Access America Travel Insurance

Read all 347 reviews for this company

1. larry harpoer | Nov 24, 2008

   THIS COMPANY IS A FRAUD. HAD UN-EXPECTED MAJOR BACK SURGERY 3 DAYS PRIOR TO TRIP & THEY REJECTED CLAIM BECAUSE I HAD SEEN THE DOCTOR BEFORE. THEY CLAIMED …PRE-EXISTING CONDITION.

   ACCESS AMERICA…B I G F R A U D

2. Jeff Davidson | Dec 17, 2008

   I submitted a claim for reimbursement for airline tickets that were unused due to my Mother’s death–they asked for a death certificate, the same certificate that has been give to Social Security, banks, etc.–they would not accept because the certifying physician did not list “the onset to death” on the certificate–therefore they will not pay. I told them that I WOULD NOT go back to the physician for this as it is rediculous and painful for me to even deal with–they said they would not pay the $400 claim without it.
   Shameful–the company is a fraud!

3. deepa | Feb 27, 2009

   I have sold quite a few policies with them so i can tell you that if you ever have a client with a claim, they just turn it down. They absolutely refuse and will give you a different reason everytime you speak with a different rep. Dont buy. They should be reported to Insurance fraud department.

4. valerie joseph | Mar 2, 2009

   they are leaches!!! just as the other items below, they denied my claim because of a previous condition! my mother died a little over a month ago. she was receiving treatment for leukemia and was getting beaten up by the chemo but, all her vitals were stable and she was hanging tough. i had purchased a ticket to go see her on january 19th for the following month and was looking forward to my visit. unfortunately, i got a call from my family 2 days later to get home immediately as she took a major turn for the worse. they said because the death certificate said she had certain symptoms before she died that it was pre-existing and couldn’t pay out. then they started asking for all sorts of other info about her doctors and who they might contact making it seem like they gave a crap. like i’m going to lie about my mother’s death!! i will NEVER use their service again, even if it costs me thousands of dollars in future airfare. they are leaches!!!

5. STEPHEN CALVERT | Mar 4, 2009

   My claim was denied. The adjuster determined that the fact that we were in the worst natural disater in our state’s history (ice Storm) and our home was without power, heat, water and I had to run a generator to protect our food etc., that this fact did not make my home “uninhabitable” as defined in the policy.

6. jen | Mar 15, 2009

   AWFUL!!!! My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer a month after we booked our trip and it took MONTHS of phone calls and documents for us to reclaim the money, just shortly before he passed away. The customer “service” was horrendous. I WILL NEVER EVER EVER use this company again.

7. DL | Mar 25, 2009

   DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS SLIME COMPANY!!

   I HAD PURCHASED TICKETS FOR MY SON AND TWO COUSINS. MY SON’S WIFE DEVELOPED A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT FORCED THEM TO CANCEL THEIR TRIP. I PAID FOR BOTH THE TICKETS, AND THE INSURANCE WITH A CREDIT CARD. AFTER JUMPING THROUGH MORE HOOPS THAN A CIRCUS CLOWN, THEY FINALLY ISSUED REFUND CHECKS. NOT TO ME BUT, TO THE PEOPLE WHO I PURCHASED THE TICKETS FOR.

   SINCE TWO OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAD TICKETS HAVE MOVED ON AND WE HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THEY ARE, I CALLED AND ASKED FOR A CHECK TO BE WRITTEN IN MY NAME SINCE I AM THE ONE WHO PAID FOR THE TICKETS AND THE INSURANCE. THEY REFUSED. SO THE CHECKS I RECEIVED ARE WORTHLESS.

8. Tamara Janssens | Mar 28, 2009

   I find this company to be bogus. I thought I would try them again after my mother told me how difficult they are to deal with. She was completely right. They do not cover pre existing conditions. I asked the advisor numerous times about this and she said this will cover it. Now that I filed a claim, they do not cover the pre existing condtion.

9. Jim Zorn | Mar 30, 2009

   Very Poor! Supplied all the information they requested and they sent me a statement via U.S. Mail saying that I didn’t supply the required information and they subsequently closed my account. DO NOT get this service because it’s a SCAM!

10. Dennis B | Apr 6, 2009

    I have been in the travel business for 17 years now and using Access America since 2001 when I heard about them. I have only had 1 claim denied because the guest lied about their pre-existing condition. All our clients get a 10 day look at the policy and can cancel with a full full refund if they think it doesn’t suit them.
    A $4000.00 trip for seniors in their 80′s is $360.00. Hard to beat and it includes, pre-existing coverage and 1-million in emergency evacuation. Hard to beat.

11. Robert Flindell | Apr 13, 2009

    I booked my daughter’s holiday visit thru Orbitz who use Access America as their supplier of trip insurance.

    My daughter’s Boxing Day flight out of Victoria to Vancouver was canceled due to a snow storm. Air Canada’s first available rebooking was 5 days later and it required an extra day layover in San Salvador so we were looking at a 6 day interruption on a 16 day vacation. I went online and found flights for the next day on American Airlines thru Seattle. We had trip interruption & cancellation insurance so they would cover us for the difference right? Well I got my daughter to call Access America to double check (I couldn’t call because Access America doesn’t accept collect calls from Belize) and they told her “no problem”. I booked the flights & got my daughter to cancel the rebooks. I also went to Access America’s website & initiated a travel claim.

    The net cost to us for the flight changes totaled $536US but Access America is refusing to pay. In the fine print of their insurance policy under cancellations due to weather it states “Your airline, cruise line, or tour operator or travel supplier stops offering all services for at least 24 consecutive hours where you’re departing, arriving or making a connection…”

    So it does not matter that Air Canada couldn’t fly between Victoria & Vancouver for 2 days or they couldn’t get us replacement flights until 5 days later, as long as they could make one flight to Timbuktu, we aren’t getting reimbursed.

    InAccessible America, besides not having a collect number from Belize, have a claims appeal department that appears to be blocking my email and a claims inquiry department that manages to lose email attachments.

12. Maribel | Apr 22, 2009

    I AM COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY DISGUSTED WITH THIS SORRY EXCUSE FOR AN INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEIR INSENSITIVITY TO ANY GIVEN SITUATION.
    Access America would not accept my claim because they did not know the cause of death. After explaining the cause to the representative they still needed an incalculable amount of details, all of which were hard for me to deal with and given the situation I thought it was not worth it. To me I was better off forgetting the $2000.00 reimbursement. This is the maximum amount of reimbursement they would give me, even though my travel expenses were nowhere NEAR this amount. I spend more than $2000.00 traveling with my family every time, given I have a very large family.
    My sister had passed away at the age of 49. Nobody expected her to die. As painful as this was, dealing with this poor excuse for an insurance company was more painful. This hit my family hard and the fact that this company kept prying and wanting more details is simply sickening. It was not enough that I sent them the death certificate, they still needed more. Their needs are insatiable and they look for reasons, whatever they may be, not to pay your claim. I will never use their services again and I DO NOT recommend anybody else does.

    I spoke to multiple representatives. They were very rude and extremely insensitive. No matter how many travel invoices I sent them it wasn’t enough.

13. Ona Turner | May 18, 2009

    I would not recommend this company to anyone.
    I would rate it VERY POOR.
    I was flying home to be with my mother following Major Surgery her surgery date was postponed so I had to reschedule and Access America refuses to pay the flight cost difference because her condition was pre-exisiting.

    I was denied coverage. What a SHAM !!

14. Paola Dooly | Jun 4, 2009

    This company is AWEFUL!!!! Don’t touch them with a 10 foot pole! If I could give them a negative 10 rating I would. Very poor company – stay away at ALL costs!!!!!!!

15. Doug | Jun 4, 2009

    It appears to me that the policy I bought for a trip does nothing that I could not do myself. Its useless!

16. Connie Phillips | Jun 17, 2009

    I am very pleased with Access America Ins. After reading so many reviews regarding re-imberstments, i figure i would not receive a dime back. Every review i read was negative and every one was very unhappy with them. My husband and i took a trip out of the country back in April 09. We had a emergency back home and had to cut our trip short after only being there for 2 days. My father became very ill and had to have emerg surgery. I filed a claim and was re-imbersed almost 2 months to the day. There was some paper work that had to be done but thats to be expected in cases like this. Customer Service was always so polite and friendly each time and very helpful when i called. I cant say a bad word about this insurance co. i guess i can consider myself lucky to receive money back. Thanks Access America.

17. Joan W | Jul 6, 2009

    My experience unfortunately mirrors others that have been posted. Access America repeatedly asked for more documents, including a death certificate when no one had died. It seems that the plan is to drag out the process so that the customer gets finally gives up. I have still not gotten payment, months after making the initial claim.

18. Ben | Jul 8, 2009

    Bought the full travel insurance package from these crooks. The day of travel my grandfather lost his battle with parkinson’s and died. Since it was preexisting they denied the claim.

    Two reps gave two different stories about lost paperwork. Death certificate has been emailed twice and faxed once. The rep today said it was preexisting and not covered. He would not answer me when I asked what good is an insurance policy if it doesn’t cover death?

    DO NOT BUY!

19. Kirbiejo | Jul 26, 2009

    I filed a claim with Access America, unfortunately a death in the family (father) due to cancer is seen as a pre-existing medical condition and is NOT covered by them. Please read EVERYTHING – we are out $1700- and their customer service is horrible!

20. Aggie Jones | Jul 28, 2009

    This is the biggest rip off I have ever done business with. It seems to me what ever excuse you have they deny it. My daughter and I and a friend were going to fly Florida for a vacation we made our plane reservations and had to cancel because my daughter got called back to work. She would have lost her job and unemployment if she went on the trip. Guess what the denyed the claim. I think these jack asses would deny any claim no matter what the reason.

21. Tim Tuchscherer | Aug 27, 2009

    My wife purchased rental car insurance through Access America by using Orbitz website; however she had to cancel the travel package. She immediately called Access America to cancel and was told to fax a letter indicating the rental car was also canceled. It’s been three weeks and now they want Orbitz to send them a fax too! If I hadn’t followed-up with Access America I would never have been notified about the additional fax needed. Now, it’s still not over as their customer service rep, Carmin, said the refund may or may not be give as it depends on their Sales Support review of the information sent them. They will not receive anymore of my business that’s for sure! I will challenge my credit card company with this one so Access America will be out my money, my future business and this little bit of bad PR!

22. Lorie Lambert | Aug 27, 2009

    This is a SCAM! Easy to use, more accurately easy to purchase. Don’t try to collect on a claim – it is a run around.

    I bought trip insurance for my daughter. Several days before her scheduled departure, my father had a severe and unexpected decline in his health and went from independent living to hospice to death within 6 days. He died the day my daughter was supposed to depart on the trip.

    Access America denied my claim because of my father’s preexisting condition. Since my father has been diagnosed the year prior, and since the reason for my daughter canceling her trip was because her grandfather died, Access America denied the claim.

    DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY OR YOUR TIME and tell everyone you know!

23. PAG | Aug 31, 2009

    I was thinking of getting travel insurance so I read all the comments listed below. I checked with the Best Business Bureau and there are absolutely no complaints… my suggestion to all is to write an official complaint through the BBB… otherwise things will not change. Here is the information:

    http://www.seflorida.bbb.org/Business-Report/Access-America-Travel-Insurance-11008502

    http://www.trustlink.org/BusinessProfile.aspx?ID=205999048

    Access America Travel Insurance
    Address:
    100 Commerce Drive
    Warwick, RI 33311
    Tel: (401) 773-9300
    Fax:

    Web Site: http://Access America
    Contact: Glen Skalny –
    Business Start Date: N/A
    Company ID: 11008502
    Nature of Business:
    This company’s nature of business is Travel Agent Mills

24. Karen S | Sep 2, 2009

    I wish I could give no stars to this piece of crap company, it’s not even worthy of being considered an INSURANCE company. I echo what many others have told which is a shocking, unplanned emergency illness keeping me from departing on a trip and despite completing all their paperwork including medical paperwork signed by my Dr etc. the claim was denied. What a rip off. The denial letter was even so tacky and unprofessional. They didn’t even take the time to properly assess the claim like “normal” Claims Adjusters at normal “Insurance Companies” would do. I think they basically deny any and all claims and are only in business to take our money. I’ll NEVER use them ever again and I will tell everyone I know not to use them plus I will take every opportunity to publicly tell my story and warn others from being sucked into this rip off organization. They should be called DENIAL America, not AccessAmerica! They do nothing but profit themselves. Shame on all the travel companies such as Orbitz or big airlines like Delta for attempting to promote them.

    In your campaigns to do as I am doing don’t forget to notify Consumer Services, BBB and more importantly the big Travel companies or airlines that continue to believe this is an up-standing company.

    ACCESS AMERICA………H U G E F R A U D!!!!

25. Eric | Sep 9, 2009

    Thank you everyone for your reviews. My girlfriend and I were looking to insure our cruise over Thanksgiving and were planning to use AccessAmerica. These reviews convinced us otherwise.

    Typical insurance company: they want the premiums, but do not want to pay claims. Good business model for them, but bad for the customer.

26. Andres | Sep 20, 2009

    Worst customer service. Very rude. They don’t do their due diligence properly. I was laid off, and filled out all of the information in order to obtain my reimbursement. The adjuster was rude always inventing a different excuse. Never saw a dime of the $1,300.00. Please, do not get insurance from this company. They don’t honor their word. I learned the hard way.

27. robert giordano | Sep 24, 2009

    Fraud-Liars_Fraud-Liars/What everyone below says, the customer service sucks, they lie to you and have to fill out bogus paperwork. they try and make it hard on you so you will give up. They did not want to give us our money back for 3 months. I sicked our lawyer on them and 5 days later we received the checks. BEWARE FRAUD

28. Robert Blum | Sep 29, 2009

    Read your paperwork and understand that they (or which ever company you pick) are 2nd to your prime USA insurance. Understand your prime insurance also. Make copies of everything… That being said, Access America was fast to respond and provided outstanding service. Make sure you have all of the Bills, Names and Places that provided services to you. Do not wait until you receive the bills in USA before you submit the start of your claim to Access America. It has been 9 months and I am still getting additional bills from Europe. You are responsible for all services that you get; Access America sends the check to you NOT the provider of the service. I will use Access America again. Do NOT travel without some type of secondary insurance.

29. Robert Blum | Sep 29, 2009

    UPDATE, MAKE SURE YOU GO THEIR SITE AND PLINT A CLAIM FORM Read your paperwork and understand that they (or which ever company you pick) are 2nd to your prime USA insurance. Understand your prime insurance also. Make copies of everything… That being said, Access America was fast to respond and provided outstanding service. Make sure you have all of the Bills, Names and Places that provided services to you. Do not wait until you receive the bills in USA before you submit the start of your claim to Access America. It has been 9 months and I am still getting additional bills from Europe. You are responsible for all services that you get; Access America sends the check to you NOT the provider of the service. I will use Access America again. Do NOT travel without some type of secondary insurance.

30. Anonymous | Sep 29, 2009

    One thing everyone should remember when purchasing any type of insurance whether, auto, health, home, travel insurance, etc. you are give a policy that when you make the purchase it is almost like signing a contract stating you understand and agree to the terms of the contract. What is different about Access America is that they are open 24 hours a day 7days a week, 365 days a year and that includes Christmas and any holiday in between to speak to a live person who is very knowledgeable to help you. Second, If you have any questions about the insurance or policy you can call them any time before you purchase the policy or after for up to 10 days and if you change your mind they care refund you your premium. There isn’t any other insurance that I know of that will do that for you. Third, the policy may be lengthy and sometimes confusing however their representatives can explain any of the policies to you anytime day or night. Fourth, their company paid out on my claim thousands of dollars and yes I had to send them documentation they requested, but anything they could request from the travel agent or doctor once I completed their HIPPA form they obtain. So, please everyone keep in mind you may hate insurance companies and things may not always work out as plan but if you are paying a low premium for insurance but I’m sure they pay out hundreds of thousands of dollars on claims every day. If you choose to not educate yourself and read and understand a contract or policy you accepted or paid for, you could suffer the consequence which is not having your claim paid. Lastly, what would you do if travel insurance didn’t exist?

31. Linda B. Cane | Sep 29, 2009

    I really believe that the primary basis of an insurance review should be based on “do they pay” when it is needed. So far, my recent experience with Access America is that they do not.

    A friend and I booked a 2 1/2 week trip to Provence, which involved 2 flights and a villa rental. We insured with Access America 1 day before their “pre-existing condition” clause took effect. Less than 2 months before the trip, my friends 92 year old mother died. We could have still traveled, but her 96-year old father was very lost and depressed. His doctor advised my friend not to leave her father at that time. My friend had booked 1st class, and the airline company refunded her whole fare immediately. We filed the appropriate forms, including one from her father’s doctor, and the information on the villa rental deposit and my airfare. So far, Access America has requested those items again, said her mother’s illness and death were a pre-existing condition for her father (???), and then closed out our request for refund because we didn’t refile! I immediately sent a certified letter and have been ignored.

    We are not talking a tremendous amount of money here, since it is a deposit of less than $1,000 and an airfare of a little over $1000. This is not a tour for 2 which would have been many thousand more! We are upset and disappointed in Access America. I certainly cannot recommend this company that sells insurance but keeps the money, no matter what!

32. kathy | Sep 30, 2009

    I’m rather shocked to find my experience was so abnormal. I had a dental filling fall out and AA paid the dental claim ($236?) to have a new filling put in. I’m currently looking for travel insurance and due to all the negative claims, I’ll not go with AA again even though my experience was quite good. They were timely and courteous on the phone also. Claim was October/November 2008

33. John Shifferd | Oct 2, 2009

    Pre-existing Conditions have convinced me to not get the cruise insurance. Not only would it be for a very short time, but the cost is way too high for any benefit I could possibly gain from making the purchase.

    Combined with their history, which is pre-existing, pre-purchase, we thank all reviews for the information provide. Thanks a million, or should I say $320.

    Party On Access America, but w/o me paying you.

34. Kim | Oct 4, 2009

    FRAUDULENT….If you’ve seen a doctor before, THEY CLAIMED …PRE-EXISTING CONDITION.

    ACCESS AMERICA FRAUD..FRAUD…FRAUD…WILL NEVER BUY.

35. Galen Gatten Sr. | Oct 4, 2009

    My wife purchased a travel policy with her Northwest Airlines ticket for a flight to visit her father. A week before her flight I was shocked to be diagnosed with cancer requiring immediate chemotheropy. My wife promptly advised access america and cancelled the ticket per their instructions. We were shocked to later be advised that they would not honor our claim because I had a preexisting condition as I had complained of muscle pain to my MD before my wife purchased the ticket.

36. delinda burger | Oct 5, 2009

    the guy who wrote this article is full of #%&!. NOT consumer friendly. Have you seen the movie where the insurance company tells its employee’s deny,deny,deny?? Don’t walk from this compay. Run.

37. Noel | Oct 7, 2009

    After reading so many negative reviews, I decided to do my own investigation. Access America is a reputable company. They pay a lot more claims than they reject and have received an A- rating from A.M. Best. No insurance company that I know of will pay every single claim. There are times where an individual’s situation does not meet the scope of coverage. Consumers also have to understand that they have some responsibility in understanding their own situations and to understand the coverage that they are purchasing. All the answers to all of your questions are contained in the policy. I have seen their policy and it is not lengthy and is easy to understand. I have done business with them for several years and only once did I have to file a claim and low and behold, it was paid in quick time. So for everyone who says this company is a scam, tell that to the many people who have been helped out by this company over the years. Just because your situation did not meet their scope of coverage don’t hate on them for doing their jobs.

38. Ro Peabody | Oct 17, 2009

    The company is a fraud. Who owns them? They claim they have 24 travel assistance. “Our staff of multilingual problem solvers is available to help with any medical, legal, or travel-related emergencies.” I made a $64 long-distance call, was put on hold, talked briefly with a young girl who know nothing. She admitted they had no multilingual anything, no understanding of passport issues, etc. It turns out that the long list of exceptions in the policy I never received exempts them from loss of nearly anything one might lose. They demand purchase receipts for all claimed losses, even things purchased 40 years ago. The fact that this company has the right to exist is a scandal.

39. Rachel | Oct 25, 2009

    Access America does not provide the coverage that it implies it does in its advertising. It only covers very limited, rare situations. Do not trust the misleading information. If you cannot read the actual policy would for word first, don’t buy it. (And once you read the actual policy, you probably won’t want to buy it anyway.)

40. billy thompson | Oct 31, 2009

    i have always purchased travel insurance for extra protection…i tried to use this access america insurance today for the first time…what i have to do to get it to cover me as they promised is absolutely outrageous…THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM….THERE INSURANCE IS UNUSABLE WHEN YOU NEED IT AND THAT’S WHY THEY HAVE SUCH A LOW RATING….I SHOULD HAVE RESEARCHED BETTER…..WATCH OUT FOR ACCESS AMERICA TRAVEL INSURANCE…IT IS USELESS!!!!!

41. Tony | Nov 6, 2009

    yup, i got scammed… wish i would have read all the comments here before buying… my company went out of business, so i cancelled my trip… and after supplying the info they requested, they denied my coverage… i missed in the the fine print, that i needed to have worked for the comapny longer then three years… wtf! DO NOT BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE FROM ACCESS AMERICA it is a SCAM!!! You will never get any monies back…

42. Jodi Myers | Nov 7, 2009

    My mother-in-law had been diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2009, with a dire prognosis of only 6-9 months to live. She’d been doing pretty well, any medical concerns she’d had were unrelated to that disease but due to issues with her diabetes. We had the need to purchase a flight and thought “just to be sure” we ought to cover ourselves with the trip cancellation insurance offered through Orbitz and provided by Access America. The flight was relatively inexpensive ($138), with the cost of insurance a little over 10% of that @ $15. This seemed like a reasonable ratio given the situation.

    We did receive the policy, and I have to confess I did not read it thoroughly (thus the warning here to save others from this issue.) In any regard, several days days after I bought the plane ticket, my mother-in-law came down with pneumonia. Within 48 hours she was admitted to hospice care and passed away.
    I submitted the claim, assuming that it would be covered since at the time of purchase we were of the mind that we were very likely looking at another 2-5 months. The claim was denied based on the fact that this was a pre-existing condition.
    I understand that it was my responsibility to fully read the policy. The agent I spoke with explained that the reason the cost of the plan was so affordable (10%+) was to cover events like getting hit by a bus, sudden on-set illnesses, etc. I happen to disagree that this is affordable in relation to the odds associated with completely unknown instances. I am not likely to assume I have a 1 in 10 chance of getting hit by a bus, etc; to me, the relative cost is exorbitant given the odds that something completely unforeseen and unavoidable would happen. I will not make the mistake of purchasing the insurance again!
    We each need to make up our own minds as to what makes sense to us, I just wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the potential nuance to this type of policy.

43. Cheryl | Nov 15, 2009

    Bought airline insurance with them in July ’09 for a trip the end of August. My mother was going along with me and my daughter when she developed a blood clot a week before the trip. I filled out ALL the paper work and had the doctor at the hospital do his section. Access America turned our claim down. I’m very upset with this company. Can this be legal??? I would NOT reccomend purchasing their insurance. Stay away and warn everyone you know!

44. Carmon Comunale | Nov 16, 2009

    90 year young Mother-in-law scheduled a trip. Her son died the day before leaving. Will not pay up until lack of pre-existing condition is proven for her son. MUST read these comments from other previous customers. Call Congress, the news media, AARP. Obviously a morally bankrupt company.

45. Bill Murphy | Nov 17, 2009

    Will not waste my premium again. I could not travel for illness; I saw the doctor 5 days earlier but at that time did not ask about traveling because I hope to recover quickly. My claim was denied because the doctor had not advised me to cancel and could not say that in the report. Not only am I out money for the cancellation but also for the doctor’s visit needed to get the form completed so that it could be rejected.

46. Violet Walton | Nov 17, 2009

    I recently purchased insurance through your company. You were recommended by a family member who travels and has used your insurance.
    My daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer
    5 days before I purchased my airline ticket.
    she did not inform me & her father until she
    knew about her survival chances and treatment.
    I had no way of knowing when she was diagnosed
    until after she notified us.
    Of course after my claim was denied I was told
    of all the loop holes that your underwirters use to keep from paying a claim. I purchased the polciy in good faith and was devasted to find you would not honor the claim. I have to make several trips back and forth because she is having chemo and radiation. We are elderly
    and live on social security and this is a fanancial blow. I will not, nor will I recommend your coverage or lack of. I do intend
    to notify my senator Bill Nelson and write to the better business bureau. The least you can
    do is refund the purchase price for the policy
    that turned out to be of no use.

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48. kelly white | Dec 1, 2009

    I had a very snotty kid tell me it was my fault for not noticeing I had purchased a plan that I am sure I didnt want ,on orbitz I unchecked the annoying little box that was prechecked to add travel insurance and some how it still got added

49. Laurel Huckans | Dec 1, 2009

    I agree with the statement that this company is a total fraud! My husband and I were on our way home from a trip. We were in a foreign country and could not get home. Called them and they assured us we had insurance and would help us get home. Now they have decided they will not give some of the massive amounts of money we had to spend to get home, even though it was NO fault of our own! We have gotten 3 totally different reasons and the run around! Can’t even get a copy of any kind of policy! Do NOT trust this company with your vacation!

50. S. Williams | Dec 1, 2009

    My parents are 80 years old and were planning a trip to Orlando. They are very prudent and careful in planning, and elected to purchase the American Airlines option of “travel insurance”. My father has successfully fought prostate cancer for 20 years now. After he purchased his policy and his airline tickets, he was continuing his usual cancer treatments, but unfortunately developed a dangerously low white blood count which precluded him from traveling since it increased his risk of contracting a life threatening infection during the trip. His doctor told him not to travel. This so called insurance company of course decided that his cancer was a preexisting condition, so they denied his coverage despite the development of his low white blood cell count was a completely new diagnosis he hadn’t experienced in the previous 20 years. What a joke. Do not buy this scam insurance!!

51. James McRae | Dec 10, 2009

    Disney and the companies that utilize Access America should be ashamed of supporting this company. They claim to not speak “insurance talk” on their website which is great until you file a claim and they sure speak it then. I have made several complaints to them and will be asking Disney to discontinue their association with them.

52. Swaran Dhaliwal | Dec 27, 2009

    And the list of denied claims grows… Our grandmother passed away at 90+ years, months AFTER we purchased our tickets/insurance but a few days before we were supposed to attend a family wedding. Long story short, we went to a funeral instead of a wedding. We placed a claim that they have thus far denied since the “onset of death” was not listed on the death certificate and, get this, the date that her “natural death” began was not given. Now the death certificate clearly states “natural” as the cause of death. However, after months of phone calls, paper work faxed, hospitals, the merry-go-round of reps, and doctors contacted, they still refuse to pay the claim unless we can prove she DID NOT HAVE a pre existing condition!

    However, unlike many here that that have given up in frustration, we will win this war of attrition if it takes an act of congress, or a class action lawsuit! We are even considering creating a web page designed to bring to the attention of insurance regulators the unscrupulous practices utilized by this company. This should have been a cut and dry case but instead it has now turned into quest for justice. Really mad and getting angrier by the day!

    If this claim is not resolved quickly by Access America we are going to repost an e-mail address here and on other sites to rally the troops, collect interested parties info, and set into motion a class action lawsuit that will make Access America wished it had never insulted the memory of our loving grandmother by insisting we provide them with more then adequate proof of her “natural” and untimely death.

53. Ed Terry | Jan 1, 2010

    Tried to change flight plans for my mother-in-law after my mother died. We needed my mother-in-law to stay at my house to care for my dependents while my wife and I traveled to the funeral. Access insurance refused to honor their agreement.

54. Linda B. Cane | Jan 3, 2010

    I wish I could leave LESS than 1 star. This company should not be listed here. If you check the internet, you will see that they do not pay claims. You will see that they ask for the same paperwork over and over and over again. They try to wear you out so you will go away and not collect when you have to cancel a trip. It took me almost 6 months to get a refund that I was absolutely entitled to, and it wasn’t even for a large amount. I The entire trip, which I booked myself, was less than $2500! I was only successful because I wouldn’t give up, but it took many hours of letters, emails and phone calls. Your rating should be changed or at least a warning posted about their poor record of taking care of claims. Thank you!

55. Brian | Jan 10, 2010

    To everyone that has provided reviews, note that your feedback will be more helpful to others and influential on the company if you complain to the Better Business Bureau in the the state they are registered. Below is the link: http://www.bbb.org/connecticut/business-reviews/real-estate/century-21-access-america-in-stamford-ct-17001997

56. Gordon | Jan 16, 2010

    I just received a letter from Access asking for a doctors report on my dead father-in-law. Apparently, the death certificate was not enough. He had been sick for several years and his health was getting worse. They explained to me if his medication changed they would not cover my trip interuption. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. As I read through the reviews, this is a trend for this company. Do your homework and find a better comany.

57. Janice Mcleod | Feb 2, 2010

    I booked a flight from MI to Az with plans to go visit my father who was sick and was given 3-6 months to live. 3 weeks after his diagnosis, he collapsed and was given 48 hours to live. I had taken insurance with Access America for this flight. I always insure trips and flights. Delta changed my flight and I left the next day. I stayed with my father for 13 days. I filed a claim for the difference in the price of the flight when I got home. They required a certified death certificate, which I sent. After that, they requested that a form be filled out by the Dr. I got that completed by both the social worker at the hospice and the Dr. That was mailed and faxed to Access America along with a letter from the hospice explaining that they requested that I get there quickly. Now, I have received a request for my fathers medical records outlining the diagnosis.
    I live in MI and I am in FL for the winter. My father died in AZ. This paperwork has been a nightmare on top of all of the things that have been required after a death in the family.
    I am convinced they are just trying to bury me in paperwork in hopes that I will give up and forget it.
    The paperwork from the Dr and the death cert both stated a cause of death and described his illness. I feel like that type of info is an invasion to his privacy.
    Dad passed away Nov 1. His small estate has all been settled but I am still trying to get this settled with Access America. What next, where is the end? How many ways can I justify this?
    Do I have any rights here? How about HIPPA and common consideration. I have more then answered any reasonable questions that should pertain to changing the flight. This is nuts.
    I WILL NEVER BUY INSURANCE FROM THEM AGAIN AND WILL BE SURE TO SPREAD THE WORD TO ANYONE THAT MAY THINK OF DOING SO.
    And it still isn’t settled……..

58. Julie | Feb 5, 2010

    I purchase travel insurance from Access America along with my airline ticket — a few weeks later my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. I sent the company a letter from my father’s oncologist — clearly stated when he was diagnosed well AFTER the tickets had been purchased.

    Ironically, all other family members — who DID NOT purchase insurance have been able to refund their airline tickets. I would have been better off not buying insurance. When I googled “Access America” and scam or fraud… several stories popped up. I was wondering what other people’s experience has been with Access America or any other travel insurance company, for that matter. Please investigate for yourself before purchasing.

