Medical Travel Benefits for Employees and What Employers Need to Know

July 5, 2022

Medical Travel Benefits for Employees and What Employers Need to Know

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court  upheld Mississippi’s restrictions on abortion, a ruling that may lead employers to revise their employee health care benefits to include medical travel benefits.

The SCOTUS decision overturns  Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization , Roe v. Wade  (1973), and  Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey  (1992) decisions that pre-empted state restrictions on abortion. This means that states now have the power to pass laws banning or restricting abortion services. With this change employers may want to look at information on their group health plans and benefits for options that will allow them to support employees who need to travel to seek medical care out of state.

The information below provides an overview, and due to many changes in the legal rulings that are unknown at this time and are anticipated to continue throughout the next few months from states, we will be updating as additional information becomes available.

Group Health Plan Coverage Governance

It is prudent for employers to understand the impact federal and state laws may have on group health plans and coverage that may be provided. Coverage under fully insured plans is typically governed by State Insurance Laws, check with your fully insured provider on any impact to your insured group coverage. Coverage under self-insured plans is typically not subject to State Insurance Laws which may provide more flexibility of coverages provided, but are subject to ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. There are other federal and state laws that may apply. Guidance from your providers and legal counsel is recommended to determine what laws are applicable to your benefit offerings.

Reimbursement for Medical Travel Services from Consumer-Drive Healthcare Plans

Medical Travel services are considered eligible expenses per IRC section 213(d), this means that they would be included by the plan in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) as an eligible medical expense. Some Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) may limit IRC section 213(d) expenses. Employers can determine their current coverage by reviewing their Plan Documents and Summary Plan Descriptions. All reimbursements must comply with plan limits which are governed by regulations and/or plan sponsors. Additional information regarding these plans can be found in Publication 968 .

Travel Costs Associated with Medical Care

As the need to travel for medical services increases, if an individual resides in a state where certain medical services may be restricted, increased cost to travel for these services could financially hinder the individual. Many companies over the last few days have added medical travel benefits to their benefit package to help with these expenses. Medical travel benefits could cover the following expenses for individuals who would need to travel to receive medical services*:

  • Ground transportation, such as bus, taxi, or train
  • Lodging ($50/night for individual, or up to $100/night if traveling with a companion)
  • When using a personal vehicle for travel, the total of any associated parking fees, tolls, gas, or oil may be reimbursed -or- mileage can be reimbursed for each mile associated with the medical travel. (Standard mileage rate is $0.18/mile for the first half of 2022. Effective July 1, the mileage rate increased to $0.22/mile.)

*The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) Section 733(a)(2) defines medical care to include “the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or amount paid for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body,” and includes amounts paid for transportation primarily for and essential to medical care (as described) and amounts paid for insurance coverage of the same.

Considerations and Actions Employers Can Take

Employers looking for additional ways to provide access to medical-related travel could consider the following adjustments or additions to their benefit plans.

level medical travel benefit

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Additional Things to Consider when adding a Medical Travel Benefit to your package

  • Pretax benefits for medical expenses and travel expenses related to medical care for medical travel services are eligible through a group health plan, such as major medical, HCFSA, HRA, and non-group HSA benefits, if permitted by the plan.
  • Commuter and Wellness plans should not reimburse medical expenses. Remember employer reimbursement of medical expenses are still considered a group health plan and should be ERISA-compliant, whether such benefits are considered taxable of not and are subject to additional regulations and laws such as COBRA, HIPAA, ACA PHSA and more.
  • Group health plans are subject to ERISA requirements to maintain and operate the plan according to the plan document and provide certain notices to employees and filing IRS form 5500 as well.
  • Employers can change coverages either mid-year or at renewal (check with your carrier, Third Party Administrator or stop-loss provider to see what is permitted).
  • Employers should define and make clear what services and travel costs are covered. Example: Will travel costs only be eligible for specific related medical expenses, or does the plan include reimbursement of travel for other medical expenses as well? Is the benefit intended only for employees residing in states where certain medical procedures are illegal?
  • For Navia HRA and HCFSAs, plan document amendments can be processed up to the end of the plan year for which the change is effective.
  • HCFSAs have a statutory annual limit of $2,850 for employee contributions in 2022 (indexed). Employers may fund additional contributions to this benefit in excess of the $2,850 limit. These contributions may be an employer contribution of up to $500, or if an employer would like to fund more than $500, the employer contribution must be a dollar-for-dollar match of employee contributions.
  • HRAs are entirely employer funded and most do not have a statutory limits to how much an employer can contribute, but they must be integrated with major medical coverage and eligible only for those enrolled in the major medical coverage, excluding excepted benefit HRA which do not reimburse medical expenses.
  • HSAs have a statutory annual limit of $3,650 for self-only and $7,300 for families for 2022 (indexed). There is an additional $1,000 catch up contribution amount for individuals 55 or older.
  • For those enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP) the minimum deductible must be met to maintain HSA eligibility before medical or travel expenses can be reimbursed from the HSA.

As states continue to enact laws that make it illegal to assist individuals with related services, employers should consult with their legal counsel to evaluate potential risks associate with offering these benefits to their employees.

Employers will need to continue following local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding medical travel procedures. Some companies are announcing preemptive action to ensure workers have access to medical services by increasing travel benefits to cover health care procedures. But how these policies interact with state laws may still be unclear, and employers should be aware of the legal risks involved

As further news and guidance becomes available, we will continue to communicate any impact to the benefits we administer, as well as other employee benefit plan considerations.

If you’re interested in adding a medical travel benefit to your plan, please email [email protected] or call 866-831-6133.

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Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical Benefits: The Simple Guide

medical emergency while traveling

Do I need emergency medical travel insurance for a U.S. trip?

That depends. If you have a good health insurance plan, you may not need emergency medical insurance while traveling within the U.S.

However, it’s still a good idea! Allianz Travel Insurance’s emergency medical benefits have a few advantages your regular health insurance may not provide:

  • There’s no deductible or copay for covered emergency medical expenses. (There is, however, a maximum limit for your emergency medical/dental and emergency transportation benefits, which you’ll find in your plan documents.)
  • Depending on the plan you choose, your travel medical insurance may be primary That means it pays your covered medical expenses before any other insurance coverage applies.
  • Emergency medical transportation benefits can cover medically necessary medical evacuations. This is a must if you’re traveling to any remote locations—such as fishing in Alaska, or backcountry camping in a national park.
  • Your travel insurance also can cover special medical transportation home after an emergency. Your regular insurance may not.

Do I need emergency medical travel insurance if I’m healthy?

Yes! We get more than 4,000 calls each year from travelers who need help with a medical emergency. The most common emergencies we see are things that can happen to anyone, even people who are generally healthy and fit: fractures from falls ; trauma (often from motor vehicle accidents); cardiovascular problems , such as a heart attack or stroke; and pulmonary/respiratory problems , such as a collapsed lung.

Active travelers especially need travel medical insurance, if you plan to participate in activities such as hiking, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, etc. on your trip. Just make sure you read the exclusions in your plan. Certain high-risk activities are excluded from coverage.

Do I need to buy emergency medical travel insurance for my kids?

Yes! Children aren’t immune from medical emergencies while traveling, whether a tummy bug or a fractured wrist. Luckily, two of our plans offer free coverage* for children 17 and under when traveling with a parent or grandparent: OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier , which doubles most OneTrip Prime post-departure benefit limits (*not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).

Can emergency medical travel insurance cover my pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, but you have to make sure your plan includes the existing medical condition waiver and meets all the requirements. If you insure your full nonrefundable trip costs within 14 days of paying your first trip deposit, and you’re medically able to travel when you do so, you can be covered for most existing medical conditions.

An existing medical condition is defined as an injury, illness, or medical condition that, within the 120 days prior to and including the policy purchase date:

  • Caused a person to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment by a doctor;
  • Presented symptoms; or
  • Required a person to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless the condition or symptoms are controlled by that prescription, and the prescription has not changed).

The illness, injury, or medical condition does not need to be formally diagnosed in order to be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

Read more: When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?

What happens if I have an emergency while traveling somewhere without high-quality medical facilities?

In situations like these, your emergency transportation benefits can be life-saving. If you suffer a serious illness or injury on your trip and the local medical facilities can’t provide the medical treatment you need, our medical team will arrange and pay to transport you to the closest appropriate facility. Please note, however, that we must make the medical evacuation arrangements — if you do it yourself, your insurance may not pay for it.

What should I do if I have a medical emergency while traveling?

If you need help urgently, call your destination’s equivalent of 911. The free Allianz TravelSmart TM app makes it easy to reach local emergency services with a single tap, wherever you are.

