Allianz Global Assistance offers a range of travel insurance plans for Canadian residents, providing coverage for emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related risks. These plans are designed to protect travellers exploring both within Canada and internationally. Understanding the specific coverage options, eligibility rules, and claims process is essential for Canadians considering travel insurance. This guide details the plans available, their key features, and how they operate within the Canadian context.
Types of Allianz Travel Insurance Plans
Allianz Global Assistance provides several distinct travel insurance plans tailored to different traveller needs. The primary categories are emergency medical plans, comprehensive package plans, and specialized plans for youth or non-medical coverage. The Emergency Medical Plan is available as both a single-trip and a multi-trip annual policy. This plan includes up to $10 million in emergency medical coverage, $5,000 for dental emergencies, and vehicle return cover of up to $5,000. It does not cover trip cancellation, interruption, delay, or baggage loss, which require separate policies.
The Comprehensive Package Plan bundles both medical and non-medical benefits into a single policy. It is also offered as a single-trip or a multi-trip annual plan. Benefits include the same $10 million emergency medical coverage plus trip interruption for pre-paid and transportation expenses, travel delay coverage of up to $350 per day to a maximum of $1,500, and accommodation and meals of up to $300 per day up to $1,500. The multi-trip comprehensive plan allows for unlimited trips within a year, with each trip covered for either 15 or 35 days depending on the selected policy.
Specialized plans include the Allianz Youth Plan for Canadians up to age 29 and the Allianz Non-medical Package Plan. The Youth Plan offers emergency medical coverage up to $1 million and includes non-medical benefits like trip cancellation and baggage loss. The Non-medical Package Plan provides coverage for expenses that are not medical, such as trip cancellation and interruption, baggage issues, and travel delay, and it has no age limit. There is also a standalone Trip Cancellation and Interruption Plan that focuses solely on those specific risks.
Eligibility and Medical Underwriting
Eligibility for Allianz travel insurance plans varies by product but is generally broad. Most plans are available to Canadian residents. The standard Emergency Medical Plan and the Non-medical Package Plan explicitly state they have no age limit. For travellers over the age of 65, a simple medical questionnaire is required for the Emergency Medical Plan. All plans operate with defined medical stability periods that applicants must meet to be eligible for coverage without exclusions.
The medical stability period is a key underwriting condition. For travellers under the age of 65, the required stability period is 90 days. This means any pre-existing medical condition must have been stable, with no change in treatment or medication, for the 90 days prior to the policy's effective date. For travellers aged 65 and over, the stability period is extended to 150 days. This longer period reflects a higher risk assessment for this age group. It is crucial for applicants to understand and truthfully declare their medical history in relation to these stability windows.
Certain plans have specific eligibility criteria. The Youth Plan is exclusively for young Canadians up to the age of 29. The Annual Flex Plan, which is a type of multi-trip plan, requires the traveller to pre-determine the number of travel days and the destination region for the entire year in advance. Group policies are available under the Emergency Medical Multi-trip Plan, which are not restricted solely to families. No medical questionnaire is required for the standard Emergency Medical Plan for travellers under age 65.
Coverage Limits and Key Benefits
Allianz plans feature specific financial limits for various coverage categories. The maximum emergency medical coverage is a prominent benefit, set at $10 million for the standard Emergency Medical and Comprehensive Package plans. The Youth Plan offers a lower limit of $1 million for emergency medical expenses. Dental emergency coverage is consistently offered up to $5,000 across most plans. For additional expenses incurred during a medical emergency, accommodation and meals are covered up to $300 per day, with a maximum of $1,500 total.
Non-medical benefits have their own set of limits. Travel delay coverage is typically provided up to $350 per day, also capped at a maximum of $1,500. Baggage loss coverage is often $1,000, while baggage delay coverage is $400. The vehicle return benefit, applicable if a traveller is incapacitated, covers up to $5,000. Trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits for pre-paid expenses are covered up to the sum insured, which is the total amount of coverage purchased for that trip. Trip interruption transportation expenses are often listed as unlimited under the relevant plans.
