big cat travel insurance

Big Cat Travel Insurance Review

Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from Big Cat!

The experts say:

What big cat customers are saying right now:.

• 🤩 Quickly resolved claims
• 😌 Straightforward process
• 😊 Helpful staff
• 🤗 Offered insurance for preexisting conditions
• ✅ Provided the perfect policy at a great price
• 😰Misleading information regarding partial refund
• 🤯Ignored customer emails
• 🤬Took a year to deal with claim and added immense stress

Big Cat customer reviews summary

Big Cat travel insurance has been a hit with customers for its competitive rates and reliable customer service. From offering cover for an annual trek to covering one-way trips, Big Cat has delivered on its promise of providing peace of mind to all its customers. While some have raised concerns about slow response times and miscommunication on claims, the majority of customers have praised the company's personal approach and affordability. All in all, Big Cat travel insurance is a great option for those looking to stay covered while they explore the world. Score: 8/10.

Frequently Asked Questions about Big Cat Travel Insurance

Can you come back home during a trip if you have big cat travel insurance.

Yes, if you buy single trip travel insurance from Big Cat, as long as the duration of your policy is longer than 4 months, you can head home to visit friends or family as many times as you like 👌.

Who underwrites Big Cat Travel Insurance?

Big Cat's policies are underwritten by different parts of Allianz Group, one of the world's largest insurance companies, with its HQ in Munich, Germany. Specifically, AWP P&C SA does the underwriting, while policy administration in the UK is handled by Allianz Global Assistance, itself a trading name of AWP Assistance UK Ltd 🏦.

Deep-dive into Big Cat Premier policy features

Big Cat's Premier policy is designed with the intrepid traveller in mind. Let's take a closer look at the key features that make this policy a roaring success:

Medical Excess : With a modest £50 medical excess, Big Cat ensures that you won't be left to bear the financial burden in case of any medical emergencies during your trip. Your well-being is their top priority.

Personal Possessions and Baggage : Imagine the heartache of losing your luggage or having your personal possessions damaged or stolen. Big Cat has you covered with a cover limit of £2,000, providing you with the peace of mind to enjoy your journey worry-free.

Emergency Medical Cover and Repatriation : Accidents and injuries can happen anywhere, even when you're far from home. Big Cat's Premier policy offers an impressive cover limit of £10,000,000 for emergency medical treatments and repatriation needs. Your safety is paramount to them.

Mental Health Cover : Big Cat understands that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. That's why their Premier policy includes coverage for new mental health problems that arise during your trip.

Optional Add-Ons: Cruise and Winter Sports

With their Premier policy, Big Cat offers a comprehensive coverage package that will leave you purring with peace of mind. But that's not all - they also have optional add-ons for cruises and winter sports, ensuring that no matter where your travels take you, Big Cat has got you covered.

Cruising with Confidence

For those setting sail on a cruise, Big Cat's Missed Port Departure cover limit of £300 ensures that you can catch up with your cruise if you miss the initial departure. Additionally, they provide coverage for Cabin Confinement (£500), Timetable/Itinerary Changes (£750), and Unused Excursions (£500). Bon voyage, adventurers!

Winter Sports Protection

If your upcoming trip involves hitting the slopes, Big Cat offers a selection of winter sports add-on covers that will keep you protected in the snow. Their ski equipment coverage includes both owned (£600) and hired equipment (£300), with a single item limit of £300. They even cover piste and avalanche closures, helping you overcome any financial bumps on your skiing journey.

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Where do you live

All persons to be insured must reside at a permanent address within the EEC ( Excluding Switzerland, Russia, Belarus, Montenegro and the Ukraine) to be eligible for cover.

Can I take out this insurance if I am already travelling?

When cover is purchased after an Insured Person has departed their home to commence their journey, there is a fixed period of 48 hours prior to cover commencing. Any illness arising during this initial 48 hour period will be an excluded Pre-existing Medical Condition. In the event of serious injury in connection with an accident, you will be covered from the date you take out cover subject to the accident being independently witnessed and also verified by a Medical Practitioner.

There is no 14 Day Cooling off Period and no premium refund will be made if the insured Person has already travelled.

family family 

Definition of a couple

A couple is defined as 2 adults who have been permanently living together at the same address for more than six months, who intend to travel together.

If you do not qualify as a couple, please select individual(s)

Annual Multi-Trip Durations

Annual Multi Trip policies are designed for multiple short holidays leaving from and returning to your home country.

Annual Multi Trip trip limits:

Standard policy - 30 days

Premier policy - 70 days

If you need continuous cover for a year (home visits allowed on policies over 4 months long) select Single Trip or One Way. You can travel around as much as you like, to as many different countries as you like, with a Single Trip or One Way policy.

One Way Trip

Please note a Single Trip policy can cover travels with no return ticket booked, a One Way policy is intended for:

Emigrating to new country where you intend to permanently live

Returning to your home country permanently

All cover ceases upon arrival at final destination

Select the type of policy most suitable for your needs.

