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Making a claim on your travel insurance

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

Travel insurance can give you extra protection if your holiday doesn't go as planned. This is very important if you are travelling independently because you may find yourself stranded with no way to get home and no rep to help sort out your holiday problem.

Read this page to find out more about what you need to do if you have to make a claim on your travel insurance policy.

Remember to take your travel insurance policy number and emergency contact telephone number with you when you travel

if a problem happens while you're away, keep receipts for everything you need to buy to support your claim

if possible, get your insurer to agree to medical treatment before it's carried out

always tell your insurer about an existing health problem before you take out insurance, or you may not be covered

report lost or stolen belongings to the local police within 24 hours of them going missing. If this isn't possible tell the person in charge where they went missing.

Making a claim while you're travelling

Make sure you take your insurance policy number and the emergency contact details away with you. This is so you know exactly who to speak to first if you have a problem and it can be dealt with as quickly as possible. If you're travelling abroad, check you've got the right phone number.

Making a claim when you get home

If you need to make a claim on your travel insurance policy when you get home, check the following things before you send off your claim:

you're within the time limits for making a claim

you're covered for what you're claiming for

how much the excess is. The excess is the amount of money that your insurer will take off the claim. It may not be worth making a claim if the amount you're claiming for is less than this

the small print . Make sure there's nothing in the terms and conditions that prevents you from claiming

whether it's a new for old policy. If it isn't, the amount you get for items you're claiming for will be less than the cost of replacing them. This is because the insurer takes off money for wear and tear.

Contact your insurer as soon as possible and ask them to send you a claim form. They may be able to email this to you to speed things up. Complete the claim form carefully and keep a copy for yourself.

You'll need to include copies of all paperwork that will help your claim, including receipts or medical certificates. You should also keep copies of the originals in case your claim is queried or refused.

Your insurer may ask if you have other insurance that may cover the claim. You'll need to let them know if you have other insurance that may also offer cover, for example, home contents insurance.

Making a claim for lost, stolen or damaged items or luggage

You're expected to take reasonable care of your belongings while you're travelling. The insurer will want to see evidence that you did this.

If your belongings are lost or stolen, you should tell the local police within 24 hours of the items going missing. If this isn't possible, tell someone else such as your tour rep, hotel manager or transport provider and get a written report.

If you have to replace essential items, such as toiletries or emergency clothing, ask for receipts to send as evidence with your claim.

Making a claim for medical emergencies and personal injury

If you need medical treatment while you're away, try to contact your insurer straightaway and get them to agree to the treatment. You should do this before it's carried out, although this may not be possible in an emergency.

You may have to pay up-front for medical treatment and claim it back when you get home. Always make sure you get receipts for any treatment or medication you're given.

If you did not tell your travel insurer about an existing health problem before you took out the insurance, you may not be covered if you need treatment  for this while you're away.

You may not be able to claim for the cost of any medication that you usually need and may have to take while you're travelling.

If you're a UK resident and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can still use it to get healthcare in EU countries until it expires.

If you don't have an EHIC or it has expired, you can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) on the NHS website. You can use a GHIC to get healthcare in EU countries at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

If you’re visiting Norway you can use your UK passport to get medically necessary healthcare there. Some countries have agreements with the UK to give free emergency treatment.

Travel insurance should cover you for pregnancy if you are in normal health. However, some airlines won't let you fly if your baby is due within a few weeks.

Making a claim if you have to cancel or shorten your trip

If you need to make a claim because you've cancelled or shortened your trip, your insurer will only accept your claim if you have a good reason for doing this. Reasons may include:

unexpected death, illness or injury of you, your partner or people travelling with you

a fire, burglary or unexpected damage happens to your home

you're made redundant

you're pregnant and are advised not travel after you took out the insurance

you're called for jury service or as a witness in court.

If you have to come home early, your insurer will usually only refund any extra travelling costs and the cost of any unused time in your holiday accommodation.

If you need more help

Other useful information

Medical treatment in other countries www.nhs.uk .

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Page last reviewed on 20 February 2020

June 1, 2020

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Home » Budget Travel » HONEST Allianz Travel Insurance Review – [Updated 2024]

HONEST Allianz Travel Insurance Review – [Updated 2024]

Planning and preparing for a trip can be fun and exciting. Personally I love flicking through Lonely Planets seeking out those “Must See” places and I even enjoy scouring through forums for insider advice. I relish the challenge of arranging sophisticated logistics and revel in finding bargain flights from London to the ends of the earth.

Indeed, the feeling I get during the days before I start a trip is both exciting and invigorating. In fact, sometimes I wonder whether I’m equally as addicted to this “state of leaving”  as I am to travel itself – they do say that often anticipation is even better than the event itself.

What is far less exciting though, is comparing Travel Insurance policies. There are far too many policies and providers out there with far too many fine print details to scrutinise. Yep finding the best travel insurance is confusing, and finding cheap backpacker insurance can seem impossible. But, to make finding and buying Travel Insurance that bit easier for you, we have tried, tested and reviewed all of the major providers out there.

Allianz Travel Insurance Review

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Today we are going to review Allianz Travel Insurance. I have spent hours going through their policies and breaking them down for you. By the end of this post, you should know whether Allianz is the right travel insurance for you.

It’s important that you take time to look at other good travel insurance providers too. Different providers suit different kinds of travellers. So you may be better suited elsewhere.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Before we begin the Allianz Travel Insurance review, do note that the terms and conditions of insurance policies are subject to changes and are always ultimately based on your individual circumstances. Therefore, it is very important that you read any policy terms and conditions yourself.

Hey you there! Before you delve any further or waste any more valuable time on this Allianz Travel Insurance Review, let me just tell you straight up front that we at The Broke Backpacker no longer use Allianz for our travel insurance needs.

We have nothing against them, we just found other providers more suited to the needs of travellers and backpackers whilst offering VERY competitive quotes.

If you are taking a single trip or going backpacking, we recommend World Nomads Insurance .

Alternatively, if you are a digital nomad working and travelling remotely from all over the world, then SafetyWing Insurance offer some very interesting travel insurance plans.

Ahem – Please note that insurance companies change their policies and product terms fairly regularly. We do our best to keep this review up to date but cannot guarantee that all of the information is 100% correct. Therefore, only use this review as a guide and check all policies yourself. Also note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links.

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Do you need travel insurance? Does anybody really need travel insurance ?

After shelling out for flights, visas, and a new backpack, having to find a few more bucks for travel insurance may feel a bit depressing. I mean, all you get is a “policy certificate” AKA a boring 100-page booklet to read. Aren’t there more sexy and fun things to be spending that money on?

After all, most trips, vacations, and odysseys end happily and safely without any ill occurrence. There is no definitive answer to this.

Our team at the Broke Backpacker , we have (collectively) spent more than a century backpacking the globe and we have visited over 100 countries. Most of those trips ended without incident. However, we have also clocked up a fair few mishaps along the way: inflected legs, tropical diseases, broken backs, and even gunpoint robberies.

