I am a huge fan of the Explorer device from delorme.com We use these for our remote Canadian fishing trips and sailing trips. It allows you to text any where in the world. You can purchase family rescue and EVAC to a hospital near your home for very inexpensive plans. It links to an Iphone. They are truly impressive devices. You can also turn on the subscription for one month and then shut if off for the remaining months (only turn on for trips).