Alternative to Allianz travel insurance

[JamesGeier]

I have used Allianz for my international travel trips (Thailand, France, Spain) for the past 12 years. In my recent trip to Thailand, I had a relatively small incident that required 5 stitches in my forehead. Total cost was low (about $400 US), and I provided all hospital receipts. Now Allianz is asking for not only my airline itinerary and receipt, but also proof that the credit card used for the tickets was paid. It is getting ridiculous, and appears to be a stalling technique - every time I submit one document, another is requested. Furthermore, their operation seems to be completely offshore now - I'm not able to talk with anyone for whom English is their native language.

I'm leaving for Spain in less than two weeks to walk the Via de la Plata/Camino Sanabres and I'd like to have travel insurance.
What is a good travel insurance that is not Allianz? HTH Worldwide? Seven Corners? Others?

Thank-you and Buen Camino!
--james--

 

[trecile]

I used AXA last year, and they reimbursed me 100% for all bills I sent them from a surgery, hospital stay, and medications while I was in Portugal last year. They didn't ask for the kind of information you are talking about.

 

[Manusp]

As a Canadian Resident I use CAA (national automobile club) who have been nothing but great and easy to work with, in the US that would be AAA. When I lived in Germany I always used the German equivalent ADAC and they provided some incredible service during a major emergency.

 

[JamesGeier]

Thank-you, @Mansup. AAA in the United States uses Allianz for travel insurance. Years ago, Allianz was great and I was a spirited advocate of their service, even citing good experiences on this forum. My recent experiences suggest however, that Allianz is not what it used to be, and far worse than I expected. For example, when I was injured in Thailand last December, I called them, and their answer was when you get home, submit a claim using the web site. Almost "don't bother us." This was in great contrast to my using them in 2016 in Spain when they went out of their way to see what help I needed, even calling me to make sure I was all right after getting treatment. And in Thailand in 2012, it was a similar good experience. No longer.

So I'm looking for alternatives. So far, it seems that AXA and HTH Worldwide are leading after searching this forum and general internet searches.

 

[peregrina2000]

I'm leaving for Spain in less than two weeks to walk the Via de la Plata/Camino Sanabres and I'd like to have travel insurance.

This question is very country-specific, and what I have to say is based exclusively on the US, which is also where @JamesGeier ’s question comes from. I use GeoBlue, but have never had to file a claim. I will say that their customer service has been excellent, but that doesn’t guarantee that their service will be excellent once I switch from person buying to person filing a claim. In any case, take a look at this thread. For me what was most important was high evacuation coverage, good reviews elsewhere, and a medical coverage limit that would be hard to exceed based on what I know about Spanish and Portuguese health care costs.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Thank-you, @Mansup. AAA in the United States uses Allianz for travel insurance. Years ago, Allianz was great and I was a spirited advocate of their service, even citing good experiences on this forum. My recent experiences suggest however, that Allianz is not what it used to be, and far worse than I expected. For example, when I was injured in Thailand last December, I called them, and their answer was when you get home, submit a claim using the web site. Almost "don't bother us." This was in great contrast to my using them in 2016 in Spain when they went out of their way to see what help I needed, even calling me to make sure I was all right after getting treatment. And in Thailand in 2012, it was a similar good experience. No longer.

So I'm looking for alternatives. So far, it seems that AXA and HTH Worldwide are leading after searching this forum and general internet searches.

I suspect that their lack of service is associated with their "free" credit card coverage. I have also had a very bad experience with them using credit card associated travel insurance while some others on here swear by them. Allianz via AAA may be better, who knows.

They seem to operate out of a call centre in the Philippines.

 

[Mananath]

I have been using Seven Corners but never filed a claim. Ultimately you need to hear from people who have filed claims. Most of the positive reviews for travel insurance companies are from people who never filed a claim. I stopped using World Nomads after a frustrating claims process.

