AXA Assistance USA offers affordable travel insurance plans that cover unexpected medical and cancellation expenses
AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review (2024)
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Updated:
Jun 27, 2024
Written by
Sarah Horvath
Sarah Horvath
Edited by
Tori Addison
Tori Addison
AXA Assistance USA, a global insurance provider, offers travel insurance and travel medical insurance with benefits that go above and beyond many other providers — but is it the best choice for your next trip? AXA.
We at the MarketWatch Guides team examined AXA’s coverage options, what you might pay for insurance and how it compares to the best travel insurance companies. Read on to find out whether it’s a good fit for you.
Our Take on AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance
After reviewing dozens of travel insurance providers, AXA ranks high on our list with 4.2 out of 5 stars. We also named the company as the best travel insurance choice for leisure.
AXA’s Platinum travel insurance plan — its top-tier offering — comes with unique perks, such as $500 for lost rounds of golf and $25 per lost ski day. Its Gold and Platinum plans also provide pre-existing medical coverage when you purchase the plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit date.
While AXA offers unique benefits and competitive pricing, there are some limitations on its policies. Cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) upgrades are only available on its most expensive plans, and add-on options are more limited than other insurers.
AXA is best for travelers with pre-planned activities and those looking for medical coverage on affordable plan options. If you’re looking for more customization, Trawick may be a better choice.
AXA Assistance USA Pros and Cons
AXA Assistance USA is part of AXA Group, which is a multinational conglomerate of companies that offer a wide variety of insurance products. We recommend AXA travel insurance as one of the top-rated providers of travel insurance in the U.S., particularly for leisure travelers looking for insurance.
AXA’s tiered policy plan system provides even basic policyholders with comprehensive coverage including medical costs, baggage loss and trip delays or interruptions. The range of insurance plans is limited, with fewer add-ons available compared to competitors, but we think the overall value of AXA’s insurance is very good.
AXA Assistance Travel Insurance Plans
AXA offers three plan options for international travel:
- Silver: AXA’s most affordable option, the Silver plan includes 100% trip cancellation and interruption coverage. It also includes $100 a day in trip delay coverage, $25,000 in medical expense coverage and $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.
- Gold: The Gold plan extends trip interruption coverage to include a 150% reimbursement and extends medical coverage to include $100,000 worth of protection. It also provides $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.
- Platinum: The Platinum plan extends coverage to include $250,000 worth of medical coverage and up to $1 million in evacuation coverage. The plan comes with a few leisure-related benefits, including coverage for lost ski days.
All plans include complimentary concierge coverage, 24/7 travel assistance and free identity theft protection.
| Policy Tiers | CFAR | Trip Delay | Trip Interruption and Cancellation | Baggage | Medical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Plan | N/A | $100 per day ($500 maximum) | 100% of trip costs | $750 | $25,000 for an accident or sickness, $100,000 for emergency evacuation |
| Gold Plan | N/A | $200 per day ($1,000 maximum) | 100% of trip costs for cancellation, 150% for interruption | $1,500 | $100,000 for an accident or sickness, $500,000 for emergency evacuation |
| Platinum Plan | (Optional) 75% of trip costs | $300 per day ($1,250 maximum) | 100% of trip costs for cancellation, 150% for interruption | $3,000 | $250,000 for an accident or sickness, $1,000,000 for emergency evacuation |
AXA Add-On Options
Travel insurance add-ons, which are also referred to as riders, are optional extras that you can personalize your insurance policy with, depending on the kind of coverage you need. AXA travel insurance only has a couple of add-on options for their travel insurance plans, along with additional coverage in their Gold and Platinum Plans.
AXA’s coverage add-ons include:
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
- Collision damage waiver
Their Platinum Plan also includes:
- $25 for a lost skier day
- $500 for lost golf rounds
- $1,000 for sports equipment rental
Cost of AXA Travel Insurance Plans
How much you pay for an AXA travel insurance plan depends largely on which coverage tier you choose. Different plans provide reimbursements for varying situations, which means the risk the insurer takes on also varies.
Use the chart below to compare AXA Assistance's average cost to competitors:
AXA Assistance USA International Travel Cost
To help give an idea of the cost of AXA Assistance USA Insurance policies, below is an estimate we received for a travel insurance policy from AXA for an international trip to Croatia. Two citizens from the U.S., aged 25 and 27 years old, are traveling. Their trip is from September 1st, 2023 until September 9th, 2023 and costs $4,000. The initial deposit for the trip was made on May 5th, 2023.
| Policy Tier | Cost |
|---|---|
| Silver Plan | $122.00 |
| Gold Plan | $174.00 |
| Platinum Plan | $208.00 |
Your trip cost will also play a role in coverage costs. For example, if you are traveling internationally and spend a high amount on airfare, the insurer will need to pay more to reimburse you if you file a claim.
