medibank travel insurance delay

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Trip Delay Insurance Explained

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Table of Contents

What is trip delay insurance?

What does trip delay insurance cover, trip delay insurance via credit card, trip delay coverage via travel insurance, trip delay insurance recapped.

Despite what many travelers may believe, there is no federal law in the U.S. requiring airlines to provide passengers with compensation for a delayed flight. Even if an airline’s policy is to provide meals or lodging, it will rarely do so if the delay is due to weather or another factor it considers beyond its control.

Fortunately, many premium credit cards and travel insurance providers offer trip delay insurance, which can cover expenses like overnight accommodation and meals if your flight is significantly delayed.

Here's how trip delay insurance works and where you can get it.

Trip delay insurance is protection against additional expenses you incur when your travel booked on a common carrier is delayed. Common carriers include airlines, ferry operators, passenger railroads and long-distance bus service.

However, not every delay is eligible for coverage under trip delay insurance. The policy’s terms will specify the length of the delay required before coverage kicks in, but many policies require a minimum delay of six to 12 hours — or an overnight stay.

Trip delay insurance offered by credit cards is generally considered secondary to other coverage you might receive, meaning that if your airline provides you with a hotel room or meals, you wouldn't be able to claim those things under your credit card’s trip delay insurance.

» Learn more: How do travel insurance claims work?

Trip delay insurance policies differ, but typically they cover reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred due to a travel delay. Unlike airlines’ policies which cover delays under their control only, trip delay insurance also covers delays due to weather or other unforeseen events. Coverage is typically limited to a specific dollar amount per day or per trip.

Purchases that are often covered under trip delay insurance include:

Medication.

Toiletries.

Transportation to and from your hotel.

Other personal use items.

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

Many travelers already have trip delay insurance and don’t even know it. Check your credit card’s benefits to see if you’re already covered. Here are the policies and limits for those who hold certain American Express or Chase travel cards .

American Express

American Express offers trip delay insurance with most of its premium cards, including Centurion cards, Platinum cards, Gold cards and its high-tier co-branded hotel and airline credit cards. Here are some American Express travel cards that include trip delay insurance:

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

American Express® Gold Card .

American Express® Green Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card .

Terms apply.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit Travel and Retail American Express Card Benefits | Amex for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

American Express also includes trip delay protection on small-business, co-branded and corporate varieties of the above cards.

To be eligible for coverage, you must do the following:

Pay for your travel with your eligible American Express card.

Book a trip that starts and ends in the same city and is no longer than 365 days.

If you use points, certificates or vouchers, the cash component of the ticket must be paid for using your eligible card.

AmEx trip delay insurance also provides coverage for the cardholder’s family members and traveling companions when their travel is also booked using the cardholder’s eligible American Express card.

Coverage kicks in when your trip is delayed more than six hours. Eligible reimbursements include meals, lodging, toiletries, medication and other personal use items.

Chase offers trip delay reimbursement on its premium Sapphire credit cards and several of its high-tier co-branded credit cards.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include trip delay insurance.

on Chase's website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 12 hours.

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

Additional Chase cards with trip delay insurance include:

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card .

United Club℠ Business Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

World of Hyatt Credit Card .

To be eligible for coverage, you must purchase your common carrier tickets with an eligible Chase card or with rewards earned on an eligible Chase card. Coverage is extended to the cardholder, their spouse or domestic partner and any dependent children younger than 22.

Unlike AmEx, Chase’s coverage doesn’t require travel to start and end in the same location, but your trip must still be shorter than 365 days.

You are eligible to claim reimbursement for expenses if your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay. Chase will reimburse for reasonable expenses including meals, lodging, toiletries, medication and other personal use items.

Chase trip delay reimbursement coverage is limited to $500 per covered trip.

» Learn more: What you need to know about Chase’s trip delay insurance

If the credit card you booked your trip with doesn’t offer trip delay protection or if you need additional coverage, you can purchase it as part of a travel insurance package.

Who is covered, what is covered and coverage amounts vary by plan and issuer. Also, not all travel insurance providers offer trip delay insurance, so be sure to review coverage details before making a purchase.

Here are three providers that offer travel insurance including trip delay protection.

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz offers travel delay protection as part of many of its travel insurance packages. For example, the OneTrip Prime package includes coverage for expenses up to $800 per trip ($200 per day) and is effective once your trip is delayed by five hours or more.

Allianz coverage can also reimburse expenses if you miss your cruise or tour due to a covered delay. In addition to single-trip packages, Allianz offers annual travel insurance for the frequent traveler.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to Allianz travel insurance

Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway offers per-trip insurance packages that include trip cancellation and interruption insurance , medical expense reimbursement , evacuation insurance and travel delay coverage.

Berkshire’s ExactCare Value plan includes $500 of travel delay insurance, but for those needing more protection, the ExactCare Extra plan provides up to $1,000 of protection.

You may have seen Travelex currency exchange counters at major airports, but the company also provides travel insurance. All of Travelex’s travel insurance plans include trip delay protection, starting with $500 of coverage for the Travel Basic plan and going up to $2,000 for the Travel Select and Travel America plans.