59. Carol AnnHroch | Feb 11, 2010

    My mother in law watches her daughters children while she works. Since my sister in law doesnt pay her for her time, my mother in law lives on a fixed income and cannot afford the nicer things in life, which brings me to my complaint. We decided to purchase a ticket to Mexico as a Christmas present for her as we were going and wanted her to come. My sister in law children went to their grandmother and told them that there mother had been both physically and verbally abusing them to a point where she was dragging the one daughter out of the car because she didnt get out fast enough and while the child was running because her hair was being pulled by her mother, she tripped and fell and her mother began kicking her in the head. Needless to say my Mother in law requested custody of these 2 precious children 6 & 7. My sister in law is an alcoholic and attempted to take her life. She was hospitalized for 28 days of Detox, those 28 days fell into the week that we were going to Mexico, There was no way that those children were going to be given back to their mother. Luckily ( I thought) i purchased travel insurance with Access America. I thought I was insured and didnt even think that our claim would be denied, BUT I was wrong they denied our claim. I think this is a scam of an Insurance Company – I hold Orbitz responsible for having list them on their site. A class action lawsuit should be initiated because something just doesnt smell right or fair. If any one would like to be part of a class action lawsuit, email me at cahroch@gmail.com- I will speak with an attorney and he will advise whether or not we have a case

60. Regina Welch | Feb 18, 2010

    I only wish I had read these reviews before I purchased the policy. I would love to find out if any one ever got their claim paid. I believe like the others that it is a fraud. We had to suddenly leave a trip and return home because of a sudden illness to one of our children and was told it was not covered. Will advise others as I feel that I have been taken.

61. t wright | Feb 18, 2010

    SCAM THIS COMPANY IS A RIP OFF. It should be turned in to the consumer protection agency for misleading consumers. Do not purchase. Company did not provide any support or monetary reimbursement it advertised and stated it the “policy”!

62. Judy | Feb 19, 2010

    Do not buy insurance from this company! They are very expensive for what you get, and if you file a claim, they find an excuse not to cover it, no matter how clearly the are responsible.

    The are affiliated with Orbitz, so if you buy trip insurance with Orbitz this is what you’ll get.

    Go to other places. AAA has cheaper insurance. Available to all.

63. Don Cardinal | Feb 22, 2010

    The “trip cancellation” insurance ad on the American Airlines site makes it sounds like any cancellation is covered.

    Only when you read the 26-page coverage document will you see the exact items it does cover and nothing else. If it is not listed it it not covered. period.

64. Edo Kaluski | Feb 25, 2010

    I had my wifes parent visiting from Ukraine. Unfortunately they were involved in a car accident. Access America provided them with exceptional service. They arranged for them flight tickets, compensated them for trip interuption and were very attentive to their needs. I can only say wonderful things about this company.

65. EWILL | Mar 3, 2010

    What a scam!

    Orbitz really pushes this product stating you can purchase this up to the day of travel. Received injury prior to purchasing insurance; however, doctor determined that I could not travel afterwards when an infection set in.

    Claims agent very rude and defensive (I believe her name was Crystal) –must be accustomed to denying claims.

    Don’t waste your money on this product.

66. Ed | Mar 3, 2010

    Thanks for all the honest reviews here that we are not falling on their trap.

67. Warren | Mar 4, 2010

    The worst!!! Dont waste any time or money on this company. Paid for this insurance off a USAirways flight and had a death in the family the morning of preventing me from going. They determined after gathering up and sending physician forms that this family member (grandfather) was not included in this policy. WHAT A JOKE!!! The BBB will hear from me, and I encourage all to to do the same using the link provided down the page. Absolute scam. Avoid at all costs!

68. David Clark | Mar 5, 2010

    Our round trip DFW-SLC on 2/12-2/14 was delayed because of 12inches of snow at DFW. The airport was closed. The next avail flight was 12/14, so no point for the trip. After calling AccessAmerica and asking them what they recommended and what our options were, We rented a car and drove. Policy stated $200/person with a max of $150/day. Our actual costs were > $850. They paid us $375 (Pro-rated because we rented 2-way rental and did not pick up the return flight in SLC on 14th.) One-way rental car was $1400 – we declined. By saving money and trying to stay close to the $800 max, we were penalized, even though they had suggested this before we rented the car. They also said they would pay in full ($310 per person) as a travel cancellation, they later claimed it was only a travel delay. Thankfully Delta refunded our ticket money for the flights, so we did not lose too much. However, Insurance is supposed to pay when the correct conditions are met. AccessAmerica found to a way to minimize their payments. To get to the reduced payment, I have so far made about 12 calls to them (Average wait time 15-20 minutes per call), sent 4 emails, faxed 22 pages of documentation, and finally filed a complaint against them with the BBB, requesting the additional amount that was not yet paid.
    Bottom Line: Unless you want to make it a lifelong quest to get your claimed money back from them, save your money for something else. This flight insurance is a scam and should be avoided. I am disappointed that Delta airlines have a link to them from their web site. PS: It took 2 weeks, 3 emails and 4 calls to Delta with an hour wait time on each call to get my ‘non-refundabe’ tickets refunded.

69. J. Cobb | Mar 12, 2010

    Fast and very courteous service. Available 24/7
    with real people! Filed claim online and was paid with a week. Would recommend.

70. Tom henderson | Mar 12, 2010

    I’ve used Orbitz and bought Access America insurance for about $14. Had to cancel when my wife got diagnosed with cancer. They paid me $1,100 quickly
    and with no hassle. Very courteous.

    Not sure why some people here are complaining and calling this company a scam. Everyone should know insurance doesn’t cover everything, especially preexisting situations. Try buying home insurance when your house is on fire. Everyone should read the policy and if you don’t like whats covered and what’s not ask for your money back.

71. M Hopkins | Mar 13, 2010

    Avoid doing business with this company at all cost. After a visit to France, my wife and I took a train to DeGaulle airport to catch our flight home, but the train broke down and was delayed for 2.5 hours, causing us the arrive at the ticket counter 20 minutes after the flight departed. We had to stay overnight at an airport hotel, and the airline charged us $300 apiece to change our tickets. Total out-of-pocket expense: $832. Our Access America’s policy clearly stated it covered loss due to missed flights. But the company rejected our claim. When we asked why, they said they only pay if one misses a flight by more than six hours. Figure that one out. This is one sleasy company. Stay away!!

72. Safiyah | Mar 15, 2010

    The airline called to cancel our flights due to a severe snow storm in the North-east- Feb 10 2010. All tri-state airports JFK & EWR & Phili. were shut down. The hotel and airlines (Booked through Orbitz)were so understanding, we were promptly issued a refund with out penalty. ACCESS AMERICA refuse to refund the $129.94 trip cancellation insurance because they view it as a delay when flights can go out with in 48 hours. Access America is GREEDY. SHAME ON THEM! DO NOT USE ACCESS AMERICA. Such a useless policy. I won’t use any vacation companies that work use Access America (Orbitz, Delta)because they should be advocates for us too. LET THE BUYER BEWARE.

73. Donut Buy | Mar 16, 2010

    I purchased travel insurance last October for a Valentine’s Day weekend trip for my wife and me. It was the first time that I had purchased travel insurance. I did so because my father had contracted leukemia in 2008. Since that time he had gone in and out of remission. I bought the insurance because I knew that there was a chance that we might not be able to make the trip. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened. His condition suddenly grew much worse and on Sunday, February 7 he was hospitalized. His wife was there to assist him, but she needed more help. I flew to Massachusetts on Feb.10 to help, but no drugs could assist him. We were able to get him discharged from the hospital, sincee wanted to die at home. One week later he died. I contacted Access America to recoup the cost of my trip. They said that they would not pay, because my father had been treated for his leukemia in the 90 days prior to my October purchase date. After discussions with two representatives the bottom line was this: Don’t buy travel insurance when a family member is ill! The standard coverage which I purchased is only of use if someone suddenly and unexpectedly dies. Caveat emptor (Let the buyer be aware)!

74. Jp | Mar 16, 2010

    This insurance company is a fraud! DON’T USE IT OR YOU’LL BE SORRY! My father-in-law died the day before our flight to Hawaii to celebrate my wedding to his daughter. They refused to pay, saying the doctors aren’t filling out the forms correctly, I’ve sent them 4 four times.

75. Theresa Harris | Mar 17, 2010

    Buyer beware! This company is a fraud. My claim was denied. I came down with bronchitits 10 days after I booked my ticket and because I had a cold 120 days yes 4 months prior! to purchasing the ticket my claim was denied. They dont ask these questions when you are purchasing your insurance.

    This is company is a rip off and I will be reporting them to the Better Business Bureau! I suggest everyone do the same! Let’s put them out of business. Theresa Harris

76. TheInspectorGeneral | Mar 20, 2010

    ATTENTION: ALL OF YOU!

    As long as your dealings with Access America remain on an emotional level, you will get nowhere with them. If you want results, do your homework, operate from purely business perspective when trying to get a claim resolved (much as that may hurt). Forget about the Better Business Bureau, while not totally useless, they are next to useless. Get the word out on sites like Consumerist.com, which is one of the most powerful sites out there where shoppers can BITE BACK!

    Make http://www.consumerist.com/ a nightly stopping point for you and your family, and you will save yourself a ton of headaches regarding everything consumer related.

77. TheInspectorGeneral | Mar 20, 2010

    Oh by-the-way, here is a little story from Consumerist.com that you may find interesting, along with some others related to “travel insurance”:

    Access America’s “Comprehensive Trip Protector” Insurance Isn’t Comprehensive, So Enjoy Your Overnight Layover

    http://consumerist.com/2010/02/access-americas-comprehensive-trip-protector-insurance-isnt-comprehensive-so-enjoy-your-overnight-la.html

78. Rebecca Moon | Mar 22, 2010

    I purchased your travel insurance to cover a possible trip cancellation in the event of an emergency with my terminally ill Mother and because of health issues of my husband. The night before I was to leave I had to call 911 for an emergency with my husband and had to cancel my flight. I called Access America and received all the information to fill out, which I did in great detail, to be reimbursed for my trip. Apparently I am to be denied because I failed to jump through a hoop in the policy. Even if I did fill out the remaining item, the Physician Statement Form, because my husband did not see a doctor in the specified time I will be denied. I have already spent an enormous amount of time filling out forms, writing a documentary and on phone calls that it would truly be a waste if time to go to the expense of having a doctor, which he did see, fill out a form that would have an unacceptable date on it.

    I have decided to instead spend my time writing this note and I will send an email to all the people on my address list and on Facebook explaining why a travel insurance policy is a bit of a joke and do not waste one’s money in hopes of ever receiving help in the event of an emergency involving a loved one.

    Saddest of all, this letter will probably never reach an individual who has the authority to help a client.

    Rebecca Moon
    Policy # AMR00001382352
    03/21/2010

79. Susan Rossi | Mar 22, 2010

    I purchased this insurance with a plane ticket to go see my seriously ill sister. The day after I bought the insurance, my sister was operated on, and it was discovered she had an abcess,caused by a staph infection. She was placed in isolation and not allowed visitors. I cancelled my reservations and waited for a refund. After many weeks of phone calls and letter writing, I have been told that my claim was denied because she had a pre-existing condition – pain. Of course she was in pain; that’s why she went to the hospital. This is nothing short of a ripoff! People need to read these complaints before they buy from this company.

80. Pam Gallatin | Mar 23, 2010

    DO NOT GET THIS INSURANCE!!! BUYER BEWARE!
    I have purchased trip insurance for years and this is the first time we ever had to use it. Never again!!! This company will not read their documents you send no matter how many times you send them to several different people and finally when you back them into a corner they still come out stupid and won’t pay all. Had to have a flight routed via Pittsburg, rental car, then pit home to Jax and they say I wasn’t in Pit. The receipt shows all. NO ONE IN THAT OFFICE WILL DO THEIR JOB! BUYER BEWARE!!!

81. Margaret C Taglia | Mar 26, 2010

    My family’s flight was cancelled due to a huge snowstorm and the airline refunded my money because they weren’t able to re-book the flight for several days. I had purchased an Access Americal Insurance Policy for my car rental. First, they cancelled my policy stating that when I called them to say my flight was cancelled, I actually cancelled my insurance. After several phonecalls, my policy was re-instated. Then, they denied my claim stating that Airtran would have had to completely cease all service for a 24 hour period in order for them to pay on my claim. I provided verification from Airtran acknowledging they could not re-book my flight for days. WHY PURCHASE A POLICY! I do not recommend Access America. They were polite but condescending in their denial. I’m sure they were bombarded with claims following that Feb, 2010 snowstorm and their response was deny, deny, deny!

82. Joyce Henderson | Mar 27, 2010

    This is the worst travel insurance I have ever bought. I intend to write letters and send an alert to media and airports to be on the watch for this company whose practices are sneaky and low and frauds!

83. Tom Ryan | Mar 31, 2010

    DO NOT PURCHASE! This company is a total rip off. My doctor told me not to fly because IT MAY KILL ME. They still won’t pay. After nearly 2 months, I’m still jumping thru hoops and never actually expect to be reimbursed. I will never do business with this company or orbitz again.

84. J Sullivan | Apr 1, 2010

    The travel interruption protection guidelines are very tight. I was stranded in Arizona during a hurricane on the east coast. Cost me $900 to get home, Access America told me I was entitled only to a travel delay and $150 because the airline did not shut down completely. I will not be purchasing this product again.

85. PO'd | Apr 3, 2010

    I am currently dealing with Access America and I find their service less than satisfactory!!

    I was scheduled to go on a group trip, but the trip was canceled by the travel company due to natural disaster.

    During my very first phone conversation with AA, the woman told me she could pretty much guaranty my claim would be denied!!

    Email submissions & faxes seem to vanish so I have resorted to using certified mail! When I call AA’s office and ask to speak to the agent who is supposedly handling our group claim, they say nobody by that name works there! All emails go unanswered!

    I have made numerous calls to AA only to be given the run-around, put on hold and eventually disconnected. They are very UNPROFESSIONAL and never return calls! Like everyone else here…I think they are a SHAM!!!

    Sadly, the travel company has not been much help either!

    Buyer BEWARE!!!

86. Frustrated | Apr 15, 2010

    Run away!! Our flight(s) repeatedly canceled over a 4 day period due to blizzard conditions at arrival destination. At least one carrier flight landed every 24 hours so no trip interruption coverage was allowed. Policy say “all services canceled for 24 consecutive hours” regardless if that one flight that made it did my any good. Would not touch AA ever again. read the small print. Can’t believe they are even still in business. I guess a sucker born every minute.

87. Sarah | Apr 15, 2010

    AA.COM offered and sold me the policy despite the fact that the tickets I was purchasing were fully refundable. Call me stupid (i sure have) for buying it but I was in a hurry, bought first class expensive tickets and thought for sure they would cost a bundle to cancel or change, with elderly parents I went for the insurance. When I found out the tickets were fully refundable, I asked for a refund but was told they couldnt give one. I suggested that they could but wouldnt.

    I agree, this is not a good outfit.

88. Federico Sacerdoti | Apr 15, 2010

    A bad experience. The travel insurance my wife bought stated it covered cancellations due to bad weather. Great. She had bad weather on her way from NYC to Albuquerque, and was forced to spend the night in Denver airport. The next flight to New Mexico was not for more than 24 hours. However her insurance claim (worth $500) was denied because her carrier had some other flight going to some other destination within 24 hours. Their policy small print required “complete cessation of service by the airline” defined as no flights leaving the airport for 24 hours. If there was complete cessation of service for 23 hours, then one flight on the airline left for Mexico City, her claim would be denied; making this insurance worth much less than she thought. We will never buy from this company again.

    Access America (AA) is offered by default by Orbitz, you just need to tick an option box. The Romans knew it, and this blog entry is a testament: Caveat Emptor, buyer beware.

89. Kathi Rubin | Apr 15, 2010

    This company sold me travel insurance. I had fallen and hurt my arm before I bought the insurance, but not badly. So I bought two tickets to Cancun and bought travel insurance, just because it’s a good idea.
    When the Dr. decided I needed surgery on my arm and would be in a sling for 6 weeks, I called this insurance co. and they said I was covered, but would need to fill out forms to get my money back. After submitting forms, I was denied my $886 refund. Because I didn’t tell Spirit Airlines directly I was canceling, I cannot use my tickets. The ticket info is in partnership and on the same page as the insurance company. This is fraudulent and I am not finished dealing with them.

90. Jay | Apr 18, 2010

    Paid for this insurance for a family member to fly out for a wedding. Family member got a kidney stone during the stay and had to be hospitalized thus missing the flight. This insurance company told me everything would be covered to change the flight but in the end nothing was covered. The claim was denied and closed in less than a week after I sent the paperwork in and they never even bothered notifying me. When I called to see the status my claim didn’t exist at first but after thirty minutes on the phone they finally found it and said it was denied due to pre existing condition. They refused to tell me anything more and I was out over a grand. Never buy insurance from this company. It is a big SCAM. I can’t believe this company is even allowed to do business. I will avoid American Airlines as much as possible because they recommended it. What a waste of money.

91. Cheryl Ellis | Apr 21, 2010

    I would actually rate your company a zero star. Very corrupt practices. It took me tracking down the CEO of your company, Jonathan Ansell, and the CEO of Orbitz, Bernard Harford, as well as Christopher Elliott the nationally syndicated “Travel Troubleshooter”, to get a refund after finding my mom deceased at her home 2 days before we were to leave for a vacation. This is an unscrupulous company.

92. robert Raduenzel | Apr 21, 2010

    this company will NOT be there if you need them. very much a scam.

93. Ron Nesbit | Apr 22, 2010

    We had items missing from our suitcase after doing onboard check in with Disney Cruises (our baggae was checked through to our final destination). We encountered resistance, and poor surly customer service from Access America trying to recoup our loss. Any item you do not have a receipt for is “depreciated.” They refuse to make good on our total loss. Bottom line, we had a very poor experience with Access America.

94. David Peterson | Apr 27, 2010

    Access America sold me a policy which, at the time they were fully aware that I would never be able to submit a claim. I was told that there was a “foreseeable” storm and that the policy was purchased too late to be able to make a claim. If that was the case, why would they even sell me a polic? The claims examiner whom I never heard from for over 2 months (since submitting the claim) mumbled on the telephone only for me to get out of the conversation that my claim was deniable but wasn’t denied yet. I should hear from a manager in the future. I was able to salvage five days out of seven by traveling to a different airport and paying a substantial increase in fares. If it was too late to purchase the policy THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE SOLD IT!!!!!You are no different than Goldman Sachs making money off impending disaster.

95. Barbara J. Mason | May 2, 2010

    Cruise roommate got sick the day we were supposed to travel. Called Access America and received the paperwork my e-mail. Once I got the paperwork into the company (our delay) we both received a check within a couple of weeks. Very professional.

96. Sharon | May 4, 2010

    I had to have emergency knee surgery, and it landed right on the spring vacation I had planned with my children. The tickets were over $1,600 and I had to cancel the trip. I submitted all of the doctor’s information and was “denied” my money for the tickets because my doctor’s appointments had fallen within 120 days prior to my trip. I was supposed to have arthroscopic surgery during the summer, so it was not supposed to interfere with any part of my life. However, after further review from the doctor, he insisted that I have immediate knee replacement surgery. Who would have thought at 42 years old this would be happening?? Regardless of the circumstances, my children were under age and could not go to Orlando by themselves, so I had to cancel the tickets. Access America stands by their “policy” and repeated in a “robotic” response…”we send you the travel insurance documents for your review in an email. It is your responsibility as a consumer to review all documents prior to accepting the terms of the agreement on the website. It is also your responsibility as a consumer to read the policy when you receive it in the email. Gosh, had I known that I was going to have emergency knee replacement surgery, I certainly would have informed them prior to purchasing trip insurance…REALLY??? I guess I shouldn’t have booked any vacations with this travel insurance, since I had an emergency hysterectomy 6 years ago that led to the degeneration of my bones in my knees so bad that my legs were “bone on bone” when I was walking…guess that would be considered “pre-existing” to them as well, since that is what CAUSED the degeneration of the bone, osteoarthritis and a complete breakdown of the cartilage in my knees. Do NOT click “add travel insurance” box on ANY websites, Orbitz, Travelocity, Delta, American Airlines, Priceline, Princess Cruises…NEVER CLICK THE BOX…on ANY website, airline, travel agency, cruize…NEVER…NOTHING! It’s not the TRAVEL INSURANCE that is the problem…it’s the TICKET REFUND that you will NEVER see! My travel insurance was only a total of $75, the TICKETS were $1,600!!!!!!!

97. shannon marttila | May 4, 2010

    Had a claim with this company. What a joke!!!
    They continue to tell you to provide more documentation and when you continue to give them everything they ask for, they deny it anyway. I am reporting them to the attorney general in both the state I purchased them as well as in Richmond, VA where they are located. This company should not be allowed to do business. You are better off saving your money and not having insurance. Complete crooks!!! I wished I had checked this website before purchasing this insurance.

98. Eduardo Pinzon | May 7, 2010

    Very difficult to access my Account in English!
    I want to check my inquiry status,

    Eduardo Pinzon

99. Barbara Lee | May 8, 2010

    There isn’t a rating low enough for this company. When my traveling companion had a nervous breakdown (as in she was in the hospital) they would not return one penny. Yes I know mental conditions are not covered, but I thought that meant you couldn’t say I don’t feel like going.
    My companion was hospitalized and is still in the hospital over a year later.
    I am currently shopping for insurance for another trip. This one is off the list.

100. Wanda Payant | May 10, 2010

     This company is a complete fraud. They refused to pay on a claim after I had to return to the United States because my Father was dying. He died one day after I returned. They will not pay because I did not come back on the day he died. This company should be forced out of business. They are highly unethical. Please do not use this company for overseas travel.

101. Paula | May 14, 2010

     FRAUD ALERT….FRAUD ALERT….FRAUD ALERT
     You have got to be kidding endorsing this company.
     We just returned from my honeymoon in Mexico our luggage was broken into at the airport and jewelry & electronics taken. Access America will NOT pay because we don’t have receipts. Anyone who has ever traveled to Mexico knows you don’t get receipts. Sure wish I would have known this before we payed $500 for a policy. We assumed since we bought the insurace through Orbitz it was legite.

     Anyone up for a class action lawsuit?

102. Betty Maize | May 18, 2010

     This is qiute disturbing my story is no way near as tragic as the following stories I have read, we live in America and it showes we are the most selfish people in the world with no heart just give me your money and I will gladly place a pre-existing label on you that will npt only deny your claim but make you feel like a fool for purchasing this insurance. I would like to devote as much time as possible in a class action lawsuit.

103. Carol James | May 28, 2010

     Great article,
     It is very important for everyone to have health insurance.If you don’t have insurance and you have to go to hospital, you’ll have to pay over $20,000.That happened to a friend of mine.I know a site that offer the cheapest possible price for health insurance, free quotes and a lot of benefits.

     http://www.NationalHealthInsurance.info

104. Kelly | May 28, 2010

     With so many bad reviews I felt like I should share my experience. From the day I broke my ankle in South America they were very helpful and gave good advice. I had to fly to a hospital from an isolated area. They just asked me to keep a paper trail. When I got to a hospital and found out I needed surgery they were helpful again. The hospital wanted cash up front that I didn’t have. Access America sent them a promissory note and talked the hospital into doing the surgery. The case worker called everyday I was in the hospital to check on me. When I was ready to fly home their medical staff called the Dr. out of concern for me getting blood clots. Something I hadn’t thought of. I was put on medication 5 days prior to flying out. When I got home I sent them all my receipts and the paper trail. They have been polite, good communicators and a help during a distressing time. I have received half my reimbursements and the last two checks are on the way. All my friends are now making sure they purchase insurance before they fly out of the country. I couldn’t have asked for more.

105. CB | Jun 1, 2010

     I could not use my ticket and had to travel at another time due to my mother’s breast cancer surgery. Access America told me I had to file a medical claim even thought the medical condition was not mine!! Access America then denied my claim because they considered this a pre-existing condition!!! My mother’s health reasons should have nothing to do with my travel. Totally unheard of. Do not waste your time or money with Access America!!

106. Lyn Battien | Jun 2, 2010

     This is a horrible travel insurance company and Continental airlines should remove the link from their webisite unless of course they own them! We purchased this insurance with a ticket for a family wedding a year before the event, my spouse became very ill and could not travel and they denied the claim saying it was pre-existing, but how can it be pre-existing if you are not diagnosed until months after the original trip and ticket was purchased and planned for. Attempted many appeals and they even breeched my spouse’s medical privacy. No payment and no claim settled yet. Nothing helpful or of good merit with this company. Would not ever recommend this travel insurance .

107. John | Jun 4, 2010

     I will not buy any policy from Access America again!

     I purchase the protection plan via UA and I finally realized the Airline Ticket Protector is not protecting consumers, I am asked to provide a proof from clinic, and seems that’s my fault that I did not sick enough to see a doctor.

     Simple and friendly in surface, but complicated wording and process to claim what you suppose to get back from Access America.

     Don’t waste money to buy the policy from this company, you have better chance to win by buying lottery.

108. Nicholas Clifford | Jun 7, 2010

     I have reached an age in life where buying trip insurance has seemed to me to be a prudent idea, and I have used AccessAmerica as well as several other companies. In late December 2009 I bought insurance to cover a trip that I was proposing to take in March 2010, to visit friends, but within the US.

     Then, in an entirely unrelated development, but shortly before my planned departure, my brother underwent back surgery. When his recovery unexpectedly developed serious problems, I of course cancelled my trip to go visit him, and so informed the airline and the insurance company. Unfortunately the complications that set in during his recovery grew worse, and about a week after my cancellation, he died in the hospital.

     Shortly thereafter I put in a claim to seek a refund of my air fare — the only expense I had incurred. After several months, howevr, AccessAmerica denied the claim, on the grounds that the problem that had led to his surgery was considered a “pre-existing condition.” In a sense that was true, for his back problems had begun several years earlier. Still, the decision made by the doctors to have him undergo surgery was made well after my purchase of the insurance.

109. Traveler | Jun 8, 2010

     I’ve read these reviews. It appears that the main complaint is a pre-existing condition. However, having used access america before, it clearly states what is considered a pre-existing condition. And on the Access America basic, classic, and deluxe policies, there is a pre-existing condition waiver to where if you meet the pre-defined terms of the waiver, you are exempt from pre-existing condition exclusions. I was. I was paid. In a timely manner. Approved by claims after 10 days, mailed a check. Cashed the check.

110. Natalie | Jun 9, 2010

     I was turned down for a filed claim. I had a doctors note stating I had a sever ear infection, throat infection, eustachion dysfunction and sinus infection. She had stated on the note, if it did not clear up, I should go see a ENT.
     The agent on the end told me to go see the ENT before they could do anything further.
     DO NOT buy insurance from these company, they have a rubber stamp policy.

111. Thomas EDevine | Jun 9, 2010

     This is the worst of the worst, I have been trying to get a refund for two months “under review ” is all I get. Anyone thinking about a class action let me know. The editor here who gave them five stars is a dam fool and not to be trusted.

112. Gussie Brieger | Jun 12, 2010

     Have used this insurance several times and
     have been very pleased.

113. C. Flinn | Jun 25, 2010

     They have both disallowed and “lost” claims that were absolutely clearly covered in their policy as issued. Waste of money.

114. Cosmo Devine | Jun 30, 2010

     I became somewhat concerned when my claim went unanswered for several weeks. Then I came upon this website and thought “Oh no, I’m screwed.” I never had my emails answered by them, the links were dead on their website, my phone calls were never returned, they always wanted “more information” and I never got the same person twice on the phone. Anyway, I sent them everything they wanted and kept on them with the phone calls (always documenting who I spoke with, when and what they said). In the end I got my money back but it was way too frustrating. The repetitious questions, the excuses and delays were totally unnecessary on a legitimate claim. At the end I was preparing paperwork to sue them in small claims court for unfair and deceptive business practices. I can tell you with great certainty I would have won and perhaps with triple damages to boot. I simply cannot recommend this company to anyone. That said….I’m not sure if any other travel insurance companies are better.

115. Mr Harris | Jul 1, 2010

     I really don’t even want to give them 1 star. Access America is a deplorable company. They take your money oh so quickly but have no interest in honoring claims. I broke my wrist 1 week before planned travel to Britain. I have filled in all their forms, called them multiple times, received really apologetic standard emails from their customer service group but no response or payment. I can’t believe with all the negative comments below that Access America can be allowed to stay in business. Where is the insurance regulation to protect consumers like us form profit hungry businesses with no caring for their customers?

116. Rosana Simson | Jul 7, 2010

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117. Steve | Jul 15, 2010

     I took a trip to Nicaragua in the Spring of 2009 and the tour operator’s truck was broken into on the beach at our remote surf spot. I had the deluxe plan and I submitted my claim online when I got back. Since there were no police in the area where the theft occurred, I had to call the tour operator and request a written statement about the circumstances surrounding the theft. I got it and faxed it to AccessAmerica and they paid out the claim within two weeks. There was depreciation built into my claim, but I still got 60% of what I asked for.

118. Sue Moss | Jul 16, 2010

     My rating would be a minus number because, even tho I had a doctor’s letter stating that he advised me to change my plans because of my mom’s emergency surgery, they are denying my claim because it was due to a pre-existing condition. Unbelievable! They need to watch the movie “Rain Maker” with John Voight as the shady insurance man whose job it was to deny all claims!

119. aleaser spiller-palmer | Jul 20, 2010

     this company is fraudulent in their practices and are a great disappointment , How are they allowed to continue to operate with their unfair practices? They have no professional medical staff on board to review claims, involving people’s health status.
     I was told this information by an employee of their company. How can a lay person make informed decisions about medical diagnoses and pharmacology issues involving clients? I give this business a flat zero(0) for their performance.

120. Dr. Al Alba | Jul 21, 2010

     Compnay does a great service for a great price. I used them many times in the past and when a claim needed to be filed a prompr reimbursemt was awarded. I do not know why so many people in this review section had such difficulty with the company. In any event I am speaking from my experiences.

121. Troy Z | Jul 21, 2010

     This company is ridiculous. We took out rental insurance from them (via Orbitz) for a trip to Costa Rica, and upon arriving there, was told at the rental counter that the insurance “was not valid” in Costa Rica. We spoke with Access America support staff upon our return, and they said that their insurance is often not acknowledged as valid in Latin American countries, and promised a full refund after I fax them the bill. A few days after faxing, I called and was told I wouldn’t be getting a refund. So I spoke with a manager who again said I’d receive a refund once I sent a cleaner copy of the rental receipt. After emailing them a copy, I received an email stating that they couldn’t refund me since I’d requested a refund more than 10 days after purchasing the policy. Of course, no one mentioned this when I bought the insurance 3 months prior to our trip. And, why didn’t any of the 3 employees I spoke with mention this while as they asked for receipts, promised refunds, and generally gave me the run-around??!! No refund ever came. This company is disorganized and a joke. I have no idea why Orbitz works with them. I would never, ever get insurance from them again, especially if traveling south of the U.S.

122. Renee Evans | Jul 23, 2010

     It was very easy to purchase the policy.
     Making a claim is a whole other story.

     Why have a website like this only talk about the selling of policies – why not rate them on the hurdles of filing a claim, no written response until I called to follow up.

     July 20 First phone call – Found out no one looked at file yet. While on the line agent reviewed all paper work- agent Mari said altho doctors narrative included date patient could not travel – the date wasn’t inserted on the correct line box just above the doctors signature.

     July 20 I contacted Doctors office sent them the fax of his original statement so that doctor could insert the date and then fax to Access Am. (Talk about dotting the i’s)

     July 23 Called for status. Agent Dan said the document faxed by doctor as yet reviewed. He took the time to review entire file once again.

     Agent Dan said the claim could be paid if I agreed to the amount over the phone. It was a good thing I made him slow down. It seemed to me he was trying to get me to quickly agree to a payoff amount.

