Global Adventurer

I can't report on any of these plans as I have emergency medical evacuation with my medical insurance. It's not security related but I don't care about that aspect because there's always warnings where you can simply just leave, but folks that ignore the major warnings are the ones who have issues. It's like 2 years ago when Yemen was firing missles/attack drones into Abu Dhabi. People had the chance to leave if it bothered them, I stayed because it was a big nothing burger contrary to the US Embassies reports. I'm more concerned about finding suitable medical assistance that will end up no cost to me or very little which I've used so far at 3 different locations but 5 different claims.

TBD

Trip Cancellation should not be negotiable.

I have an Allianz annual policy that is just expiring. They had the most comprehensive coverage for annual plans (last year), but my god claims were painful. They did ultimately pay as expected, but only after 3.5 months of correspondence. They asked for the same documents multiple times and clearly weren't reading the explanations that I sent. They settled after I (a) demanded the adjustor call me to talk though his/her questions (they agreed ... and then no-showed for the appointment time) and (b) threatened to get the state insurance commissioner involved.

I narrowed things down to Trawick or Alliianz for a new annual plan ... and then tossed the idea out entirely. I bought a World Nomads policy for my next big trip. Reasonably priced and good reviews, but no direct experience yet.

Also, PSA, I filed with my credit card for the same incident described above. There's a good chance that you've been oversold on the coverage. I have "trip cancellation" with my card ... that I learned only covers airfare. That's worthless in this day of airline credits. Buyer be ware.

Global Adventurer

I've heard World Nomads is a company to deal with, but have no personal experience. People forget about the fact of FILING the claim and how long it takes to receive your reimbursement. That should be at the top of the list actually of things to consider. When I file under my medical insurance it's either immediately by pre-approval at the international hospital or within a few weeks. Everything is done online and via phone. I don't care about airline tickets, baggage and hotel rooms for example as my credit cards will handle some, but that's why I don't travel with expensive stuff so it's easily replaced.

aroundtheworld76

For strictly medevac coverage, a membership program may be better than insurance. MedJet assist, Global Rescue, AirMed Care Network and RipCord are membership programs focused on medical evacuation. All but AMCN offer options to add on security coverage and some other options at additional cost. All offer annual plans. All will do a pretty good job of getting you home from abroad if sick or injured. If you're a hard core mountaineer or extreme sports type, go with either Global Rescue or Ripcord.

akirby1998

IIRC I've read that there's some medical evacuation coverage provided to Amex Platinum cardholders and which does not require purchasing any portion of the trip relating to a claim. https://viewfromthewing.com/know-ben...-saves-275000/

ijgordon

The difference with MedJet (I'm not familiar with Global Rescue or the other evac-specific programs) and regular travel insurance medical evacuation is that the regular travel insurance will only pay for your evacuation if medically necessary. The medevac programs will fly you home reportedly no questions asked, if you meet the criteria (admitted into a hospital > 150m from home). If you shatter your knee while hiking in Patagonia, your regular travel insurance will get you to Ushuaia or wherever there's an appropriate facility, but unless you need special care that you can't get there, they're not flying you home, so you will have to recover abroad until you're well enough to travel on your own volition.

For me, my corporate health care insurance only covers accidents abroad, not illness, and so post-COVID I've been pretty reliably purchasing at least basic insurance which includes medical. It may only be $30-40 for a weeklong trip, and that includes limited travel delay/baggage insurance (similar to what's offered on the credit card, so doubling up here). It's the trip cancellation feature that can bring the cost much higher, and with most US-originating airfares being pretty flexible I often don't see the need, and can self insure against that.

SanDiego1K

What company do you use?

HaleiwaFlyer

I am using Seven Corners Insurance for both my spouse and I. Comes out to 672.35 for the both of us; for the Wander Frequent Traveler Plus; one year plan.

Our Coverage Letter Includes:
0 dollar deductible.
Worldwide, excluding the USA.
Accidental Death and dismemberment: 25,000
Baggage Delay: 250
COVID treatment: $50,000
Medievac/Repat: 1,000,000 (separate from medical)
Medical: 1,000,000 for less than 65 years of age.
Travel Delay: up to 200.00
Trip Interruption: 5,000

You can customize the dollar amount on options also, based on your travel plans. We got it mainly for medical reasons when out of country.

Edit: I haven't filed a claim yet, so don't know how much of a hassle it is with this company.

SpaethCo

Don't forget that travel medical is on the hook to pay for your care until you get home. You can make the case that it is in the insurance company's best interest to get you home where the costs of your medical care transition back to your regular health insurance.

PuddleHopper

I have the AllTrips Premier plan, MedJet 5-year plus Amex Platinum. Never had to use any of them so can't comment on quality but I've heard great things about MedJet. Amex CS is legendary of course.

sciconf

Who provides the so called "zero coverage insurance" - sorry if my terminology is wrong!
The idea seems that whatever the CC does not cover will be covered by this ins. And it cost minimal amount. Pls correct me if I am wrong?
Who are some companies I should consider for such coverage?

TBD

If you don't mind ...
1 - Why did you chose AllTrip Premier? This includes some medical/evacuation coverage that overlaps MedJet.
2 - Why did you opt for MedJet instead of ISOS?
I'm not challenging your decisions. Just wondering as I sort through these very same options. Thanks.

Pigeon49

A friend recommended Generali, a large Italian company that gets good ratings on Forbes' review of travel insurance. My friend has used them a lot and has had at least a couple claims which they honoured. On her advice I used them twice. I just had to cancel a safari due to having emergency eye surgery. What a bloody PITA they've been in the claim process so far. My surgeon already wrote a letter which I submitted but that wasn't good enough. They also want him to waste more of his extremely valuable time to fill out a completely useless form. Of course, since he works for a large HMO getting that form to him is another bloody PITA. To add insult to injury they want the cancellation and refund policies of my safari company (no probs) and the airlines. I had 4 flights scheduled on South African. I've scoured their website and I see nothing that I can use. If I have a good day I may try calling S African but I'll have to top up my patience first. I anticipate Generali will stonewall me and refuse to cover those non-refundable tickets. I suspect all travel insurance companies are the same when it comes to ridiculous bureaucracy and poor customer relations but I will definitely try another.

TBD

I'm sure some of these companies try to just delay delay delay in hopes that you'll give up.

Requesting the cancellation policies makes sense, though. They shouldn't owe you if, for example, you get a partial refund or a credit for future use.

Generally, though, I wish it were easier to get full fare rules (after purchase). Heck, there are times when I cannot find the full fare rules before purchase. It's ridiculous.

hurnik

No, all the above sounds standard. Allianz--same. I think AIG is another I encountered the same issues, oh and the third is Berkshire Hathaway.

Anything medical, not only do they want all *your* paperwork, they typically also want the medical records from the doctor as well. Which was really fun when I had to get them from the Cruise ship after the fact (ugh).

Cancellation policies- standard

Even for a trip delay I had to get letters from the carriers (2-3 weeks wait time) stating the reason for said aircraft delay.

So I'd say pretty standard stuff.