Last Word: MedjetAssist’s New “Horizon” Benefits

I’ve long been a member of MedjetAssist, which arranges air medical transportation to your home-country hospital of choice should you become injured or seriously ill while traveling. The program also provides reliable information about doctors and hospitals oveseas, plus foreign language interpretation when necessary. Available for a relatively inexpensive annual fee, this membership supplements standard travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuations only to the nearest acceptable facility.

Given recent world events, however, I have decided to upgrade my membership to the new “Medjet Horizon” package for a supplement of $139 per year. In addition to the benefits of MedjetAssist, this provides “Travel Security and Crisis Response.” Members may call for help in a wide range of circumstances, including threatening political developments, terrorism, hijacking, blackmail, wrongful detention and kidnapping. Unlike many comparable programs, Medjet Horizon does not require a specific trigger such as an official government evacuation mandate. Instead, responses are tailored to individual circumstances. These may include global rescue, personal security details, legal assistance, translation services and emergency communication with family members. Medjet Horizon also makes cash advances of up to $50,000 to foreign hospitals, which often demand payment up front. And the program provides personal pre-trip planning advisories, which include valuable information about potential health threats. Once your itinerary has been finalized, you will receive additional alerts before and during your trip.

Of course, it is important not to get things out of proportion. The likelihood of something terrible happening on a normal vacation remains exceedingly low. Nonetheless, I take comfort from the knowledge that I now have the enhanced Medjet Horizon in my back pocket should the need arise. To find out more, contact the Travel Office at Tel. (800) 375-4685, or email [email protected].