Then, contact 24-hour assistance . Our team of experts can arrange emergency medical transportation, if needed; refer you to pre-screened local medical providers, provide an interpreter, guarantee advance payment for medical care (where accepted), monitor your condition, update relatives back home, and arrange your transportation home. In short, we’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re getting the care you need.

Read more: What To Do In A Medical Emergency

Can I buy affordable emergency medical travel insurance?

Yes! Allianz Travel Insurance offers plans for every budget. Low-cost emergency medical travel insurance plans include:

  • OneTrip Basic , an economical plan with limited post-departure benefits
  • OneTrip Emergency Medical , a flexible plan that includes only post-departure benefits
  • AllTrips Basic , an annual travel insurance plan that provides emergency medical benefits for frequent travelers

If you’re planning more than two trips in the next 365 days, you can save money with an annual travel insurance plan:

  • AllTrips Prime , which offers affordable peace of mind for a full 365 days of travel
  • AllTrips Executive , an annual plan built for business travelers
  • AllTrips Premier , which protects world travelers with multiple tiers of benefits

Wondering which plan is right for you? Get a quote for your next trip .

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Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

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Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

Table of Contents

Amex platinum card overview, car rental loss and damage insurance, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage insurance, premium global assist hotline, filing a claim, final thoughts.

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Frequent travelers who are interested in premium travel benefits and solid reward-earning opportunities gravitate to The Platinum Card ® from American Express . The card, as well as The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , has been the go-to card for meeting travelers’ earning, redemption, and benefits needs.

We frequently cover Membership Rewards points-earning opportunities , as well as a multitude of ways to maximize the redemption options . We’ve even done a deep dive into getting the most from statement credits offered by Amex cards.

Next up in our collection of articles focusing on the valuable perks that come with the Amex Platinum card is the card’s travel insurance benefits. Insurance can be inherently confusing in general and the insurance coverages that come with credit cards can be equally so.

Fortunately, even a quick overview will give you some insight as to the insurance coverages you can expect on the Amex Platinum card. So, right here and now, we’re stepping up to deliver just that.

Let’s take a look at exactly which insurances come with the card, how these benefits can provide a level of peace of mind, and find out what situations might trigger the coverage to provide economic value.

It’s important to have a little background on the card to put its coverage into context. Here are important card details, including the current welcome bonus and annual fee.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
  • $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck ® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck ® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Amex Car Rental Insurance

The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard car rental insurance that provides secondary coverage when using your card to reserve and pay for your entire rental car contract. You also have the option to purchase premium primary car rental coverage .

For either coverage to be valid, you must decline the rental car agency’s LDW (loss damage waiver) or CDW (collision damage waiver) coverage when renting the vehicle.

Here’s an overview of how both of these coverages work:

Standard Car Rental Coverage

Secondary (standard) coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance you might have before the card coverage applies.

You can expect to receive excess secondary coverage for these losses:

  • Damage to and theft of the vehicle
  • Personal property up to $1,000 per person/$2,000 per accident
  • Accidental injury up to $5,000 per claimant
  • Accidental death/dismemberment up to $300,000

This is just a snapshot of the standard secondary car rental coverage; several terms and conditions apply. You should access the official guide to benefits or call your benefits administrator for specific information.

Premium Car Rental Protection Coverage

One of the real car rental insurance perks of holding the Amex Platinum card is having access to Premium Car Rental Protection coverage for just 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period, not a per-day charge like the rental agency charges.

Although there are some credit cards with primary rental car insurance , the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection coverage, in some circumstances, can provide equal or better coverage and elevated peace of mind. Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: Consider Amex Premium Car Rental Protection if you don’t have a credit card that provides primary car rental insurance. Additionally, if you are renting an expensive vehicle that exceeds your card’s limit of coverage or the maximum length of the rental period on your other card is limited to less than 42 days, the Amex Premium Car Rental Protection could also be a prudent choice. 

Trip Delay

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance are designed to cover unexpected, unforeseen events that may cause you to have to cancel your trip or that cause a disruption in a trip you’re already started.

To be eligible for coverage, purchase your entire round-trip common carrier ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

American Express has a broad definition of who is covered under this benefit. Eligible travelers can include the cardholder, traveling companion, family member of the eligible traveler, or family member of the traveling companion.

Examples of events that could be covered include the following:

  • Bodily Injury or Illness — If you, a traveling companion, or a family member of either, experience an accidental injury or become ill, causing you to cancel your trip, you may have coverage
  • Bad Weather — If extreme weather causes your trip to be canceled or disrupted, there could be coverage
  • Change in Military Orders —Applies to cardmember and/or spouse (spouse definition includes domestic partner)
  • Terrorist action or hijacking
  • Jury duty or other qualifying legal obligation
  • Uninhabitable dwelling of either the cardmember or traveling companion
  • Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons

You can expect coverage of up to $10,000 per trip , and a maximum limit of $20,000 per card per 12-month period.

Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: While the trip cancellation/trip interruption benefit covers specifically stated reasons for trip cancellation/interruption, there is no coverage for voluntary cancellations, disruptions due to known events, or for preexisting conditions. Additional terms and conditions can be found in your guide to benefits or call the benefits administrator prior to your trip.

Experiencing a trip delay is inevitable so having coverage for added expenses as a result of that delay could be a welcome economic benefit. To qualify for trip delay coverage, just pay for the full amount of your common carrier round-trip transportation ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

The delay must be for more than 6 hours for you to be eligible for reimbursement for necessary incidentals, meals, and lodging.

Coverage limits are $500 per covered trip and a maximum of up to 2 covered trips in each consecutive 12-month period. Coverage is secondary to other coverage that applies and does not include expenses that are reimbursed by the airline or other entities. Additional terms and conditions also apply.

Losing a checked bag used to be a very common occurrence. With new technology and tracking mechanisms, however, incidents have declined, but they still happen. If you do happen to experience lost bags, however, you can count on the baggage insurance found on the Amex Platinum card.

To activate the coverage , simply pay for your common-carrier fare with your card and/or Membership Rewards points.

Here’s the coverage you can expect for lost luggage:

  • Checked Bags — Up to $2,000 per covered person, per trip
  • Carry-on Bags — Up to $3,000 per covered person, per trip
  • Specialty High-value Items — Up to $1,000 per person, per covered trip ($2,000 for New York residents, maximum $10,000 per trip)
  • Combined Limit — The limit for all baggage, including high-risk items, is $3,000 per covered person, per single trip

Checked baggage is covered only while traveling on a common carrier . Carry-on baggage is additionally covered while traveling to , from , and when waiting at the carrier terminal.

Note that the coverage on the card is secondary to any other insurance or reimbursement you might receive from the airline. There is no coverage for delayed baggage , but several other credit cards do offer this coverage .

Snowboarders on chair lift

While technically not insurance coverage, having access to help when you’re traveling, 24/7, is sure to provide additional peace of mind. The Amex Platinum card offers a premium version of a dedicated helpline that serves as a welcome resource should things go wrong during your travels.

Here are the types of assistance you can expect from the service:

Emergency Medical Transport and Evacuation — Complimentary Coverages

One of the premium services offered on the card is complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation . If you or a covered family member becomes injured or ill during your travels, you could receive emergency medical transportation or evacuation , if necessary.

You can expect to receive the following services without charge when arranged via the hotline:

  • Emergency Transport or Evacuation — Transport to the nearest medical facility or transport from an inadequate medical facility
  • Transport of Family Member — Transport may be covered for an adult member to be by the bedside of the cardmember or for the cardmember’s minor child (who had been traveling alone with the cardmember) to be transported back to the U.S.
  • Transport of Remains — Amex will pay for the transport of remains back to the U.S.
  • Post-Evacuation Assistance — If you’re evacuated and your return ticket back to the U.S. has become invalid, Amex will arrange and pay for transportation back to the U.S.

Please note that the Premium Global Assist Hotline does not cover any medical expenses or emergency transportation services arranged outside of the hotline. Several terms and conditions apply to these coverages.

Additional Medical Assistance

In addition to the complimentary coverages offered by the hotline, you’ll find these additional medical services:

  • Medical Referrals — Receive help finding an English-speaking doctor, a hospital, or other needed medical services
  • Prescription Replacement Assistance — Get help with replacing lost or forgotten medications

There is no charge for the referral service but cardmembers are responsible for actual services received from the provider.