You can also shop for providers and compare coverage plans with travel insurance search engines like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth .

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If your travel insurance policy includes trip delay coverage, then yes, you are eligible for compensation for expenses up to a certain amount accrued when your travel on a common carrier is delayed.

Generally, travel on a common carrier must be delayed by at least six hours before coverage kicks in.

Most trip delay policies cover necessary expenses incurred during the delay. Covered expenses generally include meals, lodging, toiletries, transportation and other personal items.

Trip interruption insurance differs from trip delay insurance in that it covers expenses incurred post-departure. Should you miss or be unable to complete a portion of your trip after initial departure, you'll be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable expenses and may be eligible for reimbursement of additional costs like hotel nights and flights home.

Trip interruption insurance

differs from trip delay insurance in that it covers expenses incurred post-departure. Should you miss or be unable to complete a portion of your trip after initial departure, you'll be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable expenses and may be eligible for reimbursement of additional costs like hotel nights and flights home.

Unexpected delays can happen to anyone when traveling. Understanding what trip protection benefits are available to you will save you stress and money in case you encounter a lengthy travel delay.

If you hold one of the many premium credit cards that offer trip delay insurance, take a moment to read your card’s terms and conditions to understand what coverage you have. If not, you can still access trip delay benefits by purchasing a standalone travel insurance policy.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

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.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Compare Travel Insurance

Medibank Travel Insurance has been helping protect Aussie travellers for over 10 years.

Plus, if you’re a Medibank or ahm health member you’ll save 15%

Choose from our range of travel cover options

Simply decide what you want to have cover for, select your inclusions, and enjoy a relaxing trip knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.

International Comprehensive

Cover for medical and dental emergencies, plus inclusions for unforeseen cancellations and valuables like laptops and cameras.

• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Choice of policy excess levels
• Cover for children 1
• 21 day cooling off period 2
• Cover for some existing medical conditions 3

International Medical only

Cover for medical and dental emergencies while you’re overseas.

Domestic Travel Insurance

Cover for cancellations, amendments and delays, plus up to $5,000 towards any rental car insurance excess for rental car damage or theft.

Multi-award winning travel insurance

We're proud to be winners of Mozo's Experts Choice awards in 2022 & 2023 and Canstar's 2023 Most Satisfied Customer - Travel Insurance award.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Benefits and inclusions

Whether you're planning a trip within Australia, or heading overseas, our COVID-19 travel insurance benefits can help you relax and enjoy your much needed break. 

More than one trip a year?

A Medibank Annual Multi-Trip policy is great if you’re away from home a lot. It gives you comprehensive cover for every international trip you take within a year, up to the duration you’ve selected.

24/7 emergency assistance

Our team of experienced doctors, nurses, travel consultants and case managers are here for you, 24/7.

If you need help finding appropriate medical treatment or you need to be medically evacuated, replacing lost travel documents or credit cards, our emergency assist team will help you out.

If you need emergency assistance please call +61 2 8907 5672

All Medibank Travel Insurance policies include

Australian based team to help with medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage around the clock.

Choice of policy excess level

Lower the cost of your policy by selecting the excess level you wish to pay when making a claim.

Free cover for children

Cover for accompanying children or grandchildren under 21¹

Inclusions and annual limits

See table below for a list of inclusions and annual limits across our available travel insurance policies.

21 day cooling off period:  Receive a full refund if you change your mind within 21 days of the date of purchase, as long as you’ve not yet made a claim or departed on your journey. 

Planning bigger adventures?

Medibank Travel Insurance lets you add cover for additional scenarios. So if you're hitting the slopes or cruising the open road, we'll have your back.

Extra luggage limits

Increased cover for luggage and personal items of value.

Add winter sports

Cover for activities like skiing, snowboarding or sledding.

Add Cruise Cover

Cruise Cover is mandatory if you're travelling on a multi-night sea or ocean cruise. 9

Add Motorcycle/Moped

Cover for motorcycle or moped riders or passengers. 10

Things you should know

1  Cover is included for your children or grandchildren identified on the Certificate of Insurance and travelling with you on your Journey is included in the policy provided they are not in full time employment, are financially dependent on you, and they are under 21 years of age.

2  21 day cooling off period applies if you cancel your policy within 21 days of purchase provided you have not made a claim or travelled on the policy. 

3  Automatic cover for a limited number of pre-existing conditions outlined in the  Combined FSG/PDS . All other pre-existing conditions need to be disclosed at the time of application. Cover is not guaranteed and subject to a medical assessment.

4  Item limits apply. See the  Combined FSG/PDS  for more information.

5  Maximum liability collectively for sections Loss of Income, Personal Liability and Accidental Death is $10,000 on the Domestic Plan and $25,000 on the International Comprehensive Plan. 

6  Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Medical evacuation cover subject to claim approval.

7   Limits apply. See the  Combined FSG/PDS  for more information.  Limits will be shown on the Certificate of Insurance.

8  Conditions apply to cancellation cover. Only applies to the International Comprehensive and Domestic policies. 

9  You must take out an International Plan and add Cruise Cover if you’re travelling on a domestic or international multi-night ocean or sea cruise to have any cover for the benefits under the policy (unless that cruise is entirely within Australian costal waters in which case a Domestic Plan may be purchased and no Cruise Cover variation is required). 