These incidents were all bad enough in themselves, leaving physical and mental scars. Thankfully though, we were all insured at the time. This meant that we were spared the further trauma of paying out thousands in medical bills or replacing technologies.

Basically, insurance is one of those things that most people never actually need. But the ones who do are very lucky to have it.

So now, you get the picture: travel insurance is essential when it comes to staying safe on the road . But is Allianz travel insurance right for you? Or do other travel insurance options suit you?

So let’s take a look. Here are some things good travel insurance plans help with, and where you would be without them.

Lost Luggage

Luggage gets lost both on planes and in airports. It shouldn’t happen, but it sure as hell does.

That in itself is bad enough but replacing all your essential travel gear will cost. Any decent travel insurance policy usually covers lost luggage, usually up to at least $1000.

In fact, the aviation watchdog states that 5.73 items of luggage are lost for every 1000 passengers. That means that if you take 10 flights, then there is a 5% chance of your luggage getting lost forever. Some airports and airlines lose more baggage than others but all of them are equally as obtuse and obstructive when it comes to trying to make a claim.

Lost luggage can ruin your whole trip. I mean, imagine you head to Iceland and they lose all your cold weather gear?!

Medical Bills

Foreign medical care costs can be very high. A friend of mine was once hospitalised while backpacking in Costa Rica and ran up bills in excess of $10,000.

More recently he spent 1 night in a Thai hospital, was billed $1,000 and his passport was used as a ransom (that boy has no luck. Maybe he should stay at home?) . Personally, I don’t have $10,000 to pay to Costa Rican Doctors, but I do have maybe $50 to buy myself a travel insurance policy.

If you come from Europe, the cost of medical care in some parts of the world is quite a revelation. If you’re in the US, then you already know all about health extortion. But do remember, your domestic health insurance will most probably not cover you outside of the US.

Accidents happen (and without warning…) and ill health can strike any of us down at any time, anywhere. In fact, if you have experienced the driving or the hygiene standards in India, you’ll already know that you are at high risk of coming to some harm out on the road.

Trip Interruption Coverage

Trip interruption comes in all shapes and sizes. Claiming for flight delays or cancellations is annoying – and in the end, nothing’s guaranteed.

Every year a few airlines or travel agents go out of business leaving passengers stranded. Booking flights home at short notice is costly.

Not getting home on time on the other hand, can mean getting sacked from your job – ouch. If you have to stay a few more nights at your destination waiting for a flight home, then that can also stretch a maxed-out travel budget.

Having trip cancellation and interruption coverage can mean the difference between desperately raiding your overdraft or getting a few extra days of vacation, free of charge.

Theft Coverage

Sadly, tourists are a target for thieves in many parts of the world. Our team have been robbed with guns while backpacking South America . And I know people whose diamond jewellery and MacBooks were burgled from hotels.

Being robbed is scary. But theft coverage makes it suck a little less when you don’t have to fork out for your stolen iPhone.

Repatriation

In the unlikely event of your demise, your travel insurance can cover the cost of repatriation or sending your body home. The costs of this can otherwise run into several thousands of dollars.

Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them. And yet, it does happen.

Furthermore, the law of averages dictates that if you travel enough, something, somewhere will eventually go wrong. Just like you should always look twice before crossing the road, and always wear your helmet before riding a bike, you really should get comprehensive travel insurance.

By the way, some countries require you to obtain insurance before even letting you enter. Imagine being turned back at the airport for the sake of a few quid?! I personally never leave home without first obtaining travel insurance plans from either World Nomads or SafetyWing.

If you’re reading this, then I guess you decided that you do need travel insurance. Yay! Welcome to the world of sensible adults (AKA accepting your own mortality and the fact that you have no control whatsoever over the universe, despite whatever bullshit “The Secret” may have told you).

Allianz travel insurance is perhaps one of the biggest insurance companies in the world. They have been trading for over 120 years and they have offices across the globe.

Though travel Insurance is by no means Allianz’s primary focus or modus operandi. But this is not a bad thing. Note that even “specialist travel insurers” are often, in fact, brands or shop fronts backed by big insurance companies like Allianz.

They are governed by the Financial Services regulators in pretty much every national market they trade in. This means that if you have a problem with them, you can squeal on them and have your case reviewed independently and fairly by an adjudicator free of charge.

Now that the introductions are out of the way, let’s take a look at the individual travel insurance policies they offer.

Allianz are a major financial service provider and as such, they offer different coverage options, policies and plans aimed at different travellers. Let’s quickly run through them.

Firstly, Allianz travel insurance offer travellers 2 main types of policy. Within these coverage types are little variations. The main policy types are OneTrip and AllTrips .

Within both the OneTrip and AllTrips umbrellas are 3 variations : Basic, Prime, Premier . These vary depending on how much cover you want and how much you want to pay.

As the name kind of suggests, OneTrip covers one single, specific trip generally with a fixed start and end date.

AllTrips covers any and all trips that you make in a one-year period. This annual plan runs from the date you take out the policy, or a date of your choosing, and lasts for 365 days (or 366 in a leap year) .

You can take an unlimited number of trips in the year and an unlimited number of days travelling. Do be sure that all your chosen destinations are covered by the annual travel insurance policy though, otherwise, you may need to obtain additional cover.

OneTrip Basic Plan

This travel insurance policy covers all travel insurance basics such as medical coverage, trip cancellation and lost luggage. Look at it as the entry-level “classic cover” if you like.

The plan may be able to offer;

• Emergency Medical and Emergency Dental Coverage up to $10,000 and $50,000 for Medical Evacuation. These amounts may seem high but are not enough if you need to be airlifted home from an accident, for example.
• Lost or Stolen Baggage Coverage up to $500 and $200 for Delayed Baggage. Now, $500 may be enough for your baggage depending on how expensive your clothes are, and whether you pack any specialist equipment. However, a solid travel backpack is usually worth around $200.
• Trip Cancellation Cover up to $100,00. One of the best features of the OneTrip Basic plan is that Allianz may be able to reimburse the full cost of your trip if you need to cancel early. However, the reason for cancellation needs to be one of Allianz Global Assistance’s list of acceptable cancellation reasons – not because you got bored or changed your mind.

This policy is a good all-rounder and ideal for travellers on a budget . However, it does have some limitations.

Some of the Allianz travel insurance OneTrip basic coverage is a bit on the tight side. Furthermore, OneTrip Basic plan does not include coverage for missed connections or airline change fees. There are also relatively fewer accepted reasons for claiming on the trip cancellation clause.

