When planning your next adventure abroad, standard travel insurance might not be enough—especially if you’re venturing into remote or high-risk areas. Global Rescue travel insurance offers something different: a comprehensive safety net that goes far beyond what traditional policies cover. But is it actually travel insurance? Is it worth the cost? And most importantly, is it right for you?
This guide cuts through the confusion to explain exactly what Global Rescue is, how it differs from standard travel insurance, and whether its premium services justify the premium price tag. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer, a corporate traveler, or simply someone who wants maximum peace of mind abroad, this comprehensive review will help you make an informed decision about this unique travel protection service.
What is Global Rescue? Understanding the Basics:
Global Rescue is not, strictly speaking, a traditional travel insurance provider—it’s a membership-based travel risk and crisis management company founded in 2004. Headquartered in New Hampshire with operations centers in multiple countries, Global Rescue was established with a mission to provide travelers with world-class medical, security, evacuation, travel risk, and crisis management services.
Unlike standard travel insurers that primarily offer financial reimbursement after incidents occur, Global Rescue focuses on direct intervention during emergencies. Their core service is getting you physical help when and where you need it most—whether that’s medical evacuation from a remote mountain range or extraction from an area experiencing political unrest.
The company has built its reputation on handling high-stakes situations in challenging environments. They employ physicians, paramedics, military special operations veterans, and intelligence analysts who coordinate responses to member emergencies worldwide. This operational focus distinguishes Global Rescue from traditional insurance companies that process claims rather than conduct rescues.
However, recognizing that members also need financial protection against travel disruptions, Global Rescue partners with IMG (International Medical Group) to offer their Signature Travel Insurance® product, which we’ll explore in detail later.
Global Rescue Services Deep Dive: What You’re Really Getting
Medical Evacuation & Advisory Services
The cornerstone of Global Rescue’s offering is their medical evacuation capability. Unlike many travel insurance policies that only transport you to the “nearest adequate facility,” Global Rescue’s field rescue service will:
- Extract you from the point of illness or injury anywhere in the world (including remote wilderness areas)
- Transport you to the nearest appropriate medical facility for stabilization
- Once stabilized, evacuate you to your hospital of choice back home
Their medical advisory team includes physicians and specialists available 24/7 for consultation. If you’re sick or injured abroad, you can consult with their doctors via telemedicine to determine the severity of your condition and appropriate next steps.
What sets Global Rescue apart is their “hospital of choice” benefit—meaning they’ll transport you all the way back to your preferred hospital at home, not just to the nearest adequate facility. For travelers with established medical providers or those concerned about healthcare quality abroad, this distinction is significant.
Security Extraction & Advisory
Beyond medical emergencies, Global Rescue provides:
- Evacuation from areas experiencing political unrest, civil disturbances, or terrorism
- Extraction during natural disasters when commercial transportation is unavailable
- Security advisory services with real-time threat monitoring and assessment
Their security operations are managed by personnel with military and intelligence backgrounds, giving members access to professional-grade security services typically available only to corporations or government personnel.
Travel Risk Intelligence & Monitoring
Before and during your trip, Global Rescue provides:
- Destination reports covering health, safety, and security risks
- Real-time travel alerts for developing situations
- Location-specific intelligence and recommendations
- COVID-19 travel information and restrictions
This intelligence service helps members make informed decisions about their travel plans and avoid dangerous situations before they develop.
Signature Travel Insurance® (Powered by IMG)
This is where Global Rescue directly addresses traditional travel insurance needs. Their Signature Travel Insurance product, underwritten by IMG, includes:
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- Travel delay benefits
- Baggage loss/delay protection
- Emergency medical expense coverage
- Adventure sports coverage (available as an add-on)
This insurance component complements the core evacuation and assistance services, creating a more comprehensive travel protection package. The integration means you have both financial protection and physical rescue capabilities under one membership.