 

[BigT]

Just IMHO:
Avoid Allianz , at least in USA .
Key point is that when you file a claim you become a "cost" and you can never supply enough information. This we know from personal experience. They still owe us over $1,000 US, and we had impeccable documentation.
The Allianz motto seems to be
"Just say no".
On the flip side, when we had to suddenly depart from Muxia on March 11, 2020 and return to the USA 4 weeks early, it took one phone call, a please could you, and GeoBlue refunded our unused health insurance premiums within a week. GeoBlue is health insurance, not travel insurance.
There is a big difference.

 

[Flirish]

I had a similar issue with Allianz payment delays last May from a 10 day Covid layover at the end of our post-Camino trip in Germany. It took me several months of waiting, with phone calls and follow up receipts that were not relevant to the claim (I.e. requiring the original airline receipt regardless of the fact that Lufthansa made the change at no charge and wasn’t in our claim request).

However, they DID pay in full for all our covered expenses. I haven’t found another company that offers an Annual Travel policy like Allianz so I will likely use them again for our August Camino.

I think the delays are from not staffing properly, new staff just following a checklist with no real analysis, and they believe a certain amount of people will get frustrated and not follow up on their claims. If I have a claim again, I will send more information and receipts than I think they need to potentially avoid follow up questions.

 

[Eddiebee]

I have used Allianz for my international travel trips (Thailand, France, Spain) for the past 12 years. In my recent trip to Thailand, I had a relatively small incident that required 5 stitches in my forehead. Total cost was low (about $400 US), and I provided all hospital receipts. Now Allianz is asking for not only my airline itinerary and receipt, but also proof that the credit card used for the tickets was paid. It is getting ridiculous, and appears to be a stalling technique - every time I submit one document, another is requested. Furthermore, their operation seems to be completely offshore now - I'm not able to talk with anyone for whom English is their native language.

I'm leaving for Spain in less than two weeks to walk the Via de la Plata/Camino Sanabres and I'd like to have travel insurance.
What is a good travel insurance that is not Allianz? HTH Worldwide? Seven Corners? Others?

Thank-you and Buen Camino!
--james--

I have my medicare advantage plan with United Healthcare, so when I went to Spain I checked with them. They have a good and easy to use website and the price was reasonable. I had no claim but since they are my local insurer I felt safe.

 

[lt56ny]

I do not know if you can get it in the United States but I use Mapfre Insurance. I live in Mexico. I get their best coverage for 2 months and it costs me about $250US. I am 69 years old. I have had to use it on two caminos. Once I had a case of bronchial spasms which required 3 visits to clinics for oxygen plus steriods and inhalers. The other time I had a misdiagnosed problem with my severe stomach issues on the VDLP. That time I had to visit 2 clinics that were no help and then I spent almost a day in the hospital in Merida where a young and wonderful doctor said I wasn't going to leave until he figured out my issue. I had 4 different tests run on me plus bloodwork. He figured it out.
Each hospital or clinic I went in I showed my Mapfre policy. The receptionists took a photo copy of it and handed it back. I signed a paper when I left and that was it. My prescriptions I paid for. I got a receipt for them and when I returned to Mexico I gave the receipts to the agent who sold the policy to me and about 4 weeks later I would have a credit on my credit card bill for the cost of the prescriptions from Mapfre. No hassle, no phone calls, no questions and no denied service. Couldn't be better.

 

[Lynn C O'Hara]

I have been using Seven Corners but never filed a claim. Ultimately you need to hear from people who have filed claims. Most of the positive reviews for travel insurance companies are from people who never filed a claim. I stopped using World Nomads after a frustrating claims process.

I did use Seven Corners (the insuring company I used through them was John Hancock) a couple of years ago. When Covid restrictions caused me to cancel my trip, I was able to get refunds from the airline on my own, so I asked John Hancock if they would allow me to instead use my policy the following year’s trip. They agreed. And then other circumstances forced me to cancel last year. I had purchased “cancel for any reason “ insurance (trip, medical, evacuation) and was not able to get a refund for a short Iberia flight. Iberia was not cooperative in showing I had indeed canceled my reservation ( they vacillated between I took the flight and I didn’t show up), so I couldn’t get reimbursed for it. I asked for the cost of my travel insurance to be reimbursed instead ( to extend it for another year would have cost triple the cost of the policy) and they agreed.