10  Conditions and exclusions apply, please read the  Combined FSG/PDS  for more detail.

Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. Medibank Private Limited, ABN 47 080 890 259, an Authorised Representative, AR 286089, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited, ABN 73 144 049 230 AFSL 360138 arranges the insurance on behalf of the insurer. The insurer is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Please consider your own needs and the  Combined FSG/PDS  to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and  Target Market Determinations , visit  medibank.com.au/travel-insurance/help/

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Sorry, only members with current Hospital cover are eligible to participate in these programs

Eligible Medibank members with Extras cover are able to access a range of telehealth services included on their cover - you can find out more here . Alternatively, if you would like to talk to one of our team about your cover, we're here on 132 331 .

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Thank you for expressing your interest in one of our COVID-19 Health Assist programs.

If you are eligible, one of our health professionals will call you in 2-3 business days to discuss your situation and help to enrol you in the relevant program.

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Fast Cover Travel Insurance provides travel insurance for a variety of trip types. You can get a travel insurance quote at fastcover.com.au or call 1300 409 322.

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• Travel Insurance
• Best Domestic Travel Insurance For Australians

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Our Pick Of The Best Domestic Travel Insurance For Australians

Published: Apr 4, 2024, 9:00am

In Australia, domestic tourism accounts for a large proportion of the total visitor economy and—like many aspects of the economy—was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, in the two years since restrictions ended, spend on domestic travel has ramped up, and is expected to keep growing over the next four years, according to Tourism Research Australia (TRA)’s report, Tourism Forecasts for Australia 2023 to 2028 .

The report shows that a large proportion of Australians were quick to embrace domestic travel in 2022—the first year that domestic travel became possible for many of us, while certain international destinations remained out of reach.  This demand has eased somewhat, but the TRA is positive in its outlook for domestic tourism.

As the report stated: “…The noticeable slowdown in domestic leisure travel in 2023 has led to a reassessment of the factors that had boosted demand in 2022. As a result, the forecast profile for domestic travel demand is generally softer than that presented last year.  Nevertheless, domestic tourism spend (which is already above its pre-pandemic level) is forecast to continue to grow over the forecast period, as are domestic trip numbers.”

If you’re one of the many Australians looking to take a trip across our vast continent, you may want to consider taking out domestic travel insurance.

Many Australians don’t consider domestic travel insurance as a must-have because our medical system, in the form of Medicare or private health insurance, covers us across state borders. But there are other benefits to taking out domestic travel insurance that aren’t medical-related, such as trip cancellations, lost documents and luggage, and theft.

To find what domestic travel insurance would suit you and your trip, Forbes Advisor Australia has compared more than 20 of the most popular domestic travel policies, noting the key features of each. Below is a summary of our pick of the best, why we chose them and the pros and cons of each policy. We also explain how we reached our conclusions in the methodology section below.

Related: Why More Aussies Are Taking Out Domestic Travel Insurance

Note: The below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice. For more information on how Forbes Advisor ranks and reviews products, including how we identified our top category picks, read the methodology selection below.

Featured Partners

Our Pick Of The Best Domestic Travel Insurance

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Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Rental Vehicle Excess

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Medical cover

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (Comprehensive)

Option of Cruise Cover

Unlimited medical

Yes (some sub limits apply)

Maximum Age Covered

No maximum age limit

Travel Delay Cover?

Up to $2000

$250 for delays six hours or more plus an additional $250 for each additional 24 hours up to a maximum total limit of $500

Allianz is a household name in Australia when it comes to insurance, and its domestic travel insurance policy is popular among travellers. Scoring four stars from more than 3000 customer reviews on Product Review, the Allianz Domestic Travel Insurance policy is clearly a winner for many Aussies.

With no maximum age limit and the ability to tailor the plan with cruise, snow or adventure cover if needed, the policy is pitched at a wide range of travellers and trip types. However, it’s worth noting there is no cover for missed connections nor any online discounts available.

• Cancellation cover chosen by customer
• No maximum age limit nor excess for higher ages
• Cruise, snow and adventure cover can be added on
• No cover for missed connections
• Cancellation cover isn’t valid if involving death, injury or illness of a relative over 85

$250 for delays 6 hours or more plus an additional $250 for each additional 24 hours up to a maximum total limit of $500

The Bupa Domestic policy is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance, making it similar to Allianz’s domestic travel insurance policy. As with Allianz, there is no maximum age limit and travellers can add cover for cruise holidays, winter sports and higher-risk adventure sports. Lost luggage and personal effects are also covered up to $10,000 with sub-limits applying, however higher item limits can be included for valuables, such as engagement rings or expensive equipment.

There is no cover for missed connections, but travel delays are covered up to a total of $2,000, while cancellation cover tops out at $1,500 (and is not available to those aged 85 and over).  Additionally, existing Bupa health members can receive a 15% discount on premiums. In terms of customer satisfaction, Bupa scored slightly lower than Allianz with 3.9 stars  from 138 reviews on ProductReview.