OneTrip Prime Plan

Broadly speaking, Allianz OneTrip prime plan is more or less the same as the basic – with increased coverage amounts. The policy may be able to offer;

• Emergency Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage up to $25,000 worth of and $500,000 worth of emergency evacuation coverage.
• Lost and Stolen Baggage Cover up to $1,000 which should cover most people’s hold luggage. However, the per-item max is $500. So if you pack your $8000 top-quality travel camera , you will only get $500 back for it. It also includes Baggage Delay Costs of up to $300.
• Missed Connection Coverage up to $800.
• Airline Change Fees up to $250.

OneTrip Premier Plan

In case you need a bit more on top of that, then we have the OneTrip Premier Plan. The Allianz OneTrip Premier policy is essentially the Prime with even higher coverage amounts. OneTrip Premier may be able to offer cover to;

• Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage of up to $25,000 to $50,000.
• Emergency Evacuation Coverage also increases to $1,000,000. With international evacuation averaging around $100,000, this amount is more than adequate to cover your transportation back home.
• Lost or Stolen Baggage up $2,000. However, like with the OneTrip Prime plan, you can only claim a maximum of $500 per item (up to $2,000 in total). $600 in Baggage Delay.
• Travel Delay coverage up to $1,600.
• Missed Connection Coverage up to $1,600.

Other Allianz OneTrip Options & Offshoots

In case that wasn’t choice enough for you, Allianz also offers 2 offshoots of their OneTrip policy. If you like, look at them as the highly specialised cousins of the OneTrip family.

OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan

OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan is definitely Allianz’s budget policy. With this plan, you are only covered against trip cancellation, interruptions, and delays. Medical coverage, medical transportation, and baggage loss are not included.

Personally, I would only consider this policy if (1) you are not checking luggage (2) you have medical coverage elsewhere. For example, this may be OK if you are an EU citizen taking a short break to another EU country where you only have your trusty carry-on luggage and an EU emergency healthcare card.

OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan

This policy is great for travellers who only want medical coverage on one single trip. It provides up to £50,00 in emergency medical coverage and $250,000 in emergency medical transportation coverage.

Remember that this plan only offers protection for medical expenses. If you are robbed, your cuts and bruises are covered but your stolen phone is not. If the airline loses your luggage it is not covered and neither is heartbreak. Trip cancellation coverage is also not included.

This plan is, therefore, for anybody whose sole and only concern is medical coverage.

Remember, the OneTrip policies cover one specific trip. The AllTrips policies we are going to detail below cover long, or multiple trips within a one-year period.

Note that AllTrips policies may also be able to offer rental car coverage for damage as well as dismemberment cover. On the flip side, trip cancellation coverage is either non-existent or limited.

AllTrips Basic Plan

The AllTrips basic may be able to offer coverage for the “classic” issues on multiple trips within a one-year period. Let’s see those numbers.

• Emergency Medical Coverage of $20,000,00 and $100,000 in Emergency Evacuation Coverage. Note that $20,00 on medical emergencies may still be a little on the low side in the event you get very sick in an expensive part of the world such as the US.
• Lost/Stolen or Damaged Baggage up to $1,000. Yes, this may be able to cover most checked bags but remember the $500 max item clause. Baggage Delay is offered up to $200 and then $300 for trip delay.
• Rental Car Damage Coverage up to $45,000. Note that additional premiums may apply.

Note that the AllTrips Basic plan does not come with Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage. Remember that means you will not be reimbursed in case you are unable to go on your trip!

AllTrips Prime

As you probably guessed, AllTrips Prime is more or less the same as the basic package with some increased coverage amounts. The policy may be able to offer;

• Emergency Medical Coverage of $20,000,00 and $100,000 in Emergency Transportation Coverage.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage up to $2,000.00. Remember that the reason for cancellation needs to be one of Allianz Global Assistance’s list of acceptable cancellation reasons.
• Lost/Stolen or Damaged Baggage up to $1,000 and $200 for Baggage Delay.
• Trip Delays up to $300.

AllTrips Premier

If you want even more coverage, then we have AllTrips Premier. The Allianz AllTrips Premier policy is basically the Prime one with even higher coverage amounts. AllTrips Primer may be able to cover;

• Emergency Medical Coverage of $50,000,00 and $500,000 in Emergency Transportation Coverage.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage up to $2,000.00.
• Trip Delays Coverage of up to $1,500.00.
• Dismemberment and travel accident up to $50,000 if you lose a limb or your eyesight when travelling.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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We’re now going to drill down and look at the various things that may be covered by Allianz travel insurance. Remember that some of these are covered by some policy types but not others, and note that coverage amounts and excess’ also vary depending on the exact Allianz policy type.

Emergency Medical Coverage

Got food poisoning in Delhi? Got hit by a moped in Bangkok? Or maybe you just slipped in the shower and broke your wrist in Madrid?

These things can, and do, happen and will all require emergency medical care. Being sick, infirm, and unable to make TikToks is bad enough as it is, so the last thing you want is a hefty medical bill which you have to pay out of your own pocket.

Emergency accident and sickness coverage is quite likely the most important aspect of travel insurance plans.

Emergency Transportation

Emergency Medical Evacuation is when you need to be sent to your home country, or another country, for further or continued medical treatment, and are too sick to travel home normally as a regular passenger. For example – if you are stuck in a hospital bed on a drip in a leg cast.

Trip Cancellation

Reimburses for prepaid, non-refundable cancellation charges if you must cancel your trip (after the effective date of your insurance plan) due to covered sickness, accidental injury, or death of you, a family member or travelling companion; inclement weather, unforeseen natural disaster at home or at your destination, strike, or other covered reasons.

Trip Interruption

Trip Interruption Coverage includes the same stipulations as listed above in “Trip Cancellation”. It includes the caveat of covering the cost of accommodation to you if you are delayed.

Baggage Coverage for Loss/Damage

Being compensated for baggage loss of lost personal gear is likely the second most important aspect of your insurance. This is one of the most common reasons file a claim on your travel insurance.

This covers reimbursement for loss, theft, or damage incurred during the trip. It can be applied to all personal items that were lost, stolen, or else accidentally blown off the roof of a chicken bus travelling at top speed.

Baggage Delay

In the event your checked baggage is delayed or misplaced by the air carrier (for more than 12 hours) , you can claim reimbursement for any necessary items you need to purchase until your bag arrives. This will typically mean toiletries but may even mean some travel clothes if you can demonstrate the purchase is essential.

Trip Delay cover protects you when you’re unable to reach your destination on time due to circumstances beyond your control. If your airline cancels your flight due to a technical fault, Allianz travel insurance will reimburse you for any meals, transportation, or accommodation costs you incurred as a result. Note that delays of less than 6 hours are not covered.

Change Fee Coverage

Have you ever tried to change or vary a flight date or add or remove a passenger?! The fees can be insanely high. This is where Change Fee coverage comes in. If you have the AllTrips Executive, OneTrip Prime plan or OneTrip Premier plan, you can claim up to $500 to cover the cost of the airline change fee.

Travel Accident Coverage

If you are in an accident, you may be entitled to claim a compensation payment in addition to your medical/repatriation costs. This is usually reserved for loss of limb/eyesight type scenarios and you can’t claim for whiplash or emotional trauma from falling from a donkey!

