If you’re planning a big trip, travel insurance is hopefully on your checklist (or at least it should be).
But with so many options out there, how do you decide which one is the best fit for your adventure?
That’s where I come in!
I rolled up my sleeves, did some digging, and took a closer look at AIG Travel Insurance to see if it lives up to its reputation.
Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to unpack here.
Ready for my AIG travel insurance review?
Let’s roll.
What Is AIG Travel Insurance?
If you’ve looked into travel insurance, you’ve probably come across AIG’s Travel Guard.
They’re one of the big players in the insurance world, and their travel coverage is designed to protect you from all those "what if" moments that can throw your trip off course.
Think: flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or even lost luggage.
AIG offers plans for different types of travellers, whether you’re going on a solo adventure, a family vacation, or multiple trips in a year.
But the big question is: does their coverage live up to the hype?
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Pros and Cons of AIG Travel Insurance
In rush? No worries. Here are the pros and cons of using AIG travel insurance for your next trip.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Coverage: AIG covers a wide range of situations, from trip cancellations to medical emergencies.
- Customisable Plans: Whether you need coverage for a single trip or an annual policy, AIG lets you pick what works for you.
- Trusted Brand: With decades in the insurance industry, AIG is a name travellers feel they can rely on.
- 24/7 Assistance: Their travel assistance services are available around the clock, which is a huge bonus if you're stuck in a tricky situation abroad.
Cons:
- Price: AIG policies can be pricier than some competitors, like Seven Corners Travel Insurance, especially if you're looking for robust coverage.
- Complex Policies: Like many insurers, their fine print can be a bit of a maze.
- Claim Process Feedback: While many customers report positive experiences, some have faced delays or denials in claims.
Okay. With that wrapped up, let's dive into this AIG travel insurance review by looking at what's typically included and excluded in their cover.
What's Included in AIG Insurance Policies?
When it comes to coverage, AIG travel insurance offers a variety of features designed to protect you from the unexpected. Let’s break down what their policies typically include:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
This is one of the cornerstones of AIG’s travel insurance.
If your trip gets cancelled or cut short due to a covered reason—think illness, severe weather, or a death in the family—AIG will reimburse you for non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, and tours.
It’s peace of mind for those “what if” moments, but it’s worth noting that the list of covered reasons isn’t exhaustive.
For example, cancellations for personal reasons won’t make the cut unless you’ve added their Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option, which comes at an extra cost.
Medical and Dental Coverage
Nobody plans to get sick or injured on vacation, but it happens.
AIG covers medical expenses if you need treatment abroad, including hospital stays, surgeries, and even dental emergencies.
However, there are limits to this coverage, and pre-existing conditions aren’t included unless you purchase a waiver. This can be a sticking point for travellers with ongoing health concerns.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
This benefit could be a lifesaver—literally.
If you’re injured or seriously ill and need to be transported to a proper medical facility (or even back home), AIG’s policies typically cover the costs.
This is especially critical for travellers heading to remote or less-developed destinations where quality healthcare might be hard to find.
The fine print here?
Coverage limits apply, so it’s a good idea to check whether the cap meets your specific needs.
Baggage Loss or Delay
Whether your suitcase ends up in Bali while you’re stuck in Boston or your luggage just doesn’t arrive on time, AIG offers compensation to ease the headache.
They’ll help cover essentials like clothing and toiletries if your baggage is delayed and provide reimbursement for lost items.
That said, some reviewers note that claim payouts can be less than the actual value of their belongings, so be prepared for potential discrepancies.
Travel Assistance Services
AIG’s travel assistance is a handy 24/7 service that offers support in a range of scenarios.
Lost your passport? They’ll help you navigate the process of getting a new one.
Need a referral for legal or medical help abroad? They’ve got you covered.
While this is a nice feature, it’s worth remembering that these services are more about guidance—they don’t cover costs for things like a replacement passport or legal fees.
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Additional Features
Depending on the plan you choose, AIG offers a few add-ons that might be worth considering:
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): This upgrade allows you to cancel your trip for reasons outside the standard coverage. It’s more expensive, but the added flexibility could be handy.
