Travel Insurance through Allianz that includes COVID coverage

The pandemic has put a major crimp in travel arrangements and plans. Those who bought travel insurance just before the pandemic hit were fine as long as they didn't change their parameters in the "wrong" way. It caused great frustration and dollars for those who made the "wrong" modifications. And while we understand the need for the insurance companies to change their policies, it caught a number of people short who bought under one premise that changed mid-stream.

It seems that some insurance companies realized they had to make drastic changes or lose all business. Allianz — pronounced OLL-ee-ONS — is one of those companies that our trusted travel agent, Sharon Erickson, uses.

I had a long phone call with Ebony at Allianz, and later with Destiny for a quote, and found that for those who do more than a couple of trips a year, it may well make sense to get a yearly plan. This was corroborated by one of our alumni who also called Allianz directly for information. They also have insurance for single trips, so check that out, too.

I also discovered that sometimes, it may be cheaper to buy said insurance through your travel agent or possibly AAA (have not called them to compare.) Ebony explained that sometimes, while the pricing may be pretty similar, the travel agent may have additional perks such as cancel-for-any-reason, or perhaps they help you if you need to file a claim. Always best to check yourself. As we get more information, we will update this page.

This is all excellent news for some of us who love to travel but cannot afford to lose everything if COVID or some other unforseen disaster occurs. Some sample pricing for the one-year, upper-level plans, and use the chart as you do your own research. For me, with al my traveling for workshops, scouting, and time-out-just-for-me trips, this makes sense, and I have signed up. I cannot speak for others, but these days with a pandemic, I am not taking a chance and already used it when Arnie was ill witgh ALS. And did you check out the medical emergency part of it?

COST & COVERAGE (check for updated prices) ≈ $805 (for executive) to $1,530 (for Premiere) directly through Allianz for their annual AllTrips Plans.

Pay attention to the states that are fully covered for COVID. In other words, if you contract COVID before a trip and cannot go, or if you contract it during a trip and need medical care and/or evacuation, you will be covered. Not being able to go because a country has closed its doors is not covered. Allianz works with well over 40 states (current exceptions include NY and WA among others.) Quotes will also depend upon your age and state of residence. The quotes below, for example, were for Arnie and me in North Carolina; if our "kids" were still dependents and traveling with us, they would also be covered. As always with this type of information, check with the people at Allianz to be sure you understand the coverage and limits.

Please note that while almost all the coverage for the Premiere plan is per family member per trip for the year of coverage Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage limits are per policy. If you reach the policy limits, you buy a trip policy, because the other limits are still in effect for the balance of the policy year. Again always double check, as insurance coverage can be "fluid."

If you want to call Allianz directly, try Theresa Murdock or by calling 800-284-8300 ext. 26977. Please tell her that Margo Pinkerton sent you. Quote-US08391892 which should reference me, but I get nothing for any references.

COST & COVERAGE (check for updated prices) ≈ $805 directly through Sharon Erickson for the Annual Executive Plan

The advantage of going through Sharon is that she can help you, and if there is a problem, she knows you. Cruise Planners, however, does not have a family plan, only individual ones. The $805/individual covers a $10K annual trip(s) cost. That is akin to a bank of reimbursement credits. Translated, this means that if an individual has to cancel a trip that costs, say, $8,000, he/she would be reimbursed up to the limit of the assorted coverages with a balance of $2,000 moving forward, but Sharon can explain it more in depth. There are also lower-cost plans and levels of coverage, but they may not cover COVID-19.

If you want more information on the various plans, contact Sharon. Please let her know that Margo sent you, and know that I get absolutely no benefit from recommending them to you.

Meanwhile, take a look at he BCPA calendar.