health Questions: Simple enrollment without medical review (under 75)
- Industry Pioneer: Founded 1991, established 34-year operational history
- Professional Reputation: BBB accredited, recommended by Forbes, Travel + Leisure, USA Today
When Medjet Wins:
- Student with pre-existing condition studying at University of Barcelona (no medical review required)
- Student attending University of Tokyo wanting transport to home hospital if hospitalized
- Student at Sciences Po Paris whose family wants familiar doctors for extended care
- Frequent traveler wanting hospital choice control and mid-range pricing
- Student needing coverage without health questions or medical exclusions
When Competitors Win:
- Student traveling to remote Amazon research location → Global Rescue provides field rescue
- Student on tight budget at urban university → Emergency Assistance Plus saves $126 annually
- Student engaging in wilderness field research → Global Rescue offers pre-hospital extraction
- Student needing basic nearest-facility transport → Emergency Assistance Plus provides adequate coverage at lower cost
The Honest Assessment: What Works and What Doesn’t
What We Loved
- Hospital Choice Control – Medjet allows members to choose destination hospital—typically near home with familiar doctors—rather than just “nearest adequate facility” like budget providers. Meaningful control over care location.
- No Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions (Under Age 75) – Students with chronic conditions—diabetes, asthma, heart disease—receive guaranteed full coverage without health questions or medical review. Industry-leading inclusive policy.
- Simple Enrollment Process – No health questionnaires, no medical reviews, no pre-existing condition disclosure required for members under age 75. Immediate enrollment without approval delays.
- Unlimited Coverage Caps – No dollar limits on transport costs—Medjet covers full expense of air ambulance transport (often $150,000-$250,000) for just annual membership fee.
- Established Provider Reputation – Founded 1991 with 34-year operational history, BBB accreditation, consistent positive member testimonials, industry recognition from major travel publications.
- Mid-Range Pricing – At $425 family annual, Medjet costs 43% less than Global Rescue while providing hospital choice and pre-existing condition inclusion—good value positioning.
Areas for Improvement
- Hospitalization Required – Medjet cannot help with pre-hospital emergencies, field injuries, or remote location extraction—coverage only activates after hospitalization. Critical limitation for wilderness travel.
- No Field Rescue Capability – Students injured in remote locations, backcountry, wilderness areas, or inaccessible regions receive zero Medjet assistance until hospitalized—potentially life-threatening coverage gap.
- Higher Cost Than Budget Option – At $425 family, Medjet costs 42% more than Emergency Assistance Plus ($299)—difficult justification if hospital choice isn’t priority.
- Age 75+ Requires Medical Review – Diamond membership (ages 75-84) requires physician medical statement, health questionnaire, 5-7 business day approval, possible condition exclusions, and limits to one transport/year.
- 150-Mile Minimum Distance – Medical emergencies occurring within 150 miles of home receive no coverage—limiting value for nearby travel or students studying close to home.
What Medjet Doesn’t Cover: Read This Before Buying
Critical Service Limitations:
Primary Exclusion – No Field Rescue:
⚠️ CRITICAL: Medjet provides only hospital-to-hospital transport. Services do not cover:
- Pre-hospital emergencies or injuries
- Field rescue from remote locations
- Wilderness extraction or helicopter rescue
- Medical emergencies requiring evacuation before hospital arrival
- Injuries in locations inaccessible by ground ambulance
Medical Condition Exclusions:
- Mild illnesses or simple injuries treatable locally (sprains, minor fractures treated and released)
- Patients medically discharged or able to travel without medical attention
- Tuberculosis or chronic airborne pathogens
- Pregnancy beyond 12 weeks intrauterine gestation
- Patients with Biosafety Level 3+ pathogens
- Pre-scheduled medical treatment or medical tourism
Activity Exclusions:
- Injuries where inpatient medical care already scheduled/recommended at enrollment
- Travel specifically for seeking medical treatment
- Professional sports competition injuries
Circumstance Exclusions:
- Emergencies within 150 miles of primary residence