Was it hassle free? No. But after sending credit card statements showing I bought the ticket and proof I was still in the US at the time of the flight, they accepted that documentation that I hadn’t begun my policy yet. Reimbursement of the unused policy was about $20 less than the ticket they wouldn’t reimburse.

I was going to use Allianz again, but after hearing your story, I’ll have to do more research myself.

 

[ronhenry2]

I have used Allianz for my international travel trips (Thailand, France, Spain) for the past 12 years. In my recent trip to Thailand, I had a relatively small incident that required 5 stitches in my forehead. Total cost was low (about $400 US), and I provided all hospital receipts. Now Allianz is asking for not only my airline itinerary and receipt, but also proof that the credit card used for the tickets was paid. It is getting ridiculous, and appears to be a stalling technique - every time I submit one document, another is requested. Furthermore, their operation seems to be completely offshore now - I'm not able to talk with anyone for whom English is their native language.

I'm leaving for Spain in less than two weeks to walk the Via de la Plata/Camino Sanabres and I'd like to have travel insurance.
What is a good travel insurance that is not Allianz? HTH Worldwide? Seven Corners? Others?

Thank-you and Buen Camino!
--james--

I'm sorry to hear this--for your sake. And regrettably I bought Allianz for my Camino this coming May. Years ago I had a good experience with Allianz. They must have changed. I noticed that Forbes has recommendations for this kind of coverage. I looked at several of their recommendations and they were much more expensive than Allianz. You might check out Forbes.

 

[HikingGeo]

I have responded to previous similar posts and will do so again here. I have used Squaremouth.com to obtain travel insurance for multiple international trips. They are not an insurer but rather a site that allows you to compare a number of travel insurance companies after entering your specific insurance needs. You will receive specific quotes as well as user ratings. In 2019, my wife ended up being hospitalized in Switzerland. The company I had selected (IMG iTravelInsured) ended up paying more than $12,000 and left me out of pocket for only $446 of the claim. There was a $1,000 cap on my extra lodging and rental car expenses and that is where the $446 came from. They paid the full 10 day hospital bill, the ambulance bill and the airline change fees for both of us. I was very diligent in communicating with the company from the beginning as well as in obtaining full documentation for everything I planned to claim. That is much easier to do while you are still there that it would be after returning home. As a note, I did make a small claim ($350 or so) on a domestic trip a number of years with Allianz. It was eventually fully paid, but I do remember difficulty in satisfying them with medical information from the treating physician.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

We filed a reimbursement claim with Seven Corners eight years ago. Incredibly easy. But things do change as you found out.

 

[TrvlDad1]

I currently buy the annual GeoBlue policy, the enhanced one that runs about $200 per year. They have an older age limit for coverage. Fortunately, I’ve never had to file a claim with them.
I previously had a United policy supplemental to my employer policy and after months of providing documentation about a simple slip & fall laceration, I gave up when they insisted on the clinics complete medical file, which did not exist as they do in the U.S.

 

[Denis1]

I have used Allianz for my international travel trips (Thailand, France, Spain) for the past 12 years. In my recent trip to Thailand, I had a relatively small incident that required 5 stitches in my forehead. Total cost was low (about $400 US), and I provided all hospital receipts. Now Allianz is asking for not only my airline itinerary and receipt, but also proof that the credit card used for the tickets was paid. It is getting ridiculous, and appears to be a stalling technique - every time I submit one document, another is requested. Furthermore, their operation seems to be completely offshore now - I'm not able to talk with anyone for whom English is their native language.

I'm leaving for Spain in less than two weeks to walk the Via de la Plata/Camino Sanabres and I'd like to have travel insurance.
What is a good travel insurance that is not Allianz? HTH Worldwide? Seven Corners? Others?

Thank-you and Buen Camino!
--james--

Something to consider on the Evac insurance is where they will deliver you. Some take you only to the closest Hospital in you country. So for U.S. residents that could be Miami even if you live in Seattle, etc.