All travel plans from Allianz Global Assistance include dedicated 24-hour assistance services. This global assistance network provides expert help to travellers around the clock. The services can include medical referrals and coordinating care during a crisis. Allianz Global Assistance is a leading Canadian travel insurance and assistance provider with a global reach.
| Plan Type | Emergency Medical | Dental Emergency | Travel Delay (per day/max) | Accommodation/Meals (per day/max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical & Comprehensive | $10 million | $5,000 | $350 / $1,500 | $300 / $1,500 |
| Youth Plan | $1 million | $5,000 | $350 / $1,500 | Part of medical coverage |
| Non-medical Package | Not Included | Not Included | $350 / $1,500 | Not Included |
How to File a Claim with Allianz
Allianz Global Assistance manages the claims process through an online Claims Portal. To initiate a claim, policyholders must visit the portal and submit the required details and documentation. The portal is designed for filing claims related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay, lost or delayed baggage, and out-of-pocket medical expenses. It also allows users to track the status of an existing claim after submission. This digital system is the primary method for claims handling.
The claims process requires supporting documentation to validate the claim. For a medical claim, this would include original itemized bills from medical providers, doctor's reports, and proof of payment. For a trip cancellation claim, documentation includes proof of the reason for cancellation, such as a physician's note for illness, and original receipts for all pre-paid, non-refundable expenses. It is the policyholder's responsibility to provide complete and accurate documentation to avoid delays in processing. Claims should be filed as soon as reasonably possible after the incident occurs.
Common mistakes during the claims process include failing to report a pre-existing medical condition that was not stable during the required stability period, submitting incomplete documentation, or missing filing deadlines outlined in the policy. Prior to the launch of the new product offerings on May 1, 2023, Allianz had received many customer complaints about the claims experience. The company indicates this issue has been resolved with the updated products and processes introduced in 2023. Understanding these common pitfalls can help ensure a smoother claims experience for Canadian travellers.
Steps to Purchase Allianz Travel Insurance
Purchasing an Allianz travel insurance plan involves a series of steps beginning with obtaining a quote. Canadians can get a travel insurance quote online by providing details such as trip duration, traveller ages, destination, and the type of coverage desired. The quote system allows for comparison between the different plans, such as the Emergency Medical Plan versus the Comprehensive Package Plan. It is important to accurately enter all traveller information, especially birth dates, as this affects pricing and eligibility.
After receiving a quote, the next step is to select the specific plan and coverage options. For multi-trip annual plans, the traveller must choose the maximum trip duration per trip, such as 15 days or 35 days. For the Annual Flex Plan, the total number of travel days and the destination region for the year must be predetermined. The purchaser then proceeds to the application, where they must review and agree to the policy terms and conditions. This includes affirming the medical stability declarations for all insured travellers.
The final steps involve payment and policy issuance. Upon payment, the policy documents are generated and made available electronically. It is critical to review the policy documents immediately to ensure all details are correct, including traveller names, trip dates, and coverage limits. The policy should be purchased well before the trip departure date, as coverage for certain benefits like trip cancellation typically begins only after the policy is in force. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is contingent on meeting the stability period at the time of purchase, which underscores the importance of timely application.
Considerations for Canadian Travellers
Canadian travellers should consider several factors specific to Allianz plans and the general travel insurance landscape. The medical stability periods of 90 days for those under 65 and 150 days for those 65 and over are a fundamental requirement. A change in medication or treatment for a pre-existing condition within these periods could lead to a claim being denied for that condition. It is essential to assess personal health history against these rules before purchasing a policy. The requirement for a simple medical questionnaire for travellers over 65 applying for the Emergency Medical Plan is another key consideration.