- Patients deemed medically unstable for transport (must stabilize first)
- Hospitals not accessible by ground ambulance to airfield
What Medjet Does NOT Pay For:
⚠️ Critical Clarification:
Medjet provides transport services only—NOT health insurance coverage:
NOT Covered:
- Hospital bills or medical treatment costs
- Prescription medications or medical supplies
- Doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, or procedures
- Emergency care at local hospital before transport
- Ongoing medical care or rehabilitation after transport
- Surgery, hospitalization, or medical supplies
Students Need Both:
Travel medical insurance → Covers treatment costs, hospital bills, prescriptions
Medical transport membership (Medjet) → Covers transport from hospital to home hospital
Many families mistakenly believe transport membership replaces health insurance—it does not
Distance Requirement:
- No coverage for hospitalizations within 150 miles of primary residence address
- 150-mile radius creates coverage gap for nearby travel
Should You Buy Medjet? Decision Framework
Best For:
✅ Students at Established Urban Universities:
- University of Barcelona, UCL London, Sciences Po Paris, University of Tokyo
- Established hospital infrastructure where hospitalization likely occurs
- Hospital-to-hospital transport needs adequately covered
- Mid-range pricing justified for hospital choice benefit
✅ Students with Pre-Existing Conditions:
- Chronic conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy)
- No health questions or medical review required (under age 75)
- Guaranteed coverage without condition-specific exclusions
- Industry-leading inclusive policy
✅ Frequent Student Travelers:
- Multiple study abroad trips or travel experiences annually
- Want hospital choice control and familiar doctors
- Value mid-range pricing with comprehensive hospital-to-hospital coverage
- Appreciate no-claims process and unlimited dollar caps
✅ Families Prioritizing Hospital Choice:
- Want student transported to home hospital with known physicians
- Value control over care facility selection
- Willing to pay premium over budget option for hospital choice
- Understand hospitalization requirement limitations
Skip If:
❌ Your Student Travels to Remote/Wilderness Locations:
- Amazon rainforest research, Himalayan trekking, African safari programs
- Remote field study sites hours from hospital access
- Wilderness activities requiring pre-hospital evacuation
- Consider Global Rescue for field rescue capability
❌ Budget is Primary Concern:
- Emergency Assistance Plus provides adequate coverage for $299/year (saves $126 annually)
- Hospital choice not worth 42% price premium for tight budgets
- Student attending urban university where nearest hospital adequate
- $126 annual savings funds other study abroad expenses
❌ Your Student Requires Field Rescue:
- Backcountry hiking, wilderness research, remote expeditions
- Pre-hospital emergency extraction capability needed
- Helicopter rescue from inaccessible locations
- Global Rescue only provider offering field rescue
❌ Student Age 75+ with Complex Medical History:
- Diamond membership requires physician medical statement
- Health questionnaire and 5-7 day approval process
- Possible condition-specific exclusions
- Limited to one transport per year
Alternatives to Consider:
| Scenario | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| Tight budget + urban university | Emergency Assistance Plus ($299/year, saves $126) |
| Remote location/wilderness travel | Global Rescue (includes field rescue) |
| Pre-existing conditions all ages | Emergency Assistance Plus (covers all ages) |
| Hospital choice + mid-range budget | Medjet best option |
How to Purchase Medjet Membership
Enrollment Process:
Medjet enrollment takes just 5-10 minutes with immediate coverage activation:
Ready to Enroll in Medjet?
Step-by-Step Enrollment:
- Click the Enrollment Link: Use the button below to access secure enrollment
- Select Membership Type:
- Individual or Family coverage
- MedjetAssist (transport only) or MedjetHorizon (transport + security)
- Annual or short-term membership
- Complete Enrollment:
- Basic contact and billing information
- Primary residence address (establishes 150-mile coverage radius)
- Emergency contact details
- Receive Immediate Coverage:
- Digital membership card provided instantly
- Member portal access
- No health questions required for members under age 75
Disclosure: We may earn a commission from memberships purchased through this link at no additional cost to you.