     Going through each item agent Dan’s amount and mine differed by $500.00. Agent Dan saw reference to the extra night hotel we paid for directly and was not part of the package- Agent Dan assumes it is part of the land tour and want to give us claim amount less the $500 for extra nights hotel.

     July 23- Faxed document to Access America to show the extra nights hotel is not part of the Access claim.

     My instincts tell me access America Agents are trained to guide claims to accept smaller amounts- even though claimants are rightfully entitled to more.
     Follow up is poor- certainly not as detailed on this website.

123. Tom Thoss | Jul 26, 2010

     What a scam. I asked customer service for the percentage of claims paid Vs claims made and was told this information is not available (LIE #1). As I climbed the supervisor chain, the answer was the same. My next step is to pressure the airlines to eliminate the option on their web page. The airlines are making so much money by letting this company insure nothing. I had no idea a scam like this would be legal.

124. R. Lewis | Jul 27, 2010

     Fortunately, I didn’t buy Access America coverage, especially after reading these reviews. I was about to complete my purchase on Hotwire when I read the fine print for Access America about “Pre-existing medical conditions”. My brother, who is going on the trip with me, has epilepsy. I wanted to purchase insurance on the off chance that he may have a grand mal and have to go to the hospital (this is a rare occurrence). So I called the company for more clarification, and the rep kept apologizing for my brother’s condition, and said I would be covered. When I asked for her to send a email with that clarification in it, she rudely hung up the phone on me. Seems like they’ll tell you anything to get you to purchase their insurance, but I figured if anything were to happen, they’d just say “pre-existing condition” and deny my claim. What a load of crap. It’s cheaper just to take the risk!

125. Kate Schreier | Jul 29, 2010

     I’m very pleased with the prompt payment made on my claim. I had to reschedule a trip due to an injury. When I rebooked, I filed a claim online for the rebooking fee and faxed the requested documents from the online checklist to Access America. They issued a check 10 days later. No hassles whatsoever.

126. Kristy Barclay | Jul 31, 2010

     I perceive this company Access America’s Money to be a fraud.

     purchased trip insurance for a trip my mother and I planned. I got this insurance because she is elderly and one never knows. As it turns out, she twisted her ankle at a memorial service the day before we left and did not fell like she could make it comfortably. I called Jet Blue and cancelled. I could have just paid the $100 fee for a new ticket with Jet Blue but I did not do so as I had the insurance so THOUGHT I could get reimbursed for all. I sent the Dr.’s letter to Access. They said it was not good enough as it had to be written on their form. (PLEASE!!!!) So I had the Dr. write another letter.

     Month’s later THEY DENIED THE CLAIM because in addition to the twisted ankle, my Mom is elderly and has issues associated with age and that is considered to be a preexisting condition and YOU GUESSED IT-they do not cover those.

     SO the moral is-if you have all the time in the world to read the fine print and to write repeated letters so that you can collect on the insurance, by all means take a shot and buy Access insurance. But if you expect to get paid out on your policy, I would advise going elsewhere and not wasting your valuable time and money on what I perceive to be a fraudulent scam.

127. Kevin | Aug 2, 2010

     Total scam. Save your money. Unless your tradically in the hospital on the day of your flight, your claim will be denied. Uncaring coustomer service robots will quote fine print requirements in monotone as they pass time till their next coffee break. The “supervisors” are no help either.

128. Marianne Notley | Aug 3, 2010

     Do not purchase this insurance if you or anyone in your immediate or extended family has seen a doctor or taken a pill within the past 6 months, even if you are not aware of it. This coverage is not intended for mere mortals.
     I do not understand why the insurance industry gives this company such a high rating while most customers agree that it’s a rip-off.

129. Lyn | Aug 5, 2010

     This company is a crock! Did you know AGE is a pre-existing condition? I’m not kidding. My Father-in-law (travel companion) found out he would need foot surgery 3 weeks before we were to leave on our Disney trip. Claim was denied because he is 73 and receives regular medical care. Of course he goes to the doctor regualrly for routine stuff, but he had NEVER seen the foot doctor until 3 weeks before our trip. It was totally unexpected and not related to any pre-existing condition and we have documentation from TWO doctors that we ubmitted to AA. I guess if you are over 70 and tale care of your health by visiting a doctor regularly then you should not travel.

130. Margerie Smith | Aug 6, 2010

     This travel insurance company is a complete fraud. They don’t pay out on any of their policies and rob innocent people.
     Extremely unethical business practice.
     Access America hires absolute imbieciles.
     GET YOUR INSURANCE ELSEWHERE!

131. Robert | Aug 13, 2010

     Access America used a small technicalty to reject a claim when I had to cancel my trip due to prostate cancer…when on phone with claims person and a supervisor, they promised to have a manager call me and email info on appealing a claim rejection…they never did, just wanted me off the phone. Its a scam that probably seldom pays its clients. They should be investigated by the government, something I plan to initiate.

132. Robert | Aug 13, 2010

     Wonder why there are SO MANY NEGATIVE REVIEWS? This company sucks! Save yor money and get your insurance from somewhere else….

133. Claire | Aug 15, 2010

     This company has a very simple policy that works as follows: You pay them. You or someone else gets sick or dies. You call them. They explain how their policy ACTUALLY works:
     You are a human being. You are alive. Living is a pre-existing condition for dying. Therefore, you do not qualify for compensation.

134. Karen Steiner | Aug 15, 2010

     I purchased $500 travel policy from Access America for 15-day trip to Europe. My USAirways flight from Charlotte to Barcelona was cancelled when the plane I was on bumped another plane waiting on the runway. Consequently it took me 2 extra days to reach my final destination in Barcelona. I lost 2 nights nonrefundable hotel in Barcelona and Access America denied my claim and said it was not a covered incident. The refuse to pay even a dime. So basically I paid $500 for insurance and $400 for hotel and received absolutely nothing. IMO, I will NEVER purchase another policy from this company again. What a SCAM!

135. Karen Quick | Aug 18, 2010

     This company is nothing but a bunch of scammers. They cover virtually nothing and do their best to hide it in a multi-page, 8 pt font document they continually refer to as “their policy.” They claimed, AFTER I purchased the policy, they didn’t cover pre-existing conditions meaning that my husband could not have gone to the doctor in the previous 120 days. What’s with discriminating against chronically ill patients??? Since when can’t chronically ill patients travel?? This organization should not be in business and I will do everything I can to see that they aren’t! From all of the reviews I’ve read online, I’ve not found one person who doesn’t feel the same as I do – this company is a fraud and a huge rip off.

136. Richard | Aug 21, 2010

     Access American is a fraudulent travel insurance company. They refuse to pay a legitimate claim for a cancelled Peru trip as Machu Picchu. Do NOT purchase any kind of insurance form this company. They make their money denying legitimate claims.

137. SEAN | Aug 23, 2010

     DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS INSURANCE YOU WILL BE SCAMMED!! UNLESS YOU ARE ON YOUR DEATH BED DRINKING THRU A STRAW YOU WILL NOT GET A DIME. I JUST LOST $407 TO THESE IDOTS. MY WIFE FELL ILL AND OFCOURSE THEY FOUND A LOOP HOLE NOT TO PAY. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

138. JD | Aug 23, 2010

     Read the terms and Call them. There is someone there 24 hours a day 7 days a week. And they do have interpreters and translators but you may have to hold for a bit to get them. I’ve had there customer service rep inform me that since my Dad’s been sick, that unless it’s an new unexpectedillness or injury that is not related to the stroke, he or I may not be covered if he got sick and had to cancel. They said because this was the only reason I wanted to purchase the policy, it might not be what I’m looking for. Wow, an honest answer. And they also reminded me that I had 10 days to cancel and get a full refund if I changed my mind and bought a policy. Sure I can understand why some of you might be disappointed but the prexisting condition is something that is noted when a doctor examines the person, not something they automatic stamp on your form.

139. Martha | Aug 27, 2010

     DO NOT buy travel insurance from this company. Access America will find loopholes to deny your claim. They have so many unsatisfactory reviews. I should have read the reviews before I purchased a travel policy from them. I am just thankful that I did not have a major medical problem while I was on vacation. They denied a minor claim of mine, just thankful that the claim was not for more money, for I know they would have denied that, too. BEWARE! THIS COMPANY SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.

140. z | Aug 29, 2010

     PLS AVOID THEM AT ALL COST. Carefully read their fine print. Looks like all their policies are set with an objective to not reimburse!!!

141. sara Mcmillan | Aug 31, 2010

     So i guess none of you read your policies. It will tell you what is covered. Did you see a doctor for the condition before you bought the ticket? then its going to be pre ex condition. Did you even have symptoms? its pre ex. you need to read before you buy. and buy something that actually covers for what you want. Do you really expect a basic $15 policy to cover everything? Its for emergencies and things you dont see coming. I wouldnt cover you either if you knew this was going to happen and then bought a policy. you need to realize that the company is regulated by the insurance board. They are not fraud and their policies and decisions are reviewed.

142. Ann Shipley | Aug 31, 2010

     I’ve had to use their insurance twice – the first time when in Australia when the car was totalled when a kangaroo jumped in front of the car. I had tremendous difficulties with the rental car company involved and Access America stuck with me to get through to the company and paid the tab in full.

     The second time was just recently when I was on the way to a trip to the Gallapagos, got altitude sickness in Quito upon landing and was back in the air returning 7 hours later. Again they paid my claim without undue difficulty.

     I’m a firm believer in travel insurance and have found AccessAmerica to be easy to work with and will use on each and every trip.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello, I’m Bree with with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about these experiences and want to help each of you individually. Please contact us at Help.Team@accessamerica.com.

143. bbdentman | Sep 3, 2010

     I own my own company and do subcontract work for other companies. I purchased flight insurance with Access when booking a flight home on Hotwire but ended up having to drive home because my contract was terminated due to lack of work. Policy says covers termination or layoff that isn\’t your fault. Could find nothing else in the paperwork about this. Access started spouting off other rules and such not in the paper work provided me to avoid paying the claim. Total rip off. Don\’t waste your money on this insurance.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi @bbdentman,
     I’m Bree with with Access America’s Help Team.

     We’re sorry to read about your experience and invite you to contact us at Help.Team@accessamerica.com so we can help.

144. Anita Wonder | Sep 10, 2010

     Travel Insurance was a lot cheaper that the tour group package. Unfortunately I got extremely ill in South America. Not pre exiting condition. I had a second trip and policy after return. Had to cancel flight. Policy was purchased before any of the illness. That was May. To day September not a penny paid. Everytime we call they request something more. They claimed they didn’t get the second forms. Etc.

145. Vishnu Rajan | Sep 12, 2010

     I had a 24 hour trip delay when my flight from New York was got delayed by 6 hrs resulting in missed connections along the way to the final destination. I also incurred considerable travel/hotel costs and missed business because I missed my scheduled appointment at the destination. I had bought Access America trip cancellation/interruption/delay insurance. However, inspite of spending hours in filing a claim with all proof of delay (from the Airline) and new boarding passes, Access America denied my claim saying they would only cover natural disasters (such as a volcanic eruption or hurricane). I felt cheated because they do not mention this anywhere in the insurance document. Even the fine print does not specify clearly. I would warn others not to take Access America Trip interruption/delay insurance unless they are fully aware of this fact.

146. Deborah Taber | Sep 17, 2010

     We puchased tickets to Cancun throug Orbitz on Mexicana Airlines. This was a family trip over the Christmas holidays and included my older mother. Once purchased there was a direct link to Access America for trip insurance to “protect” us. The insurance was purchased and stated it included trip cancellation. Mexican declared bankruptcy and I immediately notified Access. Suddenly, it becomes very clear to them that I, the silly consummer, did not read the very back page which stated the airline was not included in the policy and we were not covered. In fact, most airlines are not covered if they cancel. Access and Orbitz are quite aware of this, but no where do they say this when you are forwarded to their insurance. No amount of discussion with them will disuade them from their stance. This is not trip assurance or insurance, but an excellent way to get more money to the two companies.

     Response from Access America
     Deborah,
     We’ve looked into the details of your case. Although our products are developed to address the majority of unforeseen situations that might occur, I regret that this particular one isn’t a covered reason. We outline the list of covered reasons in the Certificate of Insurance/Policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs.

     Besides the Certificate of Insurance/Policy, our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. The topic of “Covered Suppliers” is addressed here: http://www.accessamerica.com/aa/faq.aspx#ts1quest.

     Again, we’re sorry your situation wasn’t covered. If it’s helpful for us to explain more about the result of your claim, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

     Bree, Access America’s Help Team

147. Melissa R | Sep 21, 2010

     FRAUD. FRAUD. FRAUD. FRAUD…..DO NOT BUY!!!!!! WASTE OF MONEY!!! HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SHOULD BE REPORTED AS INSURANCE FRAUD!!!

     RESPONSE FROM THE COMPANY

     Hi Melissa,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about your experience and want to find out more. Please contact us at Help.Team@accessamerica.com.

148. Susan Butterfield | Sep 23, 2010

     Appendectomy in Mexico after landing just three hours prior. Access America was great and other than keeping on them (they won’t keep up with the claim if you don’t), we had no problems. No only did they pay for unused hotel nights, but also our out-of-pocket expenses for the surgery and the international transaction fees our credit card company charged. Very pleased.

149. Mary Renolds | Sep 26, 2010

     Simply Google complaints and Access America Travel insurance. I wish I had done so before purchasing a policy. I filed a claim for reimbursement for airfare because I developed a medical condition. I could barely walk, let alone travel on a airplane. I was going alone and could not drive, therefore was not independent enough to travel, even if I could with the high doses of pain pills I had to consume.

     I meticulously completed the forms, as did my doctor. Access America returned them claiming I did not provide enough information. After returning the forms twice, finally they changed their story. They were denying my claim because it was an existing condition. Not true. But I sincerely believe no matter what I did, or how I’d filled out the documents, they would not pay my claim. They depend on wearing you down.

     Check the complaints on-line and either buy a refundable ticket for more or take your chances. You see it’s less likely something will happen to you or your trip, and completely impossible Access America will pay your claim. IMPOSSIBLE.

     The claim forms are outrageously invasive, asking for social security numbers, birthdates, birth location and health histories. They are complicated, with trick questions that don’t make sense because obviously they are placed in the document in order to trap you into giving the wrong information so as to cause denial.

     They do not allow you access to the claim forms until you have purchased the policy. That way you don’t see what you have to go through in order to make a claim. The doctor’s portion of the paperwork is so daunting it’s not likely the typical doc would take the time to complete it without a fee upwards of $50.00.

     I am planning to research the issue and take it to the Attorney General’s office. If necessary I will approach my legislators. I encourage you, if you have had a similar experience to file a complaint on Consumer Afairs.com, BBB and any consumer friendly on-line service.

     RESPONSE FROM THE COMPANY

     Hi Mary,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about the frustration you experienced. While I don’t know the details of your claim, it sounds like there needs to be some clarification about Existing Medical Conditions and the necessary claims forms. It’s important to point out that we do not require pre-approval medical examinations, so we must request a good deal of information at the time a claim is filed. This is needed to protect the customer against someone filing a claim for his/her benefits, as well as to secure information required to make a coverage determination.

     We apologize if requesting this information appears invasive as that is not our intent. We respect the privacy of our customers and protect the security and confidentiality of their nonpublic personal information. Also, the Access America website allows customers to review our claim forms at any time.

     Our 10-day free look allows you to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. There are recent news articles on travel insurance and the various types of plans, like this: http://bit.ly/9yY83H

     Our products are purchased by millions of travelers each year, and we’ve paid more than $300 million in travel insurance claims in the last five years. Again, we’re sorry your situation wasn’t covered. If you’d like to discuss the result of your claim, please contact us at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com with your claim number and we’ll be back in touch.

150. Jennifer anderson | Sep 28, 2010

     Horrible and fraudulent
     They have not paid on a single claim
     They have an exception for every circumstance in which you need them to cover you
     Don’t waste your money
     They should be shut down

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Jennifer,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. It sounds like you’ve had a frustrating time. We’ve looked into the details of your claims and we’re sorry your situations weren’t covered under your policies.

     It’s important to remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Our products are developed to address the majority of unforeseen situations that might occur. We outline the list of covered reasons in the Certificate of Insurance/Policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs.

     Besides the Certificate of Insurance/Policy, our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b.

     Our products are purchased by millions of travelers each year, and we’ve paid more than $300 million in travel insurance claims in the last five years. Again, If you’d like to further discuss the result of your claim, please contact us at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

     Bree, Access America’s Help Team

151. Kathrine Beeman | Oct 1, 2010

     My husband as a “LAST WISH” wanted to go to Hawaii to see Peal Harbor before he died from Pancreatic Cancer. We purchased our trip with Orbitz with no problems, they offered 1 insurace Access America. No disclosures were ever offered about Pre Existing Conditions. Now my husband died 5 days before we were to fly out. Now Access American has denied my claims due to pre existing condition the rep even told me i should have chosen a better insurance company. So my Husbands last wish has turning into my nightmare. I can not afford sure a loss. I this Access American SUCKS. And i am very happy to spread the word to never do business with this company. Does no one do anything nice for a cancer patient?

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Kathrine,

     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help team. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. We are also very sorry about the frustration that this situation has caused you.

     We’ve looked into your case and it seems that you haven’t yet filed a claim with documentation. While we can tell you on the phone if a reason for cancellation is a “covered reason” or not, our claims examiners determine whether a claim is payable. Please file your claim at http://www.accessamerica.com or call the number on your certificate of insurance. Our claims department is standing by to assist you.

152. Peter Compton | Oct 2, 2010

     Interesting all the people that complain on here about claim denials are at the same time excusing or ignoring there responsibility as an adult to know what you are buying…whether the insurance was $15.00 or $200.00 i would at least think grown people would want to have an understanding before they bought something.

     Simple question, whether its your health insurance, car, home..heck even insurance on your cell phone in order to be covered you will want to have insurance purchased prior to whatever accident that has occurred thats causing you to cancel a trip. On what planet do you actually think that you can buy a non refundable trip from (company A – Delta for example) that cost you couple hundred dollars then then go to go to (company B – Insurance company) and expect company B to refund you the traveler for a trip cost due to an event that has already taking place??????? I think i might try that with my car then…..let me drive Toyota around with no insurance, get in accident, and call Allstate, ect.. and think they would cover whatever damages that happen to my car before i gotten coverage with them. THINK PEOPLE….

153. Katharine Lancy | Oct 4, 2010

     Over all the years I’ve sold their products to clients I had few if any problems but when it came to MY insurance as an agent, they screwed me over to the tune of $5000. If you are a client, purchase carefully and if you are a travel agent, don’t touch their so called travel agent protection policy……… a real fraud

154. anton kastberg | Oct 5, 2010

     Access America is not true trip insurance. We lost a full day of our 8 day vacation because of an airline delay. We spent 12 hours in Heathrow. True trip insurance would refund 12.5% of the trip cost. All we can get is a refund for the lousy meal we had in the airport.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Anton,

     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to hear you missed part of your trip. We’ve looked into your case and it seems that you haven’t yet filed supporting documentation for your claim. If, after close review of your policy you feel that you have a valid claim, please contact our claims department at the the number listed on your certificate of insurance. They can also provide clarification about trip delay benefits, which may be helpful.

155. Customer40 | Oct 5, 2010

     This is the worst travel insurance you could ever get. They make you submit a bunch of supporting documents to process a claim and then turn around and not cover a single thing. I submitted a claim after my wallet was stolen in Italy, a couple of weeks later I called them to make sure they had received the supporting documents and the representative reassured me that I would be covered. I called again two weeks later and was informed the claim was denied but the representative was unable to give me an explanation of the reasons for denying it, she said I would receive a letter which never arrived so I called again two weeks later and they said they would mail me another letter but of course it never came either. This is just a scam, they are quick to take your money but won’t cover anything if you actually have to submit a claim. The didn’t even cover the cost of the wallet even though I sent them the police report and the report from the tour director.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about your experience and want to find out more. Please contact us at Help.Team@accessamerica.com.

156. Claire Redfield | Oct 6, 2010

     CUSTOMER40 YOUR CERTIFICATE YOU RECEIVED AND THE WEBSITE CLEARY STATES UNDER “SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS” THAT MONEY, CREDIT CARDS, SECURITIES, BULLION, STAMPS ARE NOT COVERED. SO WHY WOULD YOU THINK THE WALLET CARRYING THESE ITEMS WOULD BE COVERED?

157. Prudence | Oct 7, 2010

     I’m looking around for travel insurance before I buy multiple-city airfare to travel around Europe. Thank goodness for this forum. It looks like Access America has not worked well for many people. To the few people who found Access America helpful, good for you. To the MANY who have warned me from your experiences, thank you. *sigh* Insurance business (life, health, house, car, travel, etc.) is like legal robbery … buying is easy, getting refund is hard. *sigh*

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Prudence,

     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. It’s great that you are taking the time to make an informed decision regarding your travel insurance. There are many different kinds of travel insurance plans created to address the majority of unforeseen situations that might occur. As with just about everything else, the key is to know what you’re buying.

     This article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal might be useful: http://bit.ly/9yY83H and there’s good advice on buying travel insurance available from the U.S. Travel Insurance Association: http://bit.ly/b2RVPl. You can also check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our site: http://bit.ly/b4T45T

     What’s important to keep in mind is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Whether you buy Access America insurance or not, we’d like you to be as informed as possible. Thanks, and if you have questions, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

158. Sandra Palmer | Oct 8, 2010

     Access America is a FRAUD! I filed a claim based on medical reasons and it was denied! Don’t waste your money! Based on most of the reviews for Access America, they will clearly use any excuse to deny claims.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Sandra,

     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. It sounds like you’ve had a frustrating time and we’re sorry your situation wasn’t covered under your policy. If you’d like us to explain the result of your claim, please contact us at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

159. April Allen | Oct 11, 2010

     They lie about giving refunds!!! You literally have to be dying or attending jury duty to get a refund from these people. If something unexpected happends & you can no longer go on your trip, they will not refund you because that its not considered a legitimate excuse to cancel. What is the point in paying for insurance that doesn’t cover you? This defeats the purpose of having insurance in the first place!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear April,

     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’ve looked into your case and it seems that you haven’t yet filed supporting documentation for your claim. If, after close review of your policy you feel that you have a valid claim, please contact our claims department at the the number listed on your certificate of insurance.

160. Rick Abbott | Oct 13, 2010

     Flight cancelled due to snow storm, had to emergently rebook with a different airline – avoiding the snowed-in city. Cost an extra $1700 for two tickets. Plenty of phone help from Access America at the time, and reimbursed with minimal paperwork and no hassel.

161. Norma Torchia | Oct 14, 2010

     While traveling in Europe this last summer my brother suffered a heart attack while having a stint placed. They put him on life support and contacted the family to get home ASAP. I left our tour three days early and paid large airline fees to get home. Arrived home late Friday night and my brother died Sat. at 1:00 pm. Access America requested the death certificate which I provided. Now they want Doctor’s records and hospital records which are not easy to get since I’m not able to sign the release. Very disappointed with Access America!!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Norma,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. Please accept our condolences for your loss. We’re also very sorry about the frustration you’ve experienced. In order to expedite your claim, our claims department has reviewed the matter and is issuing you a check. You should receive it shortly. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

162. Katharine Lancy | Oct 16, 2010

     Attention all people defrauded by this company. As a travel agent and one who has stupidly sold this company for years, now as a victim, I am seeking legal help. If you are interested in class action, please send me your email address, name & basic address to “tourinfo@swantonbritishtravel.com which is my personal email address. I will be visiting my lawyer Monday.
     Kathy Lancy

163. margaretkropp | Oct 26, 2010

     margekroppI am so disapointed with this company!I not only lost my son but also lost 1200.00! What a fraud company!!!We paid money for insurance and travel expenses and lost it all! Everyone has prexcisting conditions.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Margaret,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. Please accept our condolences for your loss. We’re also very sorry about the frustration you’ve experienced. In order to expedite your claim, our claims department has reviewed the matter and is issuing you a check. You should receive it shortly. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

164. Lisa Zehner | Nov 3, 2010

     I purchased a plan for a conference in Cancun. I am not a business traveler normally, and I never purchase travel insurance(and will not bother to again, at least with this company) the policy choices never stated that you needed a special “biz pack” but when our conference was cancelled I was out $650 because Access America would not reimburse my airfare. They stated that “interruption of a trip due to business obligation is not a named peril” Now if I wouldn’t have used the word business in my claim, it probably would have been covered!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Lisa,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry your business conference was cancelled. We’ve looked into the details of your claim and we apologize that your situation wasn’t covered under your policy.

     Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. Also worth noting are news articles on travel insurance and the various types of plans, such as this one: http://bit.ly/9yY83H

     Access America products are purchased by millions of travelers each year , and we’ve paid more than $300 million in travel insurance claims in the last five years. If we can help further explain the result of your claim, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

165. Molly | Nov 4, 2010

     My connection was missed and I had to stay in a hotel overnight. Access America paid as advertised in their policy.

166. David L | Nov 10, 2010

     I had Access America for a 7 month round the world trip that started Oct ’09. I got sick a few times and saw the local Dr in a few countries for less than $20 a visit and never bothered filing so I cannot attest to their claim performance. After searching for insurance again and reading this site, I think I’ll get different insurance.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear David,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. If you don’t file a claim, we can’t determine coverage. Whether you buy Access America insurance again or not, we’d like you to be as informed as possible. It’s great that you are taking the time to research various travel insurance plans as there are many different kinds created to address unforeseen situations that might occur. As with just about everything else, the key is to know what you’re buying.

     This article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal might be useful: http://bit.ly/9yY83H and there’s good advice on buying travel insurance available from the U.S. Travel Insurance Association: http://bit.ly/b2RVPl. You can also check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our site: http://bit.ly/b4T45T

     What’s important to keep in mind is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. If we can answer any questions, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

167. DS | Nov 12, 2010

     DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY BUYING TRIP INSURANCE THROUGH THIS FRAUD OF A COMPANY!!!!! We tried to get our airline tickets back after the hurricane devasted St. Lucia..they have no running water on the island, the Prime Minister has described conditions as a “War Zone”. Access America’s response..hurricane devastation is NOT covered under the policy because it is an act of nature. I asked her what would constitute a payable claim and the rep said..”maybe if you got laid off or died” they might. This company is a text book example of everything that is wrong with an unreguated insurance agency and the CEO should be buggy whipped!

     Hello,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to hear about your situation. While I don’t know the full details of your case, I thought it would be helpful to offer a few points. To maximize vacation protection from storms and hurricanes, travelers should buy insurance when they make their travel plans and before a storm or hurricane becomes a “known event.” Once a hurricane is “named,” it is considered a known event. Policies purchased on or after the date an event becomes “known,” do not cover losses related to that event, as travel insurance only covers sudden, unforeseen circumstances.

     You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b and more details can be found in your Certificate of Insurance. If we can be of assistance, please contact us directly at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

168. Debbie Kehl | Nov 12, 2010

     My friend and I booked a cruise to see the fall foliage on the New England Coast. The day after we purchased tickets, she jumped out of a perfectly good airplane and broke both ankles during the parachute landing. I contacted Access America and obtained the forms for filing a claim. That was in mid-August 2010 and I am still waiting. The most recent request for information was a physician’s statement certifying that “this was not a pre-existing condition.” Seriously???? I have written to Jeff Hyman, VP of Travel Services at Access America (2805 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23294) and have not heard a word back from him. I have submitted the forms to the physician as requested (even though she is not my physician, I am not the one with the broken ankles, my friend and her doctor both live in Oklahoma, and I lived in Las Vegas, NV at the time. My husband and I were also in the process of moving from Nevada to Arizona, so the logistics of this entire effort were quite complex.) If I do not get my money back, I am filing a formal complaint with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. I will also contact the entire U.S. legislative delegation from Virginia and demand that they investigate this company. As for their 10-day “free look” program mentioned by Bree of Access America in some of the comments listed on this site, it’s a phantom program. The claim has to be filed within 10 days of purchase. I purchased on August 6th, and received the claim forms on August 16th. It took a lot of time and effort to get them completed, given the geographic distances and need to obtain so much detailed information. So much for the 10 day free look. When I spoke with Kim at Access America on Aug 16th, she also told me that I had 90 days to complete the forms and advised me to make sure that I cancelled the flight with the airline. I did as she recommended. On Sept 15th I received a no-name email from Access America telling me that if I didn’t complete and submit the forms within the next 30 days, they would consider the claim closed. If everyone who has posted a comment here, documenting unsatisfactory interaction with Access America, would contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission, the elected U.S. officials from Virginia or their own elected officials en masse, Access America would have no choice but to respond favorably or risk being put out of business.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Debbie,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry about the frustration you’ve experienced and the tough logistics surrounding your particular circumstance. Unlike other types of insurance, we do not require any medical pre-screening to purchase, so the documentation is collected when a claim is made. You’ll be happy to know your claim check has been issued and you should receive it shortly.

     I’d also like to clarify our 10-day free look that you mention. At the time of purchase, you have 10 days to cancel your policy if you determine that the policy does not meet your needs. If you have not filed a claim or departed on your trip within those 10 days, we will be happy to refund your insurance premium.

     Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

169. Kathy Lupi | Nov 17, 2010

     Boy, now I’m getting nervous. We too had to cancel our trip due to a health issue. We received a postcard yesterday saying it’s being reviewed. Gave us a bogus website of http://www.eclaimsline.co./travel to check out. We’ll see how it goes. There’s always small claims court for anything under $3,000.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Kathy,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We cannot find a claim for you. While we can tell you on the phone if a reason for cancellation is a “covered reason” or not, our claims examiners determine whether a claim is payable. A completed claim form, physician statement along with other documentation we request will assist us in the review of any claim you file. If, after close review of your policy you feel that you have a valid claim, please contact our claims department at the number listed on your certificate of insurance.

     What’s important to keep in mind is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b.

     Also, we should point out that we are not affiliated in any way with the link that you reference in your comment. If you have any questions, please contact us directly at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com and we’ll be back in touch.

170. Anela | Nov 23, 2010

     My policy only covered $2.50, need I say more. Never again!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Anela,

     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. While our products provide consumers coverage for many unforeseen situations, it’s important to remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. Also, our 10-day free look gives you 10 days to cancel your policy if you determine that the policy does not meet your needs. If you have not filed a claim or departed on your trip within those 10 days, we will refund your insurance premium. If you’d like us to further explain the result of your claim, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

171. Angry in Jersey | Nov 29, 2010

     Complete ripoff! If you are considering a policy from Access America just know this; you have a better chance of seeing returns on a lottery ticket.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’d like to find out more about your experience. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

     Access America products are purchased by millions of travelers each year and we place strong emphasis on customer service. We look forward to hearing from you.

172. Eldar | Dec 1, 2010

     I wish I had read the reviews before buying it
     I could not travel because my little daughter, who is 1.5 year old got sick. Even though I got all the needed papers and documents from doctors stating that she is not adviced to travel, the insuarance company rejected my claim right away. It was easier just to cancel the trip and use the money towards next time purchase. Remember, you will never be able to get even your money back.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Eldar,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We hope your daughter is feeling better. We’ve looked into the details of your case and can help explain the result of your claim. Unfortunately, medical conditions that you know about when you buy travel insurance are not covered under some policies, including the one you purchased. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section includes information about Existing Medical Conditions, which can be read here: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     If you have further questions, please contact us directly at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

173. david | Dec 1, 2010

     this company is absolute BS! a typical american con that promises its customers their money back…but ends up keeping it. Suprise suprise! Get ready to bend over and take it up the ass again, american consumers! enjoy!