Single Trip: A flexible policy with no limits on how many countries you visit or how long you’re away for. Suitable for all types of travel whether it be short term/long stay or backpacking. No return ticket required and unlimited home visits offered on policies over 4 months long.

One Way Trip: Means you are Emigrating to a new country where you intend to live permanently or, returning to your home country permanently. Cover will end upon arrival at your final destination. Please note: There is no cover for emergency return travel expenses if you do not have an original return ticket.

Annual Multi-Trip: This policy covers an unlimited number of trips throughout the 12 month Period of Insurance. Each trip has a maximum stay validity depending on the type of policy chosen. For example, for Standard Policies, the maximum duration of any trip shall not exceed 30 days and for Premier policies, the maximum duration of any trip must not exceed 70 days. 

If you are already travelling it is not possible to purchase the annual multi-trip policy.

Geographical Areas

Europe: Europe means the continent of Europe West of the Ural Mountains, and includes the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Iceland, Jordan, Madeira, the Canary Islands, the Azores and Mediterranean Islands as well as all countries bordering the Mediterranean. Australia & New Zealand: a) For any period of cover purchased, a 48 hour stop-over anywhere in the World for both outward and return travel will be included. b) If the period of cover purchased is two months or more, a stop-over of 7 days/nights anywhere in the World will be included. Worldwide excluding North America & Mexico: (North America means the USA, Canada & Mexico.) a) For any period of cover purchased, a 48 hour stop-over anywhere in the World for both outward and return travel will be included. b) If the period of cover purchased is two months or more, a stop-over of 7 days/nights anywhere in the World will be included. Worldwide including North America & Mexico: Worldwide means anywhere in the World including the USA, Canada & Mexico.

Automatic Trip Extension   If the Insured Person is prevented from completing their travel before the expiration of this Insurance as stated under the Period of Insurance on the Booking Invoice or Validation Certificate (as applicable) for reasons which are beyond their control, including ill health or failure of public transport, this Insurance will remain in force until completion but not exceeding a further 31 days on a day by day basis, without additional premium. In the event of an Insured Person being hijacked, cover shall continue whilst the Insured Person is subject to the control of the person(s) or their associates making the hijack during the Period of Insurance of a period not exceeding twelve months from the date of the hijack. Please ensure you arrange cover for the entire duration of your travel

Where you normally reside

Where do you normally reside? Where do you normally reside? Please use the drop down box to choose your country of residence. Note we can only insure residents of the UK & EEA Countries. Can I take out this Insurance if I’m already abroad? If you are normally a resident of the UK or EEA Countries and your insurance has run out, you may take out cover online with us. This is on the understanding that nothing has occurred at the time of taking out the cover which has led to a claim or may lead to a potential claim. Note you cannot take out our Multi-Trip Insurance if you are already abroad. Do you have minimum residency requirements? No. If you are, for example, a British Passport holder and have right of abode in the UK, we are not concerned as to how many months in the past year you have been in the UK provided at the time of arranging this insurance you have a UK residential address.

Age Restriction Error

We are unable to quote, Please ring our Offices on 0333 0033 161 for further assistance.

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Medical & Repatriation

All of our policies exceed the International Experience Canada (IEC) requirements. Our Premier policy covers you for up to £10m for hospitalisation, medical and repatriation expenses ; up to £5m for our standard policy; and up to £2m for our budget policy. All our policies also include emergency dental treatment to relieve pain and suffering (limited to £350).

Winter Sports

We have 4 different options for our winter sports add-on. You can include cover for 14, 28 or 56 days of consecutive or non-consecutive winter sports activities, or you can include cover for the entire duration of your policy with our Unlimited add-on.

Free Home Visits

If you feel homesick at any time, so long as your policy duration is more than 4 months, you can pop home to see family and friends at any time, however many times you choose. Covers stops as soon as you arrive home and starts again as soon as you depart.

Early Return Refund

Decide Canada’s not for you and want to return earlier than your full period of insurance? Other insurers will tell you to wave goodbye to your money, but Big Cat lets you claim a partial premium refund for the unused time you didn’t stay in Canada.

Easy to Re-new or Extend

Big Cat allows you to re-new or extend your travel insurance whether you are at home or abroad. It doesn't matter if you are already travelling you can buy or re-new your policy from anywhere in the world via online access to our system.

No Return Ticket Required

Unlike most other Insurers we don't require you purchase a return airline ticket. Our IEC policy allows stays for up to 2 years, so presenting IEC insurance for 2 years at the Canadian border on entry means that you can receive the maximum 2 year visa. Show up with just 6 months insurance and you'll only get a visa for 6 months!

Up to £10m Medical Cover

No return ticket required, 24 hour emergency helpline, claim while still travelling, iec travel insurance.

For British citizens aged between 18 and 30 years you can travel to Canada for a working holiday under the IEC visa programme. This will allow you to find temporary paid employment to help pay for your trip (up to 24 months). That means, for example, you could work in a ski resort in Banff, a restaurant in Quebec, or gain work experience at a business in Toronto.