 

[HED]

Travel Guard

Travel Insurance | Get a Quote and Buy | Travel Guard

Travel insurance plans from Travel Guard can cover trip cancellation, travel health insurance, and more. Compare our trip insurance plans or get a quote today!

www.travelguard.com

 

[trecile]

Travel Guard

Travel Insurance | Get a Quote and Buy | Travel Guard

Travel insurance plans from Travel Guard can cover trip cancellation, travel health insurance, and more. Compare our trip insurance plans or get a quote today!

www.travelguard.com

Have you made a claim with this company?

 

[JohnRRogers]

I just signed up for Geo Blue through Square mouth for an annual policy for my wife and I. I’m 66 and she is 63. $250 annual.

 

[Pilgrims3]

Allianz is the worst. Back in July our United Flights to Spain were cancelled at the gate. We were lucky enough to find replacement flights on Air France departing two days later. The additional flight cost was
$1,800.00 each. We filed a claim when we returnd home and after four months of stalling by Allianz they refused to pay because the flight was cancelled due to mechanical break down. It was our AAA agent that sold us the Allianz policy telling us Allianz provided the most comprehensive policy available. Mechanical breakdown is the # 2 reasons flights are cancelled. Before you buy travel insurance policy do a search on "Squaremouth" you will find that many other travel insurers cover mechanical break down and have better polices for less cost the Allianz. On Squaremouth you can read the plicy details. We will never buy another travel insurance policy from Allianz or AAA.

 

[snuz55]

Somebody else recommended IMG insurance to me and they are in the international travel business. They seem to have competitive rates to Allianz. I have not used but probably will when I head out to do the Portuguese Camino this April. I see someone else has also recommended. I provided a link below. Good luck!

Travel Insurance & International Travel Medical Plans - IMG

View all IMG travel insurance, travel medical insurance, international health insurance, & trip insurance plans.

www.imglobal.com

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I do not know if you can get it in the United States but I use Mapfre Insurance

They seem to only offer their policies to Latin American countries.

 

[trecile]

Allianz is the worst. Back in July our United Flights to Spain were cancelled at the gate. We were lucky enough to find replacement flights on Air France departing two days later. The additional flight cost was
$1,800.00 each.

The airline should have sorted your replacement flights - why didn't this happen?

 

[Pilgrims3]

By the way I am a seasoned traveler averaging 30 flights a year. We looked at all possible alternatives.The first available flight that United could get us out on was 5 days later. Since our hike was booked with Mac's adventures starting on a specific date there was no way we could make that work. By the way I would avoid Mac's Adventures at all costs and that's an another regrettable experience I will post at a later date.

 

[trecile]

By the way I am a seasoned traveler averaging 30 flights a year. We looked at all possible alternatives.The first available flight that United could get us out on was 5 days later. Since our hike was booked with Mac's adventures starting on a specific date there was no way we could make that work.

That makes sense that you would have to find an alternative yourself.

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

They seem to only offer their policies to Latin American countries.

Just checked--they cover Spain and Portugal as well, though their site isn't the clearest.

MAPFRE RE in the world - MAPFRE RE Reinsurer

MAPFRE RE reinsurer has presence in 17 countries thorought the world and has business in more than 100 countries.

www.mapfrere.com

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Just checked--they cover Spain and Portugal as well, though their site isn't the clearest.

MAPFRE RE in the world - MAPFRE RE Reinsurer

MAPFRE RE reinsurer has presence in 17 countries thorought the world and has business in more than 100 countries.

www.mapfrere.com

I guess that I wasn't clear that they seem to only sell to residents of Latin American countries, they may well offer world coverage. Or are you saying that they also sell their policies to Spanish and Portuguese residents?

 

[lt56ny]

They seem to only offer their policies to Latin American countries.

Thanks for the information.

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

I guess that I wasn't clear that they seem to only sell to residents of Latin American countries, they may well offer world coverage. Or are you saying that they also sell their policies to Spanish and Portuguese residents?