174. david | Dec 1, 2010

     get ready to bend over and take it up the ass again, american consumers!! another scam in this crumbling economy. Just when they promise you your money back…suprise, surprise – they take it!! ENJOY!!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear David,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. Without knowing any details of your case, it’s hard for us to address your situation. If you’ve filed a claim and would like further explanation about the result of your claim, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

175. robby | Dec 2, 2010

     READ YOUR POLICY BEFORE PURCHASE. YOU’LL BE FINE. DONT CALL IT A SCAM BECAUSE YOU DIDNT GET YOUR MONEY BACK BECAUSE OF A NON-COVERED REASON. IN THE CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE YOU’LL SEE ALL OF THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW. IF YOU DONT LIKE THE INSURANCE, YOU HAVE 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE TO CANCEL AND GET A FULL REFUND! SUCK IT UP AND READ YOUR POLICY. THANKS!

176. Maggie | Dec 6, 2010

     This company is FULL OF IT-we were on vacation my daughter came down with a 104 fever-I called them before I even cancelled the flight they lady on the line said nothing about taking her to the doctor within 3 days, she seemed caring and said well she has to get better before you take off AGAIN nothing about a Drs visits… COME ON we were on vacation I DID NOT think an ER visit was necessary…I’ve been a mom for 14 years I can kind of tell the difference between a virus and something that’s going to need a hospital visit and GUESS WHAT it was a virus…-we just needed her fever to come down so we could board the flight… AND it did 2 days later…so WE PURCHASED new tickets and went home. Now I’m being told she had to be take to the hospital in order for this to be covered OH yeah I’m going to drop $3000 on an ER visit when all it did was delay us a few days… THIS COMPANY IS A RIP OFF

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Maggie,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry about the circumstances impacting your family vacation and hope that your daughter is all better.

     Trip cancellation provides reimbursement for nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for illness or other unforeseen circumstance. But, travel insurance, like any other type of insurance, has terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b.

     We’re sorry your situation was not a covered reason. If we can further explain the result of your claim, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

177. Trent | Dec 10, 2010

     Terrible Experience with Access America.

     Purchased the basic policy through US Air ticketing knowing that my work schedule often requires me to work weekends. As it happens, I had to cancel my planned trip today for work-related reasons. I called Access America to find out this was not a covered reason. While I’m sure a detailed read of their 20+ page policies would have enlightened me to this fact, I think it is shameful and conniving for this policy to be readily offered without basic cancellation reasons covered. Full coverage should be offered with the option to opt out of certain types of coverage based on need. I will be filing a Better Business Bureau complaint and encourage the rest of you to do the same. Also, if it does not already exist, I will be creating a Facebook page to draw attention to the crappiness of this company. If nothing else, perhaps we can get some airlines to drop them as providers so that a well-meaning company can take their place.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Trent,
     It’s Bree from Access America’s Help Team here. I’m sorry to hear you had to cancel your trip, and for your subsequent frustration. (Note that while we can tell you on the phone if a reason for cancellation is a “covered reason” or not, only our claims examiners can determine whether a claim is payable. So, if you’re unsure after reading your policy, we encourage you to file a claim.)

     Trent, we understand that the policy can be substantial, but we do encourage all customers to review it carefully. And, to make understanding exclusions and limitations as easy as possible, our Frequently Asked Questions lists the most common questions, with answers in plain language, including those about trip cancellation. You can review it here http://bit.ly/azRs8b. To make it easier, we also offer what we call a 10-day “free look” to give you 10 days to cancel your policy if you feel it doesn’t meet your needs. It means that if you haven’t filed a claim or departed on your trip within those 10 days, we will refund your insurance premium.

     Access America products are purchased by millions of travelers each year and we do care about customer satisfaction. Insurance is a highly regulated industry, and we’re required by law to review claims against the insurance contract purchased. We do, however, try to partner with our customers so that they can make an informed decision about our products.

     We’re sorry this situation hasn’t turned out to your liking, and if you would like to discuss or have additional questions, please email me at help.team@accessamerica.com

     It is our duty as American citizens to publicly voice our dissatisfaction and force companies to act with honor and compassion for their customers. The stories that I have read here are much more emotionally taxing and heart-wrenching than my own. Our combined voices will have an impact and we can force these guys to evolve into something more human or shut down their business.

178. Opainnc | Dec 11, 2010

     It seems that the majority of the folks that write reviews are those that have negative experiences and complaints.
     We had to cancel a Mediterranean trip due to last minute medical issues and had no problem recovering any of our cruise and airline payments. The next year we took the trip and had no luggage for five days and then emergency medical expenses on board and in the ER in NIce. France. We had no problem collecting for having to buy essential items, including clothing, and for the medical and drug expenses. We did purchase our coverage at the time of booking, so were covered for pre-existing conditions.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Opainnc,
     It’s Bree from Access America’s Help Team here. This makes my day! Thanks for sharing your experience.

179. Lauren Vaughan | Dec 15, 2010

     Don’t expect to collect anything even if you have all required documentation. Theft of a camera which even included a police report wasn’t enough for Access america. They continued to send me the same ridiculous, canned email response over and over. Telephoning them was of no help either. Make sure if you buy travel insurance it ISN’T from access america. What a ripoff!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Lauren,
     It’s Bree from Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about your experience and want to find out more. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your claim or policy number.

180. Alfred Garofalo | Dec 22, 2010

     Although I am sorry that so many customers of Access America felt that they were treated poorly by the Company, I would be less than honest if I did not submit an account of our experience (my spouse and I) recently with our purchase of trip cancellation insurance.

     In October of this year, we flew to California to attend our grandson’s wedding. We were there ten days and while there my wife developed a problem with severe pain and swelling of the lower leg and foot which hindered our activities while away from home.
     When we arrived back home, she sought medical attention and a proper course of action was started by the physician which included clearing up a foot infection.

     Our plans included another trip for a wedding of a second grandson to be held in Scranton, Pennsylvania last month. We had purchased airfare tickets along with the insurance to cover trip cancellation in late spring. After discussing the health issue at length, we reluctantly decided to cancel the trip and informed the airline of our decision. We then requested a claim form from Access America and filed same with them including the physician statement with his diagnosis and treatment.

     Processing the paperwork took longer than expected thru no fault of the Company. The physician’s staff had not completely filled in the form and Access America had to wait for a slow response. Each time I spoke with a representative from AA I was treated like a valued customer and with utmost courtesy. Were it not for foot dragging in our doctor’s office, I am confident that we would have received our reimbursement in the amount of $887.60 in less than four weeks after filing. We could not ask for a better response than that.

181. SL | Dec 26, 2010

     DO NOT BUY THIS INSURANCE IF YOU ARE FLYING. The policy is exceptionally misleading and it only covers the most extreme circumstances. It does not cover you unless your airline cancels all services for 24 hours and it doesn’t cover a hotel if you have to spend the night. DO NOT BUY unless you can get an operator on the phone first and grill them about exactly what is covered. We found out the hard way. DO NOT BUY.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to hear you felt your policy fell short of your needs.

     Like any other type of insurance, there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. That’s why we encourage all customers to review their policy carefully. And, when you buy a policy through one of our online partners, you’re given the chance to review the terms and conditions before you finalize the purchase. We also offer a 10-day free look with the opportunity to cancel your policy if you change your mind.

     Most of our products that offer trip cancellation coverage provide it for a number of unforeseen situations. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here:
     http://bit.ly/azRs8b. And, as you suggest, our call center can be reached at 1-800-284-8300.

     Please let us know if we can help with any additional questions. You can contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

182. Erika Gileo | Dec 27, 2010

     I bought this insurance because I had planned to to take my mother to visit her sister who is ill. I purchased trip cancellation insurance because my aunt is quite elderly. Her condition deteriorated and my cousin asked that I postpone the trip. This was the reason I bought the insurance. I was told that because her condition is not life-threatening it won’t be covered. WHAT A SCAM. The entire reason I bought the insurance was because I was concerned about her health. Don’t buy this insurance.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Erika,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to read about your experience, and hope your aunt is doing better.

     We can’t find a claim for you. And, without knowing the full details of your case, it’s hard for us to address your situation.

     One thing that might be relevant to point out, however, is that while we provide coverage for new injury or illness of non-traveling family members, there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage – - like any other type of insurance. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b.

     If, after close review of your policy you feel that you have a valid claim, please contact our claims department at the number listed on your certificate of insurance. You can also reach us at help.team@accessamerica.com if you have questions.

183. Ken Smith | Dec 31, 2010

     This company is simply a fraud and should not be allowed to continue in business. While they may – and I emphasize “may” – follow their own rules in denying claims, they keep those rules to themselves, or at least make them difficult to learn beforehand. The list of tour operator they do NOT cover, for example, is only available to the consumer AFTER the policy has been paid for. The policy holder is then supposed to determine by the absence of an operator’s name, that they are not covered as they thought. Then the consumer is supposed to contact AA for a refund within 10 days. This is exactly the type of practices the credit card companies are being called to task for, but this industry is apparently unregulated. One need only look at the “editor’s rating” above of 4.5 stars vs. the customer rating of 1.5 stars to know what is really happening. One may find that AA either pays to have a good rating on this site, or owns part of it. Either way, their service and value both suck big time!

184. anita chachkin | Jan 6, 2011

     I am trying to obtain information re: my claim #0001613136.
     Kindly respond

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Anita,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. A Claims Examiner has contacted you about additional information that is needed. They are standing by to assist you.

     Thanks for reaching out.

185. Joey Spector | Jan 20, 2011

     I will never buy insurance through Access America again. It have been totally screwed over by them twice now. The first time, my daughter got sick and we were not able to make the flight to our friend’s wedding. On the phone that morning, the agent told me that is my husband re-booked the flight for a day later, once my daughter could be seen by the doctor the change fees and difference in fare would be covered. We went ahead and did that for his ticket only and the additional cost to us was over $1000 which we would only have done under the guidance of the agent. Of course the ticket is bought and now the next agent we speak with says we were told wrong and would only be reimbursed the $350 cost of his ticket. Loss: $650 due to misinformation by agents.

     Second incident: We (stupidly) again bought insurance for our trip to Quebec. Our flight home to Newark was canceled and re-booked 4 TIMES by continental (a whole other complaint i should file). At first we were told by their agents that we qualified for “travel delay” coverage, which would be up to $200 pp. After the first day when i called back they said that because the cancellations went over 24 hrs (it ended up being over 2 days) that the coverage would now fall under “trip Interruption” since there were no flights being offered out of quebec to Newark on Continental., which would cover up to $412.16 pp for meals/transport and accommodations related to the delay. Saved receipts filed claims…We get 2 checks for $200, claiming that when they looked up the airline info there was 1 flight that left Quebec to Newak on Continental- a flight that we were not on nor offered by the airline, and due to this, we did not actually qualify for Interruption coverage. Access America again misinformed me and again weaseled out of paying the money that their agents led us to believe would be coming. Loss #2: $320.

     Pitiful!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Joey,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to hear you felt your reimbursements fell short of your expectations. We’ve looked into both claims and want to provide some insight.

     Above all, it’s important to remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, condition and exclusions that affect coverage. We paid the limit of coverage as spelled out in your letter of confirmation, in both your situations. Your trip to your friend’s wedding qualified for the Trip Interruption benefit, which covers change fees other reasonable expenses, but cannot exceed the limit of coverage for your policy. Additionally, the Travel Delay benefit for your trip to Quebec also provided coverage for you and your spouse, as specified in your Certificate of Insurance. As you know, that particular situation did not qualify for the Trip Interruption benefit.

     We’re glad that travel insurance turned out to be a good investment for you as you did receive significant reimbursements for your non-refundable travel costs.

     Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you. If you’d like to discuss the result of your claims further, please contact us directly at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

186. Vikram Singh | Jan 21, 2011

     I have been ripped by Access America, they dont run an insurnace company, they run a SCAM, They know how to cheat the Government and take Insurnace Licenses and Cheat the People of thier money, These Scamsters have tied up with the big Airlines offering cheap pricing to them and We trust the big airlines by thier name and Sites and Access America pockets our money in Trust in between, it seems neither the airlnes or the Virginia Dept of Insurance knows what Access America is really upto. They should be Shut permanently.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Vikram,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to read about your frustration. We want to find out more about your specific case. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your claim number and we’ll be back in touch.

187. Claudia Drake | Jan 25, 2011

     The worst experience related to services was dealing with Access America. I do not recommed this service to anyone based on my experience. I submitted my claim in September and the approved check was received in mid January. It took months of phone calls, emails, headaches, etc to get an approved check sent. Access America would not follow up on anything and promised things and did not deliver. It took escalating the issue several levels and still…it was the most awful experience. The check was approved from the very beggining but not sent until months later. Everyone was nice there but completely usless, unhelpful, and incompetent.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Claudia,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. We looked into your specific case, and while we are glad we were able to provide coverage for the claim you filed, which included the limit of coverage plus a consideration payment, we apologize for the delay you experienced in receiving your checks. This is certainly not exemplary of the high level of service that we strive to deliver to our customers and we wish your experience went more smoothly. Feedback from customers, especially when their experience has been less than positive, is very important to us. We have passed this on to the appropriate Management Teams so that they may share this with their Teams.

     Again, we do appreciate your feedback and are sorry for the frustration you experienced.

188. cb | Jan 26, 2011

     THIS COMPANY WAS TERRIBLE TO DEAL WITH. Our April 2010 vacation was completely cancelled due to the Islandic Volcano that shut down all of Europe, and it STILL took us over 9 months to prove our case and get the insurance to pay us back. We even had to get affidavits from all our vendors stating that they did not reimburse us because Access America had rejected out claim 3 times. We never did get ANY piece of paperwork on the denials even though we asked for them 5 times. Had to get an attorney involved and even had to call the Attorney General’s office in their state to start a complaint before they would negotiate with us. I am only sorry that I did not read this blog before I booked my trip, but, I booked through Orbits and that was the default ins. they offered.
     MISERABLE

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello,
     It’s Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re glad we were ultimately able to provide coverage for the claim you filed, but we greatly apologize for the delay and frustration you describe. We strive for a high level of service, and feedback from our customers is very important to us. We have passed on your comment to relevant management teams. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your specific case details if you’d like to elaborate further.

189. Ronnie Fischer | Feb 4, 2011

     Access America refuses to honor a claim regarding canceled trip to Egypt during the severe unrest that is going on. They are using the exclusion that what is going on in Egypt is not a terrorist act, as defined by the U.S. government. The U.S. government would be reluctant to call this terrorism due to political concerns, not realistic ones. Amazing.
     The U.S. State Dept. has issued a travel warning telling U.S. citizens not to travel to Egypt and is evacuating its citizens, yet Access America won’t reimburse for lost costs. In addition we had to call them for three days, because they couldn’t even find our claim. What a terrible company. I will never buy travel insurance from them again.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Ronnie,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. The situation in Egypt has affected many travelers. We’re sorry you’re among them, and you had to cancel your trip. You are correct that our products have an exclusion for “civil disorder and unrest,” which describes the situation in Egypt, as opposed to a terrorist event.

     Just to clarify, however, customers who are traveling to, from, or inside Egypt may have coverage for Travel Delay if their travel is delayed for six or more hours due to the unrest in Egypt, and if that benefit is included in their policy. That benefit includes reimbursements for reasonable costs for meals, accommodations and additional transportation expenses incurred during the delay, up to the coverage limit of their policy.

     Most importantly, Access America’s travel assistance team is helping our customers affected by the situation in Egypt to rebook flights and make other travel arrangements so they can get home safely.

     If you’d like discuss further, we can be reached at help.team@accessamerica.com.

190. Matt Victoriano | Feb 8, 2011

     I purchased a ticket for my fiancee to flight to North Carolina for us to get married. As I am in the military I know that my schedule can change with short notice, so I purchased Access America’s travel insurance for her flight, since it stated on the flight booking website that it will refund flights for changes in schedules. I also read the terms of service presented to me right before I purchased the insurance and the ticket. Nowhere did it give specific circumstances for refusing refunds. Only after I called them, after waiting weeks for a reply to my claim, did they state that she had to be the one in the military for us to receive a refund. They clearly false advertise and use manipulative and misleading language to draw you into the sale. This company is a fraud.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA
     Hi Matt,
     It’s Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to hear about the frustration you and your fiancée experienced around your wedding date. In order to fully respond to your case, we’ll need her name and policy number, since the insurance was purchased in her name. Please email us at help.team@accesamerica.com.

191. Faris Meghani | Feb 10, 2011

     This company is a fraud and should be reported. They seem to find different reasons everytime you call and speak to a different rep. I will never ever ever do business with them again. I wish i had researched them before booking my trip. I wish i had read this website before!

192. Adnan | Feb 11, 2011

     Access America is the biggest Scam I’ve ever seen. I filed a claim 40 days ago and they and they are not interested at all.
     DO NOT USE ACCESS AMERICA!!!!!!
     GIVE YOUR MONEY TO A CHARITY, IT WILL PROTECT YOU MORE.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Adnan,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to read about your experience. We’d like to look into the status of your claim. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number and we’ll let you know where things stand.

193. mark albers | Feb 12, 2011

     it’s my opinion that this company is a rip off-i’m very unhappy-i have made two claims over the last several years-the 1st claim took me almost a year to get paid-i think to get paid this time i’m going to have to use a lawer and try to coollect legal expenses-don’t buy this crap-they will loose your paper work more than once-the guy i talked to wes-ext 51068 @ 800-334-7525 told me i was going to be paid over a month ago-now they say they don’t have enough information-i’m filing a complaint with the bbb next week-what’s crazy is i only bought travel insurance onny on the most expensive part of my trip to europe-by canceling my trip i’ve lost out on several hundred dollars because i cancelled several local flites that were non refundable-who whould do that if they thought they had a pre exesting condition-it’s my opinion that this company sucks!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Mark,

     We’re sorry you’re frustrated. However, we looked in to your claim and though we do have all of your submitted documents, we don’t have the details necessary to complete a full review. Please contact our claims department or email us at help.team@accessamerica.com. We’re standing by to help you

194. James McCartney | Feb 16, 2011

     THIS COMPANY IS A FRAUD. HAD UN-EXPECTED OPEN-HEART QUADRUPLE BYPASS SURGERY AND HAD TO CANCEL RETURN FLIGHT TO THE WASHINGTON, DC AREA. THEY REJECTED CLAIM BECAUSE I HAD SEEN THE DOCTOR BEFORE FOR AN UNRELATED CAUSE. THEY CLAIMED …”PRE-EXISTING CONDITION.”

     Access America S U C K S !!!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear James,

     We’re sorry to hear about your surgery, and wish you the best on your
     recovery. We took a look at the details of your case. The terms of
     many policies exclude coverage for conditions arising directly or
     indirectly from known symptoms within a 120 days of purchase, including
     the policy you have.

     The exclusions that affect coverage are stated in your Certificate of
     Insurance, and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of our
     website provides information about Existing Medical Conditions, which
     can be read here: http://bit.ly/b4T45T. Again, we’re sorry about your
     situation and your frustration. I hope this information answers your
     questions about travel insurance.

195. Ninotchka | Feb 18, 2011

     This company is a FRAUD! I had purchase their insurance with a $500 lost/damage baggage or property for my European trip. I lost my Iphone in Norway during my trip in Dec, 2010. I, immediately called them overseas from Norway to report the incident. After wasting money on overseas call, I was told that I did not have baggage insurance, even though, my policy said so.

     I sent them an email, and finally was told that I do have coverage. I was told that I needed a police report (which I have sent them from the Norwegian Police Station), and the original receipt of my phone (which I also have). If I didn’t have the original receipt, they will just pay 80% of the current iphone value, so said the customer service via phone.

     I sent them my documentation for claims, asking for $499 for my phone replacement, as per the invoice stating that the cost of the phone was $499, but with the 2 yr contract, I was charged $99, but was taxed for the original cost. Obviously, since I lost my phone within 6 months of buying it, I will have to buy a replacement with the full cost of the phone.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Ninotchka,

     We’re sorry to hear about your experience. It’s important to remember that travel insurance is like any other insurance in regards to damaged, lost or stolen merchandise. Your insurance indicates that baggage and possessions are covered based on the lesser of either the actual cash value (retail value minus depreciation), or replacement cost. Please refer to the details in your policy, or take a look at our FAQs here: http://bit.ly/b4T45T. Email us at helpteam@accessamerica.com if you have further questions.

196. Edward Block | Feb 19, 2011

     I had prostrate cancer and required treatment. It was not diagnosed when I purchased the policy. I had no symptoms. However, in a normal physical exam my PSA was read. It was as high as it had been for years. It was not until several months after that my doctor wanted to do a biopsy and the cancer was found. Since ‘The policy does not require a definite diagnosis for a condition to be deemed pre-existing.” does this mean if I sneeze one year and have pneumonia the next it won’t be covered? What a fraud. When you get to be 71, you have been through a lot, most of which does not go any further. The insurance is worthless!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Edward,
     We want you to know that we’re sorry to hear about your situation, which wasn’t a covered reason in your policy. The terms of many policies, including the one you bought, exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the insurance purchase. The exclusions that affect coverage are stated in your Certificate of Insurance, and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of our website provides information about Existing Medical Conditions, which can be read here: http://bit.ly/b4T45T. If we can further explain the result of your claim, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

197. Bensay | Feb 23, 2011

     Access America Travel Insurance is a RIP OFF! I booked a flight to see my sick Dad in Dec. Within hours, I found out he passed away the night before. I changed my flight to come in earlier for his funeral. Access America claims that since my father was ill, I should have KNOWN he was going to die, so they denied the claim. Google Access America. This is their MO. What a complete rip off.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Bensay,
     I’m with Access America’s Help Team. First, we’d like to express our condolences on the loss of your father. We aren’t able to look at your file without your contact information, however, it appears based on the timeline you’ve explained in your comment, there are certain terms and conditions in effect when you rescheduled the trip. Our travel cancellation benefits include coverage for a variety of covered reasons, such as accidents, illness, etc., but we are unable to provide coverage for illnesses that are existing when the policy is purchased. Please email us at helpteam@accessamerica.com if you have questions.”

198. RML | Mar 1, 2011

     I purchased this policy on reliance of two separate Access America customer support representatives who assured me that if a cyclone was coming and I had to evacuate during my trip to Australia, would I be covered for airline, hotel, and any tour group costs. I was guaranteed that yes, if a cyclone or any natural disaster was confirmed to arrive in the destination once I was already there, I would be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses.

     February 1, a cyclone of a category 3 (then 4, then 5 status) was off the coast of Australia, and it was in size bigger than the entire state of Queensland. By the end of that day, MANDATORY EVACUATIONS were announced for the area I was staying in. I was fortunate to evacuate within two hours of the airport being closed. The airport was in fact classed for the next two days which was the time I was intended to originally leave.

     I attached all documentation with my claim, all receipts, everything which stated the evacuation was mandatory; that my flight would have been cancelled as the airport was closed; etc.

     I was denied because my flight hadn’t YET been cancelled when I evacuated.

     So, their logic (even during the appeal process) is that I should have ignored the mandatory evacuations for the category 5 cyclone; waited out for the official cancellation of my flight (assuming I wasn’t dead or otherwise incapacitated by such a deadly event); and THEN I would be reimbursed.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi RML,
     Sorry to hear about the interruption in your trip to Australia, and we’re glad you were able to get out safely. We’d like to find out more about your specific case. Please contact us with your name and policy number at help.team@accessamerica.com.

199. Ron B | Mar 3, 2011

     Access America Insurance is worthless. Their business model is to deny even reasonable claims. Why? They make millions doing it. My father was very ill last fall.
     His diagnosis was spinal stenosis…he had surgery…got a staff infection…was doing very poorly in the hospital. I told the family to start visiting as the future was uncertain. After travel was booked we were shocked to learn he had cancer in his upper spine. The surgeons felt terrible they hadn’t found it, and then said he might only have a few days left to live. One of his granddaughters shifted her flight to get in before he died. I had encouraged all to buy travel insurance when he was rehospitalized. So we felt confident a terminal diagnosis would be a good reason to change a flight and file a claim. WRONG.
     Access Americ dismissed the claim. We then had the doctor write a very specific appeal letter explaining he did not have a pre-existing terminal condition. Access America discarded this letter and said the case was closed and they tossed the letter. If you can’t get a claim paid on a Slam-Dunk set of circumstances with a clearly written letter from a doctor…do you think you can a claim paid on anything.? Let’s face it. This insurance is BOGUS. It’s just a scam to get another piece of traveler’s money. Don’t buy Access America.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Ron,
     We’re sorry to hear about your very difficult situation. In order to fully respond to your case, we’ll need the name and policy number of the individual policy holder. What we can tell you is that coverage for Existing Medical Conditions is excluded from many travel insurance policies. The terms of many policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the insurance purchase.

     Like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T, or email us at helpteam@accessamerica.com if you have further questions.

200. John Cardarelli | Mar 7, 2011

     I left a one star…. If I could leave a negative star I would. Anyone thinkig of purchasing travel insurance through Access America BEWARE. This is nothing more than an organization that will do EVERYTHING in it’s power not to pay your claim. Quite frankly, I have never, ever seen such a bad and BS organization. My “quick” story…. My mother in law who is 90 years old took this travel insurance as protection in the event she became ill on a trip to see her daughter in Santa Barbara, purchased on 11/4/10. My wife, and her daughter had a routine Dr. Appointment on 11/26, she noticed some rectal bleeding a couple of weeks prior. My wife was then sent for a colonoscopy on 12/16 and a cancerous tumor was found. She had it removed on 12/21 and found out the cancer had spread, she is now undergoing 6 months of chemotherapy and I pray this will stop this deadly disease. When she found the cancer had spead, last week of December, her mother decided to cancel her trip as she wanted to take care of her daughter (my wife). Upon filing the claim with Access America they claim they need proof the symptoms did not appear before 11/4, when she purchased the insurance, LIKE WE THOUGHT THIS WAS CANCER AND THAT’S WHY HER MOTHER PURCHASED THE INSURANCE. Our Dr. sent a note stating that the first symptom appeared on 11/7, and that she was seen on 11/26, but we did not know it was cancer until late December. I have been going back and forth with Access America for two months now!!!!! Even though they have a not from the Dr., etc…. they still refuse to pay and wan to look intio it more. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT !!!!! DO NOT BUY FROM THIS HORRIBLE COMPANY !!!!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi John,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to hear about your frustrations during a very difficult time, and I hope your wife’s health has improved. While we can’t look into the specifics of your case without knowing the insured individual’s name and policy number, we can try to offer some general information based on your comment. From your description, it sounds as if the change in your mother-in-law’s travel plans was related to a medical condition that showed symptoms prior to the insurance purchase. Most policies, including the one your family member most likely purchased, excludes Existing Medical Conditions and names symptoms, not diagnosis, as the trigger.

     Like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T, or email us at helpteam@accessamerica.com with the policy details, if you’d like us to address the result of your claim more closely.

201. Katrina | Mar 11, 2011

     Not sure to blame Alaska Airlines or Access America here, but buyer beware — do not purchase Access American insurance through Alaska Airlines! I spent about $75 to get trip cancellation insurance for flights for my family of 5. Though I used 50,000 miles for a fare reduction (still paying 75%) of cost, I just found out that the insurance I bought ONLY COVERS REDEPOSITING MY FREQUENT FLYER MILES, not the actual ticket price. I had NO idea this was the case as I thought I was insuring the ticket price. This was not explained on the website, and even looking at the policy forwarded to me, it is entirely unclear. Furthermore, after the fact, in discussing this with an Access America rep on the phone, it was also explained to me that the insurance I bought did not cover Pre-existing Conditions, which was the reason I bought it. Apparently no Access America insurance purchased through Alaska Airlines covers this, and you can only get this by purchasing it through them directly. In sum, the $75 I spent was a total waste of money! After talking to Access America, I now understand that they have far more restrictions than other companies (like Travelex), and therefore I would not use them again. Very disappointed in them and Alaska Airlines for complete lack of clarity on the website!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Katrina,
     Sorry to read about your frustrations. Please remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. Plus, we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are news articles on travel insurance and the various types of plans, such as this one: http://nyti.ms/dNTdbp

     That being said, we’d like to find out more about your specific case. Please contact with your full name and policy number at help.team@accessamerica.com

202. Maria Rosado | Mar 14, 2011

     Access American was not able to help me at all. I placed a claim because my baggage was delayed when I travelled to Switzerland Feb 12, 2011 and I provided them with my airline baggage delay claim and after the claim was filed they needed receipts for the items I purchased until my bags were delivered. I was not able to locate my receipts so that voided the claim. It is the first time I place a claim or purchase insurance for travel. I will not do that in the future because it is a waste of my time and money since my luggage was delayed and that was the claim I placed I should be receiving compensation just for that. BUYER BEWARE!!! DON’T PURCHASE INSURANCE THROUGH THIS COMPANY. They should be reported to the insurance commission. I will also let the place I purchased my insurance know of my experience.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Maria,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’ve looked into your case and see that you’ve withdrawn your claim. As is industry standard, we must request receipts on any claim being filed for reimbursement. If you can provide proper documentation and would like to re-file, please contact our Claims Department. They are standing by to assist you.

203. Marcia Ingram | Mar 15, 2011

     I am 74 years old and have had an ongoing condition of congestive heart failure which is controlled almost all of the time with medication and dietary restriction. I am able to travel without difficulty, in fact I took a 14 day European River Cruise some months prior without any problems.
     The day before my trip, for which I purchased my insurance from Access America, I experienced shortness of breath, atrial fibrillation with very irruglar heart rhytrhm, weakness with lightheadedness and edema. I immediately went to my cardiologist and he strongly advised me against flying and making the trip. I had been hospitalized seven months prior for heart failure. This insurace policy was offered through hotwire.com.
     I was denied the $242.30 claim on the basis that I had a pre existing condition. My doctor completed an extensive report required by this company. As I mentioned above, I had been able to funcition normally since my hospitalization seven months prior to this episode.
     I have appealed to the company without success. I will never purchase insurance from Access America again and have advised my travel agent and others of their business practices. I hesitate to even give them a one star rating.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Marcia,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to hear about your situation. We’ve looked into your case, and unfortunately the product you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions. Existing Medical Conditions is excluded from many travel insurance policies. Further, the terms of many policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the insurance purchase. However, if you have additional documentation from your doctor, please submit them to our Claims Department and they will be happy to review.

     Like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T, or email us at help.team@accessamerica.com if you have further questions. We wish you good health and safe travels in the future.

204. Andrew Parrorr | Mar 15, 2011

     I purchased a plan from Access America and had to cancel my trip due to a death. They refused to pay for the flight. They would not budge, the cumtomer support was awful and they simply said that thye would not pay anything!
     This is a total scam and anyone who purchases Access America it is being robbed.
     I do not recommend Access America! They are thieves and should not be allowed to do business!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Andrew,
     Sorry to hear about your situation. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with the name of the insured and a policy number so we can find out more.

     Access America products are purchased by millions of travelers each year and we place strong emphasis on customer service. We’ve previously been named the Global Call Center of the Year by the International Customer Management Institute. Looking forward to hearing from you.

205. Lori Triplett | Mar 16, 2011

     I am absolutely appalled at the way Access America does business. I really wish I had reviewed this company before I ever purchased from them. At the time of my flight booking, this was a check box for those that may want to purchase insurance. I assumed it was reputable. After being denied my claim, I searched the reviews on this and am totally taken aback! There are absolutely NO good words to say about them.