Key Features of the Big Cat IEC Travel Insurance :

• Emergency Medical and Repatriation Expenses up to £10 million.
• Emergency Dental Cover up to £350.
• Cover duration of up to 2 years.
• Baggage Cover.
• Gadgets & Valuables Cover up to £1000.
• Free Home visits.
• Policy Extensions whilst still travelling.
• 156+ Sports and Activities.
• You can claim whilst Travelling.
• Winter Sports Cover.
• Loss of Passports & Visas replacement costs.
• Early Return Refund scheme, conditions apply, please see FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions:

If you get sick while travelling or you're seriously injured you are covered for emergency medical treatment including:

• Hospitalisation
• Ambulance costs
• Surgery and follow up treatment
• Visits to the Doctor
• Repatriation
• Prescribed Medicine
• Emergency dental treatment to relieve pain and suffering (limited to £350)

24hrs Medical Emergency Assistance.

Decide Canada’s not for you, and want to return earlier than your full period of insurance?

Other insurers will tell you to wave goodbye to your money, but Big Cat lets you claim a partial premium refund for the unused time you didn’t stay in Canada.

How does the EARLY RETURN REFUND work?

Let’s say you buy a 24-month policy to cover your time in Canada. But after nine months, you decide that Canada’s not for you, and you want to return home. You may have invested a substantial amount for your 24 months Big Cat policy, most of which you’ll now no longer need. Unlike most insurers, Big Cat is happy to offer you a partial refund on the redundant portion of your insurance as a fair’s fair consolation. Please note that travel insurance premiums are not calculated on a pro-rata basis, as such, no refund is calculated in this manner either.

How does Big Cat calculate the amount of EARLY RETURN REFUND?

We take the length of time of the original policy and subtract the actual amount of time you have used, and payout the difference, deducting a £50 Cancellation Charge.

Are there other conditions that apply to my EARLY RETURN REFUND?

• Only applicable to 24 month IEC policies.
• We are not able to offer refunds to cover the first 6 months of the policy.
• No refund can be given on a policy where a claim has been made or is likely to be made prior to the cancellation of your Big Cat policy.
• You must be back in your home country and notify us by email of your wish to cancel the policy within 14 days of your arrival, please also provide us with proof of your return to the UK (flight ticket / e-ticket / boarding pass).
• All refund calculations are based on the base premium paid only. Add-ons are non-refundable.

Can you give an example of how much I could receive back in my EARLY RETURN REFUND?

Say you took out a 24-month budget IEC policy costing £525.24, then you wish to cancel the policy after 9 months. Our 9-month budget IEC policy costs £312.55. So we deduct £312.55 from £525.24 = £212.99

Then we apply the £50 Cancellation Charge, refunding you a total of £162.99.

Temporary return to home country (Single trip policies only) Where cover has been purchased for a total duration of 4 months or more, and you want to return to your home country during the period of insurance for any reason that is not directly or indirectly caused by arising or resulting from, or in connection with a claim under this insurance all cover under this policy will be suspended from the time that you clear customs in your home country and restarts after the baggage check in at the international departure point for the return flights, international train or ferry to the overseas destination. Any illness, disease, injuries, accidents which existed, showed symptoms or were diagnosed in the previous trip(s) during this period of insurance will not be covered in the restarted period of insurance.

To add any of our Activity Packs, just follow the Quote form - to stage 3 - there you will find all of the optional extras.

You do not need to call the medical screening helpline in respect of the following automatically covered pre-existing medical conditions, as they are automatically covered at no additional premium provided you do not also have a pre-existing medical condition. If you have a pre-existing medical condition in addition to any of the following automatically covered pre-existing medical conditions all conditions will be excluded from cover, unless disclosed to the medical screening helpline and additional cover agreed in writing.

A cne, ADHD, Allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) provided that you have not needed hospital treatment for this in the last 2 years, Allergic rhinitis, Arthritis (the affected person must be able to walk independently at home without using mobility aids), Asthma (the diagnosis must have been made when the affected person was under the age of 50, and the asthma be controlled by no more than 2 inhalers and no other medication),

B lindness or partial sightedness,

C arpal tunnel syndrome, Cataracts, Chicken pox – if completely resolved, Common cold or flu, Cuts and abrasions that are not self-inflicted and require no further treatment, Cystitis – provided there is no on-going treatment,

D eafness, Diabetes (which is controlled by diet or tablets only), Diarrhoea and vomiting – if completely resolved,

E czema, Enlarged prostate – benign only, Essential tremor,

G laucoma, Gout,

H aemorrhoids, Hay fever,

L igament or tendon injury – provided you are not currently being treated,

M acular degeneration, Menopause, Migraine – provided there are no on-going investigations,

N asal polyps,

R SI, Sinusitis – provided there is no on-going treatment,

S kin or wound infections that have completely resolved with no current treatment,

U nder active Thyroid (Hypothyroidism), Urticaria,

V aricose veins in the legs.

To declare any pre-existing medical conditions,

please visit our online medical screening

If you would rather undergo your medical screening by telephone,

please get in touch with us on 01702 427237 and any of our agents will be happy to assist you.

