On this page14 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- AIG Travel Guard vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- Travel Guard legitimacy and licensing
- Travel Guard plans: Essential, Preferred and Deluxe
- Travel Guard cost
- Cancel for Any Reason and pre-existing conditions
- Claims and complaints
- Canceling a Travel Guard policy and getting a refund
- Who should look elsewhere
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
Travel Guard suits travelers who want a big-name insurer with three clear plan tiers, up to $150,000 of medical and $1,000,000 of evacuation coverage on Deluxe, and a pre-existing condition waiver if you buy within 15 days of your first trip payment. It is legitimate travel insurance, but "AIG Travel Guard" is an old name: AIG sold the business to Zurich Insurance Group in a deal that closed December 2, 2024, and new policies may be underwritten by Zurich companies or by AIG's National Union Fire. The tradeoffs: its Cancel for Any Reason add-on typically pays only 50% (several rivals pay 75% or more), and its BBB file lists 509 complaints in three years, mostly about denied or slow claims.
Your options
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Freely Alternative Healthy U.S. travelers who want solid medical and evacuation coverage and like adding ski, adventure or rental car coverage only on the days they need it.
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InsureMyTrip Alternative Travelers with fixed trip dates and costs who want to compare several insurers' plans with a licensed agent's help.
- Owner
- Zurich Insurance Group since December 2, 2024, when it bought AIG's personal travel business; now part of Zurich Cover-More13
- Seller and underwriters
- Sold by Travel Guard Group, Inc., Stevens Point, Wisconsin; underwritten by American Zurich (NAIC 40142), Zurich American (NAIC 16535) or National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. (NAIC 19445)11
- Plans
- Essential, Preferred and Deluxe single-trip plans, plus Pack N' Go, Annual, Medevac Per Trip and Rental Vehicle Damage coverage; US residents only1
- Highest limits (Deluxe)
- $150,000 medical, $1,000,000 evacuation, trip cancellation up to $150,0002
- Cancel for Any Reason
- Optional on Preferred and Deluxe only; typically 50% of trip cost; buy within 15 days of your first trip payment and cancel at least 48 hours before departure6
- Pre-existing condition waiver
- Included on Essential, Preferred and Deluxe if you buy within 15 days of your first trip payment, insure all prepaid trip costs and are medically able to travel6
- Look period
- 15 days1
- Typical cost
- Travel Guard says premiums are typically 5 to 7 percent of trip cost; prices are by quote only9
Pros
- Backed by Zurich, with AM Best A+ (Superior) for underwriter Zurich American
- Deluxe covers $150,000 medical and $1,000,000 evacuation
- Pre-existing condition waiver on all three main plans if you buy within 15 days
- One child 17 or under included free with each paying adult
- BBB A+ and accredited since 2012
Cons
- Cancel for Any Reason typically pays only 50%, and not on Essential
- Essential's $15,000 medical limit is low for trips abroad
- No published premiums; you must run a quote
- 509 BBB complaints in 3 years, mostly about claims
- Does not reply to negative Trustpilot reviews
Best for: US travelers with a pre-existing condition or a costly international trip who buy soon after their first deposit and want a large, well-rated insurer.
Skip it if: You want Cancel for Any Reason to return more than half your trip cost, you are past 15 days from your first trip payment and need the pre-existing waiver, or your credit card already covers a short domestic trip.
AIG Travel Guard vs. competitors
| Company | Top plan medical | Cancel for Any Reason | Pre-existing waiver: buy within | Free look | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Guard | $150,000 (Deluxe) | Typically 50%, Preferred and Deluxe | 15 days of first trip payment | 15 days | |
| Travelex Insurance (also Zurich Cover-More) | $250,000 (Ultimate) | Up to 75%, max $7,500, Ultimate only | 21 days of first trip payment | 21 days (30 in some states) | |
| Allianz Travel Insurance | Cancel Anytime: typically up to 80%, max $16,000, OneTrip Prime and Premier | 14 days of first trip payment | Visit site | ||
| Seven Corners | $500,000 primary (Choice) | 75% on Basic and Choice, not in New York | 20 days of first trip payment (Choice) | 14 days (Basic and Choice) | Read review |
Travel insurance we reviewed
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AIG Travel Guard This review BestGuide rating: 4.1 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: US travelers with a pre-existing condition or a costly international trip who buy soon after their first deposit and want a large, well-rated insurer. -
Freely BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Healthy U.S. travelers who want solid medical and evacuation coverage and like adding ski, adventure or rental car coverage only on the days they need it. -
InsureMyTrip BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Travelers with fixed trip dates and costs who want to compare several insurers' plans with a licensed agent's help. -
WorldTrips BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: U.S. travelers who want strong primary medical and evacuation coverage with trip cancellation, or travelers who need medical-only coverage for long stays abroad. -
Allianz BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Large U.S. companies and multinationals that need specialty or cross-border coverage placed through a broker. -
Faye BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: U.S. travelers who want primary medical coverage abroad and prefer to handle the whole policy, including claims, in an app. -
World Nomads BestGuide rating: 4.0 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers and adventure travelers who want activities like diving, skiing and trekking covered without extra riders. -
Generali BestGuide rating: 3.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: US travelers who book a cruise or tour, buy right after their first deposit and want high evacuation limits.