That's what I was suggesting. But when you look at their map, there are service locations indicated in east Asia, North America, and Europe as well as Latin America. Sadly, not in New Zealand or Australia.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I went to the mapfre travel insurance webpage and saw next to nothing but when I clicked on an menu item labeled "insurance" it showed several kinds but not travel. I suspect that the site sees where you are and only presents you with a travel insurance option if it is available in your country.

Travel insurance - MAPFRE Insurance

MAPFRE Insurance offers affordable, quality travel insurance to cover many unforeseen expenses for both international and domestic travels. Find more here.

www.mapfreinsurance.com

 

[JamesGeier]

Thank-you everyone for your replies and information. I'm sorry to hear that Allianz has fallen short of expectations for not only me, but for others, as well. Once they were great.

I am leaving for Spain in 10 days. I decided to use AXA for my travel insurance. Partly from the comments here, and partly because of my limited but positive experience with AXA about 18 months ago. When Thailand and other countries were opening up after the lockdowns and restrictions, to travel to Thailand, there were a series of requirements and approval to get. One of the requirements was proof of travel insurance that included covid coverage. They provided a list of approved travel insurance companies, and Allianz was not on the list. So I went with AXA rather than use a Thailand-based company of which I had no knowledge. This past winter, for my most recent yoga-focused trip to Thailand, I went back to using Allianz, and subsequently learned that they are not the company of past.

This forum was so helpful when I was planning my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances, and again when I planned my second. I thank you all for such thoughtful information.

So now it is onward Los Angeles to Atlanta to Madrid, then train to Seville, and a long walk up the Via de la Plata and Camino Sanabres to Santiago de Compostela. Ultreia!

Buen Camino,
--james--

P.S. I'm from southern California, USA. I'll be walking with my friend Tom from Sydney, Australia whom I met at a yoga studio in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I'll be updating my blog from time to time, maybe daily: https://jamesgeiercamino.wordpress.com/. Right now it still shows the title "Tenth Winter in Chiang Mai" which will be updated to "Return to the Camino" in the next few days.

 

[hikermomma04]

I currently buy the annual GeoBlue policy, the enhanced one that runs about $200 per year. They have an older age limit for coverage. Fortunately, I’ve never had to file a claim with them.
I previously had a United policy supplemental to my employer policy and after months of providing documentation about a simple slip & fall laceration, I gave up when they insisted on the clinics complete medical file, which did not exist as they do in the U.S.

I use GeoBlue also. They’re much more reasonably priced than most. I was bitten by a monkey in Tanzania, and they paid for my rabies vaccination quickly and in full.

 

[peregrina2000]

I use GeoBlue also. They’re much more reasonably priced than most. I was bitten by a monkey in Tanzania, and they paid for my rabies vaccination quickly and in full.

Good to hear the actual experience of someone who has used GeoBlue. I have stuck with their annual policy for several years now and have never had to file a claim, but knowing that you have and that you were pleased gives peace of mind.

 

[hikinggirl]

By the way I am a seasoned traveler averaging 30 flights a year. We looked at all possible alternatives.The first available flight that United could get us out on was 5 days later. Since our hike was booked with Mac's adventures starting on a specific date there was no way we could make that work. By the way I would avoid Mac's Adventures at all costs and that's an another regrettable experience I will post at a later date.

Hi. We are using Macs in September. Is there any way you can tell me your experience? Thank you.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Thanks for the very timely topic and advice. I just purchased Seven Corners from Square Mouth for my trip this fall for the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago. Good ratings, comprehensive coverage. I like the fact that their medical insurance is "primary", there is emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage lost, baggage delay - all items I hope will be unnecessary, but good peace of mind. Bob

 

[trecile]

I like the fact that their medical insurance is "primary",

That's one of the reasons that I chose the AXA plan last year.

 

[Pilgrims3]

Pay close attention to fine print in the policy for both trip cancellation and trip delay. if you buying policy to cover the losses make sure you are covered for "mechanical breakdown of a travel supplier"
Instead of reading the fine print in the Allianz policy we bought it based on the recommendation of our travel agent at AAA. Travel agents must earn a sizable commission for selling these worthless polices.