Other Hotline Services

  • Passport/Visa Assistance — Whether you need help replacing a passport or have a need to contact the U.S. consulate, the hotline can assist
  • Emergency Translation Services — Receive over-the-phone services or written language translation assistance
  • Legal Referrals — Should you need legal services during your trip, the hotline can help you find local bail bond services that accept Amex or refer you to other legal personnel
  • Financial Assistance — The hotline can help you arrange cash wire services, help you check out of your hotel remotely, or assist with lost card situations
  • Emergency Message Relay — In the event of an emergency, the hotline can send a message to a family member, friend, or another recipient on your behalf
  • Lost Items — Should you lose an item, your baggage gets lost, or other missing possession, the hotline can help track it down
  • Trip Planning Services — Access information such as weather, currency exchange rates, passport/visa requirements, customs information, travel warnings, and more

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary emergency transportation and evacuation services with no stated limit. Additional medical, legal, and travel service referrals are also complimentary, but other than the emergency medical transportation and evacuation, services rendered must be paid for by the cardholder. 

As with any insurance claim, you’ll need to report any event as soon as possible, provide supporting documentation, and follow up after the claim has been filed.

You could be expected to submit any, or all, of the following:

  • Copies of your common carrier ticket
  • Copies of your credit card statement showing the expenses
  • Proof of the loss (i.e. a copy of physician’s quarantine order, military orders, etc.)
  • Copy of the travel supplier’s cancellation policy
  • Any other supporting documentation requested by the claims administrator

Claims must be reported within 60 days but it is best to do it as soon as possible. Once you report the claim, you’ll receive instructions for completing the next steps in the process.

Hot Tip: Be sure to take photos and videos, keep receipts, secure any applicable police report, and hold on to other documentation that might be needed to support your claim. Keep in mind that supporting information can be difficult to obtain after the fact but may be readily secured at the time of the claim. 

While the insurance that comes with the Amex Platinum card won’t take the place of a comprehensive travel insurance policy , you’ll find value in several of the benefits.

Utilizing Premium Car Rental Protection, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could save you more than you could imagine in certain circumstances.

Additionally, knowing the coverages you have in advance has tremendous value. You’ll be armed with information to make educated decisions that can protect each aspect of your trip and be better prepared for how you might handle a covered incident during your travels. If you’re looking for other card options, see our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance .

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, you can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the amex platinum card travel insurance any good.

While the insurance that comes on your Amex Platinum card does not replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy, there is value in the coverages that come complimentary on the card.

Benefits such as trip interruption/cancellation/delay insurance and Amex Premium Car Rental Protection can provide economic value by saving you money should something go wrong during your travels.

Having access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could render peace of mind knowing you have the coverage should you need it.

Does the Amex Platinum card cover flight cancellations?

The Amex Platinum card comes with trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay insurance that can cover flight cancellations for only the specific (limited) reasons listed in the terms and conditions.

As with most insurance, the coverage that comes on your card is not meant to cover voluntary flight cancellations.

For these types of cancellations, you would need to purchase Cancel for Any Reason Insurance , which can be added to some comprehensive travel insurance policies.

Does the Amex Platinum card come with primary car rental insurance?

No. The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard secondary car rental insurance, which means you must first file a claim with any other insurance that may apply before the card coverage is valid.

However, the card does offer a unique benefit that allows you to purchase premium primary car rental insurance for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period.

This coverage is valid for rental periods up to 42 days in length and costs $12.25 to $24.95 per period, depending on the state in which you reside and the coverage limit you select.

Does the Amex Platinum have delayed baggage insurance?

While the Amex Platinum card comes with lost, stolen, or damaged luggage coverage, it does not offer a delayed baggage benefit.

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Do I Need Additional Health Coverage if I Travel Internationally?

Y ou will likely need additional health coverage if you plan on traveling outside of the United States since Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace health plans are not required to include international travel coverage. Multiple insurance carriers sell separate travel insurance that can cover emergency health care services and potentially other treatments you need while in a foreign country.

Keep reading to find out how you can know when your health insurance covers international travel and what types of coverage can protect you as you travel abroad.

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Does my health insurance cover international travel, what won’t be covered by health insurance during international travel, how much does it cost to get medical insurance for international trips, how do i know if an international medical facility is in my network, how to get medical coverage when you travel internationally, how to file a claim for medical care during international travel.

ACA-compliant health insurance plans aren’t required to cover you during international travel, so you should contact your insurer before you leave to find out if any out-of-country medical services you receive would be covered. Keep in mind that some health plans don’t cover out-of-network care at all, meaning you would be fully on the hook for medical expenses you incur while visiting a foreign hospital that isn’t in your plan’s network.

Meanwhile, plans that do cover out-of-network care will usually require you to pay a greater portion of the costs through coinsurance or copays . As a result, there’s a good chance you will have to pay more for international treatments even if your health insurance company agrees to cover them.

Fortunately, numerous companies sell supplemental health insurance products that can provide more comprehensive health coverage while you are traveling abroad. For example, medical evacuation insurance can cover the costs of transportation to a medical facility that can provide you with appropriate care in an emergency. This type of coverage may automatically be included in a travel health insurance plan, which can also cover the emergency care itself and potentially even regular treatments related to a preexisting condition. [1]

Does Medicare Cover International Travel?

Medicare only covers treatments at foreign hospitals in specific situations where they are closer to you than an American health care facility. For example, if you live in the United States near the border of Mexico or experience a medical emergency near the border, Medicare may cover treatments at a Mexican hospital. Similarly, you may be covered if you visit a Canadian hospital after experiencing a medical emergency on your way to Alaska. [2]

Meanwhile, Medicare will only cover care you receive on a cruise ship if the ship is within six hours of an American port. Conversely, some Medicare Advantage plans and most Medigap plans include international travel coverage. [2]

Specifically, a Medigap plan can cover 80% of the costs for medically necessary care in foreign countries that Original Medicare won’t cover as long as you have met a $250 deductible and receive the care within 60 days of starting your trip. Note that Medigap foreign travel emergency coverage comes with a $50,000 lifetime limit. [2]

Does Medicaid Cover International Travel?

Medicaid generally doesn’t cover medical expenses you incur overseas. [1] In fact, you may have limited coverage anywhere outside of your home state since Medicaid benefits are largely determined at the state level. For example, North Carolina Medicaid only covers out-of-state routine care if you receive it in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia within 40 miles of the North Carolina border, exclusively covers medically necessary care elsewhere in the United States and doesn’t provide any coverage outside of the country. [3]

Even if you purchase a separate travel health insurance plan, your insurer likely won’t cover preventive services and other kinds of routine care. [4] You may need to purchase a long-term international health plan to receive coverage for these kinds of services outside of the United States.

Instead, travel medical insurance predominantly provides coverage for emergency situations such as slipping and breaking your leg while rock climbing, getting sick after a spider bites you on a hike or requiring a medevac helicopter after you have a heart attack in a remote location.

The average cost of health insurance for international travel ranges from $40 to $80, with factors like the length of your trip and the coverage limits you select influencing your rates. [4] Meanwhile, you will usually have to pay 5% to 7% of the cost of your entire trip for a trip insurance package that includes coverage for emergency medical care, canceled flights, trip interruption and lost or damaged luggage. [5]

The best way to know if a medical provider is in your network or if your insurance company will otherwise cover care from that provider is to contact your insurer in advance to get your treatment preapproved.

Keep in mind that many American insurance carriers don’t contract with international medical facilities at all.

Nevertheless, there are some health insurance companies with networks that extend beyond the United States. For example, Cigna ’s network includes 1.5 million hospitals and health care professionals throughout the world, while Blue Cross Blue Shield ’s GeoBlue contracts with more than 1.7 million medical providers globally. [6][7]

You may be able to buy coverage for your vacation from either a company that specializes in travel insurance or a traditional health insurance carrier that offers international coverage. It’s recommended that you obtain quotes from three to five different companies so you can compare all of your options to find the best deal.

To make this process as simple as possible, consider using an online insurance marketplace like SmartFinancial. We can take information about your coverage needs and budget from a brief questionnaire and match you up with insurance agents who may be able to help you find a health plan with built-in travel coverage. If you’re interested in receiving free health insurance quotes today, simply enter your zip code below.

Claim filing processes can vary from company to company but you will generally need to fill out your insurer’s designated claim form and provide an itemized bill listing all of the treatments you were charged for along with other documents showing information such as where you were treated and what injury or sickness you were treated for.

You should be aware that foreign health care providers generally don’t accept American insurance and won’t file claims on your behalf. [4] As a result, even if your health plan covers international care, you will likely have to pay for your treatments out of pocket initially and then file an insurance claim yourself to be reimbursed by your insurer.

Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad?

ACA-compliant health plans are not required to cover you while you’re traveling abroad, so you may need to purchase additional travel medical insurance.

Does Medicare cover international travel?