- Rental Car Coverage: If you’re driving during your trip, this add-on can help cover costs if your rental car gets damaged.
- Adventure Sports Coverage: Planning on scuba diving, zip-lining, or other adrenaline-pumping activities? AIG offers optional coverage for higher-risk sports, though it’s not included in their standard plans.
Ultimately, AIG delivers solid protection for most trips.
But if you’re looking for a policy that covers more without piecing together add-ons or worrying about limits, there may be other options out there worth exploring.
Let’s look at what’s not covered by the typical AIG travel insurance policy.
What's Not Covered by AIG
Let’s be real—no travel insurance covers everything, and AIG is no exception.
While their policies cast a wide safety net, there are some notable gaps you’ll want to keep in mind:
Pre-Existing Conditions
If you’ve got a medical history (and honestly, who doesn’t?), you’ll need to tread carefully here.
AIG doesn’t automatically cover pre-existing conditions unless you purchase a waiver—and even then, the fine print is crucial.
To qualify, you often need to buy the policy shortly after booking your trip. Miss that window, and you’re out of luck.
My Pro Tip: If you have ongoing health concerns, compare policies carefully—some competitors, like SafetyWing or World Nomads, include this coverage by default.
Extreme Sports and Activities
Thinking of diving with sharks, bungee jumping off a cliff, or hiking in the Rockies?
Don’t count on AIG’s standard policy to back you up.
Coverage for high-risk adventure activities isn’t included unless you opt for a specialised add-on, and even then, not all adventures make the cut.
Always check whether your bucket-list activity is covered before you book it. Otherwise, that skydiving selfie could cost more than your entire trip.
Non-Covered Trip Cancellations
Sometimes, life happens. You change your mind, your travel buddy backs out, or you just don’t feel like going anymore.
Unfortunately, unless you’ve splurged on AIG’s Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade, these scenarios aren’t covered.
And even with CFAR, you’ll only get a partial reimbursement (typically around 50-75%).
And here’s the kicker: CFAR coverage costs extra and must be added when you first purchase the policy, so don’t wait until the last minute to decide.
Other Common Exclusions
AIG policies also typically exclude things like:
- Losses due to government restrictions or travel bans (looking at you, 2020).
- Injuries from intoxication or reckless behaviour.
- Costs tied to acts of war or terrorism (though some policies may offer limited coverage for this).
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TL;DR
AIG’s exclusions aren’t unusual, but they’re worth keeping in mind, especially if you have a more adventurous trip planned.
If you’re sticking to a relaxed beach getaway or a family-friendly city tour, these gaps might not affect you much.
But if your itinerary includes anything outside the ordinary, double-check the policy to make sure you’re fully covered. Better yet, explore alternatives, like Rise & Shield that cater to your specific needs.
Ready to continue this AIG travel insurance review? Next, let’s look at how to get and use an AIG travel policy.
Using an AIG Policy
Getting started with AIG is pretty straightforward, but let me break it down into three easy steps to make the process even simpler:
1. Get an AIG Travel Insurance Quote
First things first, head to AIG’s website to get a quote.
The process is quick—you’ll just need to plug in some basic trip details like your destination, travel dates, and who’s coming along.
You’ll also see an option to compare different plans side by side, which is super helpful if you’re not sure which level of coverage is right for you.
My Pro Tip: Double-check the exclusions and limits before finalising to avoid any surprises later.
Got questions? Their customer support team is available to help you choose the right plan.
Once you’ve selected your plan, it’s time to customise it.
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2. Customise Your AIG Travel Cover
Once you’ve picked a plan, you can tweak it to fit your needs.
AIG lets you add extras like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR), Adventure Sports Coverage, or even Rental Car Protection.
This flexibility is great if your trip isn’t your standard sightseeing-and-relaxing kind of adventure.
Don’t forget to lock in coverage for pre-existing conditions (if eligible) or other specific needs when you buy your policy. Waiting too long could leave you uncovered in critical areas.