     When I first contacted them, they were so sweet and understanding and sympathetic to my situation with my sister and her new onset of cancer. Once I supplied the data they requested (and called to ask again if they had all they needed), they very easily stated that the claim was denied. There was no discussing it any further, as far as they were concerned.

     Fortunately, I have some contacts that are looking into this further. If “Bree” (who seems to be contacting some or all of the more recent complaints) would like to look into MY situation too, and give me some feedback that is more than “Sorry, but this was a pre-existing condition”, then I will be happy to discuss it. As it stands now I am out of >$800. How they can rest well at night is beyond me.

     ACCESS AMERICA IS A HUGE HUGE SCAM TO GET MONEY FROM THE ALREADY UPSET VICTIMS AND FEEL ABSOLUTELY NO REMORSE FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Lori,
     I’m sorry to hear about your experience, and about your sister’s illness. We’ve looked into your details, and unfortunately the specific product you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions. And, the terms of many policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the policy’s purchase.

     We do provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as information about general and specific exclusions. We encourage everyone to look at it and try to make it easier by offering what we call a 10-day free look. That means you can cancel the policy at no cost within 10 days if you decide it doesn’t meet your needs. There’s more here at our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     Again, I’m so sorry I can’t give you the answer you want. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com if you have further questions.

206. Anne Jordan | Mar 21, 2011

     I purchased insurance on 2 tickets for a wedding. The bride canceled the wedding and I tried to get a refund on the tickets. What a joke…NO REFUND. First person told me had it been a meeting that was canceled that I would have gotten my $$$ back but that a wedding wasn’t …guess as important. Second person said first person didn’t know what they were talking about..that basically I needed to get sick … Wonder what the third person would have said.
     NEVER NEVER buy anything from Access America…they are a rip off.

207. krishna | Mar 25, 2011

     Access America travel insurance is waste of purchase, unless you don’t have doctor’s letter they will not consider for refund / post-phone charges.
     Do not buy this insurance please.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Krishna,
     Sorry to hear about your situation. While I don’t know the details of your claim, it’s important to point out that like any type of insurance we require documentation from customers who file claims. This is particularly true with claims filed for medical issues where we need completed forms from doctors, etc. We’d like to learn more about the specifics of your claim. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your full name and a policy number. Looking forward to hearing from you.

208. John Greene | Mar 25, 2011

     I really can’t believe how bad this service is and how difficult it is to get a claim through. We had a trip delayed in January because of snow in the northeast, Jetblue cancelled the flight, and rebooked us two days later. This is all public available info (cancelled flight), our expenses were of course greater than the $240 max but still they require more info than we provided (which was a lot and they could figure out it’s not free to stay somewhere a few days). I’m not sure if their tactics are to wear you down but I give up and will never use them again . How’s travel insurance that isn’t insurance? That’s AccessAmerica. Nice logo. Sorry for the sarcasm but they deserve it.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear John,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry about the frustration you’ve experienced surrounding your trip in January. We’ve looked into your claim status and are happy to report that your payment was issued today! Like other types of insurance, we must require supporting information to consider making a claim payment. We strive to finalize claims within 5-7 business days of receiving proper documentation, and we achieved that with your case.

     Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

209. Adina | Mar 30, 2011

     Sure wish I had read these reviews before purchasing Access America insurance. Now my little old in laws and us are out $1000 for airline ticket change fees. AAI claims that train derailment delays are not covered in the policy, ALTHOUGH, train derailments are not specifically mentioned in the policy. What a sham!!!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Adina,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. We empathize with the travel delays you and your in-laws experienced. Please understand it’s hard for us to fully address your comment without knowing the specifics about your case. We can tell you that Trip Cancellation coverage provides refunds if you have to cancel your trip for one of the reasons covered by your policy. It’s important to remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. In addition to the Certificate of Insurance/Policy, our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b.

     If after closely reviewing your policy, you feel you have a valid claim, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com. We’d be happy to address the matter with you.

210. Crystal Cokley | Mar 30, 2011

     I was very dissatisfied with my reimbursement. I was not reimbursed for my pre-paid hotel expenses which was not clearly stated in the contract. The cause for missing my first night of lodging was due to a mechanical breakdown of the airplane. Thg company is offering misleading coverage. I will never use them again and I have informed all of my family and friends to do the same.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Crystal,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to hear you felt your reimbursements fell short of your expectations. We’ve looked into your claim and want to provide some insight.

     Above all, it’s important to remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, condition and exclusions that affect coverage. We paid the limit of coverage as spelled out in your letter of confirmation. The travel delay benefit provides reimbursement for meals and accommodations while you’re delayed. The loss of pre-paid expenses is not covered under your purchased policy.

     Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve you. If you’d like to discuss the result of your claims further, please contact us directly at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

211. Lori Roberts | Apr 4, 2011

     Big hassle to get refund. First claim was denied, saying additional information was needed.
     Insurance is offered by US AIR and state that you will receive 100% REFUND FOR CANCELLATIONS!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Lori,
     Sorry to read about your frustrations. We cannot find a claim under your name. It’s difficult to weigh in without knowing your specifics, but I can tell you that US Air does not offer an “all risk” product. Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. Plus, we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     That being said, we’d like to find out more about your specific case. Please contact us with your policy number at help.team@accessamerica.com

212. Steve | Apr 5, 2011

     Yes, they are fraud from the word go! They contact your doctor and from their that point on they form their own opinion to favor their position to deny claim! They are frauds and the ones who work for them are professionally trained to aid in committing fraud.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Steve,
     Sorry to hear you are unhappy with your travel insurance. Without knowing any specifics, it’s difficult to fully address your situation. One important note, however, is that unlike other types of insurance, we do not require any medical pre-screening to purchase. Claims filed for medical issues require completed forms from doctors to help us to determine coverage. And, like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage.

     We’d like to find out more about your case. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your full name and policy number.

213. Julie Hopper | Apr 8, 2011

     Do not buy travel insurance from this company! They will think of any excuse not to reimburse you!
     My mom was scheduled to have surgery, and I flew home for it for a week. However, the day before she was scheduled, her surgeon’s dad died. Her surgeon rescheduled the surgery for the following week, and I had to reschedule my flight back home for a week later. They used the excuse that her condition was pre-existing.. which yes it is, but that is not relevant to the fact that my trip had an unexpected interruption which should be covered by their policy. To make matters worse, when I called before buying the insurance, since I was unsure if anything went wrong with her surgery if they would refund me for a changed ticket- the lady answering the phone said that it should be covered. Bullshit.
     Anyhow- don’t waste your 24$.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Julie,
     Sorry to hear about your situation. Hope your mom’s surgery went well. We’ve looked into your case, and unfortunately the online product you purchased does not provide coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to condition a person had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to purchase. We also have a record of your inquiry call, and as our claims team stated, we cannot determine coverage over the phone.

     Julie, what’s important to remember is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     If you have further questions, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com

214. Ted Raby | Apr 8, 2011

     This is a total ripoff do not buy this crap.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA
     Hi Ted,
     Sorry to read about your frustrations. We cannot find a claim under your name. We’d like to find out more about your specific case so we can provide some insight. Please contact us with your policy number at help.team@accessamerica.com.

215. Judy Cascales | Apr 11, 2011

     I buy Access America Travel Insurance every time I fly which is frequent. In 2009 my adult son, who was traveling with me and my husband, became very ill on a return flight from Paris. In Dallas, where we were to make our connection, we had to take him to a hospital in an ambulance where he remained for 10 days before we could continue home with him. He did not have travel insurance but my husband and I did. Access America paid for our hotel, rental car, and our tickets to continue from Dallas. They also reimbursed us for the airline tickets which we had purchased to make two more trips in the following two months because our son’s illness was so serious he needed round the clock care once home and we couldn’t leave him. (These tickets were covered under separate policies which I bought at the time they were purchased).

     We had to supply documentation for the hospital admittance, the diagnosis, that we were his caretakers, and that he had not been treated for the condition during six months before the emergency. This latter requirement was fulfilled by a statement from our son’s doctor listing the times he had seen him during that period and the reasons for the visits. None was for the illness that caused his hospitalization. The doctor also gave us a statement that our son could not care for himself and we were his caretakers.

     Presently no standard travel insurance issued in the US will cover pre-existing conditions. It is possible to get special policies for cruises or tours if the complete premium is paid when they are booked. Some will cover cancellations for any reason. I don’t know if Access America has these as I have purchased them only as part of tour packages. They cover the tour portion as well as the included airfare.

     Read the policy well and don’t assume anything. Also be prepared to submit the required documentation. Your case may be legitimate, but, unfortunately, there are those who make fraudulent claims or ones for situations not covered by the policy. The process is tedious but I found the representatives of Access America courteous and helpful. I will continue to purchase their insurance.

216. Judy Cascales | Apr 11, 2011

     Correction: I had to submit documentation that showed our son had not been treated for the condition 120 days before we purchased the insurance. I have taken the time to write this review as I think that people who are not satisfied are more likely to write a review than those who are.

217. Jane | Apr 12, 2011

     This place is a fraud! do NOT use them. All they do is take your money, not worth buying insurance. I missed my flight due to a traffic accident, and I didn’t make it to the airport on-time. They would not reinbursed my money, unless I submitted a police report with the information of the drivers who caused the accident! This is not worth it!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Jane,
     Sorry to hear about the accident that caused you to miss your flight. Please understand that like any other type of insurance, we must require supporting information to consider making a claim payment. Our claims examiners would be happy to process your claim if you can provide the required documents. Please file your claim with the right paperwork at http://www.accessamerica.com or call the number on your certificate of insurance.

     If you have any other comments, feel free to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your full name and policy number.

218. Kevin GUthrie | Apr 15, 2011

     This company and their policies are a scam. You select the coverage that you think you need but then smoke and mirrors and fine print clauses say, “thats not covered” when you make your claim. The editors comments are correct, when they sell you the product it is very confusing and I will never do business with this company nor Delta (who recommended them) ever again.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Kevin,
     Sorry to hear about the frustrations caused by your delayed flight last spring. We’ve looked into your case and see that you have yet to supply the documentation we need to process your claim. Please understand that like any other type of insurance, we must require supporting information to consider making a claim payment. If, after close review of your policy, you feel you have a valid claim, please file your claim with the right paperwork at http://www.accessamerica.com or call the number on your certificate of insurance. Our claims examiners are standing by to help you.
     If you have further questions, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

219. Artur H | Apr 15, 2011

     They will take your money but when you need cancel your trip, practically they will tell you to go pound sand.

     They will ask all kinds of a paperwork, which you never can satisfy, than promptly deny the claim.

     I HOPE THEY GO BANKRUPT.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Artur,
     Sorry to hear about your frustration surrounding your cancelled trip. Please understand that like any other type of insurance, we must require supporting information to consider making a claim payment.

     Also, it’s important to remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     If you have further questions, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com

220. Unhappy Customer | Apr 19, 2011

     Access America is the Stupidest plan anyone can buy for. They fool you when you buy the policy by having smaller letter disclaimer. I had a situation and i had to cancel my ticket for unplanned infertility treatment which would cost me 15K dollar if i cancel it. THESE STUPID customer reps didn’t consider that emergency. Such a stupid ladies they have for call center who tries to be sweet but u can make out they are just acting.Well just wanted to share my experience and let you all know to not be fool in buying their insurance policy.. because its TOTALLY USELESS.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello,
     Sorry to hear about your situation. While we don’t know the details your case, I can tell you that trip cancellation coverage is for specific unforeseen circumstances outlined in your policy. Also, some factors to consider when determining if a medical matter prevents or substantially interferes with your ability to travel is whether you require ongoing treatment or have a medical procedure scheduled in the period between your trip purchase and planned departure dates.

     We do provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation in the policy, as well as information about general and specific exclusions. We encourage everyone to look at it and try to make it easier by offering what we call a 10-day free look. That means you can cancel the policy at no cost within 10 days if you decide it doesn’t meet your needs. There’s more here at our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     Above all, it’s important to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance. There are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Here’s a resource that provides information about travel insurance: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     If you’d like me to look into your specific case, please contact me with your full name and policy number at help.team@accessamerica.com.

221. Jenny | Apr 21, 2011

     I am shocked that airline agencies are advertising for this company on their website. I will never buy trip insurance again!!! I was denied the reimbursement because my sister died within 12 hours of me purchasing the policy. How was I to know she was going to die? Do they think I’m God and knew that? I didn’t even want them to reimburse for the original trip just simply a $150 change of tix since we had to come home and bury her within a week.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Jenny,
     I’m with Access America’s Help Team. First, we’d like to express our condolences on your loss. We’d like to find out more about your case and address your claim. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your full name and policy number. Thank you.

222. Chris R. | Apr 22, 2011

     ****TAKE LEGAL ACTION***** If Access America fails to fulfil their contractual obligation, persue legal action, in California it is called Small Claims Court. It is VERY EASY to do, there is very little cost involved (if you win, court costs will be reimbursed to you), you just need the following information:
     1) The company name is: World Access Service Corp DBA Access America (located in Virginia)
     2) Agent for Service (if you don’t live in Virginia); in California it is: CT Corporation System
     You will need the addresses and phone #’s (just do an internet search) and file your claim.
     I will never use this company’s service again. There is a reason 200+ people are complaining and this does not include the hundreds of people who simply do not bother.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Chris,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We’d like an opportunity to hear about your specific case. As the world’s largest travel insurer, we’re proud to say we’ve served many travelers and covered innumerable situations. While we strive for customer satisfaction with each policy that we write, we recognize there are times when close explanation is needed about the result of a claim.

     What’s important to keep in mind is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We do provide a list of covered reasons in the policy, as well as information about general and specific exclusions. We encourage everyone to look at it and try to make it easier by offering what we call a 10-day free look. That means you can cancel the policy at no cost within 10 days if you decide it doesn’t meet your needs. There’s more here at our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T. If the reason for your cancellation was not a “covered reason,” as listed in your policy, insurance regulations preclude us from providing coverage, no matter how much we’d like to help.

     That being said, if you’d like me to look into your specific case, please contact me with your full name and policy number at help.team@accessamerica.com.

223. Gayle | May 1, 2011

     After submitting all necessary documentation, received a letter requesting yet another doctor’s form – from a doctor not involved in treating the illness.
     I tried emailing Jeff Hyman, Vice President of Travel Operations, four times in the past two weeks, and have not received a response.
     Two recent travel articles in our Sunday newspaper focused attention on problems fellow travelers endured after purchasing insurance from Access America.
     I’ve learned my lesson the hard way, and hope these comments will prevent someone else from making the same mistake.
     DO NOT PURCHASE!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Gayle,
     Hello. Bree from the Help Team at Access America here. I’d like to try to respond and suggest a next step. Like other types of insurance, we must require supporting information to consider making a claim payment. This is particularly true with claims filed for medical issues where we need completed forms from doctors, etc. We strive to finalize claims within 5-7 business days of receiving proper documentation. We’d gladly respond to you over email, but it seems our claims department has no record of any messages from you. Please email us your case details at help.team@accessamerica.com and we’ll be back in touch. Thanks.

224. SaraSue | May 1, 2011

     All of these reviews have certainly convinced me NOT to choose this company. I will buy elsewhere and I will encourage everyone I know to always be certain to read not only the reviews, but the lame responses from this company. Shame you on Access America. You have a terrible reputation.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear SaraSue,
     We’re standing by to serve your travel insurance needs. But, whether you buy Access America insurance or not, we’d like you to be as informed as possible. It’s great that you are taking the time to research various travel insurance plans as there are many different kinds created to address unforeseen situations that might occur. As with just about everything else, the key is to know what you’re buying. Here’s a resource that provides information about travel insurance: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     As the world’s largest travel insurer, we’re proud to say we’ve served many travelers and covered innumerable situations. Access America products are purchased by millions of travelers each year and we place strong emphasis on customer service. If you have further questions, please contact us directly at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

225. R. Shepard | May 12, 2011

     Please file complaints with the Better Business Bureau http://www.bbb.org.

     With better records we can all be more informed and hold Access America accountable.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA
     Dear R. Shepard,
     Access America’s Help Team here. Our products are purchased by millions of travelers each year and the vast majority are very satisfied. We’re sorry that you are unhappy with your travel insurance. Please email us at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com with any details so we can find out more.

226. M.S. | May 14, 2011

     This site is Fraud… i took out an insurance for my self and my wife for air travel worth $1500.. at the time of my travel my wife was 35 weeks pregnant and doctors adviced us not to go… i submitted my doctors note, and they did not refund me a penny….. sooo much Bull crap Excuses….. Luckly the airline gave me one year to use that money, to travel with them anywhere. i lost $65/ for 2 ppl insurance…… soo stay away from ACCESS AMERICA…………………… SPAMMMMMMMMM

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear M.S.,
     Bree from Access America’s Help Team here. I’m sorry you feel your travel insurance fell short of your expectations, especially so close to the time when you and your wife were expecting. I should note that purchasing the right policy for your situation is important. While I don’t know the details your case, I can tell you that trip cancellation coverage is for specific unforeseen circumstances outlined in your policy. Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage.

     I’d like to find out more about your case. Please email us at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com with your name and policy number.

227. Scott A | May 17, 2011

     STAY away from this company. My daugher had to have emergency knee surgury in March. I purchased a policy January 4th with NO idea of this surgury or her ability to travel. I was denied because of a precondition. This was not true, my daughter was able to travel and enjoy this vacation on January 4th but to our suprise I was denied over $2000.00 in expenses. I guess you take trip insurance for the unexpected which was exactly the case. Now I have to pay $175.00 to go to a arbitrator and wait mouths with not knowing if I will get my money. My advise to you is go to other online companies, these guys are hooked big time with major tour groups. Stay AWAY.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Scott,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to hear about your daughter’s knee surgery and hope she is doing well. Without your full name and policy number I can’t look into your details, but it seems that the product you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions. And, the terms of many policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the policy’s purchase. While the diagnosis (resulting in the need for the surgery) may have been made later, the trigger to Existing Medical Conditions exclusion is symptoms, not diagnosis.

     We are happy to look into your claim if you’d like. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com and we’ll be back in touch.

228. Foldy | May 19, 2011

     Do not Buy….

     this company steals your money~

     Pre existing condition is Cover all rejection letter

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi @Foldy,
     Access America’s Help Team here. Sorry to hear you are unhappy with your travel insurance policy. Without your full name and policy number I can’t look into your details, but it may be that the insurance program you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions. Many travel insurance policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the policy’s purchase. What’s important to remember is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     We are happy to look into your claim if you’d like. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com and we’ll be back in touch.

229. G G Stanley | May 23, 2011

     Had to cancel a trip due to the reading of a will of my mother, loss of wages, and fear of flying when Osama was killed…we were on a high alert! NO MONEY BACK, NO CREDIT!!! I’ll never go with Orbitz or Access America again. NEVER~!! What a rip off.

     Hello,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that you had to cancel your trip and we understand the frustration the situation has caused you. We’ve looked into your case and are sorry that we are unable to cover your claim this time as the reason for your trip cancellation was not covered in your insuring agreement.

     Please remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. If you’d like us to further explain the result of your claim, we can be reached at help.team@accessamerica.com.

230. fred cook | May 25, 2011

     I purchased a travel plan, had an accident and needed detal treatment in England, Access America paid the claim no questions, all they required was the expense invoice

231. Scott A | May 26, 2011

     Scott A again #227 above. Bee reached out to me within a couple of hours of posting my problems with ACCESS AMERICA. Over 24 hours later no response. Typical company shows the public we will take another look but NEVER does. Thankfully in the good old USA I get my day in court. Ignore all Access America coments after all responses, they really don’t respond back to you. I think Bee at Access America is telling us all BEE AWARE, stay away. On to court. How does this company operate

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Scott,
     Sorry that you seem to have missed our response. Please check your email. We responded from Help.Team@accessamerica.com on Thursday afternoon and provided details after looking into your case. Thanks.

232. orlando | May 29, 2011

     A fraud, editor must be getting paid to provide such a high review. I’ve provided ample documentation indicating the medical condition that forced me to cancel the trip was diagnosed well after I purchase protection. They still don’t want to reimburse because I saw a Doctor prior coverage purchase. Advise to costumers, if you are seeing a Doctor for anything, beware and don’t purchase coverage from this company. As you can see from previous reviews the “preexisting conditions” is the catch all with this company. I wonder if they have medical professional reviewing claims.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     We’re sorry about your situation, Orlando. I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. Without your policy details, we cannot look into your case. But, I wanted to offer a few thoughts based on your comment.

     Unfortunately, it sounds like the product you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions, which excludes coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to a condition a person would have symptoms of in the 120 days prior to purchase. Most policies, including the one you most likely bought, does not have a benefit for Existing Medical Conditions and indicates that when the symptoms begin, not when a final diagnosis is made, is the trigger for exclusion.

     One other important note, Orlando, is that unlike other types of insurance, we do not require any medical pre-screening to purchase, so the documentation is collected when a claim is made. Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it.

     All this being said, we are happy to look into your claim if you’d like. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com and we’ll be back in touch.

233. Gary | May 31, 2011

     This company is clearly a HUGE fraud. Save your money. The policies are all worthless. I recently had a trip with flight cancellations and over 24 hours of delays. I had over $1,000 in expenses for travel to and from the airport, meals, cost of housing, etc. This company denied every one of the claims. Had an excuse why each item wasn’t covered. The end result is, it is almost impossible to ever have a loss that is actually covered under the policy.

     SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! DO NOT OUR PURCHASE!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Gary,

     This is Bree with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to read about the frustrations surrounding your flight cancellation. Terms, condition and exclusions affect coverage of travel insurance, just like other types of insurance. Our Trip Interruption benefit does require that an airline stop offering all services for 24 or more consecutive hours due to weather situations, for instance. More details can be found in your Certificate of Insurance, which we encourage everyone to read when they get it so there’s no mistaking what’s covered and what’s not.

     That being said, please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number so we can find out more.

234. Steve | May 31, 2011

     My story is like most of the others on this board. I had a flight cancellation with all of the associated expenses. The claims agent at Access were as nice as can be when processing the claim for several thousand dollars. Then, I never heard from them again. When I followed up, they denied the claim by pointing out fine print in the policy. Typical insurance scam and fraud. If you purchase from this company, be aware that there are very limited cases where you will be able to actually recover funds from a delay or cancelalation of your trip. Avoid the headache and save your money, by skipping their insurance policy.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Steve,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry that you are frustrated because of your flight cancellations. I can tell you that trip cancellation coverage is for specific “covered reasons” outlined in your policy. We encourage everyone to look at their policy and try to make it easier by offering what we call a 10-day free look. That means you can cancel the policy at no cost within 10 days if you decide it doesn’t meet your needs. There’s more here at our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     We’re reachable at help.team@accessamerica if you’d like us to look into your claim. Just send your name and policy number and we’ll be happy to review.

235. Mike | Jun 3, 2011

     This business operates similar to a scam, DO NOT BUY!!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello Mike,
     Sorry to read you’re having trouble with your travel insurance. We’d like to find out more about your case. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with the name of the insured and a policy number. Thanks.

236. Catherine Martin | Jun 4, 2011

     I thought I was purchasing insurance but, this is a rip-off.

     I booked a flight to see my best friend. Two days later, her little sister died unexpectedly. I called Access America because I’d purchased the insurance incase of an emergency. This was an emergency; I couldn’t go on my scheduled trip.

     They dragged their feet for a week. I spoke to a rep, explained the situation, she had me fill out a form. I had to find the proof of death, and proof of purchse before it could be reviewed. I did everything they asked and was denied.

     Their reson to me was, either “I” had to die or one of MY family members had to die. This should be illegal because it’s certainly unethical.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Catherine,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry for the frustrations you’ve experienced. Please accept our condolences on the passing of your friend’s sister. We’ve looked into your case and unfortunately, as stated in your policy, trip cancellation only applies to transportation and accommodations on domestic trips if family or friends can’t accommodate you as planned or if family or friends outside the United States can’t accommodate you as planned because someone in the household has died or been diagnosed with a serious illness or injury.

     We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     Finally, it’s important to point out that like any type of insurance we require documentation from consumers who file claims. Again, we’re sorry we were unable to cover you this time.

237. CessieM | Jun 4, 2011

     Thank you for all your comments. I was on the verge of purchasing this insurance–it was an option on Iberia.com but I decided to look up the company. Although they may have paid out some claims, there are 236 reviews on here about at least 226 are negative! I have never seen so many negative reviews for a company and that is to me enough to make me not buy this insurance from them.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear CessieM,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re standing by to serve your travel insurance needs. But, whether you buy Access America insurance or not, we’d like you to be as informed as possible. It’s great that you are taking the time to research various travel insurance plans as there are many different kinds created to address unforeseen situations that might occur. As with just about everything else, the key is to know what you’re buying. Here’s a resource that provides information about travel insurance: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     As the world’s largest travel insurer, we’re proud to say we’ve served many travelers and covered innumerable situations. Access America products are purchased by millions of travelers each year and the vast majority are very satisfied.
     If you have further questions, please contact us directly at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

238. Kelly Moore | Jun 10, 2011

     Had to cxl my flight which they told me I could reuse by 2112 due to several days of migraines…they are saying now that their insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions…EVEN tho it was impossible for me to fly..because I’ve had a history of migraines?..I’m not eligible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $483.30…gone! RIPOFF!!!!!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Kelly,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to hear about your frustrations. We’ve looked into your case and see that a Claims Examiner has contacted you about additional information that is needed. They are standing by to assist you. Thanks for reaching out.

239. Laurel Williams | Jun 10, 2011

     After 3+ months, Access America paid the claim and paid it correctly. However one must constantly birddog the claim every step of the way! Submitted papers are misplaced and must be resubmitted, the adjusters frequently do not return promised calls and their excuses as to why the claim should not be paid must be refuted. My advice is to keep asking for the supervisor. Try to find the supervisor named Patrick. He is the only reasonable person that we communicated with in the entire company. My advice is not to give up. This winter I became hospitalized in Jordan and had to come home interrupting a 3 week tour of the Middle East on day three. Access America finally did come through on the coverage we purchased. The company needs to train their people to be customer oriented, to keep their word, and to expedite matters in a timely manner.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Laurel,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We apologize for any frustration you encountered while we were processing your claim. We strive to have our Associates be responsive to the needs of our customers during the claim process. This includes furnishing understandable explanations and responding to them in a timely fashion. We appreciate your feedback and would like to research this further so that we can pass your comments on to the appropriate management team. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with the name of the insured and a policy number.

240. Robin Lynch | Jun 10, 2011

     I have to agree with most every comment as this company appears to not honor most every claim.

     I booked a trip to Moscow, Russia and then had to cancel as the person with whom I was to visit became ill and had to immediately return to the USA for treatment. I cancelled the trip in plenty of time and was initially told by a representative that my claim would be honored. But after not hearing from Access America for nearly two weeks I called and inquired about my claim. I was then told my cancellation was not a valid reason. NOT A VALID REASON?! What was I suppose to do make the trip anyway and visit no one?

     I was told I would receive a letter explaining everything in full. That was two weeks ago and I have received nothing, yet. Needless to say I would NOT use this company again. They appear to be so helpful and then when you file a claim they act like you don’t exist.

     RESPINSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Robin,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry for the frustrations you’ve experienced. We’ve looked into your case and unfortunately, as stated in your policy, trip cancellation only applies to accommodations outside the United States if friends or family can’t accommodate you as planned because someone in the household has died or been diagnosed with a serious illness or injury.

     We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     We’re sorry we were unable to cover you this time.

241. Sina Mansouri | Jun 15, 2011

     this travel insurance is a total waste of money, for a $175 claim they are asking for
     Hospital admission and discharge paperwork, the e ticket itenerary, proof fo payment for the trip cost and the physicain letter was insufficient telling them that the passenger will not be allowed to travel for a month due to hart condition and hospitalization. Don’t waste your money buying coverage through Delta Airline.

     I used my miles to buy a ticket the cancellation cost $175 so I have nothing to show them other than Delta will charge me $175 whenever I use that ticket in the future.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Sina,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to read about your frustrations. Understand that trip cancellation provides reimbursement for nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for illness or other unforeseen circumstance. But, travel insurance, like any other type of insurance, has terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b.

     It’s also important to point out that we do not require pre-approval medical examinations, so we must request a good deal of information at the time a claim is filed. This is needed to protect the customer against someone filing a claim for his/her benefits, as well as to secure information required to make a coverage determination.

     Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with the name of the insured and a policy number and we’ll be happy to respond with more specific details.

242. S. Bahadori | Jun 16, 2011

     ACCESS AMERICA…BIG FRAUD…SCAM…WHAT A SHAM…AWFUL…HORRIBLE…
     I TOLD EVERYBODY IN MY OFFICE AND ALL MY FRIEND ABOUT IT.
     I bought a ticket from San Fransisco to Los Angeles and I insured it with Access America.
     I called 72 hours before the flight and canceled it. I have called Access America told them
     that I have stomach flu and will not be able to fly.
     I filed the claim and email it to Access America. Five days later I’ve received a letter they
     rejected my claim.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Mr. Bahadori,
     I’m with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to read you are unhappy with your travel insurance. We’ve looked into your case and see that the reason for your trip cancellation was not a named peril. If you have medical verification of an illness, we welcome you to visit http://www.accessamerica.com/AA/ClaimForms.aspx to fill out a Physician Statement Form and we will be happy to review the decision.
     Thanks.

243. D Lowe | Jun 21, 2011

     I am completely satisfied with Access America. I received a full refund of $1,100 (airfare) for a trip I cancelled 3 weeks prior to the travel date. I purchased 2 round trip tickets 6 months before the trip. My father became sick 5 months before the trip. My wife and I are staying home to care for him.

244. Teresa | Jun 21, 2011

     WHAT A RIP OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I bought trip insurance from Access America when my husband and I planned a trip to Greece for July of 2011. With all the riots and protests going on for the past week (June 15 -21st (today), we were scared to go because it IS not safe. When I called to file a claim I was told by Terika a supervisor that they did not cover civil unrest. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? What a waste of money getting insurance from them…CHECK YOUR CREDIT CARDS EVERYONE BECAUSE THEY PROBABLY GIVE THE SAME INSURANCE FOR FREE..DO NOT SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY AT ACCESS AMERICA,

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Teresa,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry the situation in Greece has affected your travels. It’s true that our products have an exclusion for “civil disorder and unrest,” which describes the situation in Greece. Therefore, we were unable to provide coverage in this case.

     Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs.

     If you’d like us to further explain the result of your claim, we can be reached at help.team@accessamerica.com.

245. Janie Begeman | Jun 22, 2011

     This coverage is a complete rip-off – DO NOT BUY! Our business purchased travel insurance on 13 employees flying to New York. A short time prior to the trip, one employee was terminated for performance issues and another’s spouse was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer. I submitted all requested forms — including having to inconvenience the employee with the significantly ill spouse to get Doctor sign-offs on forms — only to hear nothing for weeks. When I checked, they told me they couldn’t pay without additional information. More hoops to jump through! They wanted a letter on company letterhead detailing why employee was terminated. I asked how this was any of their business as it was protected information and reminded them that my original cover letter with claim forms was on letterhead. Of course they stated they needed another one. Ridiculous! Then, the employee with the very ill spouse had to get a Notary Public to witness her signature that reimbursemen check could be made out to the business, despite original forms showing business had paid for the coverage. I’m sure there will be more idiotic requests and that no money will ever be reimbursed. I will never use them again to cover our employees on flights.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello, Janie.
     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry for the frustrations you’ve experienced. If you’d like us to look into your claims or status, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with the names of the policy holders and their policy numbers.