| Trip Details | Cost of Trip with Gold Plan |
|---|---|
| 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico | $192 |
| Family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico | $312 |
| 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to London | $518 |
| 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to London | $234 |
| Average cost | $314 |
AXA Assistance USA Domestic Travel Insurance
AXA Travel insurance works for trips both domestic and abroad. Take a look at how much you might pay for Gold-level domestic travel insurance based on where you are starting your trip, the trip’s cost and your age.
| Home State | Trip Cost | Traveler Age | Cost for Gold plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $5,000 | 30 years old | $153 |
| Arkansas | $1,500 | 35 years old | $78 |
| California | $500 | 21 years old | $61 |
| South Carolina | $500 | 50 years old | $80 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,000 | 65 years old | $150 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,000 | 80 years old | $295 |
Read More: Travel Insurance For United States Tourists
AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Reviews
The majority of positive reviews about AXA travel insurance show that customers are pleased with the coverage options and the peace of mind that trip insurance provides. While many customers have positive claims experiences, others mentioned slow claims processing, slow response times from customer support staff and a generally low standard of customer service.
Below are company reviews that were found on Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
“I found myself in a medical emergency whilst abroad and required surgery. Every single member of staff I spoke to [was] helpful, friendly and empathetic to my situation. They ensured additional seats for my journey home as well as airport assistance. I have made an additional claim on returning to the UK for expenses I incurred whilst in the hospital — this has been processed quickly and without issue. I feel very strongly that people only tend to complain on the back of a negative experience, but I felt compelled to make people aware of my experience which was completely positive.” —Abigail N. via Trustpilot
“Every time I've made a claim with this company it's been dealt with superbly, no issues at all. Paid on two [COVID-19] claims this year, a cancelled holiday for illness a few ago and the sickness whilst away 7 years ago, comes as part of my bank package. Would have no hesitation in recommending them to anybody.” —Silver F. via Trustpilot
“They paid very slowly, but they eventually did pay. I took a trip in June 2022. While there, I got COVID just before I was to return. My return home was delayed by 9 days, and I had to buy a new return ticket home. They do not respond to emails (other than the standard automatic "We received your correspondence, blah blah") but no personal communication until 8 to 10 weeks later. Don't bother calling because you will be put on hold for a very long time, then be disconnected. Can I recommend them? No. Will I be insured with them in the future? Certainly not. But to their credit, they did reimburse me, and for the full amount I asked for.” —William S. via BBB
“Worst company to buy travel insurance. I had to cancel my return ticket due to being sick last year and I already provided all the asked documents and submitted the claim in December 2021 and am still awaiting a response. No updates, no progress on my claim, and it's been almost 6 months now. [...]” —Dilshadahemad K. via BBB
How To File a Claim with AXA Travel Insurance
Filing a travel insurance claim with AXA is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Gather documentation: Once you are able to do so, gather documentation that proves your claim. If you are filing a claim for medical bills, gather a summary of the treatment you received and bills you owe or paid.
- Call or submit documentation online: Next, connect with a representative to submit your claim. You can reach AXA at 888-975-5015 or by logging into your online portal.
- Wait for reimbursement: Once you have filed your claim and any necessary documentation, the last step is to wait for reimbursement. You can contact AXA for updates as needed.
AXA Assistance USA vs. Competitors
Check out how AXA compares with some of the other top international travel insurance providers we have reviewed.
The destination you select plays a significant role in your pricing. Browse the table below to learn more.
Country
Argentina
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bali
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Europe
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
India
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jerusalem
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Portugal
Singapore
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Turks and Caicos
United Kingdom
Is AXA Assistance USA a Good Choice for Travel Insurance?
We found that AXA’s travel insurance coverage is best suited for adventure travelers and those looking for top-tier coverage. AXA’s Platinum plan can offer travelers more unique benefits, including payments for lost ski days and medical coverage for pre-existing conditions.
AXA might not be best for those looking for quick, cheap coverage. While its pricing is in line with other companies, it limits its CFAR coverage and most inclusive benefits to the highest pricing tier. Options like Faye Travel Insurance specialize in offering streamlined, quick coverage choices at lower prices, which can be beneficial for last-minute travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions About AXA Travel Insurance
One of the key benefits of AXA Travel Insurance is that they have a huge international network, which means you’ll receive travel assistance services along with insurance coverage. They also advertise a 24/7 concierge service that can be used before you travel for advice or recommendations on what to book and where to visit.
AXA Assistance USA is part of AXA Group, which is a multinational insurance company that was originally founded in France. The group is a collection of independently run businesses which includes travel insurance companies in countries across the world, primarily in North America, Western Europe and the Middle East.
If you purchase a travel insurance policy from AXA, then you will be covered when you travel abroad. This includes coverage if you require medical treatment while in another country and emergency evacuation due to medical conditions or an unrelated incident.
Many different travel insurance providers and policies are underwritten by AXA Insurance, which means that AXA determines the coverage that can be offered and how much this will cost. Travel insurance providers underwritten by AXA include TUI Travel Insurance, Coverwise travel insurance, Just Travel Cover and ABTA Travel Insurance.
Other Travel Insurance Providers to Consider
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Travel Insurance Companies
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.