AIG Travel Guard Trip Insurance – 2024 Review
AIG Travel – Travel Guard – Review
8
Strengths
- Strong Insurance Partner
- Good Evacuation Coverage
- Broad Range of Plans
- Primary Medical Insurance
- Pre-existing Medical Condition Waivers
Weaknesses
- Entry Level/Midrange Plans have Low Medical Insurance Coverage
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Introduction
AIG Travel Guard is a trusted partner of TripInsure101.
In this review, we showcase AIG Travel Guard’s Essential, Preferred, Deluxe and Plus trip insurance plans.
With more than 25 years of industry experience, AIG Travel Guard is one of North America’s leading travel insurance plan providers.
Travel Guard specializes in providing innovative travel insurance, assistance and emergency travel service plans for millions of travelers and thousands of companies throughout the world.
All AIG Travel Guard policies include:
- Coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay
- Primary Medical Insurance and Medical Evacuation
- Waiver for Pre-existing Medical Conditions*
- Protection against carrier default or bankruptcy**
- Baggage insurance, baggage delay, travel delay and missed connection**
- AIG Travel Guard’s 24/7 worldwide customer service
- Notify and start a claim
- Travel medical assistance
- Emergency services
- Worldwide travel assistance
- Concierge and personal assistance
*All AIG Travel Guard policies include the Waiver of Pre-existing Medical Condition when you purchase the policy within 15 days of the Initial Trip Deposit or Payment
**AIG Travel Guard Essential includes Financial Default and Missed Connection when you purchase the policy within 15 days of the Initial Trip Deposit or Payment
Why Use AIG Travel Guard?
AIG Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers solve problems like Trip Cancellation or lost baggage, and handle travel risks like Medical Insurance and Medical Evacuation.
Their global reach and quality service offer travelers the best possible assistance.
Travel Guard consistently receives high marks from its customers:
How is AIG Travel Guard Priced?
All four AIG Travel Guard plans in this review have dynamic pricing.
Dynamic pricing means AIG customizes the insurance price based on the traveler’s state of residence, age, trip cost, trip duration, and length of time between policy purchase and date of travel. As a result, pricing can fluctuate from day-to-day.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Travel Guard Plans
All benefits are per person.
AIG Travel Guard Essential
The AIG Travel Guard Essential is a basic trip insurance policy for travelers and families who want reliable domestic travel insurance coverage and access to 24-hour emergency travel assistance services.
You’ll enjoy comprehensive coverage like Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Baggage, Trip Delay, and a Pre-existing Condition Waiver.
Travel Guard Essential provides additional protection at no added cost within 15 days of initial trip payment. Buying early means you enjoy coverage for Pre-existing Medical Conditions, Missed Connection benefits, and Carrier Financial Default.
Travel Guard Essential is a good fit for business travelers and families staying within the lower 48 United States.
How Much Medical Insurance Do I Need?
We recommend travelers buy at least $100,000 Medical Insurance and $250,000 Medical Evacuation coverage when traveling abroad.
AIG Travel Guard Essential includes only $15,000 Medical Insurance and $150,000 Medical Evacuation. While those levels are suitable for domestic travel within the US, it is not enough to protect you overseas.
If you travel abroad, consider more robust policies like AIG Travel Guard Deluxe and AIG Travel Guard Plus. Each of those plans offers $100,000 Medical Insurance and $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation. They are best suited for international travel.
AIG Travel Guard Essential Benefits
Trip Cancellation
100%
Trip Cost up to $100,000 max
Trip Interruption
100%
Trip Cost up to $100,000 max
Trip
Interruption – Return Transportation Only
$500
Accident & Sickness Medical
Expense
$15,000
Emergency
Dental Expense
$500
Medical Coverage
Type
Primary Medical Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation
$150,000
Pre-existing Condition Waiver
Available when purchased within 15 days of initial trip deposit
Baggage & Personal Effects
$750
Baggage Delay
$200
after the initial delay of 24 hours
Travel Delay
$150
per day, $500 max
Missed Connection
$150,
included when purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
Accidental Death &
Dismemberment
$30,000
Extra Coverage
The following benefits are included at no extra cost when you purchase AIG Travel Guard Essential within 15 days of Initial Trip Payment:
- Pre-Existing Medical Condition Waiver
- Missed Connection coverage
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage due to Financial Default of an airline, cruise line, or tour operator (some exclusions may apply).