     Judging from your comment, it sounds like 13 other individuals had policies. No insurer can pay claims to anyone other than the named insured on the policy without their written permission or “Assignment,” regardless of who pays for the policy/trip.

     Also, like other types of insurance, we must require supporting information to determine coverage. This is particularly true with claims filed for medical issues where we need completed forms from doctors. One important note is that unlike other types of insurance, we do not require any medical pre-screening to purchase.

     Travel insurance is designed to cover a number of unforeseen situations related to health, environmental, legal and other issues. But, like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance for business trips, such as this one: http://bit.ly/hMCsn0

     Please email us if you’d like to discuss your case directly with us. Thanks for your business.

246. Rick P | Jun 24, 2011

     Legitimate claim denied & COMPLETELY frustrated. Feel mislead and believe they committed fraudulent marketing & sales after providing expectations that I was covered for my needs. Purely a ripped me off.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Rick,

     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about your frustrations. We’d like to learn more about your case. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your full name and policy number. Thanks!

247. Larry | Jun 27, 2011

     I would not recomend purchasing this insurance because they will not pay your claim. I spoke directly to one agent who instructed me to submit the required documentation and that my claim would be paid. I submitted the documentation and then followed up with anoter agent and his supervisor and they told me that my claim would not be paid. I would suggest that you save your money and DO NOT PURCHASE THIS INSURANCE.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Larry,

     Access America’s Bree here. It’s important to point out that like any type of insurance we require documentation from customers who file claims. While we can tell you on the phone if a reason for cancellation is a “covered reason” or not, only our claims examiners can determine whether a claim is payable.

     Above all, we care about your experience and we’re sorry your situation wasn’t covered. If you’d like to further discuss the result of your claim, please contact us directly at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com.

248. Bryan | Jun 27, 2011

     BEWARE of this “Travel Insurance” company. I wish I could put those quotes in bold. I booked a flight with Access America insurance, thinking they would insure my flight should a legitimate reason that wasn’t death or a medical emergency arise. Isn’t that the point of flight insurance? Well something did happen, that wasn’t death or a medical emergency, and wouldn’t you know that it wasn’t one of their “specific reasons?” Putting me out over $1000 and with nary an apology or empathy.
     I understand as an insurance company their policies must be finite, what with fraud and all, but if their conditions are SO specific, they should be way more up front about it at the time of booking. Sure, you can review the policy before actually taking it, but the “specific reasons” are so cloaked in the rest of the document, they lead you to believe you’re taken care of no matter what.
     That, my fellow consumers, is one ridiculous lie. I wouldn’t go so far as to call them a scam, but let’s just say such deceptive business tactics are seen elsewhere, and this sham of an insurance company has mastered the art.
     DO NOT risk your money–stay away and take private travel insurance from another company if you must!!

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Bryan,
     Bree from Access America’s Help Team here. I’m sorry to hear that your trip was impacted by a reason not covered in your particular policy. While I can’t fully address the result of your claim without knowing the specifics, I can tell you that you’re right in saying that travel insurance, like any other type of insurance, is not “all risk” in nature. Travel insurance is designed to cover a number of unforeseen situations related to health, environmental, legal and other issues. But, there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Also, we encourage every travel insurance customer to look at their policy, and try to make it easier by offering what we call a 10-day free look. That means you can cancel the policy at no cost within 10 days if you decide it doesn’t meet your needs. There’s more here at our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     We’d be happy to address your specific case and explain any terms, conditions and exclusions that could have affected your claim. If you have further questions or comments, please reach us directly at help.team@accessamerica.com.

249. ACCESS AMERICA IS A FRAUD | Jul 1, 2011

     STAY AWAY. All this “company does is a FRAUD. They play endless games with you when you try to file a claim, and speka to you as if you are garbage. It is an endless game with them to see how far they can stretch you before you give up and say it isn’t worth it.
     FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUDFRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hello,
     I’m with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to read about your frustrations. We’d like to find out more about your case. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number.

     What’s important to keep in mind is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We do provide a list of covered reasons in the policy, as well as information about general and specific exclusions. We encourage everyone to look at it and try to make it easier by offering what we call a 10-day free look. That means you can cancel the policy at no cost within 10 days if you decide it doesn’t meet your needs. There’s more here at our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     We look forward to hearing from you soon.

250. Brooke | Jul 1, 2011

     I understand that when an emergency happens your mind is on that situtation. They are an insurance company they need proper documentation like every other insurance company. The rules and regulations are all set up so you can read before you purchase any policy and they even offer a 10 day period to read it after purchasing and ask for a refund on it. They can’t cover everything in the world, it’d be impossible for them to stay in business. They also refund in checks for YOUR protection because they don’t keep credit card numbers on file (ie less of a chance for a hacker to get your number – wouldn’t that be a more a pain in the butt to deal with??) They give step by step directions for everything and information is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week because they work that schedule so any questions call, email, or go onto their website.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Brooke. Thanks for weighing in. Your insight is very helpful!

251. RJ | Jul 11, 2011

     We have only purchased Travel Insurance two times but both were with Access America and they were excellent both times. The first I bought it by mistake when purchasing airline tickets for the family (6 of us) and fully intended to call and cancel but forgot to. My 3 year old son came down with pneumonia and we couldn’t take our trip. It took about 60 days but we got 100% of our airline ticket cost back, and they were very helpful throughout the whole process. Then when we rescheduled the trip about 9 months later we purchased the insurance again. During this trip we woke one night around 2am to one of my sons having trouble breathing so we had to call 911 and an ambulance came and took him to the hospital. Again Access America was awesome! They paid 100% of what our medical insurance didn’t cover, which was quite a bit. We travel 1-2 times a year as a family and have never even thought about buying travel insurance until that 1st trip were I forgot to uncheck a box online, now we will probably never travel without it.

     I read all these negative reviews and find it very hard to believe after my 2 experiences went so well. They did make me provide full documentation and notes from the Dr., and the checks for the airfare did come in a separate check for each ticked passenger. However, I didn’t think they asked for or did anything that was out of line.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi RJ,
     Thanks so much for your feedback. We’re glad you have been pleased with your travel insurance. Thanks for letting us serve you.

252. Scott | Jul 12, 2011

     They’re a fraud. Submitted documentation from the doctor and claim was denied. Do not bother purchasing anything from them or Orbitz.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Scott,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to hear you are frustrated with your travel insurance. I don’t know the details of your case, but I’d like to note that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance. There are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. At Access America, we provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we encourage all customers to review when they receive it. Plus, we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Finally, unlike other types of insurance, we do not require any medical pre-screening to purchase, so the documentation is collected when a claim is made.

     You may want to check out articles and resources on travel insurance, like this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com so we can find out more about your case and we’ll be back in touch.

253. BJM | Jul 13, 2011

     Much to our surprise we received our refund in full within one month of filing our claim. We made sure to make copies of all documents we submitted to Access America. It took a few phone calls back and forth between Access America and the doctors office, but finally they had all they needed to pay our claim. The direct number to the Customer Service Manager, Mr, Keith J. McAllister is (804) 673-1528. The President of the company is Mr. Johathan M. Ansell in case you need to go to the top to get answers. The most trouble we had was getting the information faxed from the doctors office to Access America. The doctors office tried for 3 days, and I called Access America for another Fax number, but they only have one for claims. If your doctors office can scan and send the information via email at claimsinquiry@accessamerican.com it will go faster. The Fax goes straight to a computer set up to receive the faxes, not a paper copy like I thought. The office is located a 2805 North Parham Rd. Richmond, VA 23294. Since we live in Virginia, I asked them if I needed to drive to their office and deliver the paperwork in person. As to the Physician Statement Form, make sure to have the doctor fill in the – Date symptoms first appeared or accident occurred – to coincide with the exact date the the illness happened, or the exact day you go to the hospital to be seen that caused you to delay/cancel your trip.

254. Cliff Bowers | Jul 15, 2011

     I just learned that my claim for $300 charged to me by Delta to redeposit Delta skymiles in my wife’s and my accounts was not approved by Access America/Delta. This is especially disappointing since prior to purchasing their policy I actually spoke to one of their representatives via phone about my specific circumstances and the possibility that I might have to cancel our trip due to thymic cancer treatment as the reason I was interested in trip cancellation insurance. Since the Access America/Delta representative at no time pointed out that I might not be eligible should I need to file a claim, I went ahead and purchased their insurance policy via their web site. I am very disapponted, especially since I discussed my situation with them first, that Access America/Delta have refused to honor my claim.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Hi Cliff,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry you are frustrated with your travel insurance. We looked into your records and do not see that you placed a call prior to your purchasing the insurance on the web. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with the number you called so that we may review. However, I’d like to point out that while we can tell you on the phone if a reason for cancellation is a “covered reason” or not, only our claims examiners can determine whether a claim is payable. Looking forward to hearing from you.

255. Aman | Jul 16, 2011

     This is a fraud company. They put us on a paper work trail for two months and still didn’t pay.

     Dear Aman,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to hear you are frustrated with your travel insurance. I don’t know the details of your case, but I’d like to note that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance. There are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. At Access America, we provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we encourage all customers to review when they receive it. Plus, we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs.

     You may want to check out articles and resources on travel insurance, like this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i. If you’d like us to look into your case, please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

256. Roy | Jul 16, 2011

     They paid the editor for 5 star review.

257. Philip Lesorgen | Jul 18, 2011

     This company is a scam! We had to cancel our trip several weeks prior to leaving due to my wife’s requiring surgery. They have used numerous excuses to deny our claim, every time coming up with something different. It seems like their policy is DENY, DENY, DENY!!! Beware of this company. We are presently pursuing legal representation.

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA

     Dear Philip,
     Sorry to hear you are frustrated. I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team and we’ve looked into your case. Unfortunately, your situation did not conform to our policy that coverage for pre-existing medical conditions must be purchased within 14 days. We see that you purchased the policy about six months after booking your trip and then cancelled soon after.

     Again, we’re sorry for your frustrations. If you have further questions or comments, please drop us a note at help.team@accessamerica.com.

258. Joan Hurst | Jul 19, 2011

     I have no idea how they maintain a good rating. My brother was diagnosed with severe cancer after I purchased the insurance. They claim that he had a pre-existing condition because he went to the doctor for other things in the month before he was diagnosed and admitted to the hospital. There are no sufficient means to log a complaint against them.

     Hi Joan,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to hear about your frustrations and your brother’s illness.

     We looked into your case and unfortunately, the product you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions, which excludes coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to a condition a person would have symptoms of in the 120 days prior to purchase. We received information from your brother’s doctor and that is how the coverage determination was made.

     What’s important to remember is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     Again, we’re sorry we were unable to provide coverage. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com if you have further questions.

259. Harinath | Jul 20, 2011

     Just a fraud. I filed for a claim only to be rejected online, but could not complete the claim as additional documents were needed. Because my claim was not completed and it was well within 10 days of buying the policy, I couldnt even get the policy money back. The reason – i initiated the claim. Guys.. what a fraud… My claim is not submitted, my claim is not rejected, yet I m considered i filed a claim. Moreoever this insurance has lots of clauses. Please read it before you buy it. I would never recommend this to any one

     RESPONSE FROM ACCESS AMERICA
     Dear Harinath,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry for the frustrations you’ve experienced while submitting your claim. Like other types of insurance, we must require supporting information to consider making a claim payment.

     We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. If, after close review of your policy you feel that you have a valid claim, please contact our claims department at the number listed on your certificate of insurance.

260. John Savis | Jul 25, 2011

     I’m so sorry I bought this. I need to make a claim, but it requires me to divulge medical information about my elderly and demented mother and I just can’t bring myself to do it. If I told her about it, I know she would say no. She is in the early stages and is still a very private person.

     Dear John,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to hear of your mother’s illness. I’d like to note that unlike other types of insurance, we do not require any medical pre-screening to purchase, so the documentation is collected when a claim is made. All information, however, is strictly confidential.

     If you’d like to move forward with filing a claim, please contact us at 1-800-284-8300 or you can file online at http://www.accessamerica.com.

261. JL | Jul 27, 2011

     What a fraud! Do NOT bother purchasing this “insurance” as it truly doesn’t “insure” anything. I needed to modify my flight plans to simply get on an earlier flight. The airline (Delta) said I had to call Access America directly. I called them and they said that because my requirement was “personal”, that I was not covered.

     Dear JL,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to hear you are frustrated with your travel insurance. I don’t know the details of your case, but I’d like to note that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance. There are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. At Access America, we provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we encourage all customers to review when they receive it. Plus, we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs.

     You may want to check out articles and resources on travel insurance, like this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com so we can find out more about your case and we’ll be back in touch.

262. Kris | Jul 29, 2011

     I STRONGLY CAUTION ANYONE THAT IS CONSIDERING THIS COMPANY TO LOOK ELSEWHERE. They will look for any excuse NOT to pay a claim. My son was ill and had a couple of clinic visits prior to my purchasing this “insurance”. I did not decide to cancel the trip until I found out he had been referred to an oncologist. THERE IS NO WAY ANY PARENT WOULD GO ON VACATION KNOWING THAT THEIR CHILD WILL BE EVALUATED FOR THE PRESENCE OF CANCER!!!!! I had already lost my daughter to cancer and so, OBVIOUSLY, was extremely worried. Again, I purchased the insurance erecause he was first seen by a physician prior to my purchasing the insurance, they would not cover the

263. Kris | Jul 29, 2011

     continued from previous post………..

     I STRONGLY CAUTION ANYONE THAT IS CONSIDERING THIS COMPANY TO LOOK ELSEWHERE. They will look for any excuse NOT to pay a claim. My son was ill and had a couple of clinic visits prior to my purchasing this “insurance”. I did not decide to cancel the trip until I found out he had been referred to an oncologist. THERE IS NO WAY ANY PARENT WOULD GO ON VACATION KNOWING THAT THEIR CHILD WILL BE EVALUATED FOR THE PRESENCE OF CANCER!!!!! I had already lost my daughter to cancer and so, OBVIOUSLY, was extremely worried!

     THEY USED THE EXCUSE THAT “THE CONDITION WHICH LED TO THE CHANGE IN TRAVEL PLANS WAS EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS AND/OR BEING TREATED PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE OF THE INSURANCE PROGRAM.” They also “regret that we will be unable to honor your claim”. This company knows nothing about honor.

     NEVER PURCHASE INSURANCE FROM THIS COMPANY!!!!

     Hi Kris,
     Access America’s Help Team here. It sounds like you’ve had a frustrating time, and I’m sorry to hear about your son’s illness and the loss of your daughter.

     While I don’t yet know all the specifics of your case, it does sound like the change in your travel plans was related to a medical condition that you son was having symptoms of, and was being treated for.

     Like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T, or email us at helpteam@accessamerica.com if you’d like us to look into your case.

264. CL | Jul 30, 2011

     This company is a fraud.
     The unsually heavy traffic caught me on the freeway yesterday due to the sudden accident.
     Fortunately I was not involved the accident.
     But it caused for me to have missed the afternoon flight.
     I knew my flight was full and I
     called the airline immediately when I stuck.
     The airline representative changed my flight to the last flight of the day.
     I thought she changed my flight without any charge.
     I thouged there was no difficulty to give up my previous seats
     to change to a couch seat of the later flight.
     Because my seats were the business and first class in the previous flights including the connection flight.
     At the airport I figured out I need to pay for changing flight.
     Unfortunately the flight was also full and there was no couch available.
     It was an unsual situation.
     I needed to pay $2000 for the business class or purchase 20000 mileages to purchase a business class seat.
     Purchasing 20000 mileages cost me only $560 so I purchased the mileages.
     It was the last flight of the day and unexpectedly it arrived almost 2 hour delayed.
     Then they cleaned and departed quickly.
     It was uufortunately overbooked.

     Next morning I called Access America to file my claim.
     The representative said if I was not involved or injured by the accident I was not able to file a claim.
     My trip was totally inturrupted by the accident but I was not imvolved so
     I am not eligible?
     She also said if the delay is within 6 hours they don’t cover it.
     So watch out your connecting flight should have a 6 hour layover at least.
     Who will book the domestic connecting flight that has a 6 hour layover?
     I will never purchase any travel insurance from the Access America again.

     Dear CL,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about your frustrations.

     Like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T, or email us at helpteam@accessamerica.com if you’d like us to look into your case.

265. ReNae Bopp | Aug 1, 2011

     I have been selling Access America to my clients for almost 30 years and have had only wonderful service and prompt payment of legitamate claims. Many Many of the complaints in this report have to do with non payment due to Pre Existing conditions. The travel either didn’t read or was unrealistic about their policy. Access America does cover pre existing conditions as long as the policy is purchased within 14 days of the first deposit of their trip. I always make this very clear to them and incourage them to purchase within the first week. This is very generous of Access America because you cannot buy fire insurance within 14 days of your house burning down and have the insurance company build you a new house. Another complaint is the paperwork required from the doctor. Again, with all the crime in our society, Access America has to make SURE the claims are legit and will not pay just because you have a sad story. Access America is a wonderful company that I am proud to sell at my travel agency. Every travel insuance company has very similiar if not the same benifit description and policies and my experience is Access America is one of the Best. ReNae Bopp

266. Melisse Sullivan | Aug 3, 2011

     Horrible claims service and fraudulent activity – Do not do business with this company. They’ll take your money, but never pay your claim. Exclusions galore, and most frustrating is that the “exclusions” are only known to them – You never receive a full policy doc. STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Hi Melisse,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. It sounds like you’ve had a frustrating time, and we’re sorry about that. We’d like to find out more about your case. Please email us with your claim number to help.team@accessamerica.com. Thanks.

267. Paul Vernaglia | Aug 6, 2011

     I am so sorry that I bought Travel Insurance from Access America that I am rethinking all my other insurance; home, auto, etc. I bought the travel insurance on line from Delta Airlines (another company with whom I am unhappy) on the very site where I ordered the Delta tickets. I have decided not to persue the $300 it has already cost me to redeposit my Delta Airline Frequent Flyer ticket miles, after the pile of required forms,receipts, and reports exceded one inch. My sole satisfaction is to warn others not to count on any insurance from this or any other insurance company. Insurance makes you feel good until you need it. Keep your money in your pocket, not theirs! I hope you may receive some satisfaction from my $300.00 rant. I read all the bad reports included here only after I became ill before traveling. I promised myself that I would report to you all on this site after my claim was resolved. I expected to report that I was compensated as expected. I actually have not been denied yet only drowned in paper work. I give up. Insurance companies can burry you with paper.

     Dear Paul,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to hear of your experience. I’d like to note that unlike other types of insurance, we do not require any medical pre-screening to purchase, so the documentation is collected when a claim is made. All information, however, is strictly confidential.

     Our products are purchased by millions of travelers each year and the vast majority are very satisfied. Please email us at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com if you’d like for us to review the status of your claim.

268. BRIAN MCDONOUGH | Aug 9, 2011

     Having been in the insurance claims industry for over 32 years, I am quite aware of how to read a policy. When I spoke to the sales person regarding purchasing this policy, it was made clear to me that the trip cancellation/trip interruption limits applied to each person. By discussing the premium costs with him it made sense. I paid $360 for a family plan. The cruise insurance for my wife and i would have been $320 but it covered the entire cruise costs. When I had to cancel the cruise that cost $3,500 for both of us, the agent on the phone confirmed the coverage per person. Unbelievably, I only received $1,500 cancellation coverage total for everyone. The language in the policy does not support that but that’s what I was told.

     Using Pat Whitaker’s from access america’s logic. I purchased a policy for five members of my family at a premium that was 20% of the value of the policy, if the maximum coverage was only $1,500. Who would buy a family plan at that cost and secondly, what family vacation only costs $1,500? The logic does not support that coverage nor my expectations and understanding when I purchased the policy. My auto policy for my $30,000 car is only $1,500. That’s 5% of the value of the car. The homeowner’s coverage is even less that that.

     Ambiguous language in a policy or confusing language inures to the benefit of the policyholder in all cases. That has been confirmed by every state supreme court in the country. While the Letter of Confirmation is addressed to me, the names of the insureds are Melanie McDonough, Tyler McDonough, Hunter McDonough, Connor McDonough, Brian McDonough. This is confusing as the dec page lists the 5 members of my family as “Insureds, but there is no definition in the policy for “insured”, so each member listed is a separate insured under the policy. As insured is not defined, “You” would be addressed to whichever insured is reading the policy and coverage would be applicable to that person and therefore $1,500 trip cancellation/trip interruption maximum would apply to each person.

     I followed the terms, conditions and requirements of the policy. Mondial has not for the following reasons.

     The claim was reported promptly and forms were received for me to complete on 6/29/11. These forms were completed and received by Mondial on 7/7/11. There was no correspondence received from BCS acknowledging my claim documents or reserving its rights under the policy when the claim was submitted. The fact that it accepted my emails and claims documents clearly show that BCS had no reservations with my claim for the $3,000 for which I am claiming under policy US01643097. Additionally, in my e-mail submission with the 18 page packet of backup documentation submitted on 7/7/11, I asked that Mondial promptly advise if it required any additional information and received no response to that email or subsequent emails or phone calls. There was no correspondence ever received from BCS acknowledging my claim documents or reserving its rights under the policy when the claim was submitted on 7/7/11.

     The “bad faith” claims handling is apparent and clearly in violation of state insurance regulations that require a response within seven days of a claim submission that it was being reviewed. The first acknowledgement received was the letter of July 20 and received on July 23…13 days after submission. Finally, I would request that you advise whether Ms. Whitaker is a licensed adjuster in NH. As you know, NH Insurance Department requires all insurance adjusters, employed by insurers be licensed.

     This is only a synopsis of the claim appeal letter I sent on 8/4/11.

     Dear Brian,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. As outlined in your insuring agreement, you and your family had very specific benefit limit on the annual product that you chose to purchase. We are glad we were able to provide coverage for the maximum benefits related to your trip cancellation, plus a consideration payment that we’ve chosen to make in this matter after reviewing your case. If you have further questions, please shoot us an email at help.team@accessamerica.com. Thanks for choosing Access America.

269. Vadim | Aug 14, 2011

     This is a horrible SCAM. Do not book with this company through Hotwire. They consider everything a pre-existing condition, unless it occurs on the day of travel. My wife got food sickness the night before – the effects did not set in until the overnight and the morning. Doctor advised in the morning not to travel and they still consider this a pre-existing condition. The manager was unhelpful and just kept repeating: “pre-existing condition”. Book with ANYONE else.

     Dear Vadim,
     This is Access America’s Help Team, and we’re sorry to read about your frustrations.

     While I don’t yet know all the specifics of your case, I’d like to point out that like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T, or email us at helpteam@accessamerica.com if you’d like us to look into your case.

270. Jacqueline Williams | Aug 14, 2011

     I have had a lot of experience with Access America. Their reason to exist is to take insurance premiums but to do all possible to find a reason NOT to pay out. Examples:
     Travel delay. You leave home and there’s an accident on the freeway that holds up traffic for hours. You miss your flight at the Airport, your connection and then perhaps your cruise, or whatever. Access America should pay out on this. But oh no. Their fine print says you actually have to be INVOLVED in the accident.
     Strikes: You’re in Italy or Greece. Your flight is supposed to leave at 1PM to come home. There’s a ‘wild-cat’ strike at the airport. and your flight is cancelled. You have to go back and pay for a hotel. You miss your connection in London to come home. Does Access pay? Oh no. The fine print says the strike has to be complete cessation of ALL airlines for at least 24 hours,
     Scary Terrorirism: You’re scheduled to travel to Paris, or?….Some bombs go off in a tourist area in hotels or train station. And more are threatened. You choose to not go to Paris after all. Terrorist coverage as promised? Oh no. If it’s more than 30 days out, no payment. If the terrorist group is not recognised by the USA as an official Terrorist group, you’re out of luck….
     I can go on.

     Hi Jacqueline,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. It sounds like you’ve had a frustrating time, and we’re sorry about that. We’d like to find out more about your specific claims. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com and we’ll be back in touch.

271. Norma Torchia | Aug 23, 2011

     We are so disappointed with AccessAmerica and their stall tactics. Filed claim that they received 8/10/11 with 9 pages of records that I don’t believe anyone read past the first page before they are requesting additional information. They want Dr. statement that he has not been treated in the last 120 days when the records clearly state that the last time he was seen was 2007. Just stalling, be wary!!!!!!

     Hi Norma,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to hear you are frustrated. In order to fully respond to your case, we’ll need the name and policy number of the individual policy holder. What we can tell you is that coverage for Existing Medical Conditions is excluded from many travel insurance policies. That means the terms of many policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the insurance purchase. However, if you have additional documentation from your doctor, please submit them to our Claims Department and they will be happy to review.

     I’d also like to note that unlike other types of insurance, we do not require any medical pre-screening to purchase. Claims filed for medical issues require completed forms from doctors to help us to determine coverage. If you have any further questions, please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

272. Randy Robbins | Aug 25, 2011

     Access America has refused to pay a legitimate claim after 5 months. They continued to ask for information (was furnished each time) and then finally asked for unavailable information and then declined the claim. They look for ways to decline to pay claims. I have filed a complaint with the insurance commission in NY.
     My suggestion is, if you haven’t purchased insurance from Access America, don’t

     Hi Randy,

     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about your frustration and would like to find out more. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number and/or claim number.

273. Norma Torchia | Aug 25, 2011

     Putting Physician Statement in the mail today. I wonder what they’ll want next since nothing else was mentioned on our unpleasant phone conversation. So much frustration, I’ve got lots of trips planned and pretty sure our travel agent used AccessAmerica to insure them. We’ll have to talk about that!!!!!

274. Jennifer | Aug 27, 2011

     I am so very, very disappointed with this company. I purchased this insurance through American Airlines online. By the way, American Airlines does not seem to want to discuss anything about Access America with its customers. I feel that if they offer the insurance on their website, American should stand by it!

     I became ill the day before my trip. I went to a doctor and received documentation. I spent 2 days filling out paperwork, making copies, going back to the clinic to receive further documentation, etc. One month after I sent in my paperwork, I got a letter saying my claim was rejected due to a “preexisting” medical condition. The letter said if you have any symptoms “at any time in the 120 days before it was purchased (the insurance policy)” this is considered an existing medical condition. I had visited the doctor twice during the time span between purchase of the policy and the departure date of my trip. However, I saw the doctor the first time for a routine check up, not a “preexisting” condition.

     I DID read the fine print and still do not agree with how this company defines “pre-existing” medical condition.

     I can now see why so many reviews are so negative. I feel I have been treated unfairly, and the company is a scam just taking people’s hard earned money. My family is furious. I have told friends never to bother purchasing this, as it seems near impossible to get your money back. Please read through so of the other reviews. I feel this company is NOT based on honest practices. I am calling back and writing a manager when the claims dept. is open again. I’m more upset about the principle of the matter more than the loss of money. So disheartened…. The customer service reps on the phone were very cordial and friendly, but this does not make up for everything else. Please think carefully before buying a policy from this company!

     Dear Jennifer,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re very sorry that you are unhappy with your travel insurance. While I don’t yet know all the specifics of your case, I’d like to point out that like any type of insurance, there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T, or email us at helpteam@accessamerica.com if you’d like us to look into your case.

275. jorge | Aug 28, 2011

     THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS.THIS COMPANY IS A MICKEY MOUSE JOKE.I BOUGHT MY TRIP TO NEW YORK ON AG.7/11 BEFORE HURRICANE IRENE NEWS COMING TO NEW YORK .THEY STATED ON LINE THAT TRAVEL PROTECTION INSURANCE POLICIES CAN BE BOUGHT BEFORE YOUR FIRST DAY CHECK IN.I CALL THEM ON AG.28,JUST 4 DAYS BEFORE MY CHECK IN. TO BUY MY TRIP PROTECTION.THEY WILL SELL ME THE PROTECTION BUY THEY WILL NOT MAKE ANY REINBURSMENT DUE TO THE HURRICANE DISASTERS.T H I S I S N O T W R I T T E N O N T H E P O L I C Y E X E M P T I O N R U LE S P O S T E D O N L I N E..DO NOT MAKE BUSSINESS WITH THIS THIEVES.

     Dear Jorge,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry that you are frustrated. I don’t know all the details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is designed to cover a wide range of unforeseen events, and Hurricane Irene became a foreseeable event on August 22. Once the National Weather Service issues a warning, it is considered a foreseeable event, and policies purchased on or after the warning date do not cover losses related to that event. We keep customers updated on things like this via our Travel alerts: http://www.accessamerica.com/aa/news.aspx

     We’re sorry your situation could not be covered. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at Help.Team@accessamerica.com.

276. Vero Greene | Aug 28, 2011

     Excellent service, AA followed through on what they promised, in a timely manner!!

     Hi Vero,
     Access America’s Help Team thanks you! We’re glad we were able to serve you.

277. Roy | Sep 3, 2011

     This is a fraud company!.

     Dear Roy,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry you are frustrated and want to find out more about your case. Please email your name and policy number to help.team@accessamerica.com.

278. Antonio Silvestri | Sep 4, 2011

     DO NOT BUY OR RENT ANYTHING WHETHER INSURANCE PROVIDED IS ACCESS AMERICA.
     THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS A SHAME AND US GOVERNMENT SHOULD AVOID THE EXISTANCE OF A SO UNRELIABLE FIRM.
     I HAVE REFUSED TO CONCLUDE MANY TRAVEL BOOKINGS SINCE I REALIZED THAT ACCESS AMERICA WAS (PAID) TO COVER ALL RISKS RELATED TO THE TRAVEL.
     READ HUNDREDS OF SIMILAT COMMENTS. IT CANNOT BE A COLLECTIVE MISUNDERSTANDING.
     ACCESS AMERICA IS A FRAUD UNDER MANY ASPECTS. DO NOT BUY ACCESS AMERICA POLICIES: YOU WILL NEVER SEE REIMBURSEMENTS, ONLY LONG, LONG, TIRING CORRESPONDENCE WITH WELL TRAINED OPERATORS WHO WILL KID YOU REPLYING WRONGLY, OR SWITVHING YOUR CLAIM TO ANOTHER OPERATOR WHO WILL ASK YOU AGAIN ALL YOUR STORY AND AFTER WILL REPLY SOMETHING ABSOLUTELY USELESS.
     DO NOT EVEN BUY A SCREW DRIVER IF IT IS GUARANTEED UNDER ACCESS AMERICA INSURANCE COVERAGE

     Dear Antonio,
     I’m with Access America’s Help Team, and we’re sorry you are unhappy with your travel insurance. Please email your name and policy number to help.team@accessamerica.com so we can find out more specifics. You may also find articles and resources on travel insurance helpful, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

279. patrick | Sep 6, 2011

     Access America IS A RIP OFF — I bought tickets to go on a trip to New Orleans in June- My trip was to leave Norfolk on the 26th of Aug and return on the 28th of August. When hurricane Irene showed up we were FORCED (we live in mandatory evac site) to leave our home. The hurricane hit on a Saturday (we were forced to evacuate on Friday) and technically my flights where Friday/Sunday and they were not delayed, so I called to file a claim I was told that “this was not in the policy” — because you guessed it Friday/Sunday and they were not delayed. I am never going to buy another orbitz ticket and as well as let everyone I know that when you buy insurance from Access America don’t count on 1 single bit of help! Also when I asked to speak to a manger I was told that they were not in the office and my specialist was going to talk to him and call me back — that is nutts. I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM ORBITZ OR ACCESS AMERICA AGAIN – ps it was only like $350 – IT WAS A FREAKING HURRICANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     Also they had the audacity to ask me “could they be anymore more help?” – I then explained to them that they where no help!

