Alyssa Lane
Orbitz is a top online travel agency that offers a rewards program and travel packages. It provides travel insurance through Allianz Global Assistance, which offers several levels of coverage. The basic Airline Ticket Protector covers non-refundable tickets for up to $3000 in case of trip cancellation due to medical emergencies, bad weather, or strikes. Orbitz also offers a Total Trip Protection plan, a Vacation Waiver, and a Flight Cancellation Plan. While Orbitz has received some negative customer reviews, primarily due to misunderstandings about policy limits and cancellation procedures, it has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The cost of Orbitz travel insurance is typically lower than that of other providers due to its low dollar limits and large number of exclusions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Orbitz insurance may be cheaper than competitors due to low dollar limits and large exclusions, but the final cost depends on factors like age, number of travellers, length of trip, pre-existing conditions, and type of coverage. |
| Coverage | Orbitz insurance covers flight cancellation protection, total trip protection, and a vacation waiver that allows travellers to change or cancel their trip once for any reason. |
| Customer Service | Orbitz has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, but there are several negative reviews related to customers not understanding policy limits, the claims process, or cancellation procedures. |
| Financial Strength | Orbitz's travel insurance plans are underwritten by the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, which has received a high-quality rating of A2 from Moody's, indicating its ability to repay short-term debt. |
| Convenience | Orbitz offers a rewards program and the convenience of booking travel packages, but customers must contact Orbitz customer service to change or cancel flights or hotel bookings. |
| Alternatives | Some customers suggest purchasing travel insurance through a different broker or using a credit card that offers travel insurance benefits. |
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What You'll Learn
Cost comparison with other providers
The cost of Orbitz travel insurance depends on several factors, including the total cost of the trip, the traveller's age, the number of travellers, the length of the trip, pre-existing conditions, and the type of coverage. Typically, travel insurance fees are calculated as a percentage of the total trip cost, ranging from 4 to 8 per cent. For a $5,000 trip, this would equate to between $200 and $450. Orbitz insurance may be cheaper due to its low dollar limits and large number of exclusions, but the exact cost will depend on the specific details of the trip and the traveller.
One user on Bogleheads.org mentioned that they purchased travel insurance from Travel Insured for $1 more than the Orbitz offering, but with much better terms. The same user also suggested that purchasing a Chase Sapphire Reserve card for $450 and buying the tickets with it would provide trip insurance, $300-600 in travel expenses for the year, a signup bonus of at least 50,000 points, 3x points on travel expenses, global entry, and other benefits. This option appears to offer significantly more value than the Orbitz travel insurance.
Another user on the same website mentioned that they get their travel insurance from TripInsuranceStore.com, selecting policies from Travel Insured. They confirmed that this provider pays their claims, including large ones. The cost difference between this option and Orbitz was said to be insignificant, at less than $75.
It is worth noting that Orbitz has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating, although there have been a high number of customer complaints closed in the past three years, with over 150 in the past year. The National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, which underwrites Orbitz travel insurance plans, has received a high-quality rating of A2 from Moody's, indicating a strong ability to repay short-term debt.
When considering the cost of travel insurance, it is important to weigh the financial strength of the provider, the terms and conditions of the policy, and the value-added benefits offered. While Orbitz travel insurance may be convenient for some, it is always beneficial to compare multiple providers and their offerings to make an informed decision based on individual needs and preferences.
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Customer service and reputation
Orbitz's insurance policies are underwritten by the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, which has earned positive ratings from Moody's, A.M. Best, and the Better Business Bureau. Orbitz provides versatile plan options, including trip cancellations for any reason, missing or delayed baggage reimbursement, and medical coverage. Additionally, they offer a Vacation Waiver, allowing customers to change or cancel their trip once for any reason.
Customer reviews of Orbitz's travel insurance are mixed. On one hand, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the claims process, finding it difficult to file a claim, especially in cases of illness or unforeseen circumstances. On the other hand, Orbitz's insurance plans offer access to a 24-hour hotline with multilingual customer service representatives who can assist with local resources and resolve issues before they impact a trip.
When considering the worth of Orbitz's trip insurance, it is essential to compare it with other providers. Some customers have found comparable prices with better terms from alternative insurance companies. Additionally, purchasing travel insurance through a credit card rewards program can provide additional benefits and may be a more attractive option.
In conclusion, while Orbitz trip insurance offers a range of benefits and has received positive ratings from accrediting organizations, customer reviews highlight potential challenges with the claims process. It is advisable to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance policy before purchase and consider comparing multiple providers to make an informed decision.
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Financial strength and likelihood of payout
The success of an insurance company is often determined by its financial strength, which indicates the ability of the company to honour customer claims. Orbitz Travel Insurance Plans are underwritten by the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh. This underwriter has received a high-quality rating of A2 from Moody's, which forecasts its ability to repay short-term debt. Moody's Investor Services is a nationally recognised statistical rating institution by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Its ratings of financial institutions help consumers determine the likelihood that their carrier can meet its claim payout obligations.
Orbitz has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since April 2001 and has an A+ rating despite several negative reviews. However, Orbitz is primarily a travel booking site, and the high number of customer complaints (over 800 in three years) is typical for a travel insurance provider. Many of the criticisms are related to customers not understanding policy limits, the claims process, or cancellation procedures.