Global Rescue Membership vs. Traditional Travel Insurance: A Clear Comparison
| Feature | Global Rescue Membership | Traditional Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Physical rescue, evacuation, and crisis response | Financial reimbursement for losses |
| Medical Transport | From point of injury to hospital of your choice | Typically to “nearest adequate facility” only |
| Security Evacuation | Comprehensive coverage for political unrest, natural disasters | Limited or excluded in basic policies |
| Trip Cancellation | Not included in base membership (available with Signature Travel Insurance add-on) | Core component of most policies |
| Baggage Loss | Not included in base membership (available with Signature Travel Insurance add-on) | Standard coverage in most policies |
| Medical Expense Coverage | Not included in base membership (available with Signature Travel Insurance add-on) | Standard coverage in most policies |
| Rescue Services | Will physically deploy personnel for field rescue | Typically covers costs after rescue, but doesn’t organize it |
| Advisory Services | 24/7 medical and security consultation | Usually limited to finding local providers |
| Cost Structure | Membership fee based on duration and coverage level | Premium based on trip cost, traveler age, and coverage level |
This comparison highlights why Global Rescue is best understood as a crisis response service with optional insurance components, rather than as a traditional insurer.
Global Rescue Pros & Cons: An Objective Assessment
Pros:
- Comprehensive evacuation services that go beyond what traditional travel insurance offers
- Hospital of choice benefit ensures you can return to your preferred medical providers
- Field rescue capability from remote or wilderness locations where standard evacuation services won’t go
- Security extraction during civil unrest, terrorism, or natural disasters
- Single point of contact for all emergency needs through their operations centers
- Experienced team including medical professionals and former military personnel
- Global reach with capabilities in even the most remote regions
- Telemedical services providing expert medical consultation anywhere
- Family memberships available to cover multiple travelers under one plan
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to basic travel insurance policies
- Not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance unless bundled with their Signature Travel Insurance
- Annual memberships may not be cost-effective for infrequent travelers
- Certain activities may require additional coverage or have limitations
- Pre-existing conditions have limitations and requirements for coverage
- No trip cancellation/interruption in the base membership
- No coverage for routine medical expenses in the base membership
- Service-oriented rather than reimbursement-focused, which some travelers may not prefer
Who is Global Rescue For? (And Who Is It NOT For?)
Ideal For:
Adventure Travelers: If you’re hiking in Nepal, climbing in the Alps, or kayaking remote rivers, Global Rescue offers specialized evacuation services from wilderness areas where standard travel insurance evacuation benefits may not reach.
Remote Workers & Digital Nomads: For those working from far-flung locations, potentially far from quality healthcare, Global Rescue provides peace of mind with their hospital of choice benefit.
Travelers to High-Risk Regions: If your itinerary includes areas with political instability, poor healthcare infrastructure, or high security risks, Global Rescue’s intelligence services and extraction capabilities offer valuable protection.
Travelers with Specific Medical Needs: If you have established medical providers at home and would want to return to them in case of a serious health issue abroad, the hospital of choice benefit is invaluable.
Business Travelers: Companies sending employees internationally often choose Global Rescue to fulfill duty of care obligations and ensure staff can be evacuated from dangerous situations.
Families Traveling Together: Family memberships can be cost-effective for groups and ensure everyone receives the same level of protection.
Maybe Not For:
Budget Travelers on Short, Low-Risk Trips: If you’re taking a weekend trip to a major city with excellent healthcare, the premium services of Global Rescue may be unnecessary.
Travelers Primarily Concerned About Trip Cancellation: If your main worry is losing deposits due to cancellation, a standard travel insurance policy might be more cost-effective.
Those with Comprehensive Coverage Through Other Means: If you already have robust evacuation benefits through a premium credit card or employer, Global Rescue might be redundant.
Travelers with Very Limited Budgets: The cost of Global Rescue may be prohibitive for those on tight travel budgets, especially for short trips.
