If you are looking for a global communications device for emergencies and really don’t need to make calls then I would suggest Spot Gen3. This is a one way communications device where you can set it up so it tracks you and if needed you can press the SOS button and help will be sent. You can preset messages that you can send to one or more email addresses as well. The message will be sent along with the location.

I never ever go hiking, campong, raftin, kayaking or do anything else outdoors without carrying this. 

I have had a Spot device for many years.

Spot has a bunch of other products including a phone.

http://www.findmespot.com