• 15% discount for Bupa health members
• Option to increase item limits for valuables
• Maximum cancellation cover is only $1,500

$75 per completed 6 hours

The Australian Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy is Qantas’ domestic travel insurance offering, available to Australians of all ages. Cancellations are covered up to $5,000, and there is a provision to claim missed connections under additional travel expenses. There is also up to $600 cover for missed connections, with $75 allocated for every six hours of delay.

Cruises are covered within the policy at no extra cost, and snow sports cover can be added as an additional pack. While there are no online discounts available, Qantas frequent flyer members can earn points via the purchase of a policy.

• Missed connections can be claimed
• Qantas points available
• Limited travel delay cover
• Some poor customer reviews
• No option to add adventure cover

however, those 80 years or older incur a $3000 excess.

$200 for delays 6 hours or more plus an additional $200 for each additional 24 hours

The 1Cover Travel Insurance is highly rated among its customers, receiving a score of 4.2 stars from 91 reviews of its domestic policy on ProductReview. Its domestic travel insurance offering reflects this rating, with no maximum age limit to take out the policy, $5 million in personal liability cover, and unlimited cancellation cover when circumstances occur that are out of the policyholder’s control.

Additionally, customers can choose to add-on additional packs for cruise holidays or snow sports, and both lost luggage and lost personal effects are covered with certain sub-limits applying dependent on the item. Unfortunately at the time of writing, there are no online discounts available for the policy.

• Positive customer reviews
• Good travel delay and cancellation cover
• No increased item limits available for valuables
• $3000 excess applicable for those aged over 80
• No online discounts

however, some policy limits apply for those over 80

$200 for delays 6 hours or more, plus an additional $200 for each additional 24 hours

The Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and restrictions demonstrated the importance of travel insurance, especially policies with adequate cancellation cover for when circumstances changed. In this vein, Fast Cover Domestic offers unlimited cancellation cover, along with up to $2000 in travel delays and . Missed connections, however, are not covered.

The policy is available for Australians up to age 89, however travellers that are aged over 80 will be subject to additional policy limits. There is also no option to add cruise cover to the policy, instead, customers will need to choose cruise as the destination and therefore would only be covered for the cruise portion of their trip.

• Unlimited cancellation cover
• Snow and adventure cover can be added
• Missed connections not covered
• Certain cover limitations apply to those aged over 80

delays must be more than 6 hours, with $250 per 24 hours

The domestic travel insurance policy offered by nib is available to Australians of all ages, with existing nib customers granted a 10% discount. Delays are covered if they are more than six hours long, and only up to the value of $500. Lost luggage is covered up to $4,000, and item limits can be increased if necessary to a total of $10,000.

Unfortunately, cruises are not covered within this plan, nor is there any option to add it as additional coverage. The same goes for adventure activities—however snow sports can be added at an additional premium.

• Cancellation cover limit chosen by customer
• Option to increase item limits
• 10% discount for nib customers
• No cruise cover available
• No other online discounts available
• Low coverage amount for delays

Up to $1000

$50 per completed 12 hours

ING Travel Insurance Domestic Policy is available to Australians up to 100 years old. Along with $1000 of travel delay cover, cancellations are also covered up to $12,500 in the policy, however, missed connections are not.

Additionally, cruise cover cannot be added to this policy; instead, ING’s comprehensive policy must be purchased with cruise selected as the destination. Fortunately, there is a 15% online discount available when purchasing the insurance policy.

• High age limit
• $12,500 cancellation cover
• 15% online discount
• Limited customer reviews
• Low travel delay cover
• No missed connections cover

99 years subject to acceptance criteria

The Cover-More Domestic policy is available for all ages up to 99 years, subject to acceptance criteria such as pre-existing medical conditions. Delays are covered up to $1000, missed connections are also covered up to the value of $2000, and the value of cancellation cover is chosen by the customer.

Luggage is covered up to $15,000, with item limits available to be increased up to certain amounts. There is no option for cruise cover on this policy, however, snow and adventure packs can be purchased in addition to the base policy. At the time of writing, there is also no online discounts available.

• Missed connection cover
• Lost luggage covered up to $15,000
• Cancellation limit chosen by customer
• Can’t add cruise cover
• Cover for older travellers is subject to acceptance criteria

however, reduced limits apply for customers over 70

$300 for delays 6 hours or more, plus and an additional $300 for each additional 24 hours

Medibank offers a domestic travel insurance policy that includes unlimited cancellation cover, $2,000 in travel delay cover and $3,000 in missed connections cover, which a lot of other policies do not cover. There is also luggage cover up to $8,000 with certain item limits applying, however, these item limits can be increased for valuables although customers will be required to request a quote.

In order to add snow sport coverage to the policy, consumers will also have to ask for a quote from Medibank. Cruise cover cannot be added to the domestic policy; instead travellers embarking on a cruise holiday will need to purchase Medibank’s international travel insurance policy.