Medicare covers international travel in extremely limited circumstances such as when you are on a cruise ship less than six hours away from an American port. However, you may be able to get broader travel health coverage through a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. [2]

Do I need travel insurance if I have health insurance?

Many American health insurance plans don’t cover out-of-network care and don’t include foreign hospitals in their networks, so you may need separate travel health insurance to receive coverage for international care.

  • United States Department of State. “ Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage .” Accessed Nov. 8, 2023.
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “ Medicare Coverage Outside the United States ,” Pages 1-4. Accessed Nov. 8, 2023.
  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. “ NC Medicaid: Out of State Services ,” Page 1. Accessed Nov. 9, 2023.
  • Travelers Insurance. “ How Does Travel Medical Insurance Work? ” Accessed Nov. 9, 2023.
  • International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers. “ Travel Health Insurance 101 .” Accessed Nov. 9, 2023.
  • Cigna Global. “ International Health Insurance & Global Medical Cover .” Accessed Nov. 9, 2023.
  • GeoBlue. “ International Travel Health Insurance Coverage .” Accessed Nov. 9, 2023.

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Level-Funded Health Plans: A Steppingstone to Self-Funding

Small employers that find self-insurance daunting can try a midway approach

A doctor's stethoscope sits on top of a stack of bills.

Life isn't always simple for smaller employers with fully insured health benefits plans. It's easy to get frustrated with high plan costs, especially for an organization with a healthy workforce that's not overusing health care or submitting unreasonably high health claims for the insurer to pay.

Yet, many smaller employers are concerned about taking the step from the financial safety of a fully insured plan to the financial uncertainty of self-funding. After all, a self-funded health plan requires employers to pay claims as they come in, even if that means facing $2,000 in claims one month and $15,000 the next. Stop-loss insurance only caps total annual losses for self-funded employers. It doesn't help when many claims must be paid all at once.

Given the potential costs, risks and negative impact on cash flow, moving from a fully insured health plan to self-funding can seem daunting for many smaller employers. The good news is that there is a hybrid solution called level-funded health plans for employers that want to move away from fully insured health care but are not yet ready to completely self-insure.

"Level-funding provides a viable bridge option" for employers interested in moving toward self-funding but maintains some of the predictability of a fully insured plan, said Joe Meyer, senior vice president of sales and marketing at third-party administrator Maestro Health. Employers that are more risk-averse can "dip their toes into the self-funding world while maintaining some elements of the fully insured world, such as monthly billing."

How Level-Funded Plans Work

With a level-funded plan, an employer pays a health carrier the same monthly amount to cover the estimated cost for expected claims, the premium for stop-loss insurance that covers health care costs over a set dollar amount, and plan administration costs. If total claims costs are higher or lower than expected, the carrier makes adjustments at the end of the plan year in the form of a refund to the employer for lower claims or a premium increase on the stop-loss insurance renewal for higher claims.

Stop-loss coverage is an essential part of this arrangement because it limits an employer's financial responsibility for claims over a certain amount, either on a per-employee basis or for the entire covered population.

The Kaiser Family Foundation's 2020 Employer Health Benefits Survey, with responses from 1,765 employers, found that 16 percent of small firms with 3 to 199 employees use level-funded health plans . There were slight differences between the smallest firms with 3 to 49 employees (14 percent with level-funded plans) and those with 50 to 199 employees (17 percent).

A Health Care Refund?

What really makes employers take notice when discussing level-funded plans is the potential for a refund on their health care spending if the plan's actual claims are lower than expected. "The promise of a potential refund is the main reason employers like level funding," said Mark Mixer, CEO of Health One Alliance and Alliant Health Plans in Dalton, Ga. "Any incremental savings can up the ante as to what benefits the employer is able to provide to its employees."

To maximize any potential refund, employers need to lay the groundwork in the plan contract. Depending on the contract language, the administrator can retain one-quarter or more of any excess funds. In some cases, the contract may require that unused claims amounts be rolled over for use in future plan years.

"Some carriers who offer level-funded plans will keep a percentage of any reserve leftover," said Donovan Pyle, CEO of Health Compass Consulting in Orlando, Fla. "Stay away from those products." He also suggested that employers make sure the contract does not require the employer to renew its contract with the carrier to receive an available refund.

Consider Workforce Demographics

Employers experiencing a bad year for employee health claims could see the opposite effect on costs if stop-loss insurance premiums increase significantly. This is where the relative age and health of the workforce can make a significant difference.

For example, in a recent SHRM Connect discussion on level-funded plans (accessible only by Society for Human Resource Management members), one employer tried level funding for a year but was forced to return to a fully insured plan when higher-than-expected claims made its stop-loss insurance renewal prohibitively expensive. Another employer delayed pursuing level-funding as a result of a few clusters of high claims. When that claims experience improved over time, the employer shifted to level funding with strong enough results to receive a refund in its first year.

Effective risk management can help increase the chance that an employer will receive a refund from its carrier. The good news is that employers with level-funded plans can take advantage of the more comprehensive claims reporting these plans provide. This "opens up an array of opportunities for benefits consultants and employers to manage risk more effectively," Pyle said. Claims information that is more comprehensive can provide greater opportunities to consider the full costs and benefits of implementing pharmacy benefit management or case management programs for specific claims, for example.

Buyer Beware

When setting up a level-funded plan, it makes sense for employers to discuss the move with their current carrier. But it is important to keep all options open. "You want to go with the best available carrier for level-funded plans, and that may not be your current carrier," noted Alan Silver, senior director with consultancy Willis Towers Watson in Philadelphia.

While some larger carriers offer prepackaged options that may not be open to negotiation or customization, employers should still look for opportunities to maximize the potential of these plans.

Pyle urged employers to avoid "minimum premium" language in stop-loss insurance contracts. This could require employers to pay the insurer a minimum monthly premium to cover incurred claims even if the employer lays off employees during the year, thereby reducing the number of covered employees and dependents.

Stop-loss contracts should also have a 12/18 clause that pays claims over an 18-month period as long as the claims were incurred during the 12-month contract term.

Above all, Silver urged HR and benefits professionals to involve the company CFO throughout the process of identifying and choosing a carrier for a level-funded plan. "This is a financial transaction that could impact cash flow and other aspects of a company's finances," he said.

Joanne Sammer is a New Jersey-based business and financial writer.  

Related SHRM Article

Self-Insurance Is Just the Start, Say Health Plan Innovators , SHRM Online , May 2018

Self-Insured Employers Look Beyond the ACA , SHRM Online , February 2017

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Six Travel Mistakes to Avoid

No travel medical insurance? Unnecessary luggage and hotel fees? Here are the biggest travel mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.

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A child sits on his suitcase at the airport looking up at the departures board.

Even the most seasoned tourists can make travel mistakes when planning a vacation. Some blunders can be minor infractions, but others can cost travelers a lot of money and heartache. 

But there are steps you can take to avoid travel mistakes. Here are six slip ups that travelers may make this year, plus tips on how to avoid them.

1. Overlooking travel medical insurance

Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and founder of the nonprofit Elliott Advocacy , says many people don’t consider purchasing travel medical insurance . “People often think nothing bad will happen before or on their vacation, but then they get injured overseas and need to go to the hospital, and the next thing they’re looking at is a $10,000 hospital bill.” Indeed, nearly one in four Americans report they’ve experienced a medical issue while traveling abroad, according to a 2023 survey sponsored by GeoBlue, an international health insurance company. 

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Unfortunately, most U.S. healthcare plans — including employer group plans, Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans — offer limited or no medical coverage outside the U.S. 

How to avoid: One solution is to purchase a travel medical insurance policy, a type of insurance that provides coverage for a range of medical emergencies while traveling abroad, from minor injuries to major events like heart attacks and strokes, to medical evacuation and emergency transport in the case of severe emergencies. 

The average travel medical insurance plan costs $89, according to Squaremouth , a travel insurance comparison website. Squaremouth advises international travelers to obtain a policy that provides a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

Note: Some travel insurance policies include emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage up to certain limits.

2. Getting hit with unnecessary luggage fees

You may have heard that a number of airlines — including American Airlines , Delta , and JetBlue Airways — recently raised their prices for checked bags. But one thing a lot of travelers aren’t aware of, Elliott says, is that some are now charging customers more if they check a bag at the airport versus paying to check a bag in advance. For instance, JetBlue customers flying within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada can save up to $20 on their first two checked bags ($10 savings per bag) when they add them to their flight reservation at least 24 hours before departure.

How to avoid: Make sure to pay ahead of time for any bags that you plan to check.