 

[WGroleau]

What is a good travel insurance that is not Allianz? HTH Worldwide? Seven Corners? Others?

I've never made a travel insurance claim, but I spent US$ 53 per year for a policy that seemed pretty good in terms of coverage. It was from a company that insures churches and was designed for missionaries, but they had no objection to selling it to me (and they never sent me spam, neither proselytizing nor advertising). They do offer a shorter term than a year. It had a rule that I had to return to USA at least once in 180 days. They had a policy without that rule, but it cost over five hundred dollars.

You didn't say what country you're from. I suspect this plan is not available to non-USA folks (but I don't know). Allianz is German.

I see that the price is a little higher now: https://www.faithventures.com/compare-plans/

 

[WGroleau]

I heard good things about "World Nomads" but I found it amusingly ironic that a company with that name would not sell to someone who was actually a nomad. When I retired, I sold me house and was homeless by choice while I wandered through dozen of countries for five years. "World Nomads" said they could not insure me unless I tell them my permanent US address and my exact return date!

 

[JerryStroebele]

A year ago I tested positive before my flight home to the US from Madrid. I had to "self isolate" in Madrid for 11 days. I rented a studio Airbnb and changed my ticket home (+$900). I had the high end medical coverage with Travel Insured International. My total extra costs were $2300. I filed a claim in June and received a check for the full amount in November. I also had Allianz insurance for a different flight, in the US, which was canceled on Christmas Day. My extra costs for hotels was a little over $300. Allianz paid the full amount in just a few weeks. Buen Camino

 

[007]

I booked our insurance for our upcoming Camino and a recent Mexico trip with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. The costs were very competitive and the reviews have been good. Fortunately I haven't had a reason for a claim so no personal experience on that side of the transaction.

 

[NorthernLight]

Does anyone know what the average cost of a night in hospital in Spain would be?

I’m looking for an insurance package would cover me in the event I was hit by a bus or had some other extreme injury. I don’t care about all the ‘little’ expenses these companies cover … if my bag is stolen it’s not catastrophic … but I’m looking at the amount of coverage offered and wondering, for example, “do I really need 2 million dollars coverage for evacuation, when a helicopter ride to the hospital is likely a couple thousand?”

 

[peregrina2000]

I’m looking for an insurance package would cover me in the event I was hit by a bus or had some other extreme injury.

I think that any travel plan with $50,000 coverage for medical expenses would likely be enough. I have lived in Portugal and Spain for several one year stints, and my husband’s cardiac condition was an ongoing medical cost, along with several other issues. He was hospitalized twice. Though our insurance covered these expenses, we had to pay and then file, and we never got anywhere near to the amount that I now have for travel emergencies.

do I really need 2 million dollars coverage for evacuation, when a helicopter ride to the hospital is likely a couple thousand?”

The evacuation expenses I am more concerned about would be from Spain/Portugal to the US, in the case of something really catastrophic. $2 million seems excessive, but my policy has $500,000, I believe. Along the same lines, I have also made sure that my medical travel insurance would cover repatriation of my remains if necessary. Kind of morbid, and not something that I think about or worry about on the camino, but it could happen.

 

[NorthernLight]

Along the same lines, I have also made sure that my medical travel insurance would cover repatriation of my remains if necessary. Kind of morbid, and not something that I think about or worry about on the camino, but it could happen.

I have a life insurance policy that will more than cover the cost for cremation and some lucky family member to fly over and retrieve me. I hope they go for a walk while they are at it.

Thanks!

 

[Texas Walker]

I have used Allianz for my international travel trips (Thailand, France, Spain) for the past 12 years. In my recent trip to Thailand, I had a relatively small incident that required 5 stitches in my forehead. Total cost was low (about $400 US), and I provided all hospital receipts. Now Allianz is asking for not only my airline itinerary and receipt, but also proof that the credit card used for the tickets was paid. It is getting ridiculous, and appears to be a stalling technique - every time I submit one document, another is requested. Furthermore, their operation seems to be completely offshore now - I'm not able to talk with anyone for whom English is their native language.