Current 2025 Pricing:
| Plan Type | Annual Cost | Coverage Level |
|---|---|---|
| Individual MedjetAssist | $315/year | Hospital-to-hospital transport |
| Family MedjetAssist | $425/year | Hospital-to-hospital transport |
| Individual MedjetHorizon | $474/year | Transport + security services |
| Family MedjetHorizon | $614/year | Transport + security services |
| Short-Term (8-30 days) | $99-$385 | Trip-specific coverage |
Multi-Year Options:
- 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year memberships available at enrollment
- Discounted rates for multi-year commitments
- Lock in current pricing against future increases
Before Purchasing:
- Must activate membership before departure from primary residence
- Verify 150-mile distance requirement from your home address
- Understand hospitalization requirement (no pre-hospital coverage)
- Remember: Medjet supplements (doesn’t replace) travel medical insurance
- Coverage effective immediately upon enrollment (must be before travel)
What Happens After Enrollment:
- Immediate digital membership card delivery
- Member portal access for travel resources
- Pre-travel destination briefings available
- Family members automatically covered (family plan)
How Does Medjet Compare to Other Providers?
Medjet occupies the middle tier—more comprehensive than budget options, less expensive than premium providers. Here’s how it compares to the alternatives:
Emergency Assistance Plus
Annual Cost: $299 family
Savings vs. Medjet: $126/year (30% less)
Key Difference: Basic hospital-to-hospital transport only
Best for: Budget-conscious families with students at urban universities where basic coverage is adequate
Read EA+ Review →Medjet
Annual Cost: $425 family
Positioning: Mid-tier / most popular
Key Feature: Pre-existing conditions covered
Best for: Students with pre-existing conditions or studying in countries with variable healthcare quality
This is the provider you’re currently reviewing. Excellent balanced choice!
Global Rescue
Annual Cost: $745 family
Cost vs. Medjet: +$320/year (75% more)
Key Difference: Field rescue operations included
Best for: Remote field research, wilderness programs, adventure travel where emergency services can’t reach
Read Global Rescue Review →Want to see all three providers compared side-by-side with detailed coverage analysis, pricing breakdowns, and enrollment information? Visit our comprehensive medical evacuation provider comparison.
The Bottom Line: Medjet’s Place in the Market
Summary: When Medjet Makes Sense
Medjet provides reliable hospital-to-hospital medical transport with member control over destination facility, making it an appropriate mid-range choice for students studying abroad at established universities in developed countries. The $425 annual family cost purchases meaningful hospital choice capability—transporting students from foreign hospitals to home facilities with familiar doctors—and industry-leading pre-existing condition coverage (no exclusions under age 75).
However, Medjet’s hospitalization requirement creates critical coverage gaps for pre-hospital emergencies and remote location field injuries. Students injured in wilderness areas, backcountry research sites, or inaccessible locations receive zero Medjet assistance until after hospitalization—potentially life-threatening delays. For wilderness travel or remote expeditions, providers with field rescue capability address coverage gaps that Medjet cannot fill.
For students attending established urban universities in Barcelona, London, Tokyo, or Paris, Medjet delivers appropriate hospital-to-hospital protection at mid-range pricing. Families prioritizing hospital choice and familiar doctors benefit from Medjet’s service model. However, budget-conscious families whose students study in developed countries with quality hospitals may find Emergency Assistance Plus ($299/year) provides adequate nearest-facility transport for 30% less cost.
Student Matters Attorney & Former EMT Perspective
“Medjet provides solid hospital-to-hospital transport for students at urban universities where local emergency services successfully transport to hospitals first. The hospital choice feature creates meaningful value for families wanting students treated by familiar physicians, and the no-pre-existing-condition-exclusions policy (under age 75) makes Medjet the strongest option for students with chronic health conditions.
I recommend Medjet to families whose students:
- Attend established universities in developed countries
- Have pre-existing medical conditions requiring coverage guarantees
- Value hospital choice and familiar doctor access
- Travel frequently and want mid-range comprehensive coverage
- Don’t engage in wilderness travel or remote location activities
For students traveling to remote locations, conducting wilderness research, or engaging in backcountry activities, Medjet’s hospitalization requirement creates dangerous coverage gaps—field rescue capability necessary for pre-hospital emergencies. Compare with Emergency Assistance Plus (budget option) or Global Rescue (premium option) using our side-by-side comparison.”
— Roger K. Neustadt, Esq.
Student Matters Attorney | Former EMT-I
Bottom Line Recommendation
Buy Medjet if: Your student attends urban universities, has pre-existing conditions needing guaranteed coverage, values hospital choice control, and travels in developed countries with established hospital infrastructure.