This is a secure and confidential service which allows you to declare any pre-existing medical conditions you may have,

as defined by your Big Cat policy wording.

For more information about the (IEC) International Experience Canada insurance requirements, visit the Canadian Immigration & Citizenship .

Big Cat Travel Insurance Services, a trading name of Flynow.com Ltd (registration No.FRN 745388)   is an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd (registration No.306242) who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You may check this on the Financial Services register www.fca.org.uk  or by contacting them on (0) 800 111 6768. © 2023 Big Cat Travel Insurance Services.  All rights reserved.

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List of automatically covered medical conditions that do not need to be declared

Acne, ADHD, Allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) provided that you have not needed hospital treatment for this in the last 2 years, Allergic rhinitis, Arthritis (the affected person must be able to walk independently at home without using mobility aids), Asthma (the diagnosis must have been made when the affected person was under the age of 50, and the asthma be controlled by no more than 2 inhalers and no other medication), Blindness or partial sightedness, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Cataracts, Chicken pox - if completely resolved, Common cold or flu, Cuts and abrasions that are not self-inflicted and require no further treatment, Cystitis - provided there is no on-going treatment, Deafness, Diabetes (which is controlled by diet or tablets only), Diarrhoea and vomiting - if completely resolved, Eczema, Enlarged prostate - benign only, Essential tremor, Glaucoma, Gout, Haemorrhoids, Hay fever, Ligament or tendon injury - provided you are not currently being treated, Macular degeneration, Menopause, Migraine - provided there are no on-going investigations, Nasal polyps, PMT, RSI, Sinusitis - provided there is no on-going treatment, Skin or wound infections that have completely resolved with no current treatment, Tinnitus, Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism), Urticaria, Varicose veins in the legs.

Important information

If you have a medical condition in addition to any of the automatically covered medical conditions, all conditions will be excluded from cover unless declared to the medical screening helpline.

What is classed as a medical condition?

a Any respiratory condition (relating to the lungs or breathing), heart condition, stroke, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, allergy, or cancer for which you have ever received treatment (including surgery, tests or investigations by your doctor or a consultant/ specialist or prescribed medication).

b Any psychiatric or psychological condition (including anxiety, stress and depression) for which you have suffered which you have received medical advice or treatment or been prescribed medication for in the last five years.

c Any medical condition for which you have received surgery, in-patient treatment or investigations in a hospital or clinic within the last 12 months, or for which you are prescribed medication.

Any premium for medical screening quoted can be paid directly. This can be done either before or after taking out a policy with us. The policy and medical extension connect automatically, no reference numbers need to be exchanged.

Choosing not to declare a medical condition will not invalidate cover, but any costs incurred in relation to an undeclared condition will not be covered.

If making a declaration all medical conditions must be declared, you can't choose to only declare certain conditions.

Medical conditions can only be declared for up to 12 months at a time. A second declaration will have to be made after 12 months if necessary.

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Reviews 4.7.

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Disappointed

I applied for my claim in November and in April they refused my claim because i bought their insurance 1 day before travelling and my son got up set stomach after 3 days we arrived in dubai. I took him to the hospital for IV drip I thought my insurance would pay for it but after claiming providing all the documents they said he already had the problem that's why they can't pay. I told them multiple times he didn't have the problem before, he had diarrhea when we were in dubai.After 5 months they decline my claim. I will never buy my insurance with them again and i don't recommend to anyone to get insurance from this company.

Date of experience : 17 April 2024

Reply from Big Cat Travel Insurance

Hi, Many thanks for your review. Due to data protection we cannot go into any specifics on a public forum. We can say, however, that this claim was declined on the basis that the symptoms were present at the time of purchase of the policy and this was confirmed by the medical report that was provided by the hospital. Big Cat Travel Insurance.

Wouldn't hesitate to use again

Easy to use particularly for last minute insurance. Would highly recommend. You pay a premium however, worth it.

Date of experience : 15 May 2024

Easy menu of options and packages

Easy menu of options for levels of cover and additional activity packages. Car hire excess cover did seem very expensive though - I didn't add it.

Date of experience : 16 May 2024

My annual insurance needed renewing…

My annual insurance needed renewing whilst I was already away on a trip. Black Cat were one of the very few companies where it was possible to start a new policy! So full kudos and marks to them.

Date of experience : 27 April 2024

I made a mistake on my initial…

I made a mistake on my initial application, phoned to amend it and it was done very quickly and professionally, which in itself is refreshing these days .

Date of experience : 14 May 2024

Easy Peasey

My buying experience was exemplary. The website is easy to use but I need to contact Big Cat by phone. Big Cat's phone staff were patient, friendly and helpful. I have not had cause to make a claim thus far so I'm in a position to comment on this effectiveness, efficiency and fairness of this process.

Date of experience : 01 May 2024

Insurance made easy

Easy form's to fill in . Someone answered the phone quickly when I had an enquiry and sorted me out

Date of experience : 23 May 2024

Big Cat insurance has always been easy

Big Cat insurance has always been easy, simple to book with no frustrations.

Date of experience : 09 May 2024

Straightforward comprehensive process.