I'm leaving for Spain in less than two weeks to walk the Via de la Plata/Camino Sanabres and I'd like to have travel insurance.
What is a good travel insurance that is not Allianz? HTH Worldwide? Seven Corners? Others?

Thank-you and Buen Camino!
--james--

Have you checked to see if your credit card already does a travel insurance as one of their benefits? Mine does, so I no longer buy a separate trip insurance policy.

 

[Texas Walker]

They seem to only offer their policies to Latin American countries.

I remember seeing Mapfre ads and (I think) offices in Spain. I don't remember seeing any in the US. Perhaps there is a regulatory reason.

 

[trecile]

I have a life insurance policy that will more than cover the cost for cremation and some lucky family member to fly over and retrieve me. I hope they go for a walk while they are at it.

Thanks!

Hmm, sounds like the plot for a movie.

Have you checked to see if your credit card already does a travel insurance as one of their benefits? Mine does, so I no longer buy a separate trip insurance policy.

Make sure to read what the policy covers, especially for medical expenses

 

[NorthernLight]

Have you checked to see if your credit card already does a travel insurance as one of their benefits? Mine does, so I no longer buy a separate trip insurance policy.

Check also that their coverage extends to your entire trip duration. I get 15 days with my cc. In the past, I’ve called them directly to a) get a phone number to be called in case of said emergency and b), to purchase coverage for the balance of the days I’d be away.

 

[MARSKA]

I'd like to hear more on this subject to cover several upcoming trips - the USA in June, Spain in Sept/Oct, and US again in Nov. Thinking about annual coverage.
I'd like to find coverage for actual travel (flight interrupts, etc), car rental insurance, and medical (esp. evacuation). I almost got looped into Allianz this morning- glad I read this thread first.

 

[Former member 107885]

I'd like to hear more on this subject to cover several upcoming trips - the USA in June, Spain in Sept/Oct, and US again in Nov. Thinking about annual coverage.
I'd like to find coverage for actual travel (flight interrupts, etc), car rental insurance, and medical (esp. evacuation). I almost got looped into Allianz this morning- glad I read this thread first.

In my view medical will always be the most important and should drive any decision! Not saying other factors are not important. It’s a real minefield that I was oblivious too for many year!

 

[Irenie]

Thank-you, @Mansup. AAA in the United States uses Allianz for travel insurance. Years ago, Allianz was great and I was a spirited advocate of their service, even citing good experiences on this forum. My recent experiences suggest however, that Allianz is not what it used to be, and far worse than I expected. For example, when I was injured in Thailand last December, I called them, and their answer was when you get home, submit a claim using the web site. Almost "don't bother us." This was in great contrast to my using them in 2016 in Spain when they went out of their way to see what help I needed, even calling me to make sure I was all right after getting treatment. And in Thailand in 2012, it was a similar good experience. No longer.

So I'm looking for alternatives. So far, it seems that AXA and HTH Worldwide are leading after searching this forum and general internet searches.

I just purchased my ticket to Portugal and have aged out of the airline insurance. I’ve used Allianz in the past and have made claims twice. And once when I called from Spain with a problem, they called several times to check on me, while I was on the Camino, even though I didn’t make a claim. But the last time, during the Pandemic when I canceled for a documented medical problem, it took hours of my time and a lot of duplicate documentation to get just $1,000 back. Now i want coverage only for about $2,000 or less and because I’m 76, it’s more expensive and some others won’t cover me. Any ideas?

 

[Former member 107885]

I just purchased my ticket to Portugal and have aged out of the airline insurance. I’ve used Allianz in the past and have made claims twice. And once when I called from Spain with a problem, they called several times to check on me, while I was on the Camino, even though I didn’t make a claim. But the last time, during the Pandemic when I canceled for a documented medical problem, it took hours of my time and a lot of duplicate documentation to get just $1,000 back. Now i want coverage only for about $2,000 or less and because I’m 76, it’s more expensive and some others won’t cover me. Any ideas?

You just want coverage for your airline fare nothing else?

 

[Irenie]

You just want coverage for your airline fare nothing else?