AIG Travel Guard pricing at a glance
Travel Guard single-trip plan limits, as listed October 20265
| Plan | Trip cancellation | Trip interruption | Medical / evacuation | Baggage | Cancel for Any Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 100% of trip cost, up to $150,000 | 100%, up to $150,000 | $15,000 / $150,000 | $750 (secondary) | Not available |
| Preferred | 100% of trip cost, up to $150,000 | 150%, up to $225,000 | $50,000 / $500,000 | $1,000 (primary) | Optional, typically 50% |
| Deluxe | 100% of trip cost, up to $150,000 | 150%, up to $225,000 | $150,000 / $1,000,000 | $2,500 (primary) | Optional, typically 50% |
Travel Guard does not publish premiums; your price depends mainly on trip cost and traveler age, and the company says it is typically 5 to 7 percent of trip cost. One child 17 or under is included with each paying adult. New Hampshire residents have lower medical limits. Limits come from each plan page; the policy for your state governs.
AIG Travel Guard, step by step
Get a quote
Enter your destination, travel dates, state, first trip payment date and trip cost per traveler online, or call 800-826-5248. All travelers on one policy must live in the same state.
Pick a plan and add-ons
Choose Essential, Preferred or Deluxe, then add bundles such as Cancel for Any Reason, Medical or Adventure Sports. Buy within 15 days of your first trip payment to get the pre-existing condition waiver and the option to add Cancel for Any Reason.
Review during the look period
You have 15 days to review the policy. Travel Guard says you can buy coverage up to 24 hours before departure.
Use assistance while traveling
Every plan includes a 24/7 assistance line for rebooking, medical referrals, lost passports and evacuations.
File and track a claim
Start a claim and upload documents on the Travel Guard claims portal, then check its status online. The portal handles policies bought in the US; others call 1-866-478-8222.
Travel Guard legitimacy and licensing
Yes. Travel Guard is a licensed travel insurance seller based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and the BBB lists the business as started in 1985. The important change is ownership: AIG sold its personal travel insurance and assistance business, including Travel Guard, to Zurich Insurance Group, and the deal closed on December 2, 2024. Travel Guard now sits in Zurich Cover-More alongside Travelex Insurance, Cover-More and Freely. AIG kept its Japan travel business, its India joint venture and group travel coverage sold through its accident and health unit.
Policies are sold by Travel Guard Group, Inc. and may be underwritten by American Zurich Insurance Company (NAIC 40142), Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC 16535) or National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. (NAIC 19445), an AIG company. Check the underwriter named in your own policy. Travel Guard holds an A+ BBB rating and has been accredited since 2012.
There is a regulatory history to know about. In 2012, Minnesota regulators ordered Travel Guard and National Union to stop automatically adding travel insurance to Travelocity bookings, with a $250,000 civil penalty and about $2.5 million in refunds. In 2013, Missouri issued a consent order requiring National Union to refund roughly $2 million in premiums for the same opt-out sales, without an admission of wrongdoing. Those sales ended in January 2012.
Travel Guard plans: Essential, Preferred and Deluxe
Essential is the budget plan, aimed at domestic trips. It covers Trip cancellation. Reimburses prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you cancel before departure for a reason the policy covers. Compare travel insurance and interruption up to 100% of trip cost (maximum $150,000), $15,000 of medical expenses, $150,000 of evacuation and $750 of secondary baggage coverage. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR). An optional upgrade that refunds a set percentage of nonrefundable costs if you cancel for any reason. Compare travel insurance is not available.