Advice was easy to follow. Activity packs made choosing suitable cover straightforward and our online chat answered our questions quickly with email follow-up. The medical screening process was also straightforward.

Date of experience : 23 April 2024

Straightforward policy that’s very…

Straightforward policy that’s very clear and easy to purchase

Date of experience : 08 May 2024

Great insurance

A really good travel insurance company. Used for a 4 month trip in Asia. I had heard of other insurance companies making claims very difficult or impossible, requiring so much information and making the process take a long time going back and forth, or refusing to pay based on tiny details. I (unfortunately) had to claim twice, once for dental treatment. I claimed after the treatment was obtained both times, and provided receipts and invoices etc on the online portal, and they never asked me for further information and paid out for both within a week. So glad I went with a good company as when you are ill abroad the last thing you need is troubles with insurance. Highly recommend.

Date of experience : 10 February 2024

I had a problem with the travel…

I had a problem with the travel insurance and it was corrected in a professional manner.

Helpful and easy

Raincoat in the desert

It looks great, fabulous, comprehensive cover, at a reasonable price. The website is kinda glitchy, providing different results, at different times, for the same input. Calling and buying is the safest bet. Illogically, replacing the activity pack with the extreme activity pack made my policy significantly cheaper. I'm very happy to have found Big Cat as no one else offers so much flexibility. Travel insurance is like taking a raincoat to the Sahara. You'll only know if it's waterproof when it rains. You can't really review a product you have not tried to use. I hope I never need to use it, but if I do I hope even more that they deliver what is promised without it being too painful.

Date of experience : 07 March 2024

Highly recommend

I have used Big Cat for more than 5 years. The quotes are always very easy to obtain, the policy information is clear and they always offer a good, competitive price.

Date of experience : 14 April 2024

Glad I managed to get insured whilst…

Glad I managed to get insured whilst abroad Forget to get insurance before I left but was four times the amount I would have paid if I’d have done it before I left the U.K. Lesson learnt

Date of experience : 16 April 2024

Easiest Insurance purchase!

Easy site to navigate, simple and straightforward categories, phone call I made went straight to a very helpful member of staff and booking the policy was equally easy and speedy!

Date of experience : 19 April 2024

Great customer service

Great customer service. I took out a new policy but was advised it was cheaper to extend my existing, saved me over £130. I have never claimed, so cannot comment on that, which is the most important part of insurance.

Date of experience : 20 March 2024

Super easy website to follow

Super easy website to follow. Even when I phoned to check about offshore non-coastal sailing they were very helpful. Documents arrived in minutes with full cover info.

Date of experience : 19 March 2024

Just what I needed

I found the website and application process clear and easy to navigate. I was able to buy the insurance I needed with no problems.

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Reviews 4.7.

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Clear advice on products and prompt…

Clear advice on products and prompt delivery of quotes and documents via email.

Date of experience : November 06, 2023

Easy to manage and good telephone…

Easy to manage and good telephone support for better understand of the policy

Date of experience : January 23, 2024

Easy to buy, competitive quote

The insurance is very easy to buy and documentation comes through quickly. The price is competitive too.

Date of experience : July 30, 2023

Quick and easy

Recommended by other people who have used them before, was a very easy process.

Date of experience : May 12, 2023

Big cat Big Thumbs up just added more…

Big cat Big Thumbs up just added more days To my policy only took a couple of minutes Online great service and great price thanks 👍

Date of experience : February 10, 2024

Very easy everything we need hope they…

Very easy everything we need hope they are as good if we have to make a claim

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Easy to use web site.

Easy to use web site. Clear and easy to understand cover levels and options avaiable.

Date of experience : November 02, 2023

Super simple to book an pick right…

Super simple to book an pick right insurance!

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Easy and clear website made transaction…

Easy and clear website made transaction fast and simple at a good price.

Date of experience : January 25, 2024

Quick and easy quotation process, and a good price for unlimited skiing 👍

Date of experience : December 30, 2023

Debt collectors threats as bill not paid!

By far the worst insurance company out there. They use partners Allianz and they have been a nightmare to deal with about my case. I attended the hospital 6 months ago and the bill has not been paid I have had threats of my case being sent to debt collectors, which will affect my credit rating in Canada and has put me under an enormous amount of stress. Genuinely the process has been so unbelievably slow that when they did send the guarantee of payment the hospital would not accept it and no one can give me a timeframe of how long it will take the finance department to pay the bill. If this had been done months ago we wouldn't be at the stage where I have been given 2 weeks to pay the bill. It takes weeks for people to reply if they do reply and to top it off I sent a complaint to the info email as stated on the website - it took big cat a week to reply to tell me to forward it to complaints - not the instructions on the website for a complaint about your case - the reply email did not even acknowledge anything that I had written. If you want to buy an insurance product and are lucky enough not to have to use it then yes it is easy for them to take your money and the product they offer will 'cover' everything you need for an IEC visa. But let's be honest if your buying insurance the most important thing you want to know is that when you have to use it that they will communicate, be there for you and support you through the process regardless of what other partner companies they use. If you don't want debt collectors letters sent to your door then do not go with this company. Ive been told it will be quicker for me to pay the bill and claim it back than for them to do it... why i wasnt told this months ago I do not know as i have just moved into an apartment and somehow have to find an extra 900 dollars. I dread to think what I would have done if my bill was 1000's. I wish I had gone with someone else and hope that I do not need them again whilst I am here for another year in Canada, which genuinely worries me!