Airfare and also I’m volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in Porto and it’s about $1500. So in case I can’t go it would be good to have that covered.

 

[Former member 107885]

Airfare and also I’m volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in Porto and it’s about $1500. So in case I can’t go it would be good to have that covered.

No medical coverage? Sorry I am confused! That said I am from Uk so can’t offer any advice.

 

[Irenie]

No medical coverage? Sorry I am confused! That said I am from Uk so can’t offer any advice.

Sorry for any confusion. Most policies include medical, so I was mainly looking for a policy that covers medical and my costs paid before I leave like airfare and any other prepaid costs.

 

[Former member 107885]

Sorry for any confusion. Most policies include medical, so I was mainly looking for a policy that covers medical and my costs paid before I leave like airfare and any other prepaid costs.

Sorry, my fault. This sounds very specific to USA folks/market so I won’t get involved!!

 

[Atlas Traveler]

I just purchased my ticket to Portugal and have aged out of the airline insurance. I’ve used Allianz in the past and have made claims twice. And once when I called from Spain with a problem, they called several times to check on me, while I was on the Camino, even though I didn’t make a claim. But the last time, during the Pandemic when I canceled for a documented medical problem, it took hours of my time and a lot of duplicate documentation to get just $1,000 back. Now i want coverage only for about $2,000 or less and because I’m 76, it’s more expensive and some others won’t cover me. Any ideas?

Hi Irenie - I was in a similar situation regarding a travel insurance claim like you and I ended up frustrated and angry on how I was being treated. So now, I don't buy insurance without speaking to someone first and if I need to file a claim, then I want to be able to speak with the same person I bought the policy. I recommend you do the same as well. You are a the customer and you should be treated like so. In the past, when I purchased travel insurance online and had to file a claim, I had to explain my issue each time I contacted the insurance carrier and no one seemed to care. Now I have a relationship with an insurance agent and she values me and is informed of my trips and insurance coverage. If you need an insurance agent, then please let me know and I will share my agent's contact info. She is awesome!

 

[JamesGeier]

To close the loop on my problem with Allianz travel insurance from my trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand last winter: I received yet another inquiry asking for proof of payment for my medical bills. I was in Spain walking the Via de la Plata (with travel insurance from AXA), so there was a delay. I called Allianz when I returned home. I told them for the third or fourth time that the bills are clearly marked as PAID in red and I had paid in cash. They then asked me how I got the cash, did I have ATM receipts or other proof of how I got the cash? I kind of lost it then. I told them that it was clear that they did not want to pay the claim, so they should just cancel it and I will never use Allianz again - I will NEVER use Allianz again.

 

[trecile]

To close the loop on my problem with Allianz travel insurance from my trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand last winter: I received yet another inquiry asking for proof of payment for my medical bills. I was in Spain walking the Via de la Plata (with travel insurance from AXA), so there was a delay. I called Allianz when I returned home. I told them for the third or fourth time that the bills are clearly marked as PAID in red and I had paid in cash. They then asked me how I got the cash, did I have ATM receipts or other proof of how I got the cash? I kind of lost it then. I told them that it was clear that they did not want to pay the claim, so they should just cancel it and I will never use Allianz again - I will NEVER use Allianz again.

That's absolutely ridiculous! Why does it matter how you paid, or where the money came from. The bill was marked PAID!
If you are on Twitter I would post there about this.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

To close the loop on my problem with Allianz travel insurance from my trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand last winter: I received yet another inquiry asking for proof of payment for my medical bills. I was in Spain walking the Via de la Plata (with travel insurance from AXA), so there was a delay. I called Allianz when I returned home. I told them for the third or fourth time that the bills are clearly marked as PAID in red and I had paid in cash. They then asked me how I got the cash, did I have ATM receipts or other proof of how I got the cash? I kind of lost it then. I told them that it was clear that they did not want to pay the claim, so they should just cancel it and I will never use Allianz again - I will NEVER use Allianz again.

I gave up on them when one of their staff phoned the hospital where I was a patient and claimed to be my wife so that she could check up on me by talking to my doctor.