Preferred raises Trip interruption. Pays for unused trip costs and extra travel costs if a covered reason cuts your trip short. Compare travel insurance to 150% of trip cost (up to $225,000), medical to $50,000 and evacuation to $500,000, adds trip exchange, missed connection and a $2,500 Trip Saver benefit, and makes baggage coverage primary.
Deluxe has the highest limits: $150,000 medical, $1,000,000 evacuation, $2,500 baggage, $1,000 trip delay, plus security evacuation, Flight Guard accident coverage, concierge services and roadside assistance.
Travel Guard also sells Pack N’ Go for last-minute trips (coverage starts the day of your trip and centers on trip interruption), an Annual Plan for frequent travelers, Medevac Per Trip for medical and evacuation coverage on trips up to 365 days, and standalone Rental Vehicle Damage coverage up to $35,000 or $50,000. Bundles let you add higher medical limits, adventure sports, pet, wedding, quarantine and inconvenience coverage on certain plans.
Travel Guard cost
Travel Guard does not publish premiums. You get a price by quote, and the company says the cost is typically 5 to 7 percent of your trip cost, driven mostly by trip value and traveler age. On a $5,000 trip, that rule of thumb works out to about $250 to $350, but your quote can be higher or lower, especially with Deluxe, bundles or older travelers.
Two ways to keep the cost down: insure only prepaid, nonrefundable costs (frequent flyer miles are not covered as trip cost), and remember one child 17 or under is included at no extra charge with each paying adult. Compare quotes for the same trip from at least two other insurers before you buy.
Cancel for Any Reason and pre-existing conditions
Cancel for Any Reason is an optional add-on on Preferred and Deluxe. It must be bought with your plan and within 15 days of your first trip payment, and you must cancel at least 48 hours before departure. Travel Guard says the benefit is typically 50% of your insured trip cost, so a $6,000 trip would get back about $3,000. Some older reviews say 75%; that is not what Travel Guard lists today.
Pre-existing conditions are excluded unless you qualify for the waiver. To get it on Essential, Preferred or Deluxe, buy within 15 days of your first trip payment, insure all prepaid nonrefundable costs (and insure later bookings when you pay for them), and be medically able to travel on the purchase date. Without the waiver, Travel Guard looks back 90 days on Deluxe and 180 days on most other plans for conditions that started or changed. You do not fill out a medical questionnaire. Routine care and planned treatment abroad are not covered.
What customers say about AIG Travel Guard
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Quick online quotes and an easy purchase process
- Prices that buyers see as competitive
- Claims paid without trouble for some repeat customers
- Helpful assistance when problems come up during a trip
Common complaints
- Claims denied on policy wording or exclusions
- Slow claim processing and repeated document requests
- Hard to get clear answers before buying
- Coverage that turned out narrower than buyers expected
Claims and complaints
You file claims through Travel Guard’s online claims portal, upload your documents and track status online. On Trustpilot, Travel Guard scores 4.0 out of 5 from 2,205 reviews, but 21% are one star. The BBB lists 509 complaints in three years. The recurring problems are denials based on policy wording or exclusions, slow processing, and repeated requests for paperwork.
To avoid trouble:
- Read the policy for your state before you buy, especially the covered reasons for cancellation and the trip delay rules.
- See a doctor and get written records before you cancel for illness.
- Keep receipts, carrier delay notices and proof of nonrefundable payments, and send everything at once.
- If a claim is denied, ask for the reason in writing, appeal, and then contact your state insurance department.
Canceling a Travel Guard policy and getting a refund
Travel Guard gives you a 15 day look period to review your policy after you buy. A look period normally lets you cancel for a premium refund if your trip has not started and you have not filed a claim; your state’s policy sets the exact terms. Travel Guard does not publish a refund policy for cancellations after the look period on its plan pages, so ask before you buy if you think your plans may change. You can view, change or cancel a policy through the online policy tools or by calling 800-826-5248.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want strong Cancel for Any Reason coverage, Travelex Ultimate (75%), Seven Corners Basic and Choice (75%) and Allianz Cancel Anytime (typically up to 80%) all list higher reimbursement than Travel Guard’s typical 50%. If you are past the 15 day window, a plan with a 20 or 21 day window may still give you the pre-existing condition waiver. If you only need medical coverage abroad, Essential’s $15,000 limit is too low; look at Deluxe, Medevac Per Trip or a travel medical plan. And for a short domestic trip, check whether your credit card already covers delays and cancellations.