     Hello Patrick,
     Bree here with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry that you are frustrated. Please understand it’s hard for us to fully address your comment without knowing the specifics about your case. We can tell you that Trip Cancellation coverage refunds prepaid, nonrefundable payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the reasons covered by your policy. We provide customers with a full description of our terms and conditions before they purchase the policy as well as by email when the purchase is complete. We also give a 10 day “free look” to examine your insurance policy. If you decide the policy doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel the policy within 10 days for a full refund. As with just about everything else, the key is to know what you’re buying. Here’s a resource that provides information about travel insurance: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     That being said, we’d like to find out more about your case. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your full name and policy number.

280. Amy L | Sep 7, 2011

     Access America IS A RIP OFF! I never post reviews about a company but I HAD TO TELL EVERYONE THAT ACCESS AMERICA is a FRAUD!!!! I wish I had read all of this BAD REVIEWS before I purchase this SCAM.I wish I could safe everyone from buying this insurance online. I can’t believe that this company is probably making millions off of person and the small amount of people that fill a claim DO NOT GET APPROVED and trust me we have ALL read the policy and fall in the rules of a refund. Access American is just take everyone money. Please! please! please! READ all the other reviews before you fall in the trap which I did by purchase this insurance.
     My suggestion to all this people PLEASE write an official claim as I will through the BBB… otherwise things will not change. Please! Here is the information:

     http://www.seflorida.bbb.org/Business-Report/Access-America-Travel-Insurance-11008502

     http://www.trustlink.org/BusinessProfile.aspx?ID=205999048

     Access America Travel Insurance
     Address:
     100 Commerce Drive
     Warwick, RI 33311
     Tel: (401) 773-9300

     Web Site: http://Access America
     Contact: Glen Skalny –
     Business Start Date: N/A
     Company ID: 11008502
     Nature of Business:
     This company’s nature of business is Travel Agent Mills

     WE ALL NEED TO PUT THIS FRAUD INSURANCE COMPANY OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!!

     Dear Amy,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team, and I’m sorry to hear you are unhappy with your travel insurance. We’d like to find out more about your case. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number.
     What’s important to keep in mind is that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We do provide a list of covered reasons in the policy, as well as information about general and specific exclusions. We encourage everyone to look at it and try to make it easier by offering what we call a 10-day free look. That means you can cancel the policy at no cost within 10 days if you decide it doesn’t meet your needs. There’s more here at our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.
     We look forward to hearing from you soon.

281. RJ Braden | Sep 8, 2011

     Have made claims 2 of the 3 times we purchased this insurance and we got what I believe to be a fair payment. We provided them with every document they asked for and both times it took about 60 days to get paid.

     I read all the negative comments here and I wonder how many people are frustrated because of what went wrong with their trip and that caused them to not be understanding when Access America requests the documentation they need.

     I think they were both reasonable and friendly. Well worth the money!!!!!

282. Gayle San Filippo | Sep 10, 2011

     August,9,2011 I purchased trip insurance in April for a trip to Hawaii in November. My husband was diagnosed with cancer i May–requiring 8 radiation treatments and three rounds of chemo. When this is finished he will have a bone marrow transplant at Stanford. Needless to say we have cancelled our trip. The oncologist does not want to travel or be on a plane for at least a year. All parties involved have been wonderful about refunds EXCEPT Access America. I have filled their out forms, got letters from oncologists and had forms sent from business services at the hospital. This has not been enough to get a refund. Now they are asking for Dr. information from 2009. DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY UNLESS YOU WANT TO TRHOW YOUR MONEY AWAY! Too bad because they were recommended by Cheap Tickets Dot Com.

283. Brandon Garcia | Sep 13, 2011

     this is the worst insurnace available and the people are as crooked as the characters in a Grisham novel. we had a claim denied becuse Access America cited a breast exam 1 day prior to purchase of insurance was grounds for a pre-exisitng condition. We later found out that her exam did in fact reveal a positive test for cancer and the proposed travel plans postponed to have a bi-lateral mastectomy perfomed.

     in our opinion, Access America acted in ill faith and is purposely dis-honest and represents every thing wrong with the insurance industry as a whole as well as a prime example of coporate greed.

     Dear Brandon,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to hear you are frustrated. While I don’t yet know all your specifics, I can tell you that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     That being said, I invite you to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can find out more.

284. David S. | Sep 14, 2011

     Absolutely horrible organization. When I filed a claim on line I received no reply for three months. When I finally did receive the reply it was to let me know they closed my case because of a lack of supporting documents. I finally called and explained that I had returned from Afghanistan early and changed my ticket to reunite with my family. They apologized but said that this is not covered.

     This is a company of predators that has no intent of compensating those who pay for their services.

     Hi David,
     Access America’s Help Team here. First of all, thank you for your service. Our system is designed to provide email responses back to our customers advising them that, like with any insurance claim, they do need to provide supporting documentation.

     I can tell you that our travel insurance programs generally provide coverage if an active duty military person is reassigned or has their personal leave revoked. But, like any type of insurance, proper documentation is still required. In claims from a member of the military, we require something from their chain-of-command that can verify the situation with the person’s leave. It is no different than asking for medical documentation from a treating physician if a trip is cancelled for a medical reason. Was your return based on you being reassigned or was your planned leave being revoked? If so, we’d be glad to take another look into this matter for you and I invite you to email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number.

     I’d also like to point out that while our programs provide coverage for a number of unforeseen situations (outlined in your insuring agreement), they are not “all risk” in nature and aren’t able to provide coverage for all unforeseen events. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

285. James Lane | Sep 14, 2011

     Do not buy AccessAmerica products & Delta Airlines should be ashamed for giving them the veneer of legitimacy. It’s only value is comfort from the illusion that you have coverage. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer AFTER we purchased 5 airline tickets (over $2,000) on Delta with AccessAmerica coverage. AccessAmerica refuses to pay the claim citing “symptoms”. Symptoms of cancer…really? We cancelled the family vacation so that she could have emergency surgery followed by months of chemo and radiation which she is still having to do. AccessAmerica and its accomplice, Delta Airlines, are profiting off our family tragedy.

     Dear James,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re very sorry to hear about your wife’s illness, and that you are unhappy with your travel insurance. I don’t know all the details of your case, but I can tell you that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     That being said, I invite you to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can find out more.

286. Jan Shane | Sep 14, 2011

     Extremely frustrated with their services. Booked our tickets in April for a trip in August. Wife had unexpected open heart surgery (not pre-existing) and cannot receive our refund back after numerous attempts. this
     place is a FRAUD, FRAUD, FRAUD! DO NOT USE THEM NO MATTER WHAT! YOU WILL NEVER SEE
     A PENNY IN REFUND NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION IS.

287. roger vaughan | Sep 15, 2011

     I haven’t had a claim with Access America, and have been buying their annual coverage policy for myself and my wife for 4 years. However, the last time I sent in a policy renewal payment, several months in advance of the end of the prior policy, instead of extending my existing policy they issued a new policy starting in the month I sent the renewal payment! If I hadn’t noticed that the termination date on the new policy was only 9 months from the end of the prior policy, they would have collected double premiums for a 3 month overlap of identical coverage. I am currently trying to get them to issue a policy for the correct time, which they have agreed to do only be canceling my existing policy, then issuing a new one. Funny, they didn’t have to cancel by previous policy to issue the overlapping one! Their representative on the phone sound helpful and sympathetic, but refer to a supervisor on this issue. As of this date the supervisor has not returned 4 phone calls asking for him to call me and resolve this issue.

288. Marilynn Bachmayer | Sep 18, 2011

     I have read all these negative reviews and have to say, I disagree. I broke my humerus head on a trip to Romania and they were very professional. They verified my claim with the treating doctor in Cluj Napoca and sent a person form the US to accompany me home. They had excellent communication with me and I appreciate their assistance very much. Just be honest and upfront about your claim and you should be fine. Definitely worth the money I paid for the premium.

     Hi Marilynn,

     Access America’s Help Team here. Thanks for your feedback, this is great to hear!

289. James and Norma Torchia | Sep 20, 2011

     First posted on 8/23/11 concerning this claim. We are still waiting to be paid. Our brother-in-law has been paid for the same cancelled trip. We filed the exact information for the exact same trip cancelled for the exact same reason. I called last Friday morning and spoke with Evan, he told me he would review the claim and look at brother-in-laws claim and call me back that afternoon or on Monday. It is now late on Tuesday and “surprise, no call”. I think they play games and try to wear people down. Be aware, stall and stall and stall. Very frustrating, who has time for all this??? AccessAmerica (Bree), you can e-mail me and I will be happy to give you both claim numbers. I need help!!!

290. Murray Rubinstein | Sep 23, 2011

     BEWARE!!!!!
     This flight insurance is only for the very healthy that happen to get hit by bus the day before their flight. If you cannot fly due to health reasons and you’ve had this condition in the past they will not pay.
     So do not purchase if you have health issues they will not pay.
     In fact that should be their motto:
     U pay WE don’t…yeah!

     Dear Murray,

     Access America’s Help Team here. While I don’t yet know all your specifics, I can tell you that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     That being said, I invite you to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can find out more.

291. Neelima sheth | Sep 23, 2011

     Very disappointed with the handling of the claim. Our trip to Peru was cancelled due to hurricane Irene leading to Newark int. Airport closure. We live 4 hrs away from the airport and we actually drove unto the airport the night before , so that we do not miss our flight by getting stuck in traffic ( people trying to evacuate in preparation for Irene). Of douse, we had to stay in a hotel. Next day we made it to the airport and found that the airport was going to close at noon and that governor of NJ had declared emergency after 4 p.m. We hurriedly rented a car and returned home. We immediately informed our tour operator about the problem we were facing. Because the tour was cancelled on the last day, according to their terms and conditions, we were not eligible for any refund.
     We contacted access America for the trip cancellation claim and submitted all the required paper work on aug. 30th. Did not hear a word until sept 14. My AAA travel agent who sold me this policy called access America on my behalf and we were told that additional document stating that the tour operator will not do any CASH REFUND is required. I promptly submitted this.
     Today, to my utter disappointment I was told that
     1. I will not be reimbursed for the credit that the tour company has extended to us towards future travel. I purchased this trip cancellation policy for this trip and not for any future trips. If I am not getting a cash refund, why will access America not give me the total cost without subtracting the credit that has been extended.

     Will access America provide trip cancellation insurance on the credit amount from the money we have already paid ? NO. BUT THEY WILL PROMPTLY TAKE MONEY.

     2. I was told that overnight hotel stay and the rental car will not be reimbursed because this expense was incurred prior to starting the trip. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS. As I mentioned earlier, we live 4 hrs away, we thought that we were doing the responsible thing by going to the airport early so that we have the best chance of going on the trip.

     3. My husband and I travel for pleasure at least 2-3 times per year. And have been doing this for the past 10 years. Not once, we have put in a claim for trip cancellation or any other kind of expenses. WE LOVE TO TRAVEL AND WE’d RATHER GO ON OUR TRIPS THAN COLLECT MONEY FROM ACCESS AMERICA OR ANY OTHER COMPANY.

     By not going on the trip (not due to reasons under our control), we lost money and also lost our vacation time. Could not return to work because appointments are made 6 weeks in advance and thus lost revenue. I AM NOT ASKING TO BE REIMBUSED FOR LOST WAGES OR ANYTHING BUT I DO FEEL THAT WE SHOULD GET THE FULL TRIP COST WITHOUT THE CREDIT FOR FUTURE TRAVEL BEING DEDUCTED FROM THE AMOUNT PAID OUT BY ACCESS AMERICA.

     GIVE ME ONE GOOD REASON, WHY I SHOULD DO BUISNESS WITH ACCESS AMERICA IN FUTURE.
     N SHETH

     Hi Neelima,

     Thanks for reaching out to us at Help Team as well. We’ve emailed you back to explain the outcome of your claim.

292. Stephanie | Sep 26, 2011

     Just like 99% of you I agree… ACCESS AMERICA IS A FRAUDULANT SCAM AND SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE BBB! How do these people sleep at night?! They KNOW they are stealing money from GOOD people with reasonable issues that interrupt their flight/vacation. Some of your stories are heartwrenching and I’m so sorry you experienced a loss to a dear loved one. Here’s my story:

     My sister is getting married in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in October 2011. Of course this is a very exciting time and approximately 30+ people booked their flights on Orbitz.com (including my husband and I). Although we didn’t anticipate any issues that would conflict with my sister’s destination wedding, we decided to book Access America to insure our trip. BIG MISTAKE! It’s not about the FINE PRINT… it’s about the fact that they make excuses for every little thing that is not clearly stated in the coverage!

     Doctors told my husband and I that we couldn’t get pregnant. On January 15th, 2011 we booked our flights to Punta Cana. On February 2nd, 2011 we found out we were pregnant… our expected due date is 10/7/11 – the same day we are scheduled to leave for Punta Cana! What an exciting time – we should be celebrating! But instead we are soooooooo ANGRY and frustrated that AA will not reimburse us for our flight. AA advised us to file a claim. So we did… We completed paperwork, our doctor completed paperwork and we provided information from our bank as proof of payment. We spoke with customer service reps over the phone, communicated via email, and faxed or mailed every bit of information that was requested from us. Thank you for putting us through all the hurdles Acess America – it was A WASTE OF TIME! Why drag the situation on for months? You could’ve told us the first time we called that you were a FRAUD and you wouldn’t cover our trip – even if I was in the hospital delivering my first child. Thank you! (sarcasm)

     Access America: here are your exact words “pregnancy is not an excuse NOT to fly”….. HELLO!!!! I will be in the hospital! Their response “You need an UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY RELATED TO THE PREGNANCY TO GET REIMBURSED”. When I spoke with a customer service rep and asked for AN EXAMPLE OF AN UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY RELATED TO THE PREGNANCY, SHE COULD NOT GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE OF COVERAGE. Even if I had an emergency (God forbid… I am praying for a healthy labor and delivery) I’m sure AA would find an excuse to not cover the $1,200 we paid for our flights. Would an emergency c-section be covered? The customer service rep responded, “Um, that’s a good question!” Haha – really? We’ll see what happens. In the meantime, my advice to everyone out there… DON’T BOOK THROUGH ORBITZ AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING ACCESS AMERICA TO INSURE YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.

     Hi Stephanie,

     This is Access America’s Help Team, and we’re sorry to read about your frustrations. I’d like to note that purchasing the right policy for your situation is important. While I don’t know the details your case, I can tell you that trip cancellation coverage is for specific unforeseen circumstances outlined in your policy. Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Here’s a resource that provides information about travel insurance: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     If you’d like us to look into your case, please email us at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com with your full name and policy number.

293. debra ortego | Sep 28, 2011

     BIGGEST rip off so called insurance I have ever seen. I wish I had read these reviews before buying it.
     Should have thrown the money down the toilet . The airlines who post this insurance on their web sites are as much to blame for not bothering to know the company. My husband has emergency open heart and having a dr , the surgeon, signing the form wasn’t good enough.
     DON”T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

     Hello Debra,
     I’m Bree with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to hear you are unhappy with your travel insurance. I don’t know the details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com so we can find out more about your case and we’ll be back in touch.

294. jda | Sep 30, 2011

     WARNING: I bought a TripAssist family policy through AAA travel 6 months before an international trip. During the trip one flight was sent back to the gate for mechanical problems and left 5 hours late, causing us to miss 2 subsequent connecting flights, and be stuck overnight. Lost non-refundable ticket and had to buy new tix to complete trip. The Emegency Assistance line offered no help whatsoever (even though their booklet described in detail In-Transit assistance service). Submitted claim as soon as I returned with complete documentation. It was only then I was informed that Missed Connection coverage DOES NOT COVER mechanical problems. All the printed materials I was given, including the Letter of Coverage, promoted missed connection coverage without pointing exclusions. And in fact the mechanical issue isn’t an explicit exclusion, it’s just not INcluded. I’m out many hundred dollars and feel cheated. Honest disclosure of this feature before purchase would have affected my decision.

295. Rob | Oct 2, 2011

     Here is a copy and paste from another site:

     Updates to the review posted by author:
     I’m VERY confused as to why Access America, I’m assuming, deleted their comment to my extremely frustrating experience I’m having.
     Anyway, here was their original response which appears to have been removed or for some reason, no longer showing.
     NOTE: This is available via Google Cached pages as well (Thanks Google):

     1. Written by Access America’s Help Team on September 28, 2011

     Hello @Chip01,

     Access America’s Help Team here. Sorry to read about your frustrations. Like any insurance product, our programs do have terms and conditions. When severe weather impacts travel plans, our Trip Cancellation benefit is triggered when an airline stops offering all services for 24 or more consecutive hours on a route the consumer is travelling on. While your airline may not have been able to provide you with a seat for more than 24 hours, not being able to be accommodated by the airline isn’t a situation that we cover. So that consumers understand that our products are not “all risk” in nature, we state in the insuring agreement that it “covers only the specific situations, events and losses” that we include in that document. We want our customers to make informed choices when purchasing our insurance. Our partners make the terms and conditions available for review prior to the policy purchase. We also give a 10 day “free look” to examine your insurance policy after the purchase. If you decide the policy doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel the policy within 10 days for a full refund. We also are available 24/7 365 days a year to answer any questions a consumer may have. As with just about everything else, the key is to know what you’re buying. Here’s a resource that provides information about travel insurance: http://bit.ly/dZ683i
     Oct 2, 12:02 PM
     In response to AccessAmerica,

     Sorry, no reputable or caring insurance company would write something like this in their coverage.
     Its a lose situation for the consumer as how in the world would all of the people that were supposed to fly on 8/25, get on flights the very next day? The flights on 8/26 were booked from beforehand, so you miraculously think that Jetblue would somehow snap a finger and have 6 planes available to fly all of the people from 8/25 the very next day?
     Are you serious here?
     The insurance coverage is worded as you say and I would have cancelled it if I would have read it better. By the way JetBlue is placing the blame on you and my understanding is that they are looking very bad in regards to this situation.
     Stay away from this insurance carrier or just don’t use them as there’s probably some wording which has them covered already so they don’t pay.
     Sep 28, 7:30 PM
     Original review:
     Access America is a joke. Hurricane Irene hit and cancelled our flight on 8/25. Jetblue had no seats available until 8/27. That’s over 24 hours. I submitted all of the paperwork including a letter from JetBlue indicating no seats available until 8/27.

     They DENIED the claim. Access America states that the airline was operating on 8/26. I knew that and so did Jetblue, but there were NO SEATS AVAILABLE per JetBlue”. Apparently, Access America doesn’t care as the airline needs to stop flying completely for 24 hours to approve an insurance claim,. But since there are no seats available, I could not take my trip but Access America denied the insurance claim because JetBlue was still flying there|.

     YES PEOPLE, you read correctly, its NOT a mistake;. My flight was cancelled but since the airline flew to my intended destination the next day, the claim was denied even after I sent them a letter from Jet Blue stating that there are no seats available until 8/27!.

     TOTALLY deceptive and I’m disgusted/. Not only was my families trip ruined, now I’m dealing with this,.

     STAY AWAY from Access America and if Jetblue doesn’t offer another insurance carrier, stay away from them as well..

     You’ve been warned…..

     Hi Rob,
     This is Access America’s Help Team. If you are unhappy with your own travel insurance, we invite you to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com so we can find out more specifics. Thanks.

296. Jay Diamond | Oct 3, 2011

     Good luck ever getting a claim filed and hell will sooner freeze over that you getting a claim paid. THERE INSURANCE IS AWFUL!

     Hi Jay,
     Access America’s Help Team here. While I don’t yet know all your specifics, I can tell you that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in each policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     That being said, I invite you to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can find out more.

297. Lisa Kunkel | Oct 3, 2011

     WASTE OF MONEY. They will find a reason to deny your claim. You think you are protecting your trip, but you’d be much better off without it. It caused me a lot of stress trying to fight this company–Access America. I would love to find an attorney to represent us in a class action law suit because this is a total scam.

     Hello Lisa,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to hear you are unhappy with your travel insurance. First, we’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs.

     Unfortunately, as the issue with your airline did not have them stop offering all services for a period of 24 or more consecutive hours, your trip interruption benefits weren’t able to cover the claim you filed. You may want to check out some articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

298. c.CLARK | Oct 4, 2011

     ACCESSAMERICA USED TO BE GOOD. now THEY HAVE CHANGED TO BEING NASTY ANIMALS.THEY FIND SOME OBSCURE TECHNACALITY TO DENY,EVEN TO POINT OF USING FRAUD AG THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. I REPORTED TO VIRGINIA ATTY GEN OFFICE, U COULD TOO

     Hello,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to read about your frustration. I don’t know the details of your case, but it is important to remember that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance. There are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We always provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we encourage all customers to review. Plus, we offer what we call a 10-day free look, meaning you have 10 days to cancel the policy at no cost if you feel it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     That being said, we’d like to find out more about your case. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number and/or claim number so we can look into your case.

299. Scott A | Oct 4, 2011

     I have been trying to go to arbitration with these guys for six months now. Mr Keith McAllister keeps promissing to send the fee to this association recommended by Access America to settle this case. My next step will be to have my brother (NY attorney) get in touch with his college friend(Virgina attorney) to get my money. These guys don’t even respond to the arbitator recommended in thier letter. ACCESS AMERICA I AM NOT GOING AWAY UNTIL YOU PAY THE CLAIM. $900 aribration fee to save a 2500.00 claim. Not a very good business model.

300. Aaron Cohn | Oct 7, 2011

     Have purchased insurance through these jokers for years via the orbitz site. Finally in February, I had my return flight from NYC cancelled by Delta & had reason to file a claim. First, they told me my claim would be limited to $150 which didn’t even cover my extra night of hotel in NYC. Then they wrote me a letter asking for additional documentation, which I promptly faxed back to them at the number provided. Then nothing from them. No reimbursement, no action on the claim. Nothing.

     Complaint filed with BBB of Richmond closed administratively by them when these scam artists claimed I had not provided the requested information. Further complaints filed with ic3.gov and the federal trade commission. Orbitz won’t do anything either save offering me a $50 gift certificate for future travel, which is worthless to me since I’ll never use orbitz again as a result. Considering a filing with my state attorney general, but am not sure they can do anything to help.

     Hi Aaron,

     Access America’s Help Team here. Sorry to hear you are unhappy with your travel insurance. We’d like to find out more about your case. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number.

301. Mike | Oct 7, 2011

     DON”T BUY THIS SCAM!!!!!

     I bought travel coverage offered by Access America via the U.S. Airways website. It was a simple process with just a couple of clicks.

     However, when I needed the coverage, I was given a list of reasons why I wasn’t covered. I purchased the insurance because the “advertisement” makes a traveler believe you are covered, specifically if you get sick. However, the fine print kills the deal. It cost me an extra $500 to book the same exact (domestic) flight. U.S. Airways and Access America are running a scam.

     I think Access America is a rip off and I would strongly suggest anyone looking at the program, simply save your money. They don’t pay. Period. It is just another scam.

     Dear Mike,

     Access America’s Help Team here. While I don’t yet know all your specifics, I can tell you that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. We also offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     Please feel free to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can find out more for you.

302. Patti Bennett | Oct 9, 2011

     The other reviewer was right,. Access America is a fraud. If you have a heart condition or have seen the doctor for a heart problem before you purchase the insurance, you WILL NOT be given a refund for your ticket if you have a heart attack and can’t fly. Amazing. When I talked to one of their agents and explained our situation she admitted the advertising was somewhat deceptive…no kidding. We insured three tickets and got nothing when we couldn’t travel….oh yeah, we had to pay Alaska Airlines 75 dollars a piece for the tickets to be changed, so by buying the insurance we actually got penalized 100.00 each ticket instead of 75.00. Some kind of insurance…boooo!

     Dear Patti,

     I’m Dave from Access America’s Help Team. I’m sorry to hear you are frustrated. I’d like to point out that coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     That being said, I invite you to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can find out more.

303. Tom H. | Oct 11, 2011

     I have been using Orbitz since 2003. I am very disappointed with them at this point.
     I have booked international flights with them before but had not noticed the check mark for the travel insurance on my latest booking.
     Very deceptive practice that cheapens what I though was a reputable company.
     Time to move on.

     Dear Tom,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that you were unhappy with your travel insurance purchase. We work with partners like Orbitz to conveniently provide travel insurance to customers booking trips online. If you feel that you made your purchase in error, you have ten days from the date of purchase to cancel your policy and receive a full refund. Just call the number on your certificate of insurance and we’ll be happy to assist you.

     We hope that information helps. If you’d like to discuss further, you can reach us at help.team@accessamerica.com

304. Carter | Oct 12, 2011

     This company is a fruad. Husband had to have surgery due to a fall. They are denying claim due to pre- existing condition. Jessica custormer rep said if you have an accident 190 it is concidered pre-existing. I plan to follow up with Better Business Bureau. This is not fare to consumers who purchase. They put lots of small print undefined terms that they define when they deny your claim. We purchase with Orbit tickets Shame on you Access America.

     Hi Carter,
     Access America’s Help Team here. Sorry to read about your frustrations, and we hope your husband is on the mend. We can’t look into your case until we have all your details, but I can tell you now that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review. Plus, we offer a 10-day free look, which gives you the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if you feel it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     Please feel free to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can find out more.

305. Clarissa Craig | Oct 15, 2011

     I have traveled for a number of years and, upon recommendation of our travel agent, had always used Access America. Fortunately, I had not had to use the insurance until this last March in which my travel partner and I were enroute to Japan when the earthquake and tsunami was occurring. We ended up being diverted mid-air to Anchorage. Even if we had been inclined to continue to Japan 3 days later, we would not have been able to do what we had planned in the window we had available. Despite travel advisories advising against tourist travel and the unknown’s related to infrastructure disruption, radiation and the like, the trip was treated as a disruption to travel rather than as a cancelation. No matter how we view it, we were not able to take the trip and lost everything but a token remittance for 3 days of “trip interruption.”

     Dear Clarissa,

     This is Dave with Access America’s Help Team. Sorry to read about the frustrations surrounding your trip. Terms, condition and exclusions affect coverage of travel insurance, just like other types of insurance. Our Trip Interruption benefit does require that an airline stop offering all services for 24 or more consecutive hours due to weather situations, for instance. If an alternate itinerary is available, then trip interruption coverage is voided. More details can be found in your Certificate of Insurance, which we encourage everyone to read when they get it so there’s no mistaking what’s covered and what’s not.

     That being said, please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com if you have any further questions.

306. Peter T. Fenimore | Oct 17, 2011

     Access America Travel Insurance is a big joke. They take your money but do not provide you any type of protection. I am am going around to everyone I know and telling them about the insurance. Its a joke and a waste of money. If you want protection I suggest every one start calling thier own insurance company provider and finding out what kind of insurace they can get from them. Access America will not pay out. I plan on going on every site the internet offers and making this same statement. It is true because I bought the insurance. Access America has yet to pay anything when I had a trip interuption and it was the carriers fault.

     Hi Peter,

     Access America’s Help Team here. It sounds like you’ve had a frustrating time, and we’re sorry about that. Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     We’d like to find out more about your specific claims. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can look into it for you.

307. Nelli | Oct 18, 2011

     I would never use this travel insurance company again and strongly recommend that buyers beware. Purchased trip coverage for my 85-year-old mom and her 90-year-old friend. Makes a lot of sense–right? Sadly, they were unable to make the trip due to health issues (yes, we had doctors’ letters to support the claim). However, both were healthy and able to travel when we purchased the tickets (and insurance). Access America cited a “pre-existing condition” and denied the claim for $2,500 worth of tickets.

     I contacted the State of California Insurance Commission and their representative commented that he hears this a lot about Access America and good luck getting reimbursed. And of course, because the tickets were non-refundable, the air carrier isn’t obligated to refund. I guess the lesson learned here is: 1) trip insurance is a rip-off; and 2) pay the additional bucks to buy a refundable ticket.

308. North Pole Granny | Oct 19, 2011

     Like alot of insurance company’s if there is any way for them to wiggle out of paying they will and did with us too. However, the agent, Cynthia was very nice in telling us no. I won’t be adding their insurance coverage to any future flights, its a waist of money.

     Hello,

     I’m Dave from Access America’s Help Team.  Sorry to read you were disappointed  with your travel insurance.  We’d like to find out more about your claim. Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with the name of the insured and a policy number. Thanks.

309. Holly | Oct 19, 2011

     This company is as unscrupulous as they come. They are the embodiment of everything negative you hear about insurance companies. They denied a medical claim stating “pre existing conditions” even though the medical condition was not discovered until after the flights were booked. Shame on you Access America, and shame on Delta Airlines for allowing them to provide flight insurance.

     Dear Holly,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to hear you are frustrated with your travel insurance. While I don’t yet know all your specifics, I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance – -there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage.  Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. The insurance contract indicates that it is the onset of symptoms and/or treatment in the 120 days prior to the insurance purchase that causes the condition to be considered an existing medical condition, not when there is an ultimate diagnosis. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

310. Rachel | Oct 20, 2011

     I found out i needed surgery after i bought my ticket to hawaii and by the time the trip came i only had one hand to use and the other in a cast. I wanted to get my money back to pay my dr. bills but since i had an appt before i bought the ticket they denied it. Insurance… supposed to insure you… NO, they DO NOT. Piece of shit company. No wonder they get bad reviews. The editor is over there in la la land. He must not of read about the people that died and had cancer. sheesh

     Dear Rachel,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to hear about your injury. While I don’t yet know all your specifics, I can tell you that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     That being said, I invite you to contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number so we can find out more.

311. Ida Mccarty | Oct 20, 2011

     One day into a Disney cruise, my husband (at home) was hospitalized w/pneumonia. One thing led to another and the end result was a by-pass blockage that required a stent. I was able to disembark, keeping receipts for all expenses incurred to get home. When things settled down, I called Access America to find out what I needed to do to file a claim. The representative was very attentive, explained the filing process step-by-step, and within a few days I had the forms to be completed. All documentation was sent to Access America; approximately 2 weeks later I called to inquire about the status of the claim. The representative checked on it, told me the amount that I would be reimbursed (not total – something about a cap limit); within a few days a check was in my hand.
     I am a “seasoned traveler” and always purchase travel insurance – this was the first time I have ever had to file a claim, consequently I have no other experience to compare how this one was handled.

     Dear Ida,

     Access America’s Help Team here. So glad to hear that you were happy with your experience!

312. Howard Li He | Oct 21, 2011

     This company seems offer you everything good, web presentation, easy calling, welcoming customer service, low rates, yet when you come to file a claim, you will most probably shut out of its door even you knock hard. I have learned this lesson after many years insured with this company until recently when I filed a small claim. One word, you purchase an insurance for insuring anything unprepared; yet if you are not fully prepared, you won’t get one penny from this insurance company when you suffer a loss. Avoid this Acces America.

313. Howard Li He | Oct 21, 2011

     My advise to everyone looking for a good insurance company : Do your home work and read all reviews on line before paying out your hard earned insurance money; remember the principle that you pay insurance in order to be insured and paid back for your possible loss; if an insurance company has a long bad reputation of fulfilling customer claim, then avoid this company, no matter how low its rates, how nice looking its web site; how sweet its customer service sounds. I know now that AccessAmerica is one of such companies.

