MASA Assist membership benefits and traditional travel insurance both provide protection while away from home, but they serve different purposes and cover different types of risks. While travel insurance provides coverage that is specific to trips (and often purchased per trip, rather than annually), MASA Assist provides membership benefits that protect members whether they are at home or away.
Peace of mind, wherever you are
MASA Assist protects you from emergency air and ground transportation costs in the event of a serious illness or injury, plus connects you with the expert coordination services you need to help you access off-island critical care. Rather than just offering trip-specific coverage, our worldwide protection plans are designed to always support you during and after your emergency, whether you’re at home or abroad.
Travel insurance primarily focuses on trip cancellation or interruption, travel delays, and lost baggage. While some policies include limited medical evacuation, it’s usually only to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Transport back to your home hospital is rarely covered unless it’s deemed medically necessary — and even then, the coverage limits are often much lower than what MASA Assist provides. MASA Assist membership benefits include return transport, should you be flown off-island for care. With travel insurance, medical transport options are also subject to insurer discretion, leaving you exposed to the possibility of denial, with less flexible repatriation options and strict limits.
The basics: How MASA Assist compliments travel insurance
| Feature | MASA Assist | Travel insurance | How MASA Assist can help |
| Air Ambulance Transportation |  | Rarely covered, unless “medically necessary” | MASA benefits provide protection from cost for both emergency and interfacility ground transport |
| Ground Ambulance Transportation | | Sometimes included | MASA benefits provide protection from cost for both emergency and interfacility ground transport |
| Repatriation to Hospital Near Home | | Rarely included | MASA benefit provides protection from cost and coordinates transport |
| Transport for Companions | Benefits available for member’s visitors, children, and pets | Rare or limited | MASA benefit provides protection from cost and coordinates return travel for family or companions |
| Mortal Remains Return Transportation | | Sometimes included, with limitations | MASA benefit is more comprehensive |
* Please refer to your member service agreement for full benefits details.
More protection, more choice
MASA Assist offers high-level support for serious medical transport needs, including reliable access to off-island critical care, whether members are at home or abroad. Annual worldwide protection and flexible plan options make MASA Assist the smart choice for you and your family.