The Travel Accident Coverage is also payable to your family in the event of your death.

Rental Car Damage and Theft Coverage

The AllTrips travel insurance polices also include rental car coverage. This can often prove considerably cheaper than obtaining insurance direct from the rental car provider.

If you are resident in the US, this feature may not be available to you. For clarity, we suggest you speak with Allianz travel insurance directly.

There are some notable omissions from Allianz’s cover. Let’s take a look at them.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition which causes you problems on your trip, it is not covered under the Allianz policies. This is fairly common amongst insurers. It is important that you do declare any pre-existing conditions when taking the policy out.

If you do have a pre-existing medical condition, then you may be very interested to hear that SafetyWing can offer full coverage for PEMCs in their policies.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Extreme Sports

Allianz Travel Insurance does not any kind of adrenaline sport such as Quad Biking and Parachuting. The lack of coverage for extreme or adventure actives is one of the many reasons why we now prefer World Nomads. To get full details of the kind of activities World Nomads can offer coverage for, head over to their site and get a tailer made quote.

So as you can see, Allianz Global Assistance offers a lot of different policy types for a lot of different people. Allianz Travel Insurance maybe suitable for the following kinds of travellers;

• Annual Travellers – With the Allianz annual plan, you may be covered for a whole rotative journey around the sun, no matter how many times you travel! Annual plans are great for frequent and long-term travellers to save you money in the long run. On the other hand, though, SafetyWing offers a month-by-month policy which you can stop and start depending on how much you travel; this may prove to be more cost-effective.
• Senior/Ageing Travellers –  Allianz travel insurance policyholders are among the best senior travel insurances . They have no age limit. Believe us, not all insurers offer this and we have a LOT of queries from over 65’s & over 70’s who have struggled to find insurance elsewhere.
• Travelling Families –  Allianz travel insurance policies may allow children under the age of 17 to travel with their parents for free, on selected plans. This is great for families with kids. My earliest travel memory is of a Spanish ER department, my parents were glad they had me on their policy. Otherwise my foot would still be bleeding 33 years later!

Whilst they do offer a myriad of different plans to cover most travellers types, Allianz is perhaps not the ideal travel insurance company for absolutely everybody out there.

• Adventure Travellers –  Allianz Travel Insurance does not offer protection for extreme activity or sport of any kind! If you plan on doing any dangerous, adrenaline-type activities, then perhaps consider World Nomads who can offer coverage for over 201 different extreme sports. SafetyWing are also rapidly extending their extreme coverage.
• Travellers Wanting High Medical Coverage –  We usually recommend travelling with at least $100,000 of emergency medical coverage. If you come down with a severe illness or are mangled by a badger, you might be stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills so need to be prepared. World Nomads do offer $100,000 in medical emergency cover.
• Corporation Haters –  Allianz are a major international finance company and we know some of you prefer not to deal with such organisations. That’s a perfectly legitimate point of view. However, remember that even a lot of “boutique” insurers are in fact ultimately shop fronts for big insurers such as Zurich, Lloyds, or even Allianz. In fact, all some boutique firms do is sell you the illusion of dealing with a small firm and charge you a hefty commission for the privilege.

So now we know the details, the next burning question is how much does Allianz Travel Insurance cost?

Well actually, it’s very difficult to say. The pricing details vary depending on a wide range of factors such as your age, location, your trip plans, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, and numerous other factors that only the gods of insurance can compute. It’s worth it to get in there and check yourself.

So, now, let’s talk about our trusty travel insurance plans for backpackers.

World Nomads

World Nomads offers coverage for backpackers and adventure trailers. They are one of our favourite travel insurance providers and we have used them for years.

Unlike Allianz travel insurance, World Nomads are a travel insurer with a focus on backpackers.

World Nomads offer 2 separate plans depending on how much cover you want and what exactly you intend to do. World Nomads can also offer trip cancellation coverage, electronic gadget, and theft coverage in the policies.

Word Nomads can cover over 140 countries (but not Pakistan which is a shame for us) . They can also cover a wide range of adventure stuff and extreme sports like mountaineering which Allianz travel insurance do not.

However, they do not offer home country cover and do not offer open-ended cover. If you are not planning on doing any adventure stuff though, then you may find World Nomads to be a bit expensive.

SafetyWing are a relatively new player on the scene. They are founded by travellers, for travellers, and their primary target is for those travelling as a digital nomad : people like me who move around the world working from our laptops. We can go many years without ever going “home” and SafetyWing recognises this and can offer open-ended cover.

What we LOVE about SafetyWing is that their insurance operates like a monthly subscription that you can stop and start as and when you need it. They are also one of the few providers who may be able to cover some pre-existing conditions and provide assistance with “routine” health stuff.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

By this point, you may well know which travel insurance is best for you. Maybe it’s Allianz travel insurance, or maybe it’s one of the others.

The question now then is, when should you buy travel insurance?

You can buy travel insurance up until the start date of your trip for most insurers. Many will not cover a trip that has already begun – with the exception of World Nomads and SafetyWing.

Note : if you ever do make a claim, you may well be asked to provide evidence of the start date. So I do not recommend trying to hoodwink insurers. Be totally honest or it will come back on you.

However, in our experience, the earlier you book your travel insurance, the better. This is for a number of reasons:

• Things sometimes go wrong before the trip even starts. For example, if the airline goes bust. This happens to 1000s of people every year. Or what if you get very sick a week before flying and have to cancel?! If you have the right travel insurance in place, your insurer may cover you in these scenarios.
• The vast majority of policies include a cooling off period . This is a period of time (usually 28 days) when you can cancel the policy and get all of your money back. We suggest using the cooling period to read through the policy documents and ensure that the cover fully meets your needs. Upon a closer look, if it does not suit you, you have time to contact the insurer and amend the policy, or cancel it and obtain more suitable travel insurance.

Personally, I usually book my travel insurance the very same day I book my flight. The only exception is if I already have long term or an annual plan. In these scenarios, instead, be sure to check the last date on your annual/long-term cover and make sure it covers your whole trip.

First up, it is unlikely you will ever need to make a travel insurance claim. Yipee!

In case you do though, you will be very pleased to hear that the process is pretty straightforward as long as you are dealing with a reputable company. If you are not then it may be a lot harder.

To initiate a travel insurance claim, all you need to do is contact (call) Allianz Global Assistance and chat with their 24-hour multilingual staff. You should do this as soon as possible or as soon as you know you will need to make a claim .

You will need to tell them about your claim including details of what has gone wrong, and what the damage seems to be. You can also initiate the process online by signing into your account.

If you are claiming lost or stolen items, you will need to write up a formal sworn statement of events, detailing what happened and what was lost. You will also need to have an official police report made up – it is highly important that you obtain this even if it means paying a fee/bribe or hassling the police to do it. Try to get it in both the native language and in English if possible.