Read our in-depth review of AIG Travel Guard Essential.
AIG Travel Guard Preferred
AIG Travel Guard Preferred is a mid-range trip insurance policy offering wider protection than AIG Travel Guard Essential offers.
Preferred includes comprehensive coverage like Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Baggage, Trip Delay, and a Pre-existing Condition Waiver.
The Preferred plan also includes innovative benefits like Trip Exchange, Trip Saver, and Travel Inconvenience.
Like the other AIG plans, if you purchase the plan within 15 days of initial trip deposit, Travel Guard Preferred covers Pre-existing Medical Conditions.
Travel Guard Preferred is a good fit for travelers and families staying within the United States or traveling abroad with a Medicare supplement paying up to $50,000 Medical Insurance.
How Much Medical Insurance Do I Need?
Because we recommend travelers buy at least $100,000 Medical Insurance and $250,000 Medical Evacuation coverage when traveling abroad, check with your private health insurance provider.
AIG Travel Guard Preferred includes $50,000 Medical Insurance and $500,000 Medical Evacuation. While we applaud the Evacuation coverage, the Medical Insurance falls short.
If your private health insurance includes coverage of at least $50,000 for international travel, the Preferred plan may be an acceptable supplement.
If you’re on Medicare or your medical insurance does not provide health insurance coverage outside the US, we recommend choosing a plan with at least $100,000 Medical Insurance built-in, like AIG Travel Guard Deluxe or AIG Travel Guard Plus.
AIG Travel Guard Preferred Benefits
Trip Cancellation
100%
of the trip cost, up to a maximum of $150,000*
Trip Interruption
150%
of the trip cost, up to a maximum of $225,000**
Trip
Interruption – Return Transportation Only
$750
Accident & Sickness Medical
Expense
$50,000
Emergency Physical Therapy
$2,000
Medical Coverage Type
Primary Medical Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation
$500,000
Pre-existing Condition Waiver
Yes,
if the plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip deposit, and all
prepaid, non-refundable trip costs are insured
Baggage & Personal Effects
$1,000
Baggage Delay
$300
after a 24-hour delay
Travel Delay
$200
per day after a 5-hour delay, max $800
Travel
Inconvenience
$250 per incident, max $750
Missed Connection
$1,000
Trip
Exchange
50% of
the trip cost up to $75,000
TripSaver
$2,500
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (excluding flights)
$30,000
**The trip interruption benefit is determined by the amount of trip cancellation benefit purchased. All benefits are per insured person.
Extra Coverage
The following benefits are included at no extra cost when you purchase AIG Travel Guard Preferred within 15 days of Initial Trip Payment:
- Pre-Existing Medical Condition Waiver
Read our in-depth review of AIG Travel Guard Preferred.
AIG Travel Guard Deluxe
Travelers who want the highest level of travel insurance protection, medical benefits, and assistance services prefer AIG Travel Guard Deluxe.
Deluxe has the highest level of coverage like Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical Insurance, Medical Evacuation, and Baggage insurance.
In addition, Travel Guard Deluxe covers Pre-existing Medical Conditions, carrier Financial Default, even Trip Cancellation due to job loss and other covered work reasons. It also includes innovative benefits like Trip Exchange, Trip Saver, and Travel Inconvenience.
With $100,000 Medical Insurance and $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation, Travel Guard Deluxe is an excellent choice for international travelers.
How Much Medical Insurance Do I Need?
We recommend travelers buy at least $100,000 Medical Insurance and $250,000 Medical Evacuation coverage when venturing beyond the United States.