• Discount for Medibank customers
• Quotes required for certain coverage changes
• No cruise cover option
• Reduced limits on cancellation cover and other benefits may apply to travellers over 70 years

$250 per 24 hours

Scoring 4.1 stars from 23 customer reviews, the Travel Insurance Direct Domestic policy is well-liked by Australian customers, although it’s worth noting that the domestic policy option has only attracted a handful of reviews so should not be seen as a comprehensive assessment of customers’ experiences.

Cover is available to those aged up to 75 years at the time of purchase. The cancellation cover value is chosen by the customer, which includes a cancellation due to a family emergency, and missed connections are also covered up to $2,000. Unfortunately, there is no option to add cruise cover to the policy nor adventure activities, but there is an option to add snow cover.

• Option for snow sports coverage
• Positive reviews
• No option for cruise cover
• Age limit is 75 years
• Low level of cover for travel delays

Forbes Advisor Australia took a methodical approach when comparing the best domestic travel insurance for Australians. An in-depth analysis of more than 20 different policies was conducted, with data being analysed from company websites, product disclosure statements, and customer reviews.

The key features examined of each policy included:

• Who the policy was underwritten by, to ensure it is a reputable and trusted company;
• Whether it covers you for personal liability, in case you unintentionally cause damage to someone or something;
• If there is accidental death cover and, if so, what the maximum payout is;
• If there is cover for family emergencies, and any criteria that must be met–such as maximum ages;
• For those renting a car while travelling, if there is coverage for the excess for damaged or stolen rental cars;
• Whether or not it covers you for travel delays, along with any sub-limits related to emergency accommodation or meal costs;
• Whether or not it covers you for cancellations, the criteria for a cancellation and the maximum amount the policy will pay;
• If there is any cover for missed connecting flights;
• Whether there is lost luggage cover, or cover for stolen or damaged luggage;
• The sub-categories of lost personal belongings that it may cover, including electronics or cash;
• If you can increase the item limits cover that the policy offers for valuables such as jewellery or speciality gear;
• The maximum age that the policy offers coverage for;
• Any online discounts the insurance provider offers, or additional perks; and
• The star ranking it has received from existing and previous customers via the leading independent opinion site, ProductReview. This metric was considered more reliable if the insurer had a large number of reviews; a smaller number of reviews were considered less reliable.

About Star Rankings You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circumstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, states and territories all had different rules and requirements for domestic travel. This included mandatory quarantine, proof of vaccinations, border declarations, and government-enforced mask wearing or isolation requirements.

There are now no restrictions in place for domestic travel, meaning Australians are able to travel to different states and territories as they please.

Airlines have also loosened their restrictions, with mask wearing no longer enforced on planes, but rather encouraged.

Despite restrictions no longer being in place, Covid-19 is still active in communities. Considering that you or anyone you are travelling with could contract the virus and possibly be too ill to travel, it is worth determining if your domestic travel insurance would cover cancellations or flight changes due to Covid-19.

Related: Best Travel Insurance for Australians

As most Australians already have medical cover that is valid no matter where in Australia they are–whether via Medicare or private health insurance–there are still many other reasons to purchase domestic travel insurance that don’t relate to medical needs. Some of these factors may include:

Your domestic travel insurance policy can cover you if unforeseen events arise that cause you to have to cancel your trip. As Smarttraveller puts it, if you’ve already spent a lot on your holiday, it’s not too much extra to buy travel insurance to then be able to recoup potential losses.

It’s important to check your product disclosure statement (PDS) to understand what and what will not qualify as a reason for cancellation. For example, some policies may no longer cover you having to cancel due to contracting Covid-19, as it is no longer a requirement to isolate if you contract the virus.

Delays and Change of Plans

Similar to cancellations, domestic travel insurance can also cover you if you have to change your holiday plans or are subject to delays. For example, if you have to travel home early due to sickness or injury, your insurance policy may be able to cover the cost of the new flight.

Another example is if you are travelling for a concert or an event that is already pre-paid and you are subject to travel delays that cause you to miss the event. In this instance, your policy may reimburse you for lost costs.

Lost Belongings

Domestic travel insurance policies can also cover lost items, which is important if you are travelling with valuables. Many policies offer this cover in terms of three different categories: lost luggage, lost valuables, and lost cash. Additionally, the cover usually also extends to belongings that have been stolen or damaged.

There are often sub-limits applicable to certain items, such as electronics.

Car Hire Excess

If you are hiring a car for your travels, then domestic travel insurance is a smart choice of investment (if it offers car hire excess coverage). This is because if any damage occurs to the vehicle, your travel insurance policy will cover the cost of your excess up to a certain amount.

If you don’t have travel insurance with a car hire excess coverage, you would have to pay the car hire company’s full excess charge for any damage that occurs which is usually quite a costly charge or pay more at the vehicle car hire provider to reduce your excess to zero (if this is possible).

Personal Liability

A domestic travel insurance policy will usually provide cover up to a certain amount if you accidentally cause damage to a property or accidentally injure someone else. It’s worth noting that this cover is often included in comprehensive car insurance policies, so if you are travelling by road in your own vehicle and have a comprehensive car insurance policy, it may not be a necessary inclusion.

Cruise, Snow and Adventure Cover

If you are going on a specific type of trip, it’s important to make sure that your domestic travel insurance policy will cover the activities you intend to take part in. For example, if you are heading for a snow holiday, or on an ‘adventure’ trip such as a motorcycle tour, it’s important to make sure you are covered.

