Comments on: Access America Travel Insurance

By: M Hopkins

M Hopkins — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:14:16 +0000

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!!

By: Tom henderson

Tom henderson — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:14:16 +0000

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.

By: J. Cobb

J. Cobb — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:52:58 +0000

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

By: David Clark

David Clark — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:34:10 +0000

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.

By: Warren

Warren — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:01:45 +0000

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!

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:03:19 +0000

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

By: EWILL

EWILL — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:31:01 +0000

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.

By: Edo Kaluski

Edo Kaluski — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:00:42 +0000

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.

By: Don Cardinal

Don Cardinal — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:13:52 +0000

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.

By: Judy

Judy — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:08:27 +0000

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.