Happily, AIG Travel Guard Deluxe includes $100,000 Medical Insurance and $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation. These levels are ideal for both international and remote adventure travel.
AIG Travel Guard Deluxe Benefits
Trip Cancellation
100% of trip cost up to a maximum of $150,000*
Trip Interruption
150% of trip cost up to a maximum of $225,000**
Trip Interruption – Return Transportation Only
$1,000
Accident
& Sickness Medical Expense
$100,000
Emergency
Dental Expense
$500
Emergency
Physical Therapy
$2,000
Medical Coverage
Type
Primary Medical Insurance
Emergency
Medical Evacuation
$1,000,000
Pre-existing
Condition Waiver
Available if purchased within 15 days of initial trip
payment date
Baggage &
Personal Effects
$2,500
Baggage Delay
$250, after a 24-hour delay
Travel Delay
Up to $200/day to a maximum of $1,000,
after 5-hour delay
Travel Inconvenience
$250 per incident, max $750
Missed
Connection
$1,000
Trip
Exchange
50% of the
trip cost up to $75,000
Trip Saver
$2,500
Accidental
Death & Dismemberment
$30,000
Security
Evacuation
$100,000
*The trip cancellation benefit is determined by the amount of your trip you elect to protect up to the maximum benefit stated above.
**The trip interruption benefit is determined by the amount of trip cancellation benefit purchased. All benefits are per insured person.
Extra Coverage
The following benefits are included at no extra cost when you purchase AIG Travel Guard Deluxe within 15 days of Initial Trip Payment:
- Pre-Existing Medical Condition Waiver
Read our in-depth review of AIG Travel Guard Deluxe.
AIG Travel Guard Plus
The AIG Travel Guard Plus plan caters to travelers who want top-shelf insurance coverage and assistance services.
AIG Travel Guard Plus uses dynamic pricing based on age of traveler, state of residence, trip cost, trip length, amount of time between the purchase of the policy and travel date, and destination.
Because destination can affect the price of Travel Guard Plus, it often is the lowest cost policy for remote destinations like Ecuador, Antarctica, Australia, and Africa. Destination does not affect the price of other AIG Travel Guard Plans.
International travelers going to any destination outside the US will find AIG Travel Guard Plus a great fit with superlative benefits.
The Plus plan covers Pre-existing Medical Conditions, carrier Financial Default, Trip Cancellation due to job loss and other covered work reasons.
How Much Medical Insurance Do I Need?
TripInsure101 recommends travelers buy at least $100,000 Medical Insurance and $250,000 Medical Evacuation coverage when venturing beyond the United States.
Happily, AIG Travel Guard Plus includes $100,000 Medical Insurance and $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation. These levels are ideal for both international and remote adventure travel.
Travel Guard Plus is often favored by travelers embarking on a world cruise.
AIG Travel Guard Plus Benefits
Trip Cancellation*
100%
Trip Cost up to $100,000 max
Trip Interruption**
150%
Trip cost up to $150,000
Trip
Interruption – Return Air Only
$1,000
Accident & Sickness
Medical Expense
$100,000
Emergency
Dental Expense
$500
Emergency
Physical Therapy
$2,000
Medical Coverage
Type
Primary Medical Insurance
Emergency Medical
Evacuation
$1,000,000
Evacuation Escort Maximum
$25,000
Pre-existing Condition
Waiver
Yes,
if the plan is purchased within 21 days of initial trip deposit, and all
prepaid non-refundable trip costs are insured.
Baggage Loss &
Personal Effects
$2,500
Baggage Delay
$400
after a delay of 12 hours
Travel Delay
$200
per day after a delay of 12 hours, max $1,000
Missed Connection
$1,000
Accidental Death &
Dismemberment (excluding flights)
$50,000
**The trip interruption benefit is determined by the amount of trip cancellation benefit purchased. All benefits are per insured person.
Extra Coverage
The following benefits are included at no extra cost when you purchase AIG Travel Guard Plus within 21 days of Initial Trip Payment:
- Pre-Existing Medical Condition Waiver
Read our in-depth review of AIG Travel Guard Plus.
