OnX Backcountry Now Offers $50/year Rescue Insurance

In a press release, OnX says "When activated, onX SOS generates a pre-populated SMS with the user's GPS coordinates and account information, which is delivered to OxR's 24/7 Crisis Response Centers via cellular or satellite connectivity. From there, a trained coordinator—OxR’s centers are staffed by former military, law enforcement and first responders—initiates two-way communication with users, coordinates the rescue and stays engaged with the person in distress until they reach safety."

"At Overwatch x Rescue, we believe going further outdoors should never mean facing the risks alone," said Greg Pearson, CEO of OxR's parent FocusPoint International, in the same release. "By powering onX SOS, our team brings decades of rescue coordination experience to the adventurers who rely on onX everyday, so they can explore with confidence, knowing that an expert team is ready to respond if the need arises.”

The $50/year fee is the cheapest we know of on the market that provides full rescue coverage, including helicopter extractions and other costly emergency transportation. OnX says it is valid in over 220 countries worldwide. Without your own rescue insurance, it's quite possible that a backcountry SOS response could result in a massive bill (to the tune of $35k+), especially if a helicopter gets involved. Certain jurisdictions (like Teton County, Wyoming) can cover that bill with private funding, but it's no guarantee.

Unlike services like Blister+, Spot, or other medical-focused supplemental insurance programs, OnX SOS purely focuses on evacuation and rescue costs. Paying $50—less than an annual Netflix subscription—seems like an absolute no-brainer for anyone who spends time in the backcountry, whether backcountry skiing, mountain biking, climbing, hunting, or the like.

If there's one thing I've learned from experience is that part of being prepared is knowing when my own personal rescue ability and resources run out and it's time to call for help. This way, I'm never thinking about a potential future bankruptcy for myself or a friend I'm with, and can instead focus on getting out of trouble as quickly as possible.

The OnX SOS service will work in-app with an eligible Android or iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 18.5+ with a carrier-supported satellite messaging plan. It will also work with a linked Garmin inReach, SPOT X, or ZOLEO satellite communicator device.