The Insurance company may contact you to discuss your claim further. You may even be subjected to a an anti-fraud interview and your call may even be run through voice detection software designed to spot deceit! However, you have nothing to worry about if your claim is legitimate and in order.

It is very helpful to get all of your receipts and invoices together first and submit all expenses at once. Do keep copies of every expense, bill, invoice, and report as you will need to provide these to the claims team. They may pay out small amounts without a bill, but in the case of extra hotels, flights, or electronics, the rule is usually “no proof = no payment”.

After that is sorted, you upload all of your information and documents, review the claim and submit. The Allianz team will get cracking and stay in contact with you throughout this process. Note that resolution time does vary from case to case. It may be days, weeks, or sometimes months depending on the details of your claim.

I hope you found this Allianz Travel Insurance Review to be informative – it certainly took a lot of work on our part to put it together! Comprehensive travel insurance is important to safe travel and you need to carefully choose the best provider for your needs.

We really care about the safety of our readers. That’s why we do recommend travel insurance so strongly. We’ve seen ourselves what can go wrong – and we wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

So check for trip interruption coverage, get your gadgets covered, but most importantly, make sure any potential medical expenses are covered, especially emergency medical expenses. Shop around different providers to find the right one for you. Once again, we wish you an awesome and safe trip!

Aiden Freeborn

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The author did a very nice job explaining the different types of insurance Allianz offers. But, until you have experienced their VERY POOR customer service and actual reimbursement procedures, you will not have the complete Allianz story.

I would never use Allianz Global Assistance for your trip insurance needs During a Viking River Cruise June, 2023, my husband came down with COVID. VIKING handled their end of any claims and taking care of us beautifully, BUT Allianz Global Assistance was a completely different story. We had Trip Interruption insurance (which included coming down with COVID) and trying to get reimbursement for all our medical expenses and a post trip to Amsterdam we had planned (not with Viking, but through our travel agent) has been one of the most frustrating ordeals I have ever dealt with. We are asking for approximately a $2,000 reimbursement and we have received $300.

If you need to file a claim, here is what you can expect after you complete the on-line claim form on Allianz’s website : 1. They will tell you they can’t read your receipts (even though you can read them on the email you send or they are PDFs from Viking or your TA). One Allianz customer service rep (probably the 7th person I talked to), told me to download a $50 app that makes receipts readable, which I did, and they still couldn’t read them. I finally snail-mailed copies of the receipts and they still declined 75% of them. 2. Phone calls with wait times of over an hour. This has happened to me 10+ times (not just a random occurrence), and I have tried all times of the day – same thing. 3. When you do talk to a rep, the call will always, and I mean always, disconnect before the issue is handled.

I could go on and on, but bottom line, I will NEVER use Allianz again or recommend them to anyone. We are out $2,000 + $1,000 we paid for the Trip Insurance. It is a big deal, but I can’t imagine if we had to rely on Allianz for the total trip reimbursement. Thank goodness Viking stepped up and provided the level of customer service they did.

Of course, we are aware that some customers sometimes have insurance claims denied. We also appreciate that others have bad customer service experiences with all kinds of different companies.

However are not privy to the finer details of your situation, and Allianz are not here to put across their side of the story either – furthermore this is not really the legitimate forum to air complaints about them. Still in the interest of openness and transparency we will let your comment stand.

Best of luck with your next trip.

Yes agreed – your statement about Allianz not offering unlimited medical cover is complete BS and misleading to readers. Are you paid to promote World Nomads Insurance? Please provide full disclosure to your readers.

I have just rechecked the Allianz policy information available on their website and what we have said appears to remain correct. If you feel we have missed something then please elaborate.

As for World Nomads, we have made it clear that some of the links in this post are affiliated.

Hi there, I found your article very informative, but I just wanted to make a couple of corrections. Im not affiliated with Allianz, but Ive been researching which insurance to buy and they have provided me with a quote and their PDS, which Ive read in full. The amounts that Allianz offers for overseas emergency assistance and overseas medical and hospital expenses under their comprehensive plan are both unlimited, and they do offer insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, you just have to pay an additional premium.

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Your guide to Chase's trip insurance coverage

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Chase credit cards are often top of mind when travelers are booking trips because of their superior protections. Chase is one of very few major U.S. credit card issuers that offers a full suite of travel protections across its premium credit cards, including trip delay reimbursement and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

Trip delay reimbursement covers reasonable out-of-pocket expenses due to a lengthy trip delay that is not covered by the common carrier. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance provides reimbursement for covered travel expenses when you have to cancel a trip or end it early.

Now that more people are getting vaccinated and destinations are reopening borders to tourists, you may be planning trips for later this year or into next. This guide will walk through which Chase credit cards have these benefits, what is currently covered and how you can file a successful claim.

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Chase cards offering trip delay and trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Here is an overview of the Chase cards that offer trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance or both:

The information for the United TravelBank Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance

What is covered by trip cancellation/interruption insurance?

You can find the full terms and conditions of what is generally covered on your specific card in your Guide to Benefits, which can be found through your Chase account online. I'll use the Chase Sapphire Reserve Guide to Benefits as an example.

Here is a rundown of the circumstances covered by Chase's trip cancellation/interruption insurance:

• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by you or a traveling companion that prevents you or a travel companion from traveling on the trip.
• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion when it's considered life-threatening, requires hospitalization or requires care by you or your traveling companion.
• Severe weather that prevents a "reasonable and prudent person" from beginning or continuing a trip (terms about what constitutes as qualifying severe weather can be found in your Guide to Benefits).
• Named storm warning.
• Change in military orders for you or your spouse.
• Jury duty or a court subpoena, neither of which can be waived.
• You or your traveling companion's place of permanent residence being made uninhabitable, being burglarized or damaged by fire or flood.
• You or your traveling companion's lodging accommodations at the destination of the trip being made uninhabitable.
• Death or hospitalization of you or your traveling companion's host at destination.
• Quarantine of you or your traveling companion imposed by a physician or by a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction, due to health reasons.
• An organized strike affected public transportation which causes you or your traveling companion to either miss 20% or more of your scheduled trip or miss the departure of a prepaid cruise or scheduled tour (booked through a tour operator).
• Terrorism (there are exceptions here; exact terms on what types of terrorist incidents are covered for trip cancellation and interruption insurance are listed in your Guide to Benefits).