While these kinds of trips may not automatically be covered in a domestic travel insurance policy, they are often able to be covered upon purchasing an additional pack on top of the base policy such as “snow cover” or “adventure activities”. A brief note regarding cruise cover: even if you are cruising in Australian waters, you may not be covered by Australia’s Medicare system because the cruise company is not obligated to have a Medicare-registered GP on board, or you may cross into international waters. This is why cruise cover is especially important.

For seniors looking to travel domestically, travel insurance is advised. However, it’s important to note that many travel insurance providers and policies have maximum age limits. That being said, it’s important to make sure your policy will cover you and anyone in your travelling party for whatever age they are on the trip.

Some policies have a maximum age limit of only 69 years old, while others don’t have a maximum age at all. Additionally, some policies may enforce an additional excess for seniors depending on the destination or duration of your trip; others may stipulated that there are certain limitations on cancellation cover or other benefits for seniors.

While many policies cover accidental death, there may also be limitations placed on this cover depending on your age. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to domestic travel insurance for seniors (or travellers of any age, for that matter). That’s why it is essential to carefully read the PDS of your chosen policy to understand whether you and your travelling party will be covered, and any conditions or exemptions that you should be aware of that may affect your ability to make a claim.

You can read more in our pick of the Best Insurance Providers for Seniors .

The advice and information provided by ForbesAdvisor is general in nature and is not intended to replace independent financial advice. ForbesAdvisor encourages readers to seek expert advice in relation to their own financial decisions and investments.

Data research: Mia Dunn Fact checking:  Johanna Leggatt, Anna Rey.

Can you get travel insurance for domestic travel?

Yes, domestic travel insurance policies are available from many travel insurance providers in Australia. These policies can cover you for a range of circumstances while travelling throughout the nation, including stolen valuables or car hire excess.

Am I able to travel domestically without a passport?

Yes, you are not required to have a passport in order to travel domestically. There are no passport checks when crossing state borders within the country, whether you are travelling by road, sea or air.

What is the best domestic travel insurance in Australia?

The ‘best’ domestic travel insurance policy available to Australians is subjective, considering Australian travellers will have different needs in terms of cover for their trip. For example, a 21-year-old going on a ski holiday in Victoria will want a policy that includes cover for snow sports, while an 80- year-old going to visit family in Western Australia will not.

Despite differing needs of travellers, Forbes Advisor Australia has analysed some of the most popular insurers on the market and compiled a list of our favourite providers, based solely on our editorial judgment. However, it’s important to note this list is not intended to be definitive and does not replace your own research as to the best domestic travel insurance for you.

Is travel insurance within Australia worth it?

Domestic travel insurance is certainly recommended by most travel experts as a form of protection against the myriad events that can go wrong when travelling: delays, illness, cancellations and theft of luggage or valuables. While you won’t need medical coverage while travelling domestically (as you are covered under Medicare), most travel insurers offer a type of domestic policy that is tailored specifically to local travellers and the most common mishaps, such as having to cancel a trip because you are ill or travel delays.

Can you buy domestic travel insurance?

Yes, and many of the travel insurers that offer comprehensive international trip coverage, will also offer a domestic policy that is specifically tailored to locals. This type of insurance is perfect for unforeseen events, such as luggage theft, travel delays or cancellations, personal liability, missed connections and car excess coverage.

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

June 1, 2020

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Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Travel insurance

Medibank Domestic review

Zurich insurance provider..

This is the provider of the insurance product and correlates with the Financial Services Provider (FSP) as registered with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. You can look up your insurer's provider in the AFCA comparative tables to see how likely consumers were to bring a travel insurance dispute to AFCA about them.

In years (up to and including given number).

Limit per person for cancellation or amendment expenses.

No means 'not covered'. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

The limit for additional travel expenses per person if travel is interrupted by an insured event (not including injury or sickness as that is covered separately under 'Additional travel expenses for injury or sickness').

Cover limit for additional travel expenses to reach a special event such as a wedding, conference or sporting event on time if the scheduled transport is cancelled or delayed.

Cover limit for additional travel expenses to reach pre-paid travel arrangements on time if the scheduled transport is cancelled or delayed.

Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Limit per person for additional meal and accommodation expenses if scheduled transport is delayed.

The minimum number of hours before transport delay is covered.

Limit per person per 24 hour period for this transport delay. No means 'not covered'. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

The overall limit per person for stolen or damaged personal belongings.

Limit for a single unspecified item.

Limit per item for a video or photo camera.

Limit for a laptop or tablet.

Limit for a smartphone.

Overall limit for a single person for baggage lost temporarily.

No means 'Not covered'. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Overall limit for a family for baggage lost temporarily.

The minimum period of time in hours before which cover applies for temporarily lost baggage.

Cover collision damage excess for a hire car.

Limit for collision damage excess for a hire car.

Average rating

Compare domestic travel insurance | choice, everything you need to know about travel insurance.

Medibank Travel Insurance

Disclaimer:

Medibank Travel Insurance is currently not available through travelinsurance.com.au. You are welcome to visit their website for more information or  compare travel insurance  options available from us.