Global Rescue Cost & Membership Plans Explained:
Global Rescue offers several membership options with varying coverage levels and durations. While prices are subject to change, here’s an overview of their typical structure:
Short-Term Memberships:
- Individual Medical Only: Starting around $119 for 7 days
- Individual Medical & Security: Starting around $225 for 7 days
- Family Medical Only: Starting around $199 for 7 days
- Family Medical & Security: Starting around $395 for 7 days
Annual Memberships:
- Individual Medical Only: Starting around $329 per year
- Individual Medical & Security: Starting around $579 per year
- Family Medical Only: Starting around $579 per year
- Family Medical & Security: Starting around $999 per year
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Duration of coverage (short-term vs. annual)
- Coverage type (medical-only vs. medical + security)
- Individual vs. family membership
- Add-on services (like Signature Travel Insurance)
The Signature Travel Insurance add-on is priced separately based on trip cost, traveler age, and coverage selections, similar to standard travel insurance.
For the most accurate and current pricing, potential members should contact Global Rescue directly or visit their website, as rates are updated periodically.
Real-World Scenarios: When Global Rescue Makes a Difference
Scenario 1: Remote Medical Emergency
Imagine you’re trekking in the Himalayas, three days from the nearest road, when you develop severe altitude sickness that progresses to pulmonary edema—a potentially life-threatening condition. A standard travel insurance policy might cover medical costs if you can somehow get to a hospital, but Global Rescue would coordinate and execute your physical evacuation from the mountain, potentially via helicopter, and then transport you to appropriate medical care.
Scenario 2: Political Unrest
A family is vacationing in a country that experiences a sudden coup d’état. Commercial flights are suspended, borders close, and civil unrest makes ground transportation dangerous. While traditional travel insurance might offer trip interruption benefits after the fact, Global Rescue would actively work to extract the family from the dangerous area, leveraging their security personnel and networks to find safe passage out.
Scenario 3: Complex Medical Situation Abroad
A traveler suffers a serious heart attack while in a developing country. The local hospital provides initial treatment, but the facility lacks advanced cardiac care. With Global Rescue, the member can be transported back to their cardiologist at home once stabilized. Standard travel insurance would typically only cover transport to the “nearest adequate facility,” which might not offer the specialized care needed.
Testimonial Example:
“I was mountain biking in a remote part of Chile when I had a serious crash, breaking multiple bones and requiring immediate surgery. The local clinic could stabilize me, but wasn’t equipped for the orthopedic procedures I needed. Global Rescue coordinated everything—from my initial evacuation to arranging transport back to my specialist in Boston. What impressed me most was having their medical team consulting directly with my doctors at home to ensure continuity of care.” – Michael S., Global Rescue Member
How Does Global Rescue Compare to Competitors?
| Feature | Global Rescue | Medjet | Standard Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Transport | From point of injury to hospital of choice | From hospital to hospital of choice (not point of injury) | Typically to nearest adequate facility only |
| Field Rescue | Yes, from wilderness/remote areas | No, requires hospitalization first | Limited or no field rescue |
| Security Evacuation | Comprehensive with dedicated team | Limited or requires add-on | Limited or excluded in basic policies |
| Medical Consultation | 24/7 physician support | Limited advisory services | Typically assistance finding local providers |
| Trip Cancellation | With Signature Travel Insurance add-on | Not included (purely transport) | Standard inclusion |
| Annual Membership Option | Yes | Yes | Some providers offer annual plans |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Limited coverage with restrictions | Generally covered after initial hospitalization | Often excluded or limited |
| Deployment of Personnel | Yes, will send teams | No, arranges transportation | No |
While Medjet offers similar hospital-to-hospital transport benefits, Global Rescue distinguishes itself with field rescue capabilities and security services. Traditional travel insurance companies focus more on financial reimbursement rather than active intervention in emergencies.
The Global Rescue “Signature Travel Insurance®” – In Detail
Global Rescue’s partnership with IMG creates a more complete travel protection package through their Signature Travel Insurance product. This insurance component addresses the financial protection aspects not covered by the base Global Rescue membership.