Date of experience : March 06, 2023

Reply from Big Cat Travel Insurance

Hi there, Many thanks for your recent review. This is an on-going Allianz assistance case so we cannot share any details on a public forum but can speak generally on this. Allianz Partners UK manages our medical emergency assistance service for situations where someone finds themselves in a hospital abroad and requires immediate treatment. Allianz in this case has issued a guarantee of payment to the treating medical facility which is essentially a contract with the insurer confirming cover for treatment. Unfortunately, provincial healthcare services in Canada and the United States are prolific for overcharging insurance companies, sometimes charging at least 50% more than the treatment actually costs. This means that insurers must go through a process of cost containment to bring down the costs to something more realistic and this, unfortunately, takes time. To make matters more complicated, hospitals in North America will also only accept payment from a local company in country, which also adds delays. As the account is open under the patients name, they will continue to send automated emails chasing payment and threatening all sorts of other nonsense, including debt collections and credit adjustments, none of which they can actually pursue as they would need to do so via the court systems with a court order which they cannot get, as they have a guarantee of payment from the Insurer. We would also point out, this client has not actually contacted Big Cat Travel Insurance once regarding this issue, we have no emails or phone calls from this customer on this issue. Our phone lines are open until 5pm UK time Monday - Friday and we do our best to answer any emails the same day they come in, especially complaints. We have contacted the Emergency team at Allianz to get an update on this case. In the meantime, we would advise that this customer contacts us at the Big Cat Office so that we can provide our assistance where possible. Big Cat Travel Insurance

Easy website to follow

arranged travel insurance with high altitude hiking - very straight forward.

Date of experience : January 31, 2024

Thank u for quick reply about…

Thank u for quick reply about activities pack ok

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Very competitive prices

Easy to take out travel insurance at a very competitive price.

Date of experience : September 16, 2023

Easy ,quick & simple way to get heli…

Easy ,quick & simple way to get heli skiing insurance

Date of experience : January 02, 2024

Easy to use website & perfect for…

Easy to use website & perfect for active trips.

Date of experience : January 27, 2024

Good affordable easy to use

Good affordable easy to use. Hopefully will never have to claim

Date of experience : November 03, 2023

Easy process

Easy process, good website, very straightforward and paperwork emailed straight away

Date of experience : July 13, 2023

Hi Angela, thank you for the kind words! 😁

Responses to queries were quick and…

Responses to queries were quick and helpful and travel insurance documents were quickly despatched

Date of experience : November 11, 2023

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Big cat travel insurance.

Travelling can be an exhilarating experience, but it is important to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances when on the road. One way to ensure peace of mind is by purchasing travel insurance. However, not all travel insurance policies are created equal. If you are planning a trip and have concerns about big cats, then you should consider getting big cat travel insurance. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What is Big Cat Travel Insurance?

Big cat travel insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for individuals who are travelling to areas where big cats (lions, tigers, leopards, etc.) are present. This type of insurance is particularly useful for those who are planning on going on safari tours, visiting zoos or wildlife parks, or doing any other activity that involves being in close proximity to big cats.

What Does Big Cat Travel Insurance Cover?

Big cat travel insurance typically covers a variety of scenarios that could arise when travelling in areas where big cats are present. Some of the common coverage areas include:

• Medical expenses incurred due to an injury caused by a big cat
• Emergency medical evacuation due to a big cat attack
• Cancellation or interruption of the trip due to a big cat-related incident
• Lost or stolen luggage that contains items necessary for protection against big cats (e.g. pepper spray, high-powered flashlights, etc.)

How Much Does Big Cat Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of big cat travel insurance varies depending on a number of factors, including the length of the trip, the destination, and the level of coverage required. As with any type of insurance policy, it is important to shop around to find the best deal. In general, however, big cat travel insurance is relatively affordable and can provide valuable peace of mind when travelling in areas where big cats are present.

How to Purchase Big Cat Travel Insurance

There are a number of insurance providers that offer big cat travel insurance. Some of the key things to consider when choosing a policy include:

• The level of coverage offered
• The cost of the policy
• The reputation of the insurance provider
• The ease of making a claim

When purchasing big cat travel insurance, it is important to read the policy documents carefully to ensure that you understand what is covered and what is not. In addition, it is a good idea to talk to the insurance provider directly to ask any questions you may have about the policy.

Big cat travel insurance can provide valuable peace of mind for those who are planning on travelling to areas where big cats are present. By understanding what is covered and shopping around for the best deal, you can ensure that you are protected in case of an emergency. So if you are planning a trip that involves big cats, be sure to consider purchasing big cat travel insurance.