AIG Travel Guard Travel Assistance
All Assistance Services listed below are not insurance benefits and are not provided by the Company.
AIG Travel Guard provides assistance through coordination, negotiation, and consultation using an extensive network of worldwide partners.
Expenses for goods and services provided by third parties are the responsibility of the traveler.
Travel
Medical Assistance
A menu
of services available for emergency medical requests, including prescription
replacement assistance, physician referrals, medical evacuations, and more.
Worldwide
Travel Assistance
Assistance
with any travel emergency or request for general travel information, including
lost, stolen or delayed baggage, replacing lost passport or travel documents,
emergency cash transfers, pre-trip travel advice, inoculation information and
more.
Emergency
Travel Assistance
24-hour
hotline to make emergency travel changes, such as re-booking flights, hotel
reservations, roadside assistance, and more.
Concierge
Services
Whatever
you need, whenever, wherever you need it, you can call on your own personal
assistant to help. Services include tee time reservations, restaurant referrals
and reservations, sporting or theater tickets, and more.
Personal
Security Assistance
Assistance
to help maintain personal safety and personal information while traveling.
Services include evacuation assistance, 24/7 access to security and safety
advisories and more.
AIG Travel Guard FAQ
How does trip cancellation and interruption coverage apply?
Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance reimburses for forfeited, non-refundable, unused payments or deposits if the insured must cancel or interrupt their trip due to covered reasons. The interruption benefit may also include coverage for additional transportation expenses.
What else is typically included in a Travel Guard insurance plan?
In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, baggage, and personal effects, baggage delay, medical expense, and emergency evacuation which includes repatriation of remains.
24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveler with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents, and much more.
What is a Pre-existing Condition?
Illnesses or medical conditions are not considered Pre-existing if the illness or medical condition is controlled by medication that has remained unchanged in dosage throughout the 180-day time frame ending on the effective date, and no medical diagnosis, care, advice or treatment has been otherwise received.
Note that death resulting from a Pre-existing Medical Condition is covered.
Can the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion be waived?
Yes.
The Company will waive the pre-existing medical condition exclusion if the following conditions are met:
- The plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment; (Travel Guard Plus has a 21-day period instead of 15-day) and
- The insured is medically able to travel when the plan is purchased; and
- The amount of coverage purchased equals all trip costs (up to the maximum shown in the Schedule) including any subsequent arrangements made for the same trip. The Insured must update the coverage to include the additional cost of the subsequent arrangements within 15 days (21 days for Travel Guard Plus) of payment to the travel supplier.
Does the Baggage insurance include all items I take with me while traveling?
No, there are some items that are not covered by Baggage insurance.
The policy excludes artificial prosthetic devices, false teeth, any type of eyeglasses or contacts, sunglasses, contact lenses or hearing aids, tickets, currency, prosthetic devices, animals, and motor vehicles.
What if I buy it and decide the coverage isn’t right for me?
- 15 days from the effective date of your insurance; or
- Your scheduled departure date
If you cancel within the first 15 days, the company will refund your premium paid provided no insured filed a claim under this certificate.
The refund option may not be available in all states. Check the certificate for details.
If I already have medical coverage, why do I need to pay for it again within travel insurance coverage?
Many domestic health insurance plans have limited or no coverage for overseas travel. If you have an HMO-type health insurance plan, coverage limitations may also apply within the United States.
Check directly with your health insurance provider if you are uncertain of your coverage when away from home.
We recommend at least $100,000 Medical Insurance for overseas trips. AIG Travel Guard Deluxe and Travel Guard Plus both include $100,000 Medical Insurance per person.
Seniors should note that Medicare insurance does not cover you overseas and many Medicare supplement plans have low lifetime maximum payouts, as well as deductibles and co-pays.
What is the definition of a “Trip”?
Trip means a period of travel away from home to a destination outside the insured’s city of residence.