3. Incurring hidden hotel fees

Wi-Fi fees, early check-in fees, gym fees—hotels today charge guests no shortage of extra fees and surcharges . It’s a widespread problem: In an April 2023 survey by Consumer Reports , nearly four out of 10 (37%) U.S. adults said they had experienced a hidden or unexpected hotel fee in the previous two years.

How to avoid: Many hotels offer to reduce or, in some cases, waive certain fees to guests who join their loyalty program, which is free in most cases. Also, sometimes simply asking an employee at check-in to waive certain fees could do the trick.

4. Not utilizing a key search feature on Airbnb

Like hotels, Airbnb rental property owners often tack on extra fees, such as cleaning fees, fees for additional guests beyond a certain number, and service fees. These additional costs can add hundreds of dollars to your bill.

How to avoid: Elliott praised Airbnb for introducing a feature in December 2022 that allows guests to view a stay’s total costs, before taxes, when searching for rental properties. But he says there’s a caveat: “If you’re in the U.S., you need to change a setting in order to see the full rate when you search for rentals.”

To enable the feature, click the slider on the upper right of the search page that says, “Display total before taxes.”

5. Paying full price for a rental car

First, the good news: “The rental vehicle shortage has improved,” Elliott says. That’s resulted in a stabilization of rates, with rental car prices recently averaging $42 a day, up only 3% from last year, according to a report from the travel search company Hopper. The bad news? Renting a car is still more expensive than it was before the pandemic, especially for travelers who pay full freight.

How to avoid: There are several ways you can avoid paying full price. Big-box stores such as Costco , BJ’s and Sam’s Club provide their members discounts on certain rental cars. AARP and AAA also offer their members discounted rates. ( AARP members save up to 30% on base rates at Avis and Budget Rent A Car; AAA members save up to 20% on Hertz rentals). In addition, a number of credit card companies offer certain cardholders rental car discounts when they book a vehicle from specific rental car companies.

You may also be able to nab a lower rate by prepaying when you book a reservation. And, some rental car companies offer limited-mileage plans at a lower cost, which could be a good option if you’re planning to take just a short trip.

Tip: See if your credit card offers rental car insurance before you pay for insurance from a rental car company.

6. Encountering sky-high hotel rates because of Taylor Swift’s European tour

When Taylor Swift performs a concert, sometimes tens of thousands of out-of-town fans descend on the city, causing hotel prices to spike. Consider: the median rate for a standard hotel room during an Eras Tour date in Europe this year is projected to jump by 44%, with average hotel room prices in Warsaw surging a staggering 154% during her tour date there, according to a recent study by Lighthouse , a travel and hospitality research company.

How to avoid: The simplest approach for Europe-bound travelers in 2024, Elliott says, is to avoid traveling to a destination during a Taylor Swift tour date in that city. “When Taylor Swift comes to town all of the hotels sell out, and it becomes very difficult to find a reasonably priced hotel,” he says.

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Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Va. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, and Money magazine, among others.  

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Introduction to Nationwide Travel Insurance

  • Coverage Options
  • How to Purchase and Manage Your Policy

Nationwide Customer Reviews and Claims Experience

Compare nationwide travel insurance.

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Nationwide Travel Insurance Review 2024

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Nationwide has been around close to 100 years after being founded in 1926. The Ohio-based company has many different products in the insurance and finance space, including coverage for trips. Nationwide Travel Insurance policies are available for single or multiple trips and can cover cruise trips too.

Nationwide Nationwide Travel Insurance

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

  • Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide is one of the leading names in insurance across various areas of coverage including life, auto, and travel insurance. Nationwide's coverage is also as comprehensive as it is varied. It tops our list of the best travel insurance companies and best cruise travel insurance , also ranking among the best cheap travel insurance companies for the value it provides.

With single trip, multi trip, and cruise-specific policies along with an abundance of riders, there's a good chance Nationwide will have the coverage you're looking for.

That said, Nationwide lacks some of the niche coverage that other companies can provide. For example, Nationwide doesn't insure trips over 31-days long. Its annual travel insurance only applies to trips 30 days or under. Additionally, Nationwide lacks specific adventure sports coverage.

Ultimately, Nationwide is the company to beat. If you're shopping for something a little more specific, use Nationwide's quotes as your baseline as you search for something more tailored to your trip. 

Coverage Options from Nationwide

Nationwide offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

The travel insurance policies offered by Nationwide are available to consumers and are divided up by the type of trip: single trip, multiple trips, or cruise coverage.

Single-trip travel insurance policies

Nationwide offers two single-trip travel insurance policies: the Essential plan and the Prime plan.

As the name suggests, Nationwide Essential travel insurance covers the basics. It offers some protection should anything happen ahead of your trip or while you're on your trip.

The Prime plan takes your coverage to the next level, with higher coverage limits and the option to add on the coveted cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage at an extra cost.

Both plans include trip cancellation or interruption coverage in the event of terrorism in your destination city, travel assistance from Nationwide at no additional charge, and refunds with a 10-day review period (except in Washington and New York). Note that for baggage and personal effects coverage, there is a $500 combined maximum limit for valuable items (see your policy's terms and conditions for details on what's considered valuable). It also covers damaged or lost sports equipment.

Here's how the two plans stack up in terms of coverage limits. For trip delay coverage, you'll be eligible for reimbursement for delays of six hours or more.

Annual and multi-trip travel insurance policies

If you're looking for travel insurance coverage for more than one trip and want to cover your partner and children, the Travel Pro Plan may be an affordable option. It's important to note that this policy only covers events after departure, not pre-departure events. This policy could be as low as $59 as of the time of writing.

The Travel Plus Plan is another multi-trip policy from Nationwide that has flexible term limits for trip interruption and cancellation coverage, up to $10,000. This covers the gaps from the Travel Pro Plan, which only covers post-departure events. So if you needed to cancel the trip due to a covered illness or other reason, this is the plan for you.

If you want to increase the level of benefits for your after departure coverage, the Travel Pro Deluxe Plan does just that. It builds on the Travel Pro Plan, hence the name, and includes higher coverage limits for just $20 more.

All plans include the same travel assistance from Nationwide that's included with the single-trip policies. Here's how the multiple-trip plans compare:

Cruise coverage

Nationwide offers three cruise travel insurance plans.

If you're going on a short cruise or going for the first time, the Universal Cruise Plan may be a good starting point if you want added protection and to recoup nonrefundable costs. Just make sure that you qualify based on your state, as cruise coverage isn't available in all states.

If you're going on a longer cruise and want added coverage to protect your trip, the Choice Cruise plan is an option to consider. And if you're looking for the most benefits and go on many cruises, the Luxury Cruise plan offers the most coverage options.

All three policies can be refunded with a 10-day review period, except in Washington and New York.

Here's a comparison of the coverage you'll get with Nationwide's three different cruise travel insurance policies:

Additional coverage options from Nationwide

Nationwide has a number of additional coverage options that can add more protection to your policy but also add to the cost as well. These include:

  • Financial default coverage , in the event your travel supplier ends up in default or bankruptcy. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
  • Pre-existing condition waiver, which may offer coverage for pre-existing illnesses or diseases if certain conditions are met. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
  • Accidental death and dismemberment, which can have limits of $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 depending on the plan. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
  • Accidental death for flights only, which can have limits of $100,000, $250,000, or $500,000. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
  • Rental car collision or loss coverage, in the event something happens to your rental car, you can add on this coverage for up to $25,000 or $35,000 depending on the plan.This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies (except in Texas or New York).
  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR) , which must be added to a policy and is available through the single-trip Prime Plan, the Choice Cruise Plan, and the Luxury Cruise Plan.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for Nationwide Insurance plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate Nationwide coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

  • Essential: $89.55
  • Prime: $129.19

Premiums for Nationwide Insurance plans are between 3% and 4.3% of the trip's cost, well within the average cost of travel insurance.

Nationwide insurance provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

  • Essential: $113.01
  • Prime: $160.47

Once again, premiums for Nationwide plans are between 2.8% and 4% of the trip's cost, within and below the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

  • Essential: $571.62
  • Prime: $801.94

Nationwide plans cost between 2.8% and 4% of the trip's cost, below and within the average cost of travel insurance. 

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

  • Essential: $248.56
  • Prime: $352.44

Premiums for Nationwide plans are between 4.1% and 5.9%, which is well the average cost for travel insurance. While its certainly more expensive than coverage for younger travelers, it's on the lower end of what travel insurance companies tend to quote for older travelers. 

Nationwide Annual Travel Insurance Cost

Quotes from Nationwide's annual travel insurance plans don't actually change based on age or state. You'll get a base quote of $69, which will vary based on how much trip cancellation coverage you'd like to purchase. Prices range from $155 to $729

You can also select a Pro Delux upgrade, which will cost an additional $20.

