Editor Review of Allianz Global Assistance
The Good: Allianz offers a simple set of four package plans, a couple of travel medical plans, plus a few specialty plans, so there’s something for every traveler and for every trip on their site.
The Drawbacks: The variety of plans can be confusing for some consumers; not always available for quoting on all comparison sites.
The Bottom Line: Allianz Global Assistance (henceforth Allianz) has an easy-to-use site that’s light on ‘insurance speak’. They have a plan for every traveler, and their specialty plans are truly unique in the travel insurance industry as they provide unique coverage for specific types of trips.
Company Information
Company Website | |
|---|---|
| US Travel Insurance Association Member | Yes |
| Refund Policy | 10-day Free Look Period |
| Travel Insurance Plans | Package Plans Essential Basic Classic Classic with Trip+ Annual Plans Annual Deluxe Annual Executive Medical Evacuation plans Med Evac Specialty Plans Rental Car Damage Protector |
| Company Contact Information | Allianz Global Assistance P.O. Box 71533 Richmond, VA 23286-4684 1-800-284-8300 Main Phone 1-800-346-9265 Fax (Customer Service Inquiries) 1-804-673-1469 Fax (Claim Inquiries) customerservice@allianzassistance.com |
| Policyholder Questions | 1-800-284-8300 |
| Travel Assistance/Emergencies | Inside US/Canada: 1-800-654-1908 (toll free) Outside US/Canada: call operator & connect to 1-804-281-5700 (no charge) |
More about Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance is a long-established travel insurance company providing several plans that fit the needs of most types of traveler. They have grouped their different plans into 3 categories: Standard Plans, Single Trip Plans, and Multi-Trip Plans. Most traveler’s needs will be satisfied by the Standard plans, which are offered as Essential, Basic, Classic and Classic Trip+. Each of these plans provide the basic travel insurance that most travelers are seeking, and the coverage and benefits increase with each level.
Allianz Global Assistance also offers a couple annual plans, and then some specialty plans for medical evacuation and rental car collision coverage for individuals and families who like to take road trips.
Company Information-Allianz Global Assistance, formerly “Access America”, adopted the name of Allianz Global Assistance in 2012. Allianz Global Assistance is part of Allianz, which has been in the industry for over 100 years and is the 25th largest company in the world (Forbes Global 2012) and 63rd most valuable global brand (Interbrand 2012).
Optional Coverage Available in Allianz Plans
- Optional rental car damage protection for up to $40,000 at just $9 a day.
- Optional ‘required to work’ coverage available for only $25/per adult (purchase within 14 days of initial trip deposit).
Highlights of Allianz Travel Insurance
- Short wait for financial default coverage – just 7 days.
- Allianz customers enjoy online policy modifications, as well as online claim filing and tracking.
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is available (subject to certain requirements).
Allianz Travel Insurance plans *
Package plans
Essential Plan
Essential, individual coverage for expensive domestic trips
This travel insurance plan provides essential coverage for those taking domestic trips. The coverage is isolated to cancellation, interruption, and travel delay coverage and protects the travelers from big financial losses is they have to cancel or abandon their trip for a covered reason.
Basic Plan
Necessary coverage for the basic travel protections and not a lot of extras
This trip insurance plan provides essential coverage and assistance for anyone who wants to protect their vacation at an affordable price. For first-time buyers or those on a budget, the Allianz Basic Plan provides excellent protection and peace of mind.
Classic Plan
Comprehensive travel insurance protection with adequate limits and primary medical
Protect your vacation memories with Classic – travel insurance and assistance services for everyday domestic and international travel, including cruises and tours. This plan has higher coverage limits than Basic, making it a better plan overall, and it includes coverage for kids under 18 at no additional cost.
Classic with Trip+ Plan
High-end coverage with high limits, optional car rental coverage, and loads of extras
Classic with Trip+ is “first-class” travel insurance and assistance for your luxury vacation. This coverage is more expensive, but it provides higher coverage amounts, and even some additional useful coverage like covering airline ticket change fees and re-banking frequent flyer miles.
Annual Plans
Annual Deluxe
Great for frequent travelers, this plan includes annual protection and a number of extras
If you know you’ll be taking multiple trips this year, consider Annual coverage. This is designed for the everyday traveler, and provides the standard coverage for cancellation and interruption, baggage, medical emergencies, evacuations, flight insurance, and rental car damage.
Annual Executive
Designed for business travelers who travel often and need extra protection
This package is ideal for frequent business travelers. It provides the standard travel insurance coverage: cancellation and interruption, emergency medical, and includes rental car with the policy. It also includes some excellent business benefits.
Medical Evacuation Plans
Med Evac
Strong and simple evacuation-only coverage for really sticky travel situations
A medical evacuation seems unlikely but even a broken leg in a remote destination or a heart attack on a cruise ship might require one. Evacuations may cost tens of thousands of dollars and they must be paid in advance. This plan provides $1,000,000 for emergency medical transportation, and a full host of Allianz’s “soft” benefits such as 24/7 assistance, concierge, and travel arrangements after evacuation. This is offered in 3, 6, or 12 month coverage.
Specialty Plans
Rental Car Damage Protector
Coverage for rental cars – can be purchased standalone or added to other plans
This is a very unique plan to Allianz. It simply provides coverage for collision or loss to a rental car. You could rely on your personal auto insurance to cover your rental car, but most travelers don’t want to file a claim and risk a rate increase. This is an affordable alternative for primary collision/loss damage.
* As with any type of insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
Screenshots from the Allianz website
