Travelex combines its many years of insurance expertise with Berkshire Hathaway's financial strength to provide 'primary' travel insurance that pays out for eligible expenses regardless what other insurance you might have.
If you are looking at travel insurance, it is because you want to minimize the risk that comes with planning a trip. Travelex provides comprehensive protection for your non-refundable travel investment as 'primary' coverage, which means it pays regardless of what other insurance you might have. The company offers several policy options, along with upgrade 'paks,' so you can perfectly tailor your travel insurance to your trip. Unlike other insurance companies, Travelex also provides coverage for your pets if they are traveling with you. Other convenient services include helping you acquire an expedited passport and get an international driver’s license. With many years of protecting travelers, it is one of the most experienced in the industry. And now, with its partnership with Berkshire Hathaway, it is truly a leader in providing quality travel insurance and claims handling.
Cost Premium per policy | Typically 4-10% of total cost of travel |
Ease of enrollment Ways you can enroll | Online, email, phone |
Coverage Number of policy options | Good variety |
Waiting period When is insurance effective? | Immediately |
Customer support Ease of access | Email, mail, phone: Non-emergency 8:00 AM-7:00 PM CST Mon-Fri; Emergency 24/7 |
Apps Can I manage my policy from my phone? | No |
Claims How long do claims take to be reviewed? | No specific turnaround time was given |
Money back guarantee Can I cancel my plan? | Yes, for full refund of plan cost within 15 days of purchase if not yet departed and no claim filed |
Age restrictions Is there a maximum age limitation? | No age restrictions, but prices do rise with age |
Pre-existing conditions Do pre-existing conditions affect medical coverage? | Waiver option may be available within 15-day window for Basic plan, or 21 days for Select |
Whether you purchase travel insurance through a broker or directly from the insurer, you want to be able to check out their pricing online, and the Travelex website is easy to use. To obtain a quote, all you do is follow the easy directions under "How to Enroll in Travel Insurance Online." As you age, that word 'easy' is very welcome. At 59, 69 or 79, you want easy access to customer service, too, both online and by phone. Travelex fits the bill: while non-emergency support is available during normal weekday hours, it offers a 24/7 emergency hotline worldwide to assist in times of need. Travelex takes peace of mind one step further: it offers pet insurance for your furry companions traveling with you and offers expedited passport and driver's license assistance.
As your health declines, you want to know you can access medical care wherever you go, and not be hit with large medical bills when you come home. As a senior, while Medicare covers you throughout the U.S., and some Medicare Supplement and Advantage plans cover some expenses abroad, a good examination of your policies will point out where you might have gaps. That is where travel insurance comes in. Travelex offers some level of medical expense benefits with all of its policies, and medical evacuation coverage in some as well. Medical waivers for pre-existing conditions are available if plans are purchased within specific timeframes of initial trip deposits. Be sure to read the fine print regarding these timelines.
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Bottom Line:
Travelex Insurance Services is a leading travel insurance provider in the U.S. that develops and distributes a comprehensive suite of travel protection products. While established in 1996, since late 2017 it has been in a strategic partnership with Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, which holds an A.M. Best A++ (Superior) rating. Travelex offers everything you would expect from an insurance provider: multiple policy and upgrade options to customize the plan to your trip, 24/7 emergency service hotline and a money back guarantee if you want to cancel your plan. It goes one step further by also helping you get a last-minute passport, obtain an international driver’s license and provide insurance to the special members of your family: your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What aspects of travel does this company cover?
Trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, missed cruise connection, baggage/ baggage delay, medical expense benefits, medical evacuation/repatriation of remains, common carrier AD&D, 24-hour AD&D, flight accident AD&D, travel assistance, professional / business property and rental vehicle damage are all available.
How long will it take to review my claim?
Travelex offers online claim initiation and access to claim forms to help expedite the claim process. You just have to choose your insurance plan and enter the product plan number to start the process. No specific turnaround time was indicated.
If I change my mind after enrolling in a protection plan, can I get a refund?
Yes, Travelex will refund your plan cost (minus the processing fee) if you are not completely satisfied within the 15-day free look period counted from the date of purchase, provided you have not departed or filed a claim.
More Information:
Overview: All plans include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, missed connections, medical expense and evacuation. The amount covered varies by plan.
Package Details:
Leisure
Business
Flight
Optional Add-on Services:
Lifestyle Paks:
Cancel for Any Reason Pak – additional 50% of total base plan rate
Contract Details: As with any other insurance policy, policy contract details must be read carefully. If canceling your plan, to receive a full refund, you must cancel within 15 days of purchase and have not filed a claim or departed for your travels.
Accreditations: Travelex is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, US Travel Insurance Association and the American Resort Development Association. Travel Week selected Travelex as Specialty Partner of the Year for its 2017 Virtuoso Awards. The underwriter for its enhanced travel protection plans is Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection which brings an A.M. Best A++ superior rating. Travelex has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1999 and carries an A+ rating on the BBB website.
Company Details: Headquartered in Omaha, NB, Travelex Insurance Services was founded in 1996 when the Travelex Group purchased Mutual of Omaha Companies’ travel insurance distribution services. In November 2016 it became a subsidiary of Cover-More Holdings USA, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Group Limited (“ZIG”), headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Then in August 2017, it formed a strategic partnership with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. It now combines the financial strength, product underwriting and claims handling of Berkshire Hathaway and the sales and marketing expertise of Travelex.
Travelex Insurance
9140 West Dodge Road
Suite 300
Omaha, NE 68114
800-228-9792
6 min read
Nov. 26, 2019