How to Purchase and Manage Your Nationwide Policy

To purchase a Nationwide travel insurance policy, you first need to obtain a quote from Nationwide's website. You should be prepared to provide the following:

  • Destination
  • Departure date
  • Return date
  • State of Residence
  • Total trip cost
  • Initial trip payment date

When you select a plan, be sure to also take a moment and scroll through the optional add-ons, such as rental car coverage. 

How to File a Claim with Nationwide

If you purchased travel insurance through Nationwide and need to file a claim, you can contact a Nationwide representative. You have seven days from the start of the issue that caused loss to notify Nationwide of your claim.

Claims through Nationwide are handled by Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC. You can use its claims portal or call a representative, based on your type of policy.

Single trip policy phone number: 888-490-7606

Annual plan policy phone number: 866-281-1017

Cruise policy phone number : 866-281-0334

Rather reach out via email? You can contact Nationwide via [email protected] .

If you need to send documents via mail, the mailing address is:

Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC

On Behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance

Company and Affiliated Companies

P.O. Box 26222 Tampa, FL 33623

Nationwide refrains from promising a specific response time frame. However, customers have reported waiting several weeks before hearing any updates.

Since Nationwide offers such a wide breadth of insurance types, it's difficult to separate its travel-specific customer reviews from reviews on its other products. It received an average of 1.16 stars out of five across over 340 reviews on its BBB page, though most customers are writing about experiences with Nationwide's auto and health insurance.

On SquareMouth, a travel insurance-specific aggregator, Nationwide has an average of 4.01 stars across 570 reviews. Reviewers reported unresponsive a claims team and long wait times. Additionally, while insurance companies often engage directly with customer reviews on SquareMouth, Nationwide doesn't respond to customer reviews.

Learn more about how Nationwide Travel Insurance compares against the competition. 

Nationwide Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Much like Nationwide, Allianz Travel Insurance insurance offers many different types of insurance coverage. While the company may be most well known for auto insurance, it offers travel insurance as well and has eight options. Allianz Travel Insurance, a major player in the travel insurance space, has 10 options listed.

Allianz Travel Insurance may offer higher coverage limits for the policies offered and have a streamlined process for filing a claim online. Where Nationwide wins out is the fact that you can add cancel for any reason (CFAR) for an added cost, whereas CFAR coverage isn't available when purchasing an online policy via Allianz Travel Insurance.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Nationwide Travel Insurance vs. John Hancock Travel Insurance

John Hancock Travel Insurance  is similar to Nationwide in that it provides a wide range of insurance offerings and financial services. One of those offerings is travel insurance. John Hancock travel insurance offers travel insurance through Bronze, Silver, and Gold policies.

When comparing policies, the budget option may be slightly more affordable with Nationwide. However, mid-tier and higher coverage options may be more affordable with John Hancock travel insurance. It depends on your policy, trip details, and age. One good thing is that you can add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage under all John Hancock travel insurance plan options.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Nationwide vs. credit card travel coverage

Rewards credit cards come chock full of benefits for cardholders, some of which they might be unaware of. One such perk can be travel interruption or cancellation coverage as well as rental car coverage. Credit cards may have sufficient coverage for quick trips. However, if you want the peace of mind of having solid medical coverage or higher limits, going the traditional travel insurance route may be a better fit.

For frequent travelers, credit card travel protection may be appealing as the coverage is constant. If you're looking for a comparable travel insurance plan with more comprehensive coverage, some companies offer annual travel insurance.

You can find our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance  here.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Nationwide's travel insurance offers very comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, and baggage loss.

Yes, Nationwide allows the purchase of travel insurance up to a day before your departure. It doesn't offer plans for trips already in progress.

Nationwide covers COVID-19 like any other illness, covering trip cancellations with proof of a positive test and covering emergency medical expenses. 

Nationwide single trip plans cover pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase the Essential plan within 10 days of your trip deposit and the Prime plan within 21 days of your trip deposit. The annual plan doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, with a 60-day look-back period. 

Nationwide is known for its reliable customer service, wide range of coverage options, and the ability to tailor policies with various add-ons, setting them apart from many competitors.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Nationwide Travel Insurance

For our review of Nationwide, we looked at the leading travel insurance providers and compared the amount of options provided, coverage limits, cost, customer service options, and flexibility.

Nationwide is a top contender for cruise-related travel insurance policies and stands out for having cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, though it's not available with every policy and comes with an extra cost. To find the best travel insurance policy for you, review various providers and compare quotes before buying a policy.

Read more about how Business Insider rates travel insurance companies here.

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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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National Nurses Week 2024: Chipotle's free burrito giveaway, more deals and discounts

Nurses should be celebrated every day, but they do have a special week: national nurses week, which runs may 6-12. restaurants like chipotle and buffalo wild wings have specials during the week..

level medical travel benefit

Chipotle is giving away 100,000 burritos for National Nurses Week. And you don't necessarily have to be a nurse to get in on the deal.

From Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10, healthcare workers can sign up for a chance to win a free burrito e-card on the Chipotle website . At the end of National Nurses Week, 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to get an email asking them to verify their employment status via ID.me. Those who successfully verify that within 48 hours will get a free burrito e-card.

Customers can get in on the action, too, by purchasing limited-edition Chipotle Healthcare Heroes E-Gift Cards online; 10% of the proceeds from the gift card purchases will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation. And throughout the month of May, you can round up your online or app orders to the nearest dollar amount. 100% of those proceeds will go to the foundation.

National Nurses Week 2024: A RN reflects on the state of the profession, calls for change

When is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week is observed annually May 6 through May 12.

What is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week grew out of a congressional resolution and proclamation signed by President Reagan in 1982 deeming May 6 as a National Recognition Day for Nurses.

The American Nurses Association board of directors expanded this to a National Nurses Week in 1990. The permanent dates for the week were designated in 1993 to be officially observed starting in 1994.

The week includes National School Nurses Day on May 8 and May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, which has been celebrated as International Nurse Day since 1974.

More ways to save: Visit USA TODAY's coupons page for deals from thousands of vendors

National Nurses Week 2024 freebies, deals and discounts

Here's a roundup of freebies, deals, discounts and other specials for National Nurses Week.

  • Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza: Nurses get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
  • BurgerFi: Nurses get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings: From Monday, May 6, to May 12, nurses get 20% off their orders with valid IDs on dine-in, call-in, and walk-in orders.
  • Buzz E-Bikes and Huffy Bicycles : Both United Wheels -owned companies give nurses 20% off online purchases year-round when verifying their ID.me at checkout.
  • Create Amor: Through June 7, get 25% off orders for scrubs (use the code NURSE25) and $1 per set (top and bottom) will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation. The scrubs brand will also donate 100% of proceeds from each Iris Five Pocket Top sold directly to the foundation.
  • Dunkin': Nurses can get a free medium hot or iced coffee, no purchase necessary, on Monday, May 6. (The deal excludes Frozen Coffee, Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew. Espresso shots, flavors, dairy alternatives & cold foam may be an additional charge.)
  • Firehouse Subs: The sandwich chain has a week of specials available starting Monday through its Firehouse Rewards loyalty program and app including (on Wednesday) BOGO Hook & Ladder Subs and (on Friday) two medium sandwiches for $12 or two large sandwiches for $18.
  • Free Rein Coffee Company: Nurses, first responders and medical providers get 20% off all year long from "Yellowstone" star Cole Hauser's brew brand by verifying with ID.me. Also eligible for the 20% discount: military members.
  • The Good Feet Store : The retailer, with more than 250 locations, will give nurses a complimentary pair of Architek Comfort Slip-Ons and three pairs of OS1st Comfort socks with the purchase of at least a Good Feet Store 3-Step Arch Support System. (Note: if Architeks are not available, a pair of Brooks running shoes will be provided. Valid nurse's ID is required.)
  • The Greene Turtle: All nurses and healthcare workers with a valid ID get a free meal (value of up to $15) on Monday, May 6.
  • Happy Joe’ s Pi zza & Ice Cream: Nurses get a 10% discount at participating locations from Monday to Friday, May 6-10.
  • honeygrow: Nominate a nursing team for $250 worth of catering from the fast-casual chain with 33 locations in the eastern U.S. Submit your nomination on the honeygrow website before Wednesday, May 8. Five winning teams will be announced on May 10 via honeygrow's social media platforms.
  • HTeaO: The iced tea chain will give healthcare personnel 50% off cups of tea from Monday, May 13, to Sunday, May 26, with a valid hospital, doctors office, and school nurse ID.
  • Insomnia C ookies: The Philadelphia-based late-night bakery chain with more than 240 locations is giving nurses a free Classic cookie in-store, no purchase necessary, all week beginning Monday, May 6. (Just show a valid ID; availability varies by location.)
  • KIND Snacks: Nurses get 15% off their purchases on the website all year long. Customers just verify with ID.me at checkout.
  • Landing: The flexible rental firm, with sites especially practical for travel nurses, is giving away prizes including three months' rent. Nurses can enter to win by submitting a 60-second video and others can nominate a nurse, too.
  • Logan's Roadhouse: Nurses get 20% off their entrée this week. Just show your badge.
  • McAlister’s Deli: Nurses can get free tea – either one big Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, ½ Sweet & ½ Unsweet Tea, or ½ Lemonade & ½ Sweet/Unsweet Tea (flavor shots excluded) – at McAlister's Deli from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, with their badge or ID. Offer valid in-store only; no purchase necessary.
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill: Cater a Moe's Southwest Grill meal for nurses from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, and when you spend $300 or more, get a $50 E-gift card (use code THANKYOU24). Good at participating locations; not valid with other offers or third-party delivery. Doesn't include tax, tip and fees.
  • Pancheros: Nurses can buy one entrée and get one free on Wednesday, May 8, at participating restaurants. (Offer good in-restaurant; just present a valid hospital badge at checkout.)
  • The Parking Spot: The parking company is giving healthcare workers 25% off parking during their trips; just signup with an associated healthcare email account .
  • Peter Piper Pizza : Nurses can get a free personal pizza every day Monday through Friday (May 6-10). Redemption is limited to once per day; valid nurse ID/credentials must be shown.
  • Postino: The restaurant chain, with more than 25 locations in five states , will give nurses its $25 Board and Bottle (bruschetta board, plus a bottle of wine) all day every day during the month of May with badge/ID. (The special is usually only available Monday and Tuesday 8 p.m. to closing.)
  • Potbelly Sandwich Works: Nurses get a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entrée by showing their ID Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12. Also, all customers can get free delivery on a catering order over $150.
  • Salata Salad Kitchen: On Monday, May 6, Healthcare workers get 20% off their order when they present their badge at checkout. Also from Monday to Friday, get 20% off catering orders of $200 or more, and get free delivery on orders through DoorDash.
  • Shipley Do-Nuts: Nurses who belong the chain's Do-Happy loyalty program can get a free half-dozen box of glazed do-nuts with any purchase on Monday, May 6.
  • Skechers: Nurses get a 10% discount on all styles during the month of May on the Skechers website (valid ID or form of employment required). Online shoppers can also round up the purchase price of May purchases to the nearest dollar with proceeds going to the American Nurses Foundation; donate $5 or more and get $10 off your next $100 purchase in June.
  • Smoothie King: Get $2 off your on Monday and Tuesday via Smoothie King’s Healthy Rewards App (use code THANKS2024). The promo code may be used multiple times. Also, Friday, May 3, to Friday, May 10, when you buy $25 or more in gift cards online, get a bonus of 2,000 Healthy Reward points.
  • Sockwell: Nurses get a free pair of socks when they buy three pairs at full price May 6-12 on the Sockwell website (excludes closeouts and 3-packs).
  • Yogurtland: Through May 14, the frozen yogurt chain is offering free delivery on orders of more than $15 made through the website or mobile app (use the code FREEDELIVERY).
  • Zaxby's : Nurses can buy one Boneless Wings Meal and get a second one free on May 7 at participating locations (redeemable through the Zaxby's app or website for Zax Rewardz members, while supplies last).
  • Zips Car Wash:  Nurses can get a $5 "Pro" Wash at any Zips Car Wash or Rocket Express location across the country through May 19 with wash code 3687.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:  @mikesnider  & mikegsnider .

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TIME Stamped: Personal Finance Made Easy

Personal Finance

Ethos life insurance review 2024.

Ethos life insurance revie

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

According to an April 2023 insurance-industry survey , interest in life insurance is at an all-time high, with 39% of Americans saying they intend to buy coverage in the coming year. And there are some excellent reasons to have a policy. New parents can use life insurance as a financial safety net for their families. Seniors may seek coverage to cover end-of-life expenses or create an inheritance for children or grandchildren.

Whatever your reason for buying life insurance, you may have encountered Ethos Life Insurance . In this Ethos review, we’ll take a closer look at what this online insurance provider offers.

Ethos Life Insurance

Ethos Life Insurance

Time’s take.

Ethos Life Insurance was born from its founders’ desire to make life insurance easier for regular people to understand and buy. It features a well-designed online platform, multiple options for policy types and coverage amounts, and no-medical-exam coverage. Ethos Life Insurance policies will meet most peoples’ needs. But if you’re looking for term life coverage beyond Ethos’ $2 million maximum, you’ll likely need to look elsewhere.

Who is Ethos for?

Ethos Life Insurance is designed for those who want a convenient application process, and the speed and non-invasiveness of no-medical-exam coverage.

Its term life insurance policies, with coverage amounts up to $2 million and terms ranging from 10 to 30 years, are ideal

for young families. Its whole life product, with coverage amounts up to $30,000, is targeted to seniors aged 66 to 85. Available estate-planning tools are free for customers to use, adding value to an Ethos Life Insurance policy.

Ethos Life Insurance appears to be sold primarily online, so buyers should be comfortable with handling their own insurance purchases.

Ethos overview

Ethos Life Insurance is essentially a digital insurance agency that sells term and whole life from multiple insurance carriers. It’s considered an “insuretech”: a company using cutting-edge technology to operate more efficiently and improve the customer experience. The company explains on its website that “Ethos has streamlined the application process with predictive modeling and proprietary technology to make it easier for customers, and we leave the actual insuring to the established insurance companies that have paid out billions of dollars in claims.”

What sets Ethos Life Insurance apart is its ease of use. It promises coverage in just five minutes through its online application process. Ethos also offers broad eligibility. Coverage is available for people aged 20 to 85, with policies as high as $2 million.

The company offers phone support at 415-915-0665 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CST and by email at [email protected]. Ethos has 4.7 out of a possible 5.0 stars on Trustpilot .

Ethos history

Ethos Life Insurance was established in 2016 and is based in Austin, Texas.

The company’s backers have ranged from well-known investors such as SoftBank and Goldman Sachs to celebrities such as Will Smith, and Robert Downey, Jr. Its current carrier partners include Legal and General America (AM Best A+ rating), TruStage (AM Best A rating), Ameritas (AM Best A rating), and Mutual of Omaha (AM Best A+ rating).

The company also sells through “thousands of independent insurance agents.” However, the website does not offer an agent finder, and we could not locate any Ethos Life Insurance agents with a web search.

Ethos policy details

Ethos Life Insurance sells two types of life insurance: term life and whole life. Both offer online applications and no medical exam. The company claims that it can approve your application within minutes.

Ethos term life insurance

Ethos Life Insurance \\\[term life insurance](https://time.com/personal-finance/article/term-vs-whole-life-insurance/) is offered in terms of 10, 15, 20, and 30 years, and coverage amounts start at $20,000. Those up to age 50 can apply for up to $2 million in coverage, while those over 50 can apply for up to $500,000.

Applicants can choose a simplified issue policy, in which the company makes its underwriting decisions based on information gathered from the application and third-party data. The company also offers a fully underwritten term life policy for those who are in good health and want a higher death benefit. This implies that the simplified issue policy has a lower maximum death benefit, but the company does not clarify that maximum. Ethos Life Insurance does note that a fully underwritten policy tends to have a lower premium than a simplified issue policy.

Ethos whole life insurance

Ethos Life Insurance offers \\\[whole life insurance](https://time.com/personal-finance/article/what-is-whole-life-insurance/) ranging from $1,000 to $30,000. The company claims guaranteed approval for those aged 66 to 85, regardless of health history. As a form of \\\[permanent life insurance](https://time.com/personal-finance/article/term-vs-permanent-life-insurance/), an Ethos whole life policy remains in effect until the policyholder’s death, provided they make their premium payments on time.

Ethos estate-planning tools

Ethos Life Insurance also offers online wills and estate-planning tools. These are free with the purchase of a life insurance policy, but are also for sale to non-policyholders.

Ethos pros and cons

  • Term and whole life options
  • Term life coverage up to $2 million
  • No-medical-exam policies available
  • Free estate planning tools for policyholders
  • Younger people interested in whole life will probably not have needs met by Ethos
  • $2 million coverage maximum may not be high enough for some families

Ethos Life Insurance publishes the following \\\[average monthly life insurance rates](https://www.ethoslife.com/life/life-insurance-rates-by-age/) on its website for a 10-year, $1 million term-life policy.

