AIG is the well known global insurance company that, with operations in more than 80 countries worldwide, has all the makings to be one of the best travel insurance companies from the off. Serving the needs of millions of leisure and business travelers through its Travel Guard offering each year, AIG is almost unrivaled when it comes to underwriting travel insurance. Eight wholly owned service centers conveniently located in Asia, Europe and the Americas means AIG can provide its customers with access to 24/7 emergency travel assistance, medical and security services. While enjoying recognition for its travel insurance proposition, AIG also provides a range of other insurance products, from life insurance through to retirement and investment services.
AIG Travel Guard Review: Plan options
Travel Guard comes in a variety of guises, with three main plans for single trip coverage. The Deluxe plan provides the most coverages, global travel assistance and access to 24/7 travel assistance services, while the Preferred plan is the next step down, and so is a cheaper but less comprehensive option for typical travelers. Completing the trio is the Essential plan, aimed primarily at those traveling domestically who need basic coverage. All three variations also include family coverage, meaning one child under 17 is covered for free for each paying adult.
Alongside these more standard packages are the Pack N' Go Plan for last minute travelers not in need of cancellation coverage, and the Annual Travel Plan, for multiple trips all year round. Further "offline" specialty plans can also be arranged by contacting a representative. What will also appeal to some are the specific cruise insurance policies that are on offer, and can be filtered out when you apply online.
AIG Travel Guard Review: What to expect
As you would expect of a company of such standing, the AIG website is easy on the eye, accessible and contains plenty of plan-specific information. Getting a quote is simple too, with a step-by-step process taking you through the options at your own pace - it is also here that you can specify whether you are flying, going on a cruise, or indulging in a bit of both, to make sure you get a policy best suited to you.
While you get a side-by-side comparison of plan benefits once you've entered details for a quote, a similar comparison before you reach this stage might prove useful. The Help Center is also a slight disappointment and little more than a bridge to some sparse FAQs. It also plays host to an online form that you can fill in for assistance and various phone numbers to call should you prefer. Policyholders can also sign in to Agentlink to have their problem heard that way too. Help is on hand round-the-clock and with more than 40 languages spoken on-site, you shouldn't have trouble getting your message across. A rating of 4.58 out of five on InsureMyTrip.com suggests you won't be unhappy with the service either.
Finally, the travel news section is useful, and divided into different travel categories, both geographic and by vacation type, including cruise news and honeymoon travel, among others.
AIG Travel Guard Review: Coverage
The coverage available under Travel Guard will depend on your selected plan, with the Deluxe package including trip cancellation up to $150,000 and interruption to $225,000. Medical expense coverage is up to $100,000, emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage is up to $1 million, and security evacuation coverage is up to $100,000, among other benefits.
Header Cell - Column 0 | Deluxe | Preferred | Essential |
---|---|---|---|
Trip Cancellation | Up to 100%, maximum of $150,000 | Up to 100%, maximum of $150,000 | Up to 100%, maximum of $100,000 |
Trip Interruption | Up to 150%, maximum of $225,000 | Up to 150%, maximum of $225,000 | Up to 100%, maximum of $100,000 |
Trip Delay | Up to $1,000 | Up to $800 | Up to $500 |
Missed Connection | Up to $1,000 | Up to $1,000 | - |
Baggage Coverage | Up to $2,500 | Up to $1,000 | Up to $750 |
Baggage Delay | Up to $500 | Up to $300 | Up to $200 |
Travel Medical Expense/Dental Expense | Up to $100,000/$500 | Up to $50,000/$500 | Up to $15,000/$500 |
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $150,000 |
Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Up to $30,000 | Up to $30,000 | Up to $30,000 |
Cancel For Any Reason coverage is available on the Deluxe and Preferred plans for an additional cost, while rental car damage coverage can be added on to all plans. All three plans can also include pre-existing conditions if you purchase cover within 15 days of your first payment on your trip, and meet a couple of other conditions.
AIG Travel Guard Review: Making a claim
Should you need to make a claim, the process can be started online with your policy number and last name, and this is also the direction in which you are pointed should you want an update on the status of a claim. If you have any questions or concerns that you wish to raise over the phone, be aware that the toll free number for the US is only available 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday.
The website lists the different types of document you will need for each type of claim, and reveals these can be emailed, faxed or mailed to the relevant department. There are some claims related FAQs too, but general information about the process as a whole is lacking and somewhat unknown.
Should you choose AIG Travel Guard travel insurance?
AIG Travel Guard will be a decent travel insurance option if you like the security of a well-known insurance name and welcome its undoubted presence on the ground in locations all around the world. Those traveling as a family will appreciate the free kids cover, while cruise travelers will like having plan options that are specific to them. While a little more attention could be paid to explaining the claims process, Travel Guard, and all its options, still represents a travel insurance plan that will be more than suitable for the needs of most heading on their travels.