• Introduction to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance
• Types of Policies Offered
• Travel Insurance Cost

How to Purchase and Manage a Berkshire Hathaway Policy

• Customer Service and Claims Experience

Compare Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Berkshire Hathaway is a multinational conglomerate currently helmed by Warren Buffett. It has a particularly robust insurance department, operating widely known auto insurer GEICO . It also provides a wide variety of travel insurance policies fitting for a major player in insurance market. 

This review will help you understand what Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has to offer and guide you toward the right insurance package for your needs.

Covers up to 100% of trip cancellation costs, a minimum of up to $750 in luggage losses, and 24/7 worldwide travel insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers up to 100% trip cancellation refund for eligible travel
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Plans are customizable with relevant add-ons
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good customer service and easy sign up according to traveler reviews
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. More affordable plans offer low caps on medical and emergency coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums are on the expensive side relative to comparable competitor plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims may take longer during peak travel seasons

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is one of the leading insurance brands on the market. It offers several plans with key add-ons for travelers.

• This provider underwrites travel insurance policies for a number of other companies in addition to offering its own plans
• Travelers can file claims directly from a smartphone by using the BHTP app

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance Review

Berkshire Hathaway offers a whopping eight plans that cover a wide variety of trips, whether you are planning a road trip, taking a cruise , or focusing on luxury or adventure. If you're unsure of what you need, the flagship ExtraCare product covers the essentials.

With such a variety of plans, Berkshire Hathaway landed a spot in our guide on the best travel insurance companies . It offers low cost options and generally keeps premiums low, even for older travelers. Additionally, all of its policies, excluding its air travel-only plan, offer pre-existing medical condition coverage.

That said, there are a few key exclusions that hold Berkshire Hathaway back. For one, its cancel for any reason coverage is reserved for the most expensive LuxuryCare tier, and it only covers 50% of trip costs when most of the best CFAR travel insurance policies offer 75% back. Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway's claims system is reportedly spotty, and the company rarely engages with its customer reviews

Types of Policies Offered by Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway offers several travel insurance policies for diverse needs. 

The most popular policy, ExactCare, will work for most travelers. ExactCare's travel-agnostic insurance package offers 3 coverage tiers: ExactCare Value, ExactCare, and ExactCare Extra. Each of these policies covers up to 100% of trip cancellation costs, a minimum of up to $750 in luggage losses, and 24/7 worldwide travel insurance. 

Additional coverage options from Berkshire Hathaway

Category-specific insurance plans are available as well for the following types of travel:

Road trip coverage (ExactCare Lite): ExactCare Lite is a low-coverage policy for nonrefundable costs on domestic road trips such as hotel rooms, attractions, and event tickets. ExactCare Lite also includes emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage for covered events occurring more than 100 miles away from your home.

Importantly, if you have pre-existing conditions that require ongoing care such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., a preexisting conditions waiver can be purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment. Similarly, coverage for your kids can be included if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment.

Cruise coverage (WaveCare):  WaveCare covers nonrefundable costs and medical emergencies on cruises, covering cancellations up to $25K per person and medical evacuation coverage up to $750K, which is important since sea to land evacuations can be costly. 

Adventures and activities coverage (AdrenalineCare): If you're taking a bucket list trip with increased risk, higher costs, or complex travel details, take a look at AdrenalineCare. This comprehensive policy offers higher coverage ceilings for trip cancellation or interruption, equipment delay, license fee refunds, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and medical evacuation.

This product is especially useful if you're planning a trip with tight connections for transit, such as short times between connecting flights or a risky transfer from a vehicle to a boat or plane since the plan includes coverage for missed connections. Coverage for pre-existing conditions, financial default, and terrorism is included.

Flight coverage (AirCare): AirCare covers expenses specific to aviation travel including unexpected aircraft and tarmac delays, equipment failure, lost luggage, flight diversions, and late-night travel delays. This product is a good fit for travelers who are comfortable managing other aspects of travel risk on their own but want additional peace of mind in the event of flight-related hiccups.

AirCare sells a standalone policy or as an add-on alongside Berkshire Hathaway's lower-tier travel insurance plans.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for Berkshire Hathaway plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate Berkshire Hathaway's coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

• ExactCare Value: $61
• ExactCare: $112
• ExactCare Extra: $99
• LuxuryCare: $121
• AdrenalineCare: $115

Premiums for Berkshire Hathaway plans are between 2% and 4% of the trip's cost, well within the average cost of travel insurance.

Berkshire Hathaway provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• ExactCare Value: $135
• ExactCare: $178
• ExactCare Extra: $178
• LuxuryCare: $247
• AdrenalineCare: $233

Once again, premiums for Berkshire Hathaway plans are between 3.4% and 6.2% of the trip's cost, within and below the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

• ExactCare Value: $509
• ExactCare: $430
• ExactCare Extra: $771
• LuxuryCare: $972
• AdrenalineCare: $933

Quotes for this trip cost between 2.15% and 4.9%, within the average cost of travel insurance. 