The choice between single-trip and multi-trip plans depends on travel frequency. The multi-trip plans, whether for emergency medical or comprehensive coverage, offer an annual 365-day policy that allows for unlimited trips, with each trip limited to a set number of days like 4, 8, 15, or 35. These can be more cost-effective for frequent travellers. However, the Annual Flex Plan requires locking in travel days and region in advance, which lacks flexibility for spontaneous travel. Canadians should also note that the Emergency Medical Plan does not include any non-medical coverage, so separate policies must be purchased for trip cancellation or baggage protection if those are needed.
Understanding exclusions is vital. Common exclusions across travel insurance policies include injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, participation in high-risk activities not declared, and travel against medical advice. Allianz's plans also have specific terms. The Trip Cancellation and Interruption Plan, for example, does not include travel accident coverage, baggage loss and delay, or emergency medical coverage. Travellers must read their policy wording carefully to know what is not covered. Utilizing the 24/7 assistance service for guidance before seeking treatment or making arrangements during an emergency can help ensure compliance with policy procedures and protect your coverage.
Company Background and Service History
Allianz Global Assistance has a long history in the travel insurance sector, with roots dating back to the 1950s under a different company name. The current entity was formed in 2010 when Mondial Assistance joined the Allianz Group, creating Allianz Global Assistance. The company is part of Allianz, which is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and maintains regional offices in 78 countries globally. It is considered one of the world's largest providers of comprehensive and specialty travel insurance products and services.
The company underwent a significant product revamp and re-introduced its new offerings on May 1, 2023. This update was a response to customer feedback, as there had been many complaints about the claims experience prior to this launch. The company indicates that these issues have now been resolved with the updated 2023 products and processes. This history is relevant for Canadian consumers to understand the evolution of the service and the context behind the current plan structures and claims system.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum emergency medical coverage with Allianz?
The standard Emergency Medical Plan and Comprehensive Package Plan from Allianz offer emergency medical coverage of up to $10 million. The Youth Plan for travellers up to age 29 provides a lower limit of up to $1 million for emergency medical expenses. This coverage is a core component of their travel insurance products for Canadian residents. Allianz travel insurance helps by covering costs related to emergency medical care.
Does Allianz travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is subject to medical stability periods. For travellers under age 65, any pre-existing condition must have been stable, with no change in treatment or medication, for the 90 days prior to the policy's effective date. For those aged 65 and over, the stability period is 150 days. A simple medical questionnaire is required for applicants over 65 for the Emergency Medical Plan.
What is the difference between single-trip and multi-trip plans?
A single-trip plan covers one specific trip with defined start and end dates. A multi-trip plan is an annual 365-day policy that allows for unlimited trips within the coverage period. The multi-trip plan limits the duration of each individual trip. Options include coverage for 4, 8, 15, or 35 days per trip depending on the plan selected. The multi-trip plan can be more economical for frequent travellers.
How do I file a claim with Allianz Global Assistance?
Claims are filed through the Allianz online Claims Portal. Policyholders can submit new claims for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage issues, and medical expenses on this website. The portal also allows users to track the status of an existing claim. Supporting documentation, such as medical bills or proof of payment, must be submitted with the claim.
Is there an age limit for Allianz travel insurance?
Most Allianz plans, including the standard Emergency Medical Plan and the Non-medical Package Plan, have no age limit. The Youth Plan is specifically designed for young Canadians up to the age of 29. For travellers over age 65 purchasing the Emergency Medical Plan, a simple medical questionnaire is required as part of the application process. No medical questionnaire is required for those under age 65, provided they meet a 90-day stability period.
What does the Allianz Comprehensive Package Plan include?
The Comprehensive Package Plan includes both medical and non-medical coverage. Benefits feature emergency medical coverage up to $10 million, trip interruption coverage for pre-paid and transportation expenses, travel delay coverage of up to $350 per day to a maximum of $1,500, and accommodation and meals of up to $300 per day up to $1,500. It is available as both a single-trip and a multi-trip annual plan. The multi-trip version is an annual 365-day plan that allows unlimited trips of up to either 15 or 35 days per trip.
Sources and further reading
- Allianz Canada Travel Insurance Review travelinsurancereview.ca
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.