A satellite device with an SOS function is an important piece of gear in the wilderness. In the event of an emergency, however, pressing that SOS button is just the beginning.
Search and rescue operations can be extremely complicated and cost thousands of dollars. That’s where Overwatch x Rescue (OxR) comes in. This new satellite app promises not only to coordinate your rescue but also to cover any costs associated with it — from SAR fees to medical evacuation expenses. It’s a rescue app and a financial rescue net in one.
What Is Overwatch x Rescue (OxR)?
OxR is a satellite-backed app that’s available for Android or iOS. It costs $80 per year and is compatible with Garmin devices and most modern smartphones. Each account can support three devices.
When you send an SOS alert, it doesn’t go to a 911 call center. Instead, it’s sent to one of OxR’s Crisis Response Centers.
There, staff made up of former military and first responder personnel “provide real-time medical triage, dispatch coordination, and confirm that emergency services reach the subscriber’s location, ensuring they are taken back to safety, and receive the necessary medical care,” according to the brand.
Essentially, OxR staff act as a coordinator between you and emergency medical or search and rescue services. OxR says this is necessary because over half of 911 call centers aren’t set up to receive text messages, which is a common form of communication on devices like the inReach. The OxR team stays engaged with you throughout the entire rescue, coordinating assets via two-way messaging.
Newer versions of Apple iOS include an emergency SOS function, but OxR says it does more.
“Overwatch x Rescue adds significant value by providing end-to-end coordination of rescue, medical, and crisis response services,” the website states. “The plan ensures you’re not just signaling for help but receiving live expert guidance, minimizing, and in many cases, eliminating the costs of a rescue.”
Covering Rescue Costs
One of the biggest distinguishing features of OxR is that it will cover all costs associated with search and rescue efforts. It is not insurance: After an emergency, the user submits bills through their account portal, and OxR will reimburse them. There is no deductible or maximum on expenses.
The list of items it covers includes the following: “Search and rescue operations with no monetary caps on eligible services, medically necessary evacuations, commercial flight home with a medical escort to your hospital of choice, and crisis response to natural disasters, political threats, or wrongful detention.”
If you’re in an accident, the service will also arrange for the transportation of your children if they’re with you. The program covers all kinds of activities, including mountaineering, climbing, and skiing. The only locations it does not cover are the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as any locations with a travel ban issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Who’s It For?
According to OxR, the average air rescue operation costs $36,000. A basic ambulance ride can cost as much as $3,500. An $80 annual subscription is obviously far cheaper. That’s less than an annual Netflix subscription.
Whether or not you should purchase OxR depends on many factors. The level of risk involved in your activities, your current health insurance plan, and any existing SAR or travel insurance plans you may have could affect your choice.
But if you spend a lot of time in the backcountry, this app could be a lifesaver in more ways than one. If you travel abroad frequently, OxR might also be a good fit. It offers support in over 250 languages and 220 countries. So, even if you don’t speak the local language, OxR can ensure you get the help you need when you need it.
Where many rescue technologies stop short of coordinating a rescue, and few offer to cover costs associated with it, OxR does both. It’s a unique and relatively cost-effective subscription that could offer great peace of mind when you’re out adventuring.