     Dear Howard,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to hear you are unhappy with your travel insurance. Please understand it’s hard for us to fully address your comment without knowing the specifics about your case. Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide customers with a full description of our terms and conditions before they purchase the policy as well as by email when the purchase is complete. We also give a 10 day “free look” to examine your insurance policy. If you decide the policy doesn’t meet your needs, you can cancel the policy within 10 days for a full refund. As with just about everything else, the key is to know what you’re buying. Here’s a resource that provides information about travel insurance: http://bit.ly/dZ683i

     We’d like to find out more about your case. Please email your policy number to help.team@accessamerica.com

314. Cal Hickey | Oct 22, 2011

     Based on a recommendation on Delta Airlines’ website I purchased travel insurance from Access America. Subsequent to purchasing the ticket my wife received a diagnosis of cancer from the findings of a routine medical examination. We had no reason to expect this diagnosis, otherwise I would not have spent $461.80 for the ticket and $26.55 for the travel insurance. Today I received a denial of claim for refund of the ticket purchase from Access America, citing my wife’s cancer as a preexisting condition. As far as I’m concerned, Access America is a bunch of crooks and Delta Airlines is nothing more than a shill for their con.

     Hi Cal,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We are sorry to read about your wife’s illness and wish her the best. While I don’t yet know all your specifics, I can tell you that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/

     We’d be happy to look into your case for you. Please email us at Help.Team@AccessAmerica.com with your full name and policy number.

315. g tassone | Oct 26, 2011

     I like everyone else was denied, it is a total rip off, DO NOT USE THEM.they will always find a way to not pay.

     Hello,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that you are unhappy with your travel insurance. While I don’t know the details of your case, I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number so we can find out more.

316. mari | Oct 26, 2011

     i bought many policies from this company in the past, but this time really made us upset. i was told if the policy is purchased right after purchasing ticket, PREEXISTING CONDITION WAVER would be included…WRONG!!! sales persons won’t tell you some of them do and many don’t. we got so used to have the policy included and this time we did not check, then he got sick. they said it is preexisting. also was told mental disorder (caused by his illness) won’t be honored!!! BAD COMPANY!!! DON’T BUY FROM THEM.

     Hi Mari,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We are sorry to read about your frustrations. It’s difficult for us to address your case without knowing all your details, but it seems that the specific product you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions. The terms of many policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the policy’s purchase.

     Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions, and limitations that impact coverage, and coverage for existing medical conditions is excluded from many of our travel insurance policies. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in the policy, as well as a list of general and specific exclusions which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com so we can find out more about your specific case and we’ll be back in touch.

317. mari | Oct 26, 2011

     wow!!! i read many bad reviews about this company. wish i did before i bought from them. those reviews are all true. they sell you but they don’t want to pay for any reasons. MHROSS was great. the rating of access america is excellent???? joking, right? THEY ARE AT THE TOP OF WORST COMPANY LIST. DON’T BUY!!!

318. Jim Duncan | Oct 30, 2011

     When booking through Orbitz a flight on Copa and Continental, travel insurance was automatically added. You have to affirmatively refuse it. What a crappy way to do business. I did not catch this little $57 gotcha and had to go on line to cancel afterward. I wrote an email to customer service and asked that they forward it to the CEO, who should be ashamed. Or upset with Orbitz if it was their idea.

     Hi Jim –

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that you were unhappy with your travel insurance purchase. We work with partners like Orbitz to conveniently provide travel insurance to customers booking trips online. We’re glad you were able to take advantage of our 10-day free look, which gives all customers the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if you realize it doesn’t meet your needs. You can read about the benefits of travel insurance here: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     If you have any questions, you can always reach us at help.team@accessamerica.com.

     All the best,
     Access America Help Team

319. charles leidner | Nov 2, 2011

     i purchased 2 travel policies thru access america for a trip to spain. the first policy covered denver to madrid and return, the other from barcelona to mallorca to madrid. all was going well until our flight out of mallorca was delayed for a mysterious weather problem that did not exist. that flight was delayed for an hour. by the time we got to madrid, it was too late to check in for the flight to london, hence the next leg from london to denver was cancelled. iberia charged us 571 euros per person to rebook. i filed a claim with this sham of a company and they paid $300, or $150 more than the insurance cost me.
     next stop, the court system in colorado.
     why anyone would support this company is an unknown to me

     Hi Charles,
     Access America’s Help Team here. We empathize with the travel delays you experienced, and we’re sorry to hear about your frustrations. Travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Our travel delay benefits typically have a special limit, indicated in the insuring agreement, of $150 per day per person. The events/situations that are covered under travel delay are broader than the those for trip interruption benefits. Trip interruption requires an insured’s airline to stop offering all services on his or her route for 24 or more consecutive hours for very specific reasons and it sounds like that wasn’t the situation you encountered.
     Special limits, terms and conditions are found in the insuring agreement, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.
     All the Best,
     Access America Help Team

320. Shandella | Nov 4, 2011

     I had the worst experience with Access America and would not recommend anyone waste their money or time buying insurance because I was unfortunately enough to have to cancel my family vacation because I got sick. They deemed it a pre-existing condition and did not re-inburse me for the four of us traveling. They are a complete Fraud much like many of the other reviewers. The made me do SO MUCH PAPERWORK it was unbelievable! The companies that sign up to have Access America as their travel insurance provider need to hear about it. Anytime you travel, tell the company that you would not sign up for their travel insurance if it is AA. I told that that it is shame to have the word “America” in their name as they are the most un-American company I have ever dealt with.

     Hi Shandella,

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to hear of the frustrations you have experienced as a result of your cancelled trip. While I don’t know the specific details of your case, it seems that the specific product you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions. And, the terms of many policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the policy’s purchase. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com so we can find out more about your specific case and we’ll be back in touch.

     All the Best,
     Access America Help Team

321. JIM USSERY | Nov 9, 2011

     DO NOT !! I MEAN DO NOT UES THIS COMPANY. WHAT A SCAM. I THOUGHT WHEN I CALLED QRBITZ AND EXPLAINED MY REASONING TO THEM THAT THEY WOULD HELP ME. NO CHANCE. THEY ARE JUST AS BAD AS ACCESS AMERICA FOR ALLOWING THEM TO PARTNER UP WITH THEM. WELL THEY GOT ME ONCE …….. NEVER AGAIN!!!

     Hi Jim –

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that you are unhappy with your travel insurance. While I don’t know the details of your case, I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number so we can find out more.

     All the Best,

     Access America Help Team

322. F Clark | Nov 11, 2011

     Just wanted to give our experience here, as a counterpoint to some of the negative reviews. My husband sliced his finger open while we were on a trip, which required quite a few stitches and cost about $2100 in hospital bills. Access America paid all of these hospital costs. Yes, it did take a little while to get the check, but the delay was generated by our own health insurance company’s delay in providing the necessary documents showing that we hadn’t met the deductible on our regular policy and not by Access America. Once we had all the pieces of paper necessary, we faxed them in and received the check within a couple of weeks. So we are very satisfied.

     Hello! Access America’s Help Team here. We are sorry to hear about your husband’s accident, but we’re happy we were able to assist you both during your time of need. Thank you so much for this positive feedback; it is a pleasure having you as a customer, and we look forward to working with you again in the future.
     All the Best,
     Access America Help Team

323. Bren | Nov 14, 2011

     This company is not reputable. I say that because I have provided everything they have requested and they still deny my claim. I spoke to a person today who lied to me about the claim luckily I had the proof in front of me. Bottom line, this company does not want to pay. Why pay for insurance if they don’t want to pay if something happens. I see here that they have stock answers for why they won’t pay their claims. I will go to my state’s Department of Insurance and see if they can help me. I just sayto allm of you, for travel insurance, find another company.

     Hi Bren –

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that you are unhappy with your travel insurance, and that you had an unsatisfactory experience yesterday. While I don’t know the details of your case, I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number so we can find out more.

     All the Best,

     Access America Help Team

324. Sherrill Davis | Nov 14, 2011

     Buyer beware. This policy does NOT cover Alzheimer’s Disease. The policy does not explicitly state this. Rather it includes Alzheimer’s among the “others” in the “mental and nervous health disorders” it excludes. The mental and health disorder it does name are anxiety, depression, neuroses, and psychoses. The only way you’d know this is to have a claim rejected. Or be a regular reader of the International Classification of Diseases (under Mental Disorders) or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. But then to have consulted those, you’d have to already think that a degenerative neurological condition (physical change and deterioration of the brain) was a “mental disorder”, wouldn’t you?

     Hi Sherill –

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that we couldn’t cover you in this circumstance but we do sympathize with your situation.

     Best Wishes,

     Access America Help Team

325. Nancy Davis | Nov 15, 2011

     While I can understand the frustration in dealing with any insurance companies it seems that the vast majority ot complaints below deal with pre-existing conditions. There are very strict rules with all insurance companies dealing with that topic. If purchased correctly any travel insurance company will cover pre existing conditions. If not then none will. These complaints would have applied to any travel insurance company, not just Access. There also seem to be complaints pertaining to documentation for claims. Again, these are mandated and apply to all insurance companies. I sell Access along with other travel insurance and have never had any complaints. The key is to read the policy and be completely honest when you purchase the policy.

     Hi Nancy –

     Thank you for your support. You are absolutely right; travel insurance is like any other insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We agree the basic key is to understand the policy that one purchases. We provide our 10-day Satisfaction Guarantee so that if a consumer has reviewed their insurance plan, and believes that it may not meet his or her needs, they can cancel their policy and receive a full premium refund. Also, we are available 24/7/365 to answer questions our customers may have regarding the insurance plan they have purchased.

     We are confident that our customers, along with those of our industry peers, will have a better understanding of this information with the help of dedicated Travel Agents such as yourself. Thank you again – we appreciate your support, and diligence.

     All the best,

     Access America Help Team

326. Deepak Naidu | Nov 16, 2011

     Completely USELESS FRAUD company, is all i have to say about this sorry shitty accessamerica… And why do i have to present them with a reason to cancel my flight in the first place? I can have many reasons which is not termed as ‘emergency’ but still i should as a CUSTOMER have the right to cancel anytime. Isnt that what they are supposed to do? They are billing us for this same service! COMPLETE FRAUDSTERS!!! Stay away form this company folks !!!

     Hi Deepak –

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that you are frustrated, and that you had to cancel your flight. I don’t know the exact details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     If you’d wish to further discuss your case, please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number so we can find out more.

     All the Best,

     Access America Help Team

327. Laura | Nov 17, 2011

     Wow. This coverage is complete garbage. Save your money and buy some lottery tickets instead.

     My 35 year old husband had very-low grade chest pains which he thought was indigestion. We booked our trip. Weeks later, after escalating pain, an ER doc sent him for a stress test with a specialist to be safe. The specialist advised us on the day of the trip that we shouldn’t go.

     Of course, Access America won’t pay because they consider it a pre-existing condition. At the time of booking we thought it was indigestion.

     Wish I read this site before booking. They are criminals.

     Hi Laura –

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to hear that your husband is experiencing discomfort; we fully sympathize with your family. I don’t know the specific details of your case, but it seems that the specific product you purchased did not include coverage for existing medical conditions. And, the terms of many policies exclude coverage for claims directly or indirectly related to conditions a person would have had symptoms of in the 120 days prior to the policy’s purchase. Please see our FAQs: http://bit.ly/b4T45T.

     If you’d like to discuss further, please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com so we can find out more about your specific case and we’ll be back in touch.

     We wish you and your husband the best, Laura.

     Best,

     Jackie, Access America Help team

328. Ancil Conley | Nov 18, 2011

     I would like to cancel policies 320113180069767326, 327,328.

     Hello, Ancil –

     Access America’s Help Team here. We have forwarded your request to our customer service department, who will be in touch with you shortly.

     All the Best,

     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

329. Edwin H. Kaplan | Nov 22, 2011

     My dealings with Access America were the worst experience of my 86 year old life.

     I filed a claim for $1,850. Senior Summer School tuition which had to be cancelled because, after enrolling, my wife needed back surgery, twice, as it turned out, once on February 16 and again on May 9. I have a file over an inch thick covering the many regular mail letters, e-mails, and telephone calls that document this sad episode in my life.with Access America.

     Having dealt with about a dozen Claim Dept. agents, I am firmly convinced that none of them are customer friendly, but rather are trained to do everything possible to turn down claims on any pretext possible.

     The first reason I was given for denying my claim was that, in error , the physician filled out the claim form saying that he recommended cancelling the trip on February 16. Using that date, I was supposed to get my money back from the school, but that was not in keeping with my arrangements with the school. As it happened, my wife needed a second back surgery on May 9 and we got a new and correct claim form from the doctor showing that as the recommended cancellation date. So the claim was denied again, this time because the doctor had signed forms for two dates, thus creating a “conflict”. Incidentally, we did not cancel enrollment in the school itself until about June 1.

     To resolve the so-called conflict, the Claims Dept. asked that the doctor furnish a copy of all his office notes between February 16 and May 9. How unreasonable can you get? In any case, the doctor was kind enough to write a long letter summarizing his office records and apologizing for his error. Finally, the claim was paid,.but no letter or comment was received.

     I found it very annoying that in dealing with the Claims Dept. you get only first names. I could not even get the full name of a supervisor when I said I wanted to file an appeal..

     Finally, I strongly recommend that Access America be avoided like the plague. This whole episode was so upsetting to my wife and myself, I don’t think we have fully recovered yet.

     Hi Edwin –

     Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry that you had to cancel your Senior Summer School tuition as a result of your wife’s back surgery; we sympathize with both of you. We apologize that the claim process frustrated you, but please keep in mind that we do need certain documentation in order to process insurance claims. With that being said, we’re happy that we were able to provide you with coverage once you provided the requested paperwork.

     We wish you and your wife the best, and hope she continues to have a healthy recovery.

     All the Best,

     Jackie, Access America Help Team

330. Rob Vazquez | Nov 28, 2011

     I purchased a travel insurance policy as a normal component of my travel to Asia. The insurance policy was offered through orbitz.com as a checkout feature and I went ahead with the purchase. I received a confirmation email from them with the policy ID# XXXXX497. I went ahead and traveled to Asia and commenced my journey. The component of insurance that I purchased covered specifically the regional travel that I was to accomplish within Thailand. Upon my arrival to the first stop in Asia I was told that I might have my trip interrupted because there was flooding in Thailand. Since that was still over a week away I decided to wait and see and decide what to do the day before. That day came and I called the business I was going to visit and they were closed due to the flooding. Then I called the US Embassy in Bangkok and was advised NOT to travel to Bangkok because the city would likely be under water and a natural disaster had been called. I decided to stay in Singapore and not travel to Bangkok. I called Access America insurance and explained the situation. I felt relieved that this surely would be a covered item and rescheduled my return back to the US. Upon my return I went ahead and filed my claim. A couple weeks like I was shocked to find out they were not going to cover this event! They directed me to a clause in their Terms and Conditions on the checkout process in orbitz.com which excludes Travel Advisories from the covered events, along with a tremendous amount of other “events”. Since the Terms and Conditions is during the check out process at orbitz.com, you have to follow a link off to the side which most people would not do because at this point in the sale you are dealing with money from the purchase of the travel itself, and I believe that Access America uses this to their advantage to take advantage of people with this exclusions. The “exclusions” are buried in a T&C and if people had these readily available I seriously doubt that they would purchase the product. Additionally, the purchase of the insurance is checked by default on the orbitz.com which puts the purchaser at the disadvantage of unchecking the box to purchase the insurnace, this is in violation of at least (2) laws regarding interstate commerce. Unfortunately for both Access America and Orbitz, I have the resources to pursue this to the highest levels purely as a matter of principle. This morning we have files a complaint in the home state of CT with the BBB and my attorney has been advised to look at which other legal remedies we have to pursue. If anyone is interested in joining any potential action please comment.

     Hi Rob –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. We’re sorry to hear about the frustrations you are experiencing, and we apologize that we were unable to provide you with coverage. I don’t know the details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs.

     All the Best,

     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

331. Glenn Ross | Dec 4, 2011

     I too was scammed by this company. Read the small print as that is how they are wiggling out of payment. I an out $500.00 to them with no recourse. If my company had this many bad reviews, I would change my business practices. What bothers me more is that Delta Airlines refers you to this company when you buy tickets. I wish that I had read the reviews first. Shame on Delta and a SCAM by Access America.

     Hi Glenn –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. Sorry to hear that you are unsatisfied with the insurance you purchased. I don’t know the exact details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number so we can find out more.

     All the Best,

     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

332. Ada A Lebron | Dec 6, 2011

     Deseo cancelar el vuelo714 de diciembre 8 del 2911 #confirmacion es PDATXX y el # de confirmacion del seguro es EUSP2029860775 quiero que descuento me hacen.

     Hi Ada –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. Please call the number on your policy, so we can best assist you.

     All the Best,
     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

333. Jorge Campos | Dec 10, 2011

     I had to cancelled my flight last minute due to an important interview.
     Access America told me that they would only pay for a refund if someone in my family died or if I lost the job that I had for more than 3 years.
     I do travel a lot and I know several people that do the same. I will make sure I tell everybody what this company is really about…
     DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY BUYING THIS INSURANCE.

     Hello Jorge,

     Access America’s Help Team here. I’m sorry to hear that you are unsatisfied with the insurance you purchased. I don’t know the exact details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. In addition, we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number so we can find out more.

     Best regards,

     Jackie, Access America Help Team

334. Jeff Varner | Dec 12, 2011

     I am in the process of getting a refund for a Hotwire.com hotel stay I had to cancel due to a medical emergency. I purchased the travel insurance associated with the stay from Access America. When I called Access America to cancel my reservation (6 hours after I booked it) they told me that Hotwire will refund for a medical emergency if the reservation is cancelled withing 24 hours of booking. That’s me. So they transferred me to Hotwire to start the refund process.

     Let the jerking around begin. Hotwire asked for specific documentation, which I provided. They denied it saying “the signature was not from the physician.” They instructed me to go back to the doctor and get his signature. As I started that process, Hotwire emailed again saying “contact Access America since you bought a policy from them.” Access America tells me they’ll process the request, but it is unlikely to be approved as the doctor’s information was not submitted within 72 hours of the emergency. I missed that 72 hour window because Access America sent be to Hotwire first to process the refund. As Hotwire has not passed me back to Access America, I’m filing the claim after the 72-hour window is closed. I missed that window because Access America put me back in the lap of Hotwire.

     So now I sit here waiting for the doctor to complete the questionnaire Access requires with Hotwire pushing back, blaming the other. I’m reserving my review of Access America until the claims process is complete. But in the interim I called the credit card company and filed a claim with them. They have refunded my money to me, requiring the Hotwire entities and Access to prove I did not prove my emergency, which they can’t do.

     A dying relative on deathwatch and this is how these companies do me. They’ll tell you to fuck off with the kindest and most caring demeanor. It beats all I’ve ever seen. At the wrap of this situation I will return with a review. But for now, my advice… NEVER purchase from Hotwire and NEVER buy the trip assurance associated with it.

     Wish me luck!

     Hi Jeff,

     Access America Help Team here. Can you please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your claim number so that we can look into your situation?

     Thank you,
     Jackie

335. Christina | Dec 19, 2011

     FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD.

     My mother had a stroke while out of country. We needed to fly her back to the USA 10 days in to 21 day trip after she was released from the hospital.
     Since she was elderly, the first clown asked me how could it NOT be a pre existing condition… and told me we must have planned it. What a jackass.
     I told him we didn’t plan for the woman to have a stroke… he said we should have known (although her doctor in the USA sent Access America a letter explaining she had no history of stroke and no propensity for it).
     We sent all docs as required and twice they lost them . I then provided fax and certified mail receipts and they said they would look in to it and escalate the issue. Then they called to tell me they could not read German. Um, yea, it was a Viennese hostpital so it would be in thier language…. I had a translator translate the docs but that was not accepted as it was not an Access America staffer who translated them. Two years of being jerked around by this company and being told that elderly people “should know better” than to take on a strenuous trip like that and sorry, but it’s not their problem… I guess being Elderly is considered a pre-existing condition. This company will steal from you and rob the elderly.
     DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. I only wish I had seen the reports all over the web about them before my mother purchased her flight. I could have protected her from being scammed by them. Any class action lawsuits out there? Sign us up. I also emailed requestiong contact information for the board or CEO of the company and they refused, so apparently they do not want to know if there is an issue or if they have been abusive or rude to someone.

     Hi Christina –
     We’re sorry to hear about your mother’s stroke, and that we were unable to provide you with coverage; we wish the best for you and your family.
     All the Best,
     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

336. Laurence Lasater | Dec 20, 2011

     Access America is a total fraud. I bought this insurance and had to cancel because of severe flooding at my destination. Naturally, they denied the claim, saying the reason was somewhere on page 5 of the paperwork. I trusted that a company who American Airlines allows to sell directly on their website would be reputable. A big mistake on my part, as they have no intention of EVER paying a claim. Save your money.

     Hi Laurence –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. Sorry to hear about your frustration, and that you felt that you had to cancel your trip due to flooding. I don’t know the exact details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com if you have additional questions.

     All the Best,

     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

337. Salsa-on2 | Dec 23, 2011

     Don’t use this company …..Fraud

     A friend and I purchased this Insurance through American Airlines when we purchased the tickets. We both got food poisoning in Costa Rica, my friend had to reschedule his flight out and had to see the doctor several times. He filed a claim, had to obtained a letter from the Doctor with his “seal” another 40 $, Access American required the original claim form be submitted. Which he did, then the phone calls , letters asking for the original documents ,which were submitted here in the US. The claim was for less than 500$. Finally he just gave up. Total ripoff

     Hello, Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. We apologize for your frustration, and we’re sorry to hear that you got food poisoning while vacationing in Costa Rica. I don’t know the exact details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. And we offer a 10-day free look, with the opportunity to cancel the policy at no cost if it doesn’t meet your needs. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one: http://bit.ly/dZ683i.

     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com if you have additional questions or wish to further discuss the result of your claim.

     All the Best,
     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

338. Maria Vilma Cabrera | Dec 28, 2011

     This company is a total FRAUD. I called them before purchasing the ticket to make changes and specific ask about coverage regarding changing fly date and was told that it cover it all…. Now that I want to change my fligh to an earlier date I been told that it only coverage emergency… NOW they are claiming Pre-Existing Conditions….. I WOULD NEVER use this company again…. ACCESS AMERICA >>> IS A BIG BIG FRAUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Dear Maria,
     Jamie here with Access America’s Help Team. We’re sorry to read about your frustration and would like to find out more. Please contact us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your policy number. It’s important to remember that like any other type of insurance, there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. Your policy may exclude coverage for existing medical conditions. We provide a 10 day free look for all travel insurance policies so that you can determine if the policy best fits your needs and you can cancel anytime within those 10 days for a full refund. You can see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exclusions and other limitations here: http://bit.ly/azRs8b.

     Thank you,
     Jamie

339. Lopez | Dec 28, 2011

     Access America is a total FRAUD. I bought this insurance for a trip and had to reschedule for medical reason and call the company ACCESS AMERICA and they told me that it would not cover. What is the point of this insurance to take everbody money…. PLEASE Read all review to see that there are soooooo many people that have been loosing their money to this company… TOTAL FRAUD they need to be reported!!!!!!!!!! if anyone know to whom we can report them please advise I will look around to have them reported and will get in contact with continental so they do allow them to use their website to offer their services…

     Dear Lopez,
     I’m Jamie, with Access America’s Help Team. I don’t know the details of your case, but I’d like to point out that travel insurance is like any other type of insurance, in that there are terms, conditions and exclusions that affect coverage. We provide a list of covered reasons in the insuring policy, which we strongly encourage all customers to review when they receive it. Also worth noting are articles and resources on travel insurance, such as this one:http://bit.ly/dZ683i.
     Please email us at help.team@accessamerica.com with your name and policy number so we can find out more.

340. Jim | Dec 30, 2011

     Reading these reviews makes me sick. There are so many sleaze bag companies out there like Access America whose mission is to come up with schemes to take as much of your money as possible. Stop doing business with companies like this, stop buying overpriced food and drinks at the airports, avoid chain stores and buy from your local small business. These big companies don’t care about you, they are only after your money.

     Hi Jim –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. What this forum does not reflect is that our customers actually rate their satisfaction with us at better than 95 percent. We strive to deliver the best in customer service, and treat each claim on a case by case basis to ensure our customers receive fair, personalized treatment. If you have a free moment, we’d love to walk you through the benefits of travel insurance, and how it might benefit you on your next trip; if you’d like to learn more, please visit us at AccessAmerica.com.

     All the Best,
     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

341. Jamie | Dec 31, 2011

     This company is very shady. My mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer the day before her trip. She had no idea she had it and the initial mammogram was routine. She even has documentation to show that she had a mammogram performed the three years prior about the same time, but because she had had a mammogram in July but wasn’t told by the doctor until Sept. that she had cancer, Access America is claiming that it was a pre-existing condition. However, she had no idea that she had it. But to make matters worse, she lives in a very rural area (it takes 45 minutes to reach town). They have asked her for documentation from her doctors and clinicians after she asked to appeal at her claim. So she drove to the doctors got the proper forms to fill out and sent them in. THEY LOST THEM. Not once, but twice. How does that happen? They keep sending her back for more forms and papers. My mom has had the doctors fax them, email them, my mom has gone herself and they never seem to have the proper paper work and send her back for a form that is very similar to the one they had, etc. It gets exhausting (which is what I am sure they are relying on). But it makes me sad to know how horrible they are treating her, even though she has done everything they have asked. It makes me think that if you’re a diabetic, have asthma, or some other common ailment, they could deny your claim if you get sick the day before your flight, because you knew you had this before you bought your plane ticket. It’s so frustrating.

     Hi Jamie –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. We emphasize with you and your mother during this difficult time and wish her the best. We’re sorry if you feel that we could have done a better job handling your claim and we apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Many travel insurance policies do exclude coverage for existing medical conditions and these exclusions are listed in the policy along with other terms and conditions. Please email us at helpteam@AccesAmerica.com if you feel we can be of assistance.

     All the Best,
     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

342. Justin Robinson | Jan 5, 2012

     Do not waste your money. The actually covered conditions are nearly impossible to meet. They make it extremely difficult to understand what is and is not covered. SEEK AN ALTERNATIVE!

     Hi Justin, Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. We apologize that you are unsatisfied with the insurance you purchased. If you’d like to further discuss the outcome of your claim, please call the number on the back of your policy, and we’d be more than happy to assist you.

     All the Best,
     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

343. CLR | Jan 17, 2012

     I wish that I had read all of the comments before I purchased this insurance—I agree 100% that this is junk. I spent $387 for the insurance for a trip to Maui in December 2012–three people. the trip was a disaster from the beginning–flight delays causing a domino effect that resulted in missing a complete day of vacation and car rental gone. I thought when I filed a claim that everything would be taken care of…..one night’s accomodation that we lost, the car rental upgrade and the fact that our trip was delayed for a total of 21 hours. The agent that I spoke to was very encouraging that if I filled out everything correctly that I would be compensated—well today I received a check for the car upgrade only…..when I called them they said the hotel wasn’t covered and the trip delay /interruption wasn’t either…..she actually said that the attachment of 30 some pages that was emailed with my confirmation of purchase detailed the limitations!!!! Why the hell should anyone purchase the insurance then. Access America in my opinion is fraudulant and needs to be exposed…..it is a complete scam . Neither Continental Airlines or Access America will get my business again and I am shouting it to the high heavens that I am quite disatisfied with both. It is no wonder that the airlines are going under–I hope they all sink!! I am using their check for toilet paper.

     Hello –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. We understand your concerns and we’re sorry to hear you are frustrated, especially after a difficult travel experience. We’re pleased we were able to provide you with coverage for your car upgrade, and wish we were able to provide you with coverage for your hotel and flight; however, as you mentioned there are terms and conditions, along with limitations, on the insurance you purchased. If you want to gain a better understanding of the insurance policy you purchased and why it resulted in this outcome, please call the number on your policy and someone from our customer service team can walk through the terms and conditions with you.

     Regards,
     Jackie

344. Mrs L from ATL | Jan 23, 2012

     STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY! How the state insurance departments have not found legal cause for conviction of insurance fraud is a complete mystery. What trustworthy company gives you the terms and conditions only AFTER they have your money?!?! DO NOT USE THEM FOR ANY REASON. My company purchased trip insurance for a corporate function. We were NEVER asked to include the covered employee’s dates of hire when purchasing the coverage. After we cancelled two employee flights and filed claims, we were advised that since one had not been employed for a minimum of three years, the claim would be denied. WE WERE NEVER ASKED THIS QUESTION BEFORE WE PURCHASED. This is insurance fraud 101. We spend thousands of dollars a year in airfare and I guarantee this is the last of our corporate dollars that this company will be stealing from us. DECEPTIVE PRACTICES. And how this site editor can possibly rate this company anything above a 0 is an indication of who the editor works for.

     Hello –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. We apologize for the confusion and frustration you are experiencing in regards to the trip insurance you purchased for your corporate function. You are correct, there are terms, conditions, and exclusions that affect coverage depending on the policy you purchase, and we apologize if you feel that this information wasn’t clear when you purchased your policy. However, we do provide a 10-day Satisfaction Guarantee which we encourage all of our customers to read once they receive it, which allows customers to cancel their policy and receive a full premium refund if they feel that the policy they purchased does not meet their needs.

     If you’d like more information on the specific policy you purchased, please call the number on the back of your policy, and one of our customer service representatives will be glad to provide you with more information.

     Regards,
     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

345. Paniello | Jan 23, 2012

     Surprised Continental Airlines has this operation on their site. Scam artist. Was turned down because condition was existing. Yes, that is why I purchased the stupid insurance. Went through the claims process per their people on the phone. No one ever said it was going to be turned down because it was existing. Wish I had done my homework first. I got the small print and advised to file with the state. DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY. SCAMMERS

     Hello –
     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. I’m sorry to hear that your illness caused an interruption in your travels. Unfortunately, as you mentioned above, the specific policy you purchased does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, so we apologize that we were unable to provide you with coverage in this instance. If you’d like a better understanding on the policy you purchased, and other policies offered by Access America, please don’t hesitate to call the number on the back of your policy, and one of our customer service representatives can gladly walk you through the terms and conditions.
     We wish you a healthy recovery.
     Regards,
     Jackie, Access America’s Help Team

346. Jane Smith | Jan 26, 2012

     After reading how they denied a claim for a woman whose father had cancer, I will make sure to put this company on my BOYCOTT list!

     Hi, Jane –

     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. Thanks for reaching out and voicing your concerns, which are understandable given the comments you may have read online. Even with our emphasis on providing exceptional customer service and products that meet the majority of our customers’ needs, unfortunately, not every customer will be satisfied with the outcome of their claim. We certainly understand their frustration and we value their feedback. However, if one considers that our customers rate their satisfaction with us at better than 95%, a more complete perspective can be had.

     If you’d like to have a better understanding of travel insurance and the policies we offer, please call our customer service team at 1.800.284.8300.

     Regards,
     Jackie, from Access America’s Help Team

347. Ann Weaver | Jan 28, 2012

     Save your money. Don’t bother

     Hi Ann –
     Jackie from Access America’s Help Team here. I’m sorry that you don’t have a positive perception of Access America; since I don’t have very many details on your specific situation, I am unable to provide you with guidance and advice. However, I encourage you to call our customer service line at 1.800.284.8300, and one of our customer service representatives will gladly provide you with full details on the reasoning behind the outcome of your case, walk you through the benefits of other packages that we offer, and answer any other questions you may have.
     Regards,
     Jackie