Policy Plans Available from Medibank Travel Insurance

International comprehensive plan:  A comprehensive insurance plan for medical and dental emergencies, unforeseen cancellation or delays, and loss or theft of valuables.

International medical only:  Insurance cover for any medical or dental emergencies while you are overseas.

Domestic travel insurance:  Cover within Australia for cancellations, delays, theft, car rental excess, and amendments to travel plans.

*Cover for travellers over 70-years of age may be limited.

Activities covered by Medibank overseas

* Motorcycling, moped riding, snow skiing, snowboarding, and snowboarding are all excluded from Medibank plans, and you will need to pay an extra premium for these activities.

Pre-existing medical condition covered by Medibank

Medibank does not automatically cover all pre-existing medical conditions, and you will only be able to claim for a condition that has been pre-approved by Medibank. Some conditions are automatically covered if certain criteria are met. Read the PDS for further information regarding these pre-existing medical conditions. Conditions that are covered include:

How to Make a Claim from Medibank Travel Insurance

•  Complete an online claim form via  medibank.com.au/travel  by following the prompts for submitting a claim.
•  Alternatively, you can download a claims form, print and complete. Scan and upload.
•  Add receipts and other supporting documentation – read the checklist for required documents.
•  Submit your claim online or post to: Medibank Travel Insurance Team c/o Travel Insurance Partners Claims Dept, PO Box 168, North Sydney, NSW 2060.

General Exclusions from Medibank Travel Insurance

•  Claims for costs outside of the insured period.
•  Consequential loss of any kind, including loss of enjoyment.
•  Negligent behaviour resulting in loss of your belongings or bodily harm.
•  Claims as a result of wars, hostilities, military power, or foreign enemies.
•  Any unlawful acts on your part.
•  Loss or damage as a result of detention, confiscation, suspension, or destruction by customs or government officials.
•  Any claims as a result of circumstances you were aware of before travelling such as natural disasters, terrorism, or health concerns.
•  Pregnancy after the 26th week.
•  Any elective cosmetic surgery or dental treatment.
•  Claims arising from attempted suicide or other bodily harm.
•  Insolvency of any travel agent, tour operator, airline, accommodation provider, car rental agent, or other service provider resulting in their failure to provide a service.
•  Participation in any activities not covered by this policy,

Medibank Contact Details

Compare travel insurance with  NRMA  travel insurance.

Introduction to AXA Travel Insurance

• Coverage Options Offered by AXA
• AXA Assistance USA Cost

AXA Customer Service Reviews

Compare axa travel insurance.

• Why You Should Trust Us

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review 2024

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

Travel insurance is important because it can help cover the cost of unexpected medical expenses while you're traveling. It can also reimburse you for lost or stolen baggage, canceled flights, and other unforeseeable problems that may occur while you're away from home.

Simply put, there's a lot to consider.

But not all policies are created equal, and you must understand what you're covered for before you purchase a policy. This article will look in-depth at AXA Assistance USA travel insurance. We'll discuss the costs, coverage limits, exclusions, and more to help you make an informed decision about whether or not this particular travel insurance provider is right for you.

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA is among the best travel insurance companies . It covers the fundamentals of travel insurance, with coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and emergency medical/non-medical evacuation. With three plans, AXA also offers coverage for travelers with various budgets.

It's worth noting that many important add-ons aren't available for AXA's cheapest Silver plan, such as pre-existing condition coverage, rental car add-ons, and Schengen travel insurance. Cancel for any reason coverage is also only available for AXA's most expensive Platinum plan. 

Coverage Options Offered by AXA 

AXA Assistance USA offers three levels of coverage: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each plan comes with different protections and varying coverage limits, with the Silver being the most basic option and Platinum offering the most premium coverage.

Some policies might even include added coverage free of charge, such as a waiver for pre-existing conditions , which is free for Gold and Platinum plans as long as you purchase your plan within 14 days of your trip deposit.

Specialized Coverage Options

The plan you purchase will determine which add-ons are available. For example, those with a Platinum plan can add CFAR (cancel for any reason) coverage , allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel your trip within 14 days of making the initial deposit.

Or, if you want extra protection for your rental car, depending on your AXA plan, you might be able to add a collision damage waiver (CDW). Policyholders with Gold plans can add $35,000 CDW, and those with Platinum plans can include $50,000 CDW.

If you're traveling within the Schengen Territory, which is made up of 27 European countries, you may eligible for Schengen Travel Insurance, which covers you in all 27 countries. This option is only available for Gold and Platinum travelers and coverage lasts up to 90 days.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Cost

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

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

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

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

• AXA Silver: $83
• AXA Gold: $107
• AXA Platinum: $127

Premiums for AXA plans are between 2.7% and 4.2% of the trip's cost, well below the average cost of travel insurance. It's also relatively cheap compared to many of its competitors

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

• AXA Silver: $109
• AXA Gold: $128
• AXA Platinum: $153

Once again, premiums forAXA plans are between 3.6% and 3.8%, below the average cost for travel insurance.

