Yes, you can leave the Globalstar Sat-Fi wifi hotspot active all the time if you wish and simply connect to it when you need to.
I don't think satellite voice/data service gets much cheaper than the rates charged for Sat-Fi but for those who don't have the need for full communications services and just want the security of being able to call for help from anywhere there is another product called
SPOT that will send a one-way message to summon either emergency or roadside assistance, or just provide a 'check-in' (all is OK) message to family. It can also provide optional continuous tracking information so others can track your progress. It is small and pocketable so it can be used away from the vehicle (i.e while hiking, etc.) as well.