3. Manage Your Policy
AIG makes managing your policy a breeze with their online portal and mobile app.
Need to double-check your coverage while waiting to board a flight? It’s all there.
You can even download your policy documents, access 24/7 assistance numbers, or start the claims process directly through the app.
And here’s an important note.
If you’re travelling somewhere remote, download key documents and save their helpline number before you go.
Wi-Fi isn’t guaranteed everywhere, and you don’t want to be stuck searching for info in an emergency.
So, what if something happens, and you must file a claim with AIG? I took a look and discovered this when writing my AIG travel insurance review.
Filing a Claim with AIG
Filing a claim with AIG isn’t rocket science, but it does require some effort on your part.
From what I saw, the process involves three steps. Here’s what to expect when filing a claim with AIG insurance.
1. Gather Your Documentation
Before you even start the claims process, make sure you’ve got all the necessary paperwork in order. AIG typically asks for the following:
- Receipts for any expenses you’re claiming (e.g., cancelled flights, medical bills, or replacement items).
- Medical reports if your claim involves an injury or illness.
- Proof of trip details, like your itinerary or booking confirmations.
- Any additional documentation specific to your claim, such as a police report for stolen belongings.
My Pro Tip: The more organised you are, the faster the process goes. Create a dedicated folder—physical or digital—for all your trip-related receipts and reports.
Once you’ve gathered all the relevant documentation, it’s time to submit your claim to AIG.
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2. Submit Your Claim
Once you’ve got everything together, head to AIG’s online claims portal. It’s user-friendly and allows you to upload documents directly.
Not a fan of digital submissions? You can also file your claim by phone. Just be ready to provide all the details they’ll need.
Be as thorough as possible when filling out your claim. Missing information can lead to delays, and no one wants to be stuck waiting for reimbursement longer than necessary.
3. Follow Up (and Be Patient)
After you’ve submitted your claim, the waiting game begins.
AIG aims to process claims promptly, but some reviewers mention delays—especially for more complex claims.
If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up. A quick email or call to check on the status can go a long way.
Keep copies of everything you submit. If something goes missing, you’ll have backup ready to go.
Sounds simple enough, right? But what do other travellers have to say about AIG travel insurance? Let’s check it out.
Other Online Reviews of AIG
When it comes to AIG travel insurance, opinions from fellow travellers are a bit of a mixed bag.
Over on ConsumerAffairs, AIG’s Travel Guard gets praise for its comprehensive coverage and responsive customer support.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
A fair share of reviews highlight frustrations with the claims process, including delays and denied claims that left policyholders feeling stuck.
On Trustpilot, the story is pretty bleak. As of December 2024, AIG holds a rating of 1.7 out of 5 stars based on over 83 reviews.
Complaints about the claims process are hard to ignore, with common issues like slow reimbursements and trouble communicating with customer service during crucial moments.
My takeaway?
While AIG clearly offers a solid safety net for many travellers, these reviews emphasise the importance of knowing exactly what’s covered in your policy and being prepared to follow up on claims if needed.
If you’re someone who values a seamless claims experience, it might be worth exploring alternatives that focus more on quick resolutions and transparency.
Let’s wrap up my AIG travel insurance review.
My Final Verdict
So, is AIG Travel Insurance worth it? Here’s my take:
If you’re looking for a trusted provider with robust coverage options, AIG is a strong contender.
They’re a bit pricier, but that’s often the trade-off for comprehensive protection and a well-known brand.
However, if you’re a budget traveller or need coverage for niche adventure activities, you might want to compare other options, like Rise & Shield.Ready for unlimited adventure? Get travel insurance that covers over 150 activities and 190 destinations.
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it: This concludes my AIG travel insurance review. AIG travel insurance seems fine with its flexibility and coverage options.
But, as we know, travel is full of unexpected twists and turns, and having the right insurance can save you a ton of stress (and money). That’s why I’d rather stick with an AIG alternative like Rise & Shield.