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 The Airfarewatchdog Blog
Should you buy travel insurance directly from an airline?
Posted by George on Friday, July 11, 2008
You've probably been enticed to buy travel insurance directly from your airline or online travel agency. It seems relatively cheap and easy, but what kind of protection do you actually get? As with all things, you get what you pay for. Airline-sold policies, even if underwritten by a major travel insurer such as Access America, isn't the same thing as buying insurance directly from the travel insurer underwriting the policy. For instance, buy from the airline and you won't get protection if your airline goes belly up. And in general, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered, as the chart below shows. Sample travel insurance coverage bought directly from airlines and online travel agencies
| Source |
Underwriter |
Typical cost per ticket |
Cancel/interruption coverage
|
Covers airline default? |
Covers pre-existing condition? |
| Spirit Airlines |
Insure America |
$12 |
$300 |
no |
no |
| AirTran |
Stonebridge |
$14.99 |
$300 |
no |
no |
| Travelocity |
BerkleyCare |
$15.95 |
$500 |
no |
no |
| American Airlines |
Access America |
$18.75 |
up to $3000 |
no |
waiver at additional cost |
Buying from the source
Buying insurance directly from the travel insurance companies themselves, although more expensive, offers better protection, but there are still many exceptions and loopholes.
AIG My Travel Guard
Sample cost: $35 (approx, varies with cost of trip, age, other factors)
Cancellation/Interruption: Entire quoted trip cost
Default/Bankruptcy coverage: Yes, with upgrade
Pre-existing condition waiver: Included in upgrade
Medical expenses: Extensive, can purchase additional upgrades
Good to know: AIG sells a flight insurance policy as well, for prices more in line with what you pay via a third-party (under $20).
Contact: travelguard.com
AccessAmerica Classic with Trip Cancellation
Sample cost: $40 (approx, varies with cost of trip, age, other factors)
Cancellation/Interruption: Entire quoted trip cost
Default/Bankruptcy coverage: Yes, 7 days after policy start
Pre-existing condition waiver: Yes, with restrictions
Medical expenses: Extensive
Good to know: Access America sells a more affordable policy comparable to the third parties but with beefed up medical coverage, sample cost $22.
Contact: accessamerica.com
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It is a very good idea to shop around for coverage. Lowest cost doesn't always mean best coverage and pre-existing conditions are quite important to check out in advance.
by Rob on
Saturday, July 12, 2008
My suggestion is that you contact a reputable travel agent who is knowledgeable about travel protection insurance products. I favor TravelGuard (AIG) for my clients because of their benefits over other companies. A good travel agent will ask you questions so they can provide you with the best coverage for your needs, as most people do not know what to ask. And yes, you can purchase the insurance only, up until the day of travel. However, for maximum policy benefits, TravelGuard (AIG) has a purchase within 15 day of your deposit. Most insurance companies are only 5 days.
by Nikki Sacks on
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Thank you for sharing the information about buying insurance from the airline verses buying from a travel company like AIG. Very good info to know.
Thanks again,
Georgia Hammett
by Georgia Hammett on
Monday, August 04, 2008
I purchased the trip insurance advertised on "Elderhostel" via online, and changed my mind, in about 10 minutes. I emailed the travel insurance company in 10 minutes, and tried and tried and tried to get a canellation/refund. They were most difficult and resistant. I think Elderhostel is a good company, but their travel company - no.
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by Mariya on
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hey ur post left me quenching for more Your post really gives out useful knowledge.. thanks
by Work accident claims on
Monday, May 04, 2009
Hi ... I just stumbled upon your post.. a gud view point..
by Accident solicitors on
Monday, May 04, 2009
Travel Guard Insurance has upgraded their benefits to include coverage for job loss. Feel free to contact me with any questions on travel protection insurance, which is SO important to have.
By the way, to the editor, AIG purchased Travel Guard only 2-3 years ago. All of their insurance is still underwritten by the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA which is an active and viable company. The part of AIG that has and is causing all the financial difficulties is the financial sector and has nothing to do with Travel Guard, and many other of AIG's viable subsidiaries.
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by Ferran on
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And yes, you can purchase the insurance only, up until the day of travel. However, for maximum policy benefits, TravelGuard (AIG) has a purchase within 15 day of your deposit. Most insurance companies are only 5 days.
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