Chase does provide an extensive list of things that are not covered by trip cancellation/interruption insurance as well:

• Change in plans, financial circumstances and business obligations.
• Preexisting conditions.
• Any loss due to the voluntary surrender of unused vouchers, tickets, credits, coupons or travel privileges available prior to their expiration date.
• Travel arrangements scheduled to take place after the 26th week of pregnancy, or when a multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets) or pregnancy associated with an assisted reproductive program (such as in vitro fertilization) occurs prior to the initial deposit date or booking date of the trip.
• Any loss for a trip booked while on a waiting list for a specified medical treatment.
• Medical travel.
• Disinclination to travel due to civil unrest.
• Failure of you or your travel companion to obtain necessary visas, passports or requisite travel documents.
• Illegal activity.
• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentional self-inflicted injury.
• Drug use at the time of the loss (except if the drug is taken and used as prescribed by a physician).
• Disinclination to travel due to an epidemic or pandemic.
• Financial insolvency of a common carrier, travel agency, tour operator or travel supplier.
• War (not including terrorism).
• For trip cancellation only: Trips booked to any area known to be associated with terrorist activity.
• For trip interruption only: Travel arrangements canceled or changed by a travel supplier unless it's the result of severe weather or an organized strike that affects public transportation.

You'll note that "disinclination to travel due to an epidemic or pandemic" is specifically listed as not covered. At the time of writing, Chase had given no update that would change this, which means canceling a trip you can go on but just don't want to is not covered by your Chase travel insurance .

If you do find yourself canceling or cutting a covered trip short, here are the basic guidelines provided by Chase on what types of expenses are covered for trip cancellation/interruption:

Non-Refundable prepaid travel expenses charged by a Travel Supplier (Travel Agency, Tour Operator, Provider of Lodging, rental car agency, Rented Recreational Vehicle Provider, commercial recreational excursion provider, Cruise Line, airline, railroad, and other Common Carriers). Eligible Travel Expenses also means redeposit fees imposed by a Rewards program administrator. Eligible Travel Expenses does not include Event Tickets or prepaid fees to theme parks, museums, golf courses, or other points of interest (unless such expenses are included as part of a travel package).

What is covered by trip delay insurance?

Trip delay insurance provides reimbursement for expenses incurred when your trip is delayed due to a covered hazard for more than six hours, or if a delay requires an overnight stay. It does not include expenses that are covered by the airline or other common carrier responsible for the delay. You and your family members are covered when you put at least part of a trip on your eligible Chase card.

Covered expenses include meals, lodging, toiletries and medication, but do not include any prepaid expenses related to a trip such as a tour or activity fees.

Chase defines covered hazards as equipment failure, inclement weather, strike and hijacking/skyjacking. The Guide to Benefits specifically exempts any delay due to a covered hazard that was made public or made known to you prior to your departure.

Filing a claim

When you have a delay or trip cancellation/interruption that you think qualifies for coverage, you can file a claim through Chase's online claims center.

Trip delay reimbursement requires the following documentation:

• Expense receipts – Keep receipts from all of the expenses incurred due to the delay. Meal expenses more than $50 per covered traveler must be itemized.
• Fare receipt – You'll need a receipt that proves you purchased at least some of the common carrier fare on your card.
• Multiple payment methods – If you used more than one method of payment for your fare, you must provide documentation outlining any additional currency, voucher, points or other payment method used. For example, if you used points to pay for your flight and just used your card for taxes and fees, you'd need to show documentation to that effect.
• Common carrier statement – This is proof that the trip was delayed, along with the reason for the delay.
• Original itinerary – You'll have to submit a copy of your original ticket.
• Settlement from carrier – You are required to file a claim with the common carrier before submitting a claim with Chase. You'll need a copy of the settlement from the carrier, your insurance and any other reimbursement you'll receive from another party.

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance requires slightly different documentation:

• Completed and signed claim form — You can get a claim form by calling your benefit administrator, or by visiting Chase's online filing application.
• Original itinerary – You'll have to submit a copy of your original travel itinerary, including any prepaid activities that you are including in your claim.
• Confirmation of cancellation/interruption – You have to provide documentation that gives the reason for the cancellation/interruption, such as an official doctor's note, death certificate, official military orders or other supporting documentation.
• Attending physician's statement – This a document provided by a physician or medical facility that essentially acts as proof that you were treated by them.
• Carrier cancellation/refund policy – You'll have to submit a copy of the cancellation or refund policies of the common carrier, tour operator or travel supplier.
• Expense receipts – Keep the receipts of expenses incurred due to your trip interruption.
• Monthly billing statement – Rather than a fare receipt, you are required to submit a monthly billing statement showing the last four digits of the account number as proof of prepaid travel.
• Any unused vouchers, tickets or coupons — You can add these expenses to your claim, but you'll need to be able to provide proof of purchase.

When you fill out the claims form online, you will be asked to upload these documents. You can scan in paper receipts when needed. Typically, you have up to 90 days to file a claim after a delay or cancellation.

Proof of flight delay or cancellation

One of the documents required to file for trip delay reimbursement is a verification form that outlines the reason for the delay or cancellation by the carrier. You can typically get this at the airport when the delay or cancellation is announced, but keep in mind that it may require a supervisor. Each major U.S. airline also has a process for requesting this information after the fact.

Here is an overview of the process different U.S. airlines require in order for you to receive a delay or cancellation verification form:

Bottom line

Having a card with trip insurance can save you hundreds of dollars when unexpected hiccups happen in your travel plans, but it can be confusing to know what exactly is covered and the right documentation you need to file a claim.

Nothing is worse than getting through an entire claims process only to be denied or have to start over because you don't have the required documentation for the insurance provider. Before you start filing a claim, make sure you have the documents listed above. Keep in mind that a provider may ask for additional documentation related to the incident, so you may have to collect receipts and other forms to help your case.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Table of Contents

What is AXA?

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• Lowest-cost plan includes some medical coverage.
• Pre-existing conditions waiver add-on available for higher-cost plans.
• No add ons are available for Silver-level policyholders.
• CFAR upgrade is only available for highest-cost plan.

In the era of staff shortages and extreme weather, your trip may not go exactly to plan. When that happens, travel insurance can be a big help. Although an insurance policy can’t prevent a delay or cancellation from happening, it can help relieve the financial burden if something unpredictable does occur on your trip.

But how do you know which insurance provider to go with? Here's a look at AXA travel insurance to help you determine if one of its plans is right for you.

AXA is a French insurance company that does business in over 200 countries. It offers many different types of insurance, including policies for travelers. These include coverage for baggage loss , trip cancellation and interruption, emergency evacuation and emergency medical costs. Cancel for any reason coverage is also offered. 

AXA Assistance USA is part of the AXA Group.

» Learn more: How much is travel insurance?

AXA Assistance USA offers travelers three insurance plans: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The plans are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and their affiliates in Columbus, Ohio. Here's the coverage you can expect from each policy.

Silver: This is the least expensive plan that offers 100% trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, $25,000 in emergency accident and sickness medical coverage and $100,000 in emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage.

Gold: The mid-range Gold policy comes with 100% trip cancellation and 150% trip interruption coverage, $100,000 in emergency accident and sickness medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage. 

Platinum: The AXA Platinum travel insurance plan includes 100% trip cancellation and 150% trip interruption coverage, $250,000 in emergency accident and sickness medical coverage and $1,000,000 in emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage.