Core Coverages:
- Trip Cancellation: Up to 100% of trip cost for covered reasons
- Trip Interruption: Up to 150% of trip cost for covered reasons
- Travel Delay: Typically $100-$500 per day (varies by plan)
- Baggage Loss/Delay: Usually $500-$2,500 depending on plan
- Emergency Medical Expenses: $50,000-$100,000 depending on plan level
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Coordinated through Global Rescue membership
Notable Features:
- Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR): Available as an upgrade on some plans
- Adventure Sports Coverage: Available as an add-on for activities like mountaineering, skiing, scuba diving
- Pre-existing Condition Waiver: Available if purchased within 14-21 days of initial trip deposit
- Primary vs. Secondary Coverage: Options for both types depending on plan selected
Claims Process:
Claims for the insurance component are handled by IMG rather than Global Rescue directly. Documentation requirements are similar to standard travel insurance, including proof of loss, original receipts, and supporting medical records when applicable.
The integration between Global Rescue’s services and the IMG insurance creates a seamless experience—Global Rescue handles the emergency response and evacuation, while IMG processes the financial claims related to trip disruption, medical expenses, and other covered losses.
Conclusion & Recommendation: Is Global Rescue Worth It For You?
Global Rescue travel insurance isn’t actually traditional insurance—it’s a premium crisis response service with optional insurance components. Whether it’s worth the cost depends entirely on your travel style, destinations, and personal risk tolerance.
For adventure travelers, those visiting remote or high-risk areas, or travelers with specific medical concerns, Global Rescue offers unparalleled peace of mind with its field rescue capabilities and hospital of choice benefit. The service truly shines in situations where physical extraction and expert crisis management matter more than simple financial reimbursement.
However, budget-conscious travelers staying in well-developed areas with good healthcare infrastructure might find standard travel insurance sufficient for their needs. The higher cost of Global Rescue is justified primarily when the unique services they provide—field rescue, security evacuation, and hospital of choice transport—align with your specific travel risks.
The ideal approach for many travelers is combining Global Rescue membership with their Signature Travel Insurance product. This creates comprehensive protection covering both physical rescue needs and financial losses from trip disruptions.
Ultimately, Global Rescue isn’t for everyone—but for those who need its specialized services, no standard travel insurance policy can match what it offers. Assess your own travel plans, risk factors, and comfort level to determine if Global Rescue is the right choice for your next journey.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Global Rescue cover pre-existing conditions?
Global Rescue’s evacuation services generally cover pre-existing conditions with certain limitations. However, their Signature Travel Insurance has standard pre-existing condition exclusions unless you purchase the policy shortly after making your initial trip deposit and meet other requirements for the pre-existing condition waiver.
What’s the difference between Global Rescue and my credit card travel insurance?
Most credit card travel insurance focuses on financial reimbursement for trip cancellation, delay, and basic medical coverage. They typically don’t provide field rescue from remote locations, security evacuation during civil unrest, or transport to your hospital of choice. Credit card benefits also usually have lower coverage limits and more restrictions.
How do I contact Global Rescue in an emergency?
Global Rescue maintains 24/7 operations centers with emergency hotlines. Members receive detailed contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, and an emergency assistance app. Their operations centers can deploy resources worldwide and coordinate with local authorities and medical facilities.
Is Global Rescue the same as travel insurance?
No, Global Rescue’s core membership is not insurance—it’s a service-based membership providing evacuation, advisory, and assistance services. However, they do offer Signature Travel Insurance through their partnership with IMG to provide traditional insurance benefits like trip cancellation and baggage loss.
Does Global Rescue cover adventure sports?
Global Rescue’s standard membership covers many adventure activities, but certain extreme sports may require additional coverage. Their Signature Travel Insurance typically requires an adventure sports rider for activities like mountaineering above certain elevations, technical climbing, or extreme skiing.
How quickly can Global Rescue respond to an emergency?
Response time varies based on your location, local conditions, and the nature of the emergency. In accessible areas, response can be within hours. In remote regions or during complex security situations, response may take longer, but Global Rescue begins coordinating immediately upon notification of an emergency.