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

• AXA Silver: $392
• AXA Gold: $462
• AXA Platinum: $550

Premiums for AXA plans are between 6.5% and 9.2%, which is roughly in line with the average cost for travel insurance. This is to be expected, as travel insurance is often more expensive for older travelers.

How to Purchase and Manage Your AXA Policy

The process of purchasing an AXA policy is simple. After obtaining your quote, you'll need to decide which of AXA's three plans you want to buy. When you pay for your plan, be prepared to provide additional personal information, like your birthday, phone number, and address. 

Once you finalize your purchase, you'll have a 10-day free look period, in which you can cancel your policy and get your money back. 

How to File a Claim with AXA Travel Insurance

To file a claim with AXA Assistance USA, head to the claims forms online to find the appropriate form. Once you've filled out your form and gathered the required documentation, you can email them to [email protected] or send them by mail to:

AXA Assistance USA

On Behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies

P.O. Box 26222

Tampa, FL 33623

If you need assistance when filing claims, AXA's claims office can be reached at 1-888-957-5015 (within the U.S.) and 1-727-450-8794 (outside the U.S.). Office hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on Thursdays and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on all other weekdays. 

AXA's U.S. branch has few reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau — just over 20 between the two sites. Its UK branch has over 1,100 reviews, most of which are overwhelmingly negative. However, the quality of AXA Travel Insurance UK isn't necessarily indicative of its U.S. coverage. 

In fact, on SquareMouth, where the majority of AXA U.S.'s reviews, reviews are generally positive. It received an average of 4.22 stars out of five across over 900 reviews. Customers reported that adjusting an AXA policy was easy and the customer service team was responsive. However, reviews on the claims process was more mixed, with spotty communication and long wait times. 

See how AXA travel insurance compares to top travel insurance providers.

AXA Assistance USA vs. AIG Travel Guard

When comparing AXA to Travel Guard , we'll look at the coverage levels from their mid-tier plans, the Silver plan and Travel Guard Preferred plan, respectively.

With Travel Guard Preferred plan, you'll get:

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $150,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $225,000
• Emergency medical coverage of $50,000
• Coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage up to $1,000
• Travel delay coverage of up to $800

Comparing those Travel Guard coverages with AXA's Silver plan, you'll see that AXA's coverage limits are a bit higher. With AXA's Silver plan you'll get $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, for example. And the baggage loss coverage limit is up to $1,500.

If you're looking for greater coverage limits, AXA makes the most sense in this scenario. But premiums will also vary based on factors like the traveler's age, trip destination, and trip cost. So you'll have to run your own numbers to make a final decision.

Read our AIG Travel Insurance review here.

AXA Assistance USA vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance provides single-trip and multi-trip insurance for travelers who want to go abroad for an extended period of time. And, like with all insurance, the various plans have varying degrees of coverage.

Allianz Travel Insurance's most popular single-trip option is the OneTrip Prime plan, which offers:

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
• Emergency medical coverage for $50,000
• Coverage for baggage loss, theft or damage up to $1,000
• Travel delay coverage up to $800

Looking at AXA's mid-tier Silver plan, you'll see that, again, AXA offers more coverage for emergency medical and baggage loss, theft, or damage than Allianz Travel Insurance. That said, if cost is an essential factor for you, you'll have to get quotes using your personal trip information to make an informed decision.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

AXA Assistance USA vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

Already have a great travel credit card, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum? Some of the standard coverages, such as rental car insurance, may be included in the card you already have. It's a good idea to research the terms of your credit card's travel protection before purchasing a separate travel insurance policy.

If you're driving to your destination and don't have any non-refundable trip expenses, the coverage from your credit card may be enough. Another time it might work is if you have health insurance covering you while abroad and you're in good health without worrying about possible medical costs.

It's essential to remember that credit card coverage is usually secondary. This means you'll have to file a claim with the other applicable insurance before filing a claim with your credit card company.

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

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed AXA Assistance USA

We researched AXA by evaluating its travel insurance plans compared to other plans from the top travel insurance companies. The aspects we looked at included, but were not limited to, different coverage options, claims limits, what is covered, available add-ons, and extra services for policy holders.

What's important when choosing a policy isn't just the price — it's making sure you're getting adequate coverage that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Filing a claim should also be easy and stress-free if you ever have to use your policy.

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

AXA Assistance USA FAQs

If you're diagnosed with COVID-19 before a trip and need to cancel, AXA may cover your expenses. Additionally, a COVID-19 diagnosis during a trip may be covered under AXA's medical expense, trip interruption, and trip delay benefits. Be sure to review your policy to ensure coverage details. 

While you may extend your coverage in certain circumstances, such as extended hospitalization, and update your travel dates prior to your departure, you can't extend AXA travel insurance plans while you're traveling. 

AXA's Gold and Platinum plan cover pre-existing medical conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit. AXA's Silver plan does not cover pre-existing conditions and has a 60-day look-back period. 

You can download AXA claims forms on its website and email them to [email protected].

AXA isn't the most flexible travel insurance company and isn't great at specializing, but it offers comprehensive general coverage. Its prices aren't significantly more expensive or cheaper than its competitors.

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