Choose Emergency Assistance Plus if: Budget is primary concern and nearest-facility transport adequate—save $126/year for equivalent urban hospital coverage.
Choose Global Rescue if: Your student travels to remote locations, engages in wilderness activities, conducts field research, or requires pre-hospital evacuation and field rescue capabilities.
Before deciding: Honestly assess whether hospital choice is worth 42% premium over budget option, and whether student’s destinations/activities require field rescue capabilities that Medjet cannot provide.
Ready to Protect Your Student with Medjet?
If Medjet’s hospital-to-hospital transport model fits your student’s travel profile—established urban universities with quality hospital infrastructure and no remote/wilderness travel—enrollment takes just minutes with immediate coverage activation.
Key Medjet Benefits:
- ✅ Hospital choice control (transport to your chosen facility)
- ✅ No pre-existing condition exclusions (under age 75)
- ✅ No health questions or medical review required
- ✅ Unlimited transport costs covered
- ✅ 34-year established provider reputation
Disclosure: We may earn a commission from memberships purchased through our affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
Not Sure if Medjet is Right?
Compare all medical transport providers →
Documentation & Real-World Validation
Service Agreement Analysis
Primary Source Documents Reviewed:
- Medjet Membership Rules and Regulations (2025)
- MedjetAssist and MedjetHorizon Terms and Conditions
- Service Guide and FAQs (medjetassist.com, accessed October 2025)
- Diamond Membership Application and Requirements
- Member agreement documentation and service activation criteria
Key Findings:
- Hospital-to-hospital transport clearly documented as core service
- Hospitalization requirement explicitly stated (150+ miles from home)
- Worldwide coverage verified with no geographic restrictions (when hospitalized)
- No pre-existing condition exclusions confirmed for members under age 75
- MedjetHorizon security services documented as optional add-on package
- 90 consecutive day per trip limit for annual memberships
2025 Customer Experiences
Verified Member Testimonials:
BBB Reviewer (2024):
“My wife took a bad fall that left her with 9 broken ribs on right side and a collapsed lung. We went to hospital for treatment and discovered emergency surgery was required. Once she became stable, we called Medjet. They coordinated everything, secured a bed at our home hospital, arranged air ambulance with medical team, transported her home. The entire $180,000+ transport cost was covered by our membership. Medjet was a blessing.”
Reddit Travel Forum Member (2023):
“My wife fractured her pelvis while we were in Sicily. Had to get air ambulance home back to the US. We had Medjet membership. The emergency management contractors (OnCallInternational, and the air ambulance company Reva Air) were excellent providers and advocated for us. Medjet honored the policy and covered everything.”
Member Testimonial (Medjet Website, 2024):
“When Virginia stumbled on a hike outside Heidelberg, her husband Adam knew that her injury was bad. Alone in a German hospital, Virginia was scared and knew it was time to call Medjet. We got her moved to her hospital at home in Oklahoma. When the flight crew walked into my hospital room, I was so happy. I cannot say enough good things about Medjet.”
Industry Validation:
- BBB accreditation with positive member reviews
- Established provider since 1991 (34 years operational history)
- Industry recognition: Forbes, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Wall Street Journal recommendations
- Documented hospital-to-hospital transports globally
Comparative Pricing Data
Verified Pricing (October 2025):
- Medjet Family MedjetAssist: $425/year (confirmed via medjetassist.com rate sheet)
- Global Rescue Family Medical: $745/year (competitor premium)
- Emergency Assistance Plus Family: $299/year (competitor baseline)
- Price positioning: 43% cheaper than Global Rescue, 42% more than EA+
Service Documentation
Confirmed Service Features:
- Hospital-to-hospital medical transport (hospitalization required)
- Member choice of destination hospital (home-country facility)
- 24/7 operations center (medical coordination and transport arrangement)
- Air ambulance or commercial medical escort (depending on patient condition)
- No pre-existing condition exclusions (members under age 75)
- Unlimited dollar caps on transport costs
- Worldwide coverage (when hospitalized 150+ miles from home)
- Two transports per membership year maximum
Confirmed Limitations:
- No field rescue capability (hospitalization required first)
- No pre-hospital emergency coverage
- 150-mile minimum distance from home requirement
- 90 consecutive days maximum per trip (annual membership)
- Age 75+ requires Diamond application with medical review