If you want to add Cancel For Any Reason coverage, you’ll need to select the Platinum plan and purchase a policy within 14 days of paying the initial trip deposit. It’ll cover 75% of the prepaid nonrefundable expenses for your travel. 

If you’d like coverage for pre-existing medical conditions , a waiver is available on the Gold and Platinum plans as long as you buy coverage within 14 days of your first trip payment.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

Let’s compare AXA’s plans, the costs and coverage for a 19-day trip to Indonesia that costs $1,500 for a 36-year-old traveler who lives in Utah.

Coverage and limits for the Silver-level plan include:

Trip delay: $100 per day, with a $500 maximum.

Trip cancellation: 100% of the trip cost.

Trip interruption: 100% of the trip cost.

Baggage delay: $200.

Lost baggage: $750, up to $150 per article.

Missed connection: $500.

Emergency evacuation: $100,000.

Accidental death and dismemberment: $10,000 ($25,000 if on a common carrier).

Emergency accident and medical expense: $25,000.

The plan cost for our sample trip is $55.

For $79, the Gold-level tier offers the following coverage and limits:

Trip delay: $200 per day, with a $1,000 maximum.

Trip interruption: 150% of the trip cost.

Baggage delay: $300.

Lost baggage: $1,500, up to $250 per article.

Missed connection: $1,000.

Emergency evacuation: $500,000.

Accidental death and dismemberment: $25,000 ($50,000 if on a common carrier).

Emergency accident and medical expense: $100,000.

Collision damage waiver: $35,000.

Platinum is AXA’s highest tier level. This plan includes:

Trip delay: $300 per day, with a $1,250 maximum.

Baggage delay: $600.

Lost baggage: $3,000, up to $500 per article.

Missed connection: $1,500.

Emergency evacuation: $1,000,000.

Accidental death and dismemberment: $50,000 ($100,000 if on a common carrier).

Emergency accident and medical expense: $250,000.

Collision damage waiver: $50,000.

Lost golf rounds: $500.

Lost skier days: $25 per day.

Pet boarding fees: $25 per day (up to five days).

This level of coverage costs $95.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

To get an AXA travel insurance quote, go to AXATravelInsurance.com and start by inputting your information in the quote box. Enter your state of residence, destination country, trip dates, date of first trip deposit, total trip cost, the number of travelers and their ages.

Once you’ve filled out the form, click on the “Get a quote now” button.

You’ll be presented with three quotes, one for each plan level. Make sure to click on the “See more benefits” link to get more information on each plan’s coverage limits. The plans with the highest coverage limits will be the most expensive.

If you need a pre-existing conditions waiver, select the Gold or Platinum plan. You’ll also have to purchase the plan within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit to be eligible. 

The Gold and Platinum levels are also the two plans that offer Schengen zone coverage and a collision damage waiver . The Platinum plan is the only one that offers a Cancel For Any Reason add-on, so keep that in mind if you need more protection.

Overall, if you’re looking for emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage specifically, the limits are good on all the plans, including the least expensive one.

To compare plans from multiple insurance providers at once, we recommend checking out Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site and a NerdWallet partner. The website helps you pick the right plan by displaying multiple quotes from many insurance providers, including AXA, in one spot.

AXA began in the early 19th century as a small insurance company specializing in property and casualty insurance. 

Since then, the company has evolved, changing names and acquiring other insurance brands, until it became AXA in the 1980s. It is now one of the largest insurance companies in the world. In other words, yes, AXA is a legitimate travel insurance provider.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

Every plan has different exclusions, so it's important to look at your coverage summary. Generally, pre-existing conditions without a previously purchased waiver are not covered.

Other limitations include:

Intentionally self-inflicted injuries.

Participation in bodily contact or extreme sports.

Traveling for the purpose of securing medial treatment.

Accidental injury or sickness when traveling against the advice of a physician.

Non-emergency treatment or surgery.

AXA handles more than 14 million cases each year, and every plan includes access to their 24/7 assistance hotline. The company is well established and has three plans for travelers to choose from.

AXA travel insurance covers several benefits including but not limited to 100% trip cancellation and trip interruption, medical emergencies, emergency evacuations, baggage delay or lost baggage, and accidental death and dismemberment. The Platinum plan also lets you add Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

AXA's least expensive plan, Silver, and its mid-range Gold policy do not have the option to add-on Cancel For Any Reason coverage. For travelers who opt to purchase the Platinum insurance plan, you can add Cancel For Any Reason coverage a la carte within 14 days of paying the initial trip deposit.

In the event that you need to make a claim, you can upload supporting documents online. If the claim is accepted, you will receive reimbursement within 30 days.

It's said that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. But you don’t want to become poorer if something goes wrong before or during a trip. We don’t know what the universe has in store for us, so buying a travel insurance policy is one way we can protect our investment.

AXA offers budget, mid-range and premium policies that are easy to understand, provide adequate coverage and don’t cost a fortune.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim

W hen it comes to travel, there are generally two types of people: people who cannot travel as it is too expensive and those who budget $4,000 per year for vacations, according to Forbes. Travel is costly, so people often purchase travel insurance to safeguard their financial investment from unforeseen events like illnesses, luggage delays, personal emergencies, and more.

When policyholders pay honest money for an insurance policy to offer protection, they want to be able to reap the benefits of the travel insurance claim. If your travel insurance company has denied payment, our tips on how to properly file a travel insurance claim may be helpful.

Why Buy Travelers Insurance?

Travel is generally less stressful with vacation insurance — it is packaged as a wise investment that can protect you against financial losses due to unexpected events. For instance, the U.S. State Department highly recommends international travel trip insurance as Medicare and Medicaid often do not cover overseas medical costs.

The travel insurance premium is relatively small compared to the non-refundable trip costs you could lose in a bad situation. It is particularly worth it if your trip involves non-refundable costs, international travel, or travel to a remote area with limited healthcare facilities or regions prone to natural disasters.

Some of the primary reasons people buy trip insurance are to help offset:

• Emergency medical services and treatment
• Cancellations due to a sudden illness or serious health condition
• Emergency evacuation
• Loss of a friend or family member
• Compromised destinations
• Delayed or lost luggage
• Trip interruption or cancellation

What Is Not Covered By Travel Insurance?

The best insurance policies cover basic and common travel risks and bundle different coverage types related to trip cancellation, medical issues, luggage or trip delays, and more. Travel insurance is not meant to cover all foreseeable events, and every policy will address exclusions differently. Examples of potential limitations are:

• Tropical storms, hurricanes, and other dangerous weather conditions
• Certain medical issues
• Acts of war
• High-risk behavior involving drugs, unlawful acts, or riots
• Government-imposed restrictions

Travel insurance claims submitted without proper documentation or cancellation for reasons not covered by your travel policy are surefire ways to prevent coverage and reimbursement. This is why it is helpful to understand travel insurance coverage properly and take appropriate actions before assuming foul play.