Alternatives to AIG Travel Guard
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Travelex Insurance
A sister brand under Zurich Cover-More whose Ultimate plan pays up to 75% under Cancel for Any Reason and gives you 21 days to qualify, better if flexibility matters most.
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Seven CornersIts Trip Protection Choice plan pairs $500,000 of primary medical coverage with a 75% Cancel for Any Reason option, a 20 day window and a 14 day free look. Its Economy and Elite plans are sold only to New York and Washington residents.
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Built for adventure travelers, with medical limits up to $250,000 on its Epic plan and adventure activities covered without a separate bundle.
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Your credit card's trip protection
Many travel cards include trip cancellation, delay or baggage coverage at no extra cost when you pay with the card; check your benefits guide before buying a policy, especially for a domestic trip.
Next steps
AIG Travel Guard reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is Travel Guard still owned by AIG?
No. Zurich Insurance Group completed its purchase of AIG's personal travel insurance business, including Travel Guard, on December 2, 2024. Travel Guard now operates within Zurich Cover-More, though some policies are still underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., an AIG company.
Is Travel Guard a good travel insurance company?
It is a large, legitimate insurer with an A+ BBB rating, a 4.0 Trustpilot score and an A+ (Superior) AM Best rating for underwriter Zurich American. Its weak spots are a Cancel for Any Reason benefit that typically pays only 50% and a steady stream of claim complaints.
Who underwrites Travel Guard insurance?
Travel Guard says policies may be underwritten by American Zurich Insurance Company, Zurich American Insurance Company or National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. Your policy documents name the insurer for your plan.
How much does Travel Guard travel insurance cost?
Prices are by quote only. Travel Guard says premiums are typically 5 to 7 percent of trip cost, depending mostly on trip value and traveler age, and one child 17 or under is included with each paying adult.
What is the difference between Travel Guard Essential, Preferred and Deluxe?
Mainly the limits. Medical coverage is $15,000 on Essential, $50,000 on Preferred and $150,000 on Deluxe, and evacuation is $150,000, $500,000 and $1,000,000. Only Preferred and Deluxe offer Cancel for Any Reason, and Deluxe adds security evacuation, concierge and roadside assistance.
Does Travel Guard cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, if you qualify for the waiver: buy Essential, Preferred or Deluxe within 15 days of your first trip payment, insure all prepaid trip costs and be medically able to travel when you buy. Otherwise, conditions that started or changed during the 90 day (Deluxe) or 180 day look-back are excluded.
How much does Travel Guard Cancel for Any Reason pay?
Travel Guard says the benefit is typically 50% of your insured trip cost. You must add it to Preferred or Deluxe within 15 days of your first trip payment and cancel at least 48 hours before departure.
How long do I have to cancel a Travel Guard policy for a refund?
Travel Guard lists a 15 day look period. Cancel within it, before your trip starts and without a claim, to expect a premium refund; check your state's policy for exact terms.
How do I file a Travel Guard claim?
Start a claim on the Travel Guard claims portal, upload your documents and check status online. The portal handles policies bought in the US; others call 1-866-478-8222.
Why do people complain about Travel Guard?
Most complaints on the BBB and Trustpilot are about denied claims, slow processing and requests for more paperwork. Reading the covered reasons in your policy and keeping full documentation reduces the risk.
Sources (24)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Travel Guard: Travel insurance plans (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Deluxe plan (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Preferred plan (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Essential plan (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Compare travel insurance plans (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Optional coverage and bundles (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Cancel for Any Reason (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Plans for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Frequently asked questions (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Travel insurance claims (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: Our underwriter (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travel Guard: About us (Zurich Cover-More) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Insurance Business: AIG completes Travel Guard sale to Zurich Insurance Group (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Beinsure: Zurich completes acquisition of AIG personal travel business (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Travel Guard Group, Inc. business profile (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: Travel Guard reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Squaremouth: AM Best ratings of travel insurers (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Missouri Department of Insurance: Consent order, National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. (2013) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- MPR News: Travelocity customers to get refunds for unwanted insurance (Feb. 14, 2012) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Travelex Insurance: Ultimate plan (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Allianz Partners: Cancel Anytime coverage upgrade (Jan. 27, 2023) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Seven Corners: Trip Protection Economy and Elite (accessed October 12, 2026)
- World Nomads: Travel insurance for US residents (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Seven Corners: Trip Protection Basic and Choice (accessed October 13, 2026)
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