The company notes that rates may vary by carrier, underwriting class, date of policy issuance, and other factors.

How does Ethos compare to other brands?

Ethos Life Insurance seems to sit in an insurance niche with companies such as Fabric by Gerber Life . These companies also sell policies underwritten by established insurers and directly to consumers online.

Here’s how those three companies compare:

(1) Rating for underwriting company, Mutual of Omaha (2)Rating for underwriting company, Western and Southern Life

Policy types

Ethos Life Insurance offers both term and whole life insurance. While its whole life policy is targeted to seniors, it’s more than what is offered by Fabric and Haven, who only sell term life.

Coverage levels

The maximum coverage amount for an Ethos Life Insurance term life policy is $2 million, which will be enough to satisfy the needs of many policyholders. However, Fabric and Haven Life offer policies with higher limits.

Financial strength

Ethos Life Insurance ’ underwriting companies carry AM Best ratings of A and A+. Other companies in this review have ratings of A+ and above. The ratings indicate a company’s relative financial strength and ability to pay claims.

Customer satisfaction

Ethos Life Insurance has 4.7 stars on Trustpilot’s 5.0-point scale. It’s a favorable rating and comparable to that of its competitors.

Ethos Life Insurance notes that it offers riders on some of its policies, but does not specify which policies or what those riders entail. Fabric and Haven Life both offer an accelerated death benefit rider.

Methodology

We evaluate life insurance providers based on types of coverage and available coverage amounts, how to buy, financial strength, and customer satisfaction. Our objective is to provide a high-level overview of Ethos Life Insurance to help readers make a more informed insurance buying decision.

The Ethos Life Insurance website was our primary source for information about the company, including coverage details and pricing. AM Best ratings were retrieved directly from the AM Best website. Competitor information came from those companies’ websites. We referenced Trustpilot to evaluate companies’ customer satisfaction.

Bottom line

Ethos Life Insurance may meet your needs for life insurance. However, those looking for term life coverage more than $2 million, or permanent life insurance over $30,000 will need to look elsewhere. What sets Ethos apart is its ease of use. Ethos was founded by entrepreneurs looking to make it easier to understand and buy. It delivers with a state-of-the-art web interface and a fast online application process.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs

How do i buy life insurance from ethos.

To buy life insurance from Ethos Life Insurance , visit the company’s website . You can apply online, and you may get approved within minutes.

How do I file a claim with Ethos?

Ethos Life Insurance does not appear to offer detailed claim information on its website. It does note that beneficiaries can file a claim with their insurance carrier ( Ethos Life Insurance offers policies from multiple carriers) after a policyholder’s death.

Who owns Ethos Life insurance?

Ethos Life Insurance was founded in 2016 by Peter Colis and Lingke Wang. The two have continued to serve as the company’s CEO and president, respectively. Ethos’s financial backers have included Sequoia, Accel, Goldman Sachs, and celebrities such as Will Smith and Robert Downey, Jr.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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  8. What are Level benefits?

    Level delivers customized, intentional benefits designed to bring your values to life. Some of our most popular benefits include: Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) that delight your team and set them up for success, like Wellness, Food, and Office. Tax-advantaged plans that break down barriers and increase access to care, like Mental Health ...

  9. Why Travel Medical Insurance Is Essential

    Travel medical insurance is designed to help in these cases. ... you may find that a country experiencing a high-level of Covid transmission may require travelers to carry insurance that covers ...

  10. Best Travel Medical Insurance Of 2024

    The Best Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors to the U.S. Atlas America - Best Overall. Patriot America Lite - Best for Cost. Patriot America Plus - Great for Trip Interruption Insurance ...

  11. Buying the Best Travel Medical Insurance for You [2024]

    2. GeoBlue Single Trip Traveler Medical Insurance. GeoBlue offers both the "Voyager Choice" and "Voyager Essential" single trip plans. Both plans allow you to choose your level of medical coverage (from $50,000 up to $1 million) and offer $500,000 in emergency medical transportation and repatriation coverage.

  12. Medical Travel Benefits for Employees and What Employers Need ...

    Medical travel benefits could cover the following expenses for individuals who would need to travel to receive medical services*: Ground transportation, such as bus, taxi, or train. Airfare. Lodging ($50/night for individual, or up to $100/night if traveling with a companion) When using a personal vehicle for travel, the total of any associated ...

  13. The Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Medical Travel Insurance

    The long answer: Emergency medical and dental benefits can reimburse you for eligible costs of medical care if, while traveling, you experience a sudden, unexpected illness, injury, or medical condition that could cause serious harm if not treated. Emergency transportation benefits can pay for pre-approved, medically necessary transportation to ...

  14. Travel Reimbursement for Specialty Care

    Call your servicing Prime Travel Benefit office before booking airfare or traveling more than 400 miles one-way. You must confirm the maximum amount you may be reimbursed. Your reimbursement only includes the actual costs of lodging and meals. This is not to exceed the government per diem rate for the ZIP code of your specialty care provider ...

  15. Health and travel: How might traveling benefit health?

    In contrast, people who travel away from their home location report experiencing better health. One reason might be that when a person is unable to travel, they also have fewer social interactions ...

  16. Amex Travel Benefits and Resources

    Book directly with American Express to use benefits that could help you extend your travel. Go Farther With Membership Rewards® Points. Let Membership Rewards points cover this trip, or the next. From short flights to long stays, eligible Card Members can earn extra points when you book flights, prepaid hotels, prepaid car rentals, and cruises ...

  17. Pre-Existing Medical Condition Travel Insurance Plans

    At a basic level on Travel Guard's travel insurance plan, a pre-existing medical condition is considered an injury, sickness or other condition that either first occurred or became worse within the previous 90 days of purchasing the travel insurance plan. Be sure to read the policy of insurance for the plan you are considering to make sure ...

  18. Medical Travel Insurance Benefits

    Emergency medical transportation benefits can cover medically necessary medical evacuations. This is a must if you're traveling to any remote locations—such as fishing in Alaska, or backcountry camping in a national park. Your travel insurance also can cover special medical transportation home after an emergency.

  19. Amex Platinum: Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits [2024]

    For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card.

  20. Do I Need Additional Health Coverage if I Travel Internationally?

    Travelers Insurance. "How Does Travel Medical Insurance Work?" Accessed Nov. 9, 2023. International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers. "Travel Health Insurance 101 ...

  21. Level-Funded Health Plans: A Steppingstone to Self-Funding

    The Kaiser Family Foundation's 2020 Employer Health Benefits Survey, with responses from 1,765 employers, found that 16 percent of small firms with 3 to 199 employees use level-funded health plans ...

  22. Six Travel Mistakes to Avoid

    The average travel medical insurance plan costs $89, according to Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison website. Squaremouth advises international travelers to obtain a policy that provides a ...

  23. Comprehensive Review of HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

    Single-trip option for travelers with primary health insurance: HTH Worldwide provides a short-term international medical plan for those who have other travel insurance but need travel medical ...

  24. Nationwide Travel Insurance: Comprehensive Review and Analysis

    It received an average of 1.16 stars out of five across over 340 reviews on its BBB page, though most customers are writing about experiences with Nationwide's auto and health insurance. On ...

  25. National Nurses Week 2024: Freebies, deals and discounts for nurses

    National Nurses Week 2024: Chipotle's free burrito giveaway, more deals and discounts Nurses should be celebrated every day, but they do have a special week: National Nurses Week, which runs May 6-12.

  26. 5802 Mica Blf, Cheyenne, WY 82009

    Zillow has 36 photos of this $689,900 3 beds, 2 baths, 3,436 Square Feet single family home located at 5802 Mica Blf, Cheyenne, WY 82009 built in 2023. MLS #93123.

  27. Ethos Life Insurance Review 2024

    Best Travel Insurance Companies for 2024 ... and no-medical-exam coverage. Ethos Life Insurance policies will meet most peoples' needs. But if you're looking for term life coverage beyond ...

  28. PDF E n U.S. Embassy g l i s h before

    Medical Exam Instructions All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination prior to the issuance of a visa. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with one of the doctors listed below before your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy ...

  29. Maximizing Cost Savings with Travel Savings Card for Healthcare

    A travel savings card isn't just another card in your wallet. Whether arranging for medical conferences, sending staff for training sessions, or facilitating patient transfers, the benefits of a savings card are manifold and far-reaching. In this blog, let's try to understand the card's benefits and how it differs from other cards.

  30. 303 Smith Level Rd APT F32, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

    Zillow has 17 photos of this $289,000 4 beds, 4 baths, 1,250 Square Feet condo home located at 303 Smith Level Rd APT F32, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 built in 1999. MLS #10028440.