- The purpose of the trip is business or pleasure and is not to obtain health care or treatment of any kind.
- The trip has defined departure and return dates specified when the insured applies.
- The trip does not exceed 364 days; travel is primarily by common carrier and only incidentally by private conveyance.
- Trip must be overnight, and the destination must be at least 100 miles from the insured’s primary residence.
What if a trip is longer than 364 days?
Coverage applies for the first 364 consecutive days of a trip.
Coverage ends at 12:01 am on the 365th day of the trip.
When does insurance coverage begin?
Trip cancellation becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. standard time on the date following payment to the company of any required plan cost.
All other coverages (Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Medical Insurance, Medical Evacuation, Baggage, etc.) will begin on the later of:
- 12:01 a.m. standard time on the scheduled departure date shown on the travel documents, or
- The date and time the insured starts his/her trip.
When does coverage end?
Trip Cancellation coverage ends on the earlier of:
- The cancellation of the insured’s trip; or
- The date and time the insured starts on his/her trip.
Will the plan reimburse for the single supplement if my traveling companion cancels?
If a traveling companion cancels and you are held responsible for a single supplement, you would be covered for the change in the per person occupancy rate if the reason for the cancellation was covered under the terms of the plan.
Can I buy travel insurance after an incident has occurred?
No.
Travel insurance coverage applies only to unforeseen issues that occur after the policy is in effect.
Insurance does not cover events that are no longer unexpected or unforeseen.
What if I need a proof of Medical Insurance to obtain a visa (a Schengen letter)?
Please call the AIG Travel Guard World Service Center at 1-800-826-1300 and a representative can provide you with this information.
How do I file a claim?
Call Travel Guard at 1-800-826-1300. The claims department is available Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm CST.
A representative will start the claim with you over the phone and explain what needs to be provided in order to process your claim.
The form will then be mailed, faxed or emailed to you for signature and you will be asked to provide the appropriate documents.
Additional Policy Info
This is a brief outline of coverage. Restrictions and exclusions will vary from state to state due to law.
For a complete list of coverages, exclusions, and detailed information, please refer to the Certificate of Insurance.
For questions regarding coverage, services or to file a claim please call AIG Travel Guard toll free at 1-800-826-1300 (open 24 hours). If calling from outside of the United States, call 715-345-0505 collect for assistance.
You Will Always Get the Lowest Price at TripInsure101
What many people do not know is that they won’t find the same trip insurance plans anywhere else for a lower price.
In fact, travel insurance price certainty is due to anti-discrimination laws in the US.
Therefore, a trip insurance quote from TripInsure101 is the same price you would see from the insurance carrier direct.
We are not allowed to compete on price for ‘filed’ insurance products.
No one is.
That’s why you are guaranteed to get the best price from us.
How to Shop Your Travel Insurance Options
As always, at TripInsure101 we recommend that travelers consider travel insurance.
You can get an anonymous quote in seconds, and compare dozens of the top travel plans from many of the largest US travel insurers.
You’ll save time and money – and find the right travel plan for your needs.
Visit TripInsure101 first to see your options before committing to the first travel insurance policy you’re offered.
Stop by and have a chat, send an email or give us a call at +1(786) 751-2984 .
Safe travels!
This article has been written for review purposes only and does not suggest sponsorship or endorsement of AARDY by the trademark owner.
Recent AARDY Travel Insurance Customer Reviews
Alma
The information was clear and well…
The information was clear and well explained by the agent. She was polite, courteous and patience.Great customer service.
Terry Witte
I was confused about travel insurance…
I was confused about travel insurance and what was offered & found your website. I called the phone# listed and reached Maranda M. She was very helpful in finding a plan for both myself & my fiance with all of the coverages we needed and giving us a thorough explanation of the coverage. She was great and an asset to the company.
Chris Brusca
Excellent Customer Service Experience
Called in and was assisted by Denise who did a great job of explaining everything in detail as well as answering all of my questions. She made the enrollment process very easy and quick. Very pleased with everything.