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

• ExactCare Value: $272
• ExactCare: $526
• ExactCare Extra: $462
• LuxuryCare: $582
• AdrenalineCare: $584

Premiums for Berkshire Hathaway plans for older-age travelers are between 4.5% and 9.7%, which is well within the average cost for travel insurance. While it's certainly more expensive than coverage for younger travelers, it's on the lower end of what travel insurance companies often quote for older travelers. 

Berkshire Hathaway's online quote generator is intuitive and easy to use. You'll need to provide the following information for a quote: 

• Destination country
• Travel dates
• Date of booking
• Traveling method (Car, plane, ship)
• Number of flight segments
• Postal code
• Number of travelers
• Traveler(s) age 
• Trip cost per traveler
• Email address

Once you submit those details, you'll get a list of eligible travel insurance policies and the cost comparison. If you're traveling by air, you'll have to input your flight information. You can also add bonus coverage options and riders to your insurance shopping cart before completing the transaction online.

How to File a Claim with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway customers can file a claim through the claims portal, by emailing claims [email protected], or calling (844) 411-2487 and choosing option 5 (+1 (715) 303-6333 for people abroad). Customer service representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, and the company is closed for national holidays. Callers can also reach an emergency operator 24/7 for travel or medical assistance by selecting options 1 or 2.

You can also file a claim using the dedicated app, available for both iOS and Android devices. That said, customer reviews have mentioned that the app doesn't work, so a more traditional route may be more reliable.

Customers have a year from when the loss occurred to file a claim, though Berkshire Hathaway encourages claimants to file as soon as reasonably possible. For certain types of claims, such as lost baggage, you only need to submit a photograph of the claim you filed with the airline in addition to some basic information about the situation.

Berkshire Hathaway Customer Service and Claims Experience

Berkshire Hathaway boasts an average of 4.31 stars out of five on its Squaremouth page. Most of the positive customer reviews center around peace of mind. Customers were glad they had their policy but didn't have to file a claim. Many of these reviews focus on the buying process, which is fast and customer service is responsive. Reviews note easy processing if you need to push your trip back (and use the same policy for your new trip).

That said, reviews where a claim was involved were more checkered. Customers reported difficulty reaching Berkshire Hathaway's claims team and long wait times, which may be more pronounced during high travel seasons.

While reviews allow customers to air their grievances or sing the praises of their insurance company, they're also a great way for customers to get a response from a company when all other communication methods fail. Many travel insurance companies regularly respond to customer reviews on SquareMouth, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau. Unfortunately, Berkshire Hathaway is not one of these companies. 

Learn more about how Berkshire Hathaway compares to top travel insurance providers.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection vs. Nationwide Travel Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway is ranked favorably next to Nationwide, which is one of the most popular travel insurance providers in the market. You can't go wrong picking a plan from either company. Both offer similarly priced and customizable policies for different types of travelers. These plans are highly ranked by both the Better Business Bureau and thousands of positive customer reviews.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection vs. WorldTrips Travel Insurance

If you're in the market for one of Berkshire Hathaway's budget insurance policies, you may also want to consider options from WorldTrips. Like Berkshire Hathaway, WorldTrips is an industry leader providing low-cost plans with great coverage for most trips at competitive rates.

If you need travel medical insurance for a study abroad program, WorldTrips offers an international policy designed to meet students' needs. Keep in mind, WorldTrips has exclusions for pre-existing conditions on many policies. So if you're planning on being abroad for an extended period, you should make prior arrangements for things like diabetes, asthma, or other chronic conditions.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

If you're considering the ExactCare Lite or AirCare travel plans from Berkshire Hathaway, you might find equal or even superior credit card travel protection .

Some credit card providers offer travel insurance benefits with sizable payouts. This includes reimbursements for lost or delayed baggage far exceeding Berkshire Hathaways coverage limits. Similarly, some of the best credit cards offering travel insurance also advertise generous ceilings for medical insurance and evacuation benefits extending coverage into the million-dollar range.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance  here

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection FAQs

Yes, Berkshire Hathaway offers plans for international travelers such as its ExactCare, ExactCare Extra, ExactCare Value, and LuxuryCare.

Berkshire Hathaway has a plan for adventure sports and activities called the AdrenalineCare plan.

Customer reviews on Berkshire Hathaway's claims process are very mixed. Some customers reported a quick and simple claims process while others report having gone over a month without resolution or communication. 

Yes, almost all of Berkshire Hathaway's policies offer pre-existing medical condition waivers . 

Berkshire Hathaway is known for its reliable coverage options, comprehensive plans for various travel needs, and a strong reputation in the insurance market.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

To review Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, we looked at coverage limits, cost, customer service, claim limits, how plans can be customized, and much more. Then we compared these factors with the best travel insurance companies .

We named Berkshire Hathaway as a top pick in Insider's best travel insurance companies guide because of the company's long-standing reputation in insurance. Berkshire Hathaway's travel insurance policies provide a slew of coverage options at different price points for various types of travelers. Furthermore, the company offers great customer support, intuitive resources, and a big name giving customers peace of mind.

Learn more about how we rate travel insurance companies .

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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