AXA Assistance USA travel insurance review 2022

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

Put simply; there's a lot to consider. 

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

Travel insurance plans from AXA Assistance USA

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

Some policies might even include added coverage free of charge, such as a waiver for pre-existing conditions, fee reimbursement for single occupancy rooms, or emergency medical assistance anywhere in the world. Compare each policy carefully to know what is included.

Additional coverage options from AXA Assistance USA

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

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

How much does travel insurance from AXA cost?

The premium you pay will depend on a variety of factors including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs.

For example, take a look at the premiums for a 50-year-old Florida resident spending $5,000 on a trip to Denmark.

In this case, the Silver plan costs nearly 3.5% of the total trip cost, while the Platinum plan costs just over 5% of the price of the trip. 

And here's another example. In this scenario, we looked at premium costs for a 45-year-old New York resident taking a trip to Mexico that costs $3,000. The lowest cost Silver plan costs just 3% of the total trip cost, while the Platinum plan runs 5%.

You can see that the higher the trip cost and the older the traveler, the greater the premium will be. But these rates still fall within, if not on the lower end, of industry standards. 

How do I file a claim with AXA Assistance USA?

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

AXA Assistance USA 

On Behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies 

P.O. Box 26222 

Tampa, FL 33623 

Or, submit your claim via email to AXAClaims@cbpinsure.com.

AXA Assistance USA's customer service phone numbers are as follows:

Toll Free (888) 957-5015

Collect (727) 450-8794

Compare AXA Assistance USA vs AIG Travel Guard

When comparing AXA Assistance USA to AIG Travel Guard, we'll take a look at the coverage levels from both of their mid-tier plans, the Silver plan and Travel Guard Preferred plan, respectively. 

With AIG's Travel Guard Preferred plan, you'll get:

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

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

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

Compare AXA Assistance USA vs Allianz travel insurance

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

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

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

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

Compare AXA Assistance USA vs credit card travel insurance

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

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

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

Methodology

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

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

AXA Assistance USA — frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Who owns AXA Assistance USA?

AXA Assistance USA is owned by the AXA Group and provides a wide variety of insurances, including travel, home, health, and automotive. With more than 8,000 employees, it operates in over 200 countries and territories. 

Does AXA cover me abroad?

Yes, you can choose to be covered anywhere in the world with an AXA Assistance USA travel insurance policy. Just remember, your policy will likely come with restrictions that'll exclude coverage under certain circumstances, like, for example, traveling to a war-torn country,

How do I get a refund from AXA?

Review the specific terms of your plan with regard to refunds. In general, you can get a refund within 10 days of the cancellation request.