Can You Cancel Travel Insurance and Get a Refund?

Most travel insurance carriers allow refunds, depending on when a policy is canceled and if there is a money-back guarantee. Most insurers ask that the policy be revoked during the review period outlined in the contract terms to qualify for a complete travel insurance refund. If the review period has passed, then policyholders might be eligible for a partial refund or not qualify for one at all.

What To Do if a Travel Insurance Claim Is Denied

If your travel insurance claim submitted for medical reasons, delays, cancellations, or any other reason was denied by your insurer, then remember that you have options. Both denials and rejections may happen for valid as well as unethical reasons. An insurance claim denial is not the end of the road; you can dig deeper to figure out whether you can still be reimbursed under your insurance.

Travel insurance claims are routinely denied when policyholders make common mistakes in their claim forms, or they mistakenly assume their policy covers their specific situation. Good faith denials happen when policyholders do not fill out their travel insurance claim form correctly, do not submit the right documents, or do not include info like contact details for follow-up questions.

In some cases, travel insurance companies may wrongly deny claims and stall the claims process. For instance, they might fail to investigate the claim or conduct proper due diligence. In such scenarios, it is advisable that policyholders adjust and resubmit their insurance claim, appeal the denial, or pursue legal action if insurers continue to illegally hold their payout.

How To Appeal a Travel Insurance Claim: 4 Steps

The travel insurance claim appeal process allows policyholders to ask the insurer to reconsider its decision. When appealing their travel insurance claim, policyholders must:

• Carefully Review the Denial Letter: Review the specific reasons for the denial to determine your next steps. Cross-check the reasons stated with your policy documents, additional emails, and other papers.
• Review Your Policy: Review the terms of your travel insurance policy and pay attention to disclaimers, damage limits, filing time limits, and submission requirements.
• Reach Out for Assistance: After carefully reviewing your policy, if you find the denial letter and policy terms do not line up, contact an insurance legal expert with experience in handling travel insurance claims for help.
• Gather Documentation and Keep Careful Records: Maintain communication records with your insurer, copies of denial letters, and other documentation regarding your claim.

How To Write a Travel Insurance Claim Letter

Sometimes, travelers have to file a trip insurance claim when their vacation does not go according to the plan. A travel insurance claim letter is a formal piece of communication between you and your insurance agency. Its purpose is to ask for reimbursement for covered damages or losses under the travel insurance policy. Therefore, it is important to craft a professional and detailed claim letter to increase your chances of a favorable resolution.

A claim letter should include the following information:

• Introduce Yourself. Include all relevant information of the person appealing (such as the policy number and contact information).
• Address the Denial. Summarize the date you received the letter and why the denial was made. Do not leave out any important details.
• Point Out the Error. Explain why you do not agree with the claims denial, based on your policy and pertinent information.
• Attach Extra Documents. Include all other documents supporting your trip insurance claim, such as photos, additional correspondence, transcripts of phone calls, etc.

How Long Does It Take To Get Reimbursed From Insurance?

Travel insurance companies generally process most claims within a few weeks. Sometimes, the insurance claims process office might have follow-up questions, thereby increasing the time you can expect to hear back. However, if you feel that your insurance claim is taking months to resolve without a proper reason, you should speak to an experienced insurance dispute lawyer. While every situation is different, policyholders should always keep careful and consistent notes as it will help them take informed legal action if necessary.

Travel Insurance Claims Advice on Documentation

You must be thorough with your documentation to enhance your chance of successful recovery. When you file a trip claim, your insurer will more likely refund travel insurance when you include the following information in your claim submission:

• Lost Luggage: Make a list of what was lost, along with the details and cost of each lost item.
• Job Loss: Request that your previous employer send you a notarized letter on company letterhead in the case of a trip cancellation due to job loss.
• Medical Emergency: Include detailed medical records in your claim if a health emergency kept you from traveling.
• Canceled/Delayed Flight: If you could not attend your trip because the flight was canceled or delayed, provide proof such as an email that relays the reasons (mechanical issues, weather, etc.).
• Receipts for Delayed Flights: You might want to keep receipts for necessary expenses incurred due to delays, like hotel stays, transportation costs, meals, and personal necessities.
• Police Reports: These reports can help substantiate claims made for stolen items or car troubles.
• Other Reports: You may include tickets for unused flights or excursions in your insurance claim.

Has a Formal Complaint Been Filed Against the Travel Supplier?

Formal complaints against travel suppliers are helpful in legal cases dealing with similar situations. The Van Rossem v. Penney Travel Service (April 15, 1985) case exemplifies travel insurance gone wrong.

In this case, a newlywed couple arranged a honeymoon trip with travel agent Penney Travel. The agent used a wholesaler, Lotus Tours, to book the reservation without the couple's knowledge. Lotus Tours abruptly went bankrupt before booking the client's reservation with SANDLES, which remained unpaid. When the case came before the court, the judge noted that "an agent who makes the contract in his own name for an undisclosed principal is liable as a principal." Here, the defendant had failed to disclose the identity of Lotus Tours, and so, it was responsible as the principal. The couple had paid $2,059 in advance. The judge awarded them reimbursement of $1,312, plus costs and disbursements.

In another lawsuit, Touhey v. Trans National Travel , a travel agent did not check to see if the hotel a client had booked was duly constructed. The plaintiff-client was awarded $25,000 in special damages because of the mistake.

What Are Bad Faith Insurance Practices?

Bad faith insurance refers to unethical insurance practices used by an insurer to delay, deny, or lowball policyholders. Examples of bad faith insurance practices include:

• Misrepresenting contract language to prevent a payout
• Failing to disclose policy limitations and exclusions to policyholders
• Making unreasonable demands, like excessive paperwork requests to prove a covered loss

Sometimes, only a seasoned insurance dispute lawyer who regularly deals with contract breaches and bad faith claims can identify honest errors from serious red flags and help a policyholder get paid their due.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim: A Summary

Travelers usually plan their vacations down to the last detail. Travel insurance is a buffer for unplanned curveballs that can derail even the most meticulous plans, such as medical emergencies or misplaced luggage.

Insurance companies are explicit about what travel mishaps or unexpected events they will or will not cover, which is why it is crucial to understand policy limitations and how to properly file a travel insurance claim.

As a final snapshot, the key steps to filing a travel insurance claim include:

• Reviewing policy terms and exclusions.
• Gathering necessary documentation based on submission requirements.
• Submitting your claim according to the insurer's timing and filing guidelines.
• Filing an appeal if an insurance claim is wrongly denied.
• Consulting an experienced insurance dispute lawyer to assist with an intentionally stalled, denied, or undervalued claim.

Travel insurance claims can become challenging, depending on the situation and response from your insurer. When small bumps in the road become permanent roadblocks, it is helpful to know that qualified travel insurance claims attorneys are available to help frustrated policyholders recover their losses.