Orbitz offers Flight Cancellation Protection for domestic flights within the United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska). The fees for its Package Protection Plan and Flight Cancellation Plan depend on the total cost of the trip or airline ticket. The cost of travel insurance typically ranges from 4 to 8 per cent of total expenses, but Orbitz insurance may be less expensive due to its low dollar limits and large number of exclusions. Coverage ends when the insured arrives at their return destination or seven days after the scheduled trip completion.
Orbitz provides travel insurance through Allianz Global Assistance, which offers several levels of coverage. For example, the Airline Ticket Protector covers non-refundable ticket costs of up to $3,000 for medical emergencies, bad weather, strikes, and more. Ticket Protector Plus is designed for international travellers, offering trip cancellation coverage, emergency medical coverage, medical transportation, and concierge services.
While Orbitz does not disclose its insurance partners, some customers have mentioned purchasing insurance from Travel Insured and Travel Guard, indicating that Orbitz may work with multiple providers.
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Coverage limitations and exclusions
Orbitz travel insurance has several limitations and exclusions that may nullify claims. Firstly, it is important to note that Orbitz travel insurance is only available to residents of the United States and the District of Columbia. Additionally, the insurance is only offered during the booking process on the company's mobile app or website, and there is no annual coverage plan available. Single-trip coverage can only be purchased for the duration of the travel and ends when the insured individual arrives at their return destination or seven days after the scheduled trip completion.
In terms of specific coverage limitations and exclusions, Orbitz travel insurance may not cover pre-existing medical conditions or certain activities that are considered high-risk. It is important to carefully review the policy documents to understand what is and isn't covered. For example, some policies may exclude coverage for losses related to alcohol or drug use, mental or nervous disorders, or participation in certain sports or activities.
Another limitation to consider is the dollar limit on coverage. Orbitz travel insurance may have lower dollar limits compared to other providers, which could result in insufficient coverage for certain incidents. Additionally, there may be exclusions for certain types of trips or destinations, such as cruises or travel to high-risk areas. It is also worth noting that Orbitz has received some negative customer reviews regarding policy limits, the claims process, and cancellation procedures, which may impact the ease of making a claim and receiving compensation.
When considering Orbitz travel insurance, it is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions, including any fine print, to fully understand the coverage limitations and exclusions. Comparing the Orbitz policy with other insurance providers can help identify any gaps in coverage and ensure that the chosen policy meets your specific needs and provides adequate protection for your trip.
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Pros and cons of Orbitz
Orbitz is an online travel agency that provides a wide range of services for travelers. It is a one-stop shop for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of options, a rewards program, and excellent customer service.
Pros of Orbitz:
- Orbitz offers a rewards program called Orbitz Rewards, which allows users to earn Orbucks that can be used for future bookings, thus saving money on travels.
- The platform provides excellent customer service support, with a 24/7 customer service team to assist with any issues during the booking process or the trip.
- Orbitz has a price guarantee feature, where they will refund the difference if you find a lower price on another website within 24 hours of booking with them.
- It offers a convenient way to search and book flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages all in one place.
- Orbitz has a powerful search engine that allows users to easily locate, sort, and filter through various travel components with discounts.
- The platform provides versatile plan options and upgrades for travelers of all ages, including trip cancellations, missing or delayed baggage reimbursement, and medical coverage.
- Orbitz offers the convenience of adding travel insurance to your booking, although this may be more expensive and offer less coverage than insurance purchased elsewhere.
Cons of Orbitz:
- Orbitz travel insurance has several limitations and exclusions which may nullify claims, and customers are advised to purchase optional coverage for added peace of mind.
- The Orbitz Flight Cancellation Plan only covers domestic flights within the continental United States, and it only provides travel credits with the airline, not a monetary refund.
- The travel packages offered by Orbitz may be less customizable than booking each component separately, as the options are more limited.
- If you need to cancel a flight, you must deal with Orbitz instead of the airline, which may be less convenient.
- Some users have reported issues with receiving refunds after canceling their travel plans, with delays in getting their money back.
- For those who prefer more personalized assistance during the travel planning process, a traditional travel agency might be a better option.
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Frequently asked questions
Orbitz provides travel insurance through Allianz Global Assistance, which offers several levels of coverage. For example, the Airline Ticket Protector covers non-refundable tickets for up to $3000 in case of trip cancellation due to medical emergencies, bad weather, or strikes. There is also the Ticket Protector Plus, which is designed for international travellers and includes emergency medical coverage and medical transportation.
Orbitz travel insurance has received several negative reviews, with many criticisms related to customers not understanding policy limits, the claims process, or cancellation procedures. Orbitz closed over 800 customer complaints in three years, which is high for a travel insurance company. Additionally, Orbitz travel insurance may be cheaper due to its low dollar limits and large number of exclusions.
Travel insurance fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the total trip cost, usually between 4 to 8 per cent. Orbitz insurance may be cheaper due to its low dollar limits and exclusions, but the final cost depends on factors like the age of travellers, the number of travellers, the length of the trip, and pre-existing conditions.
Yes, there are several alternatives to Orbitz travel insurance. One option is to purchase travel insurance from a different broker, such as TripInsuranceStore.com or Travel Insured. Another option is to buy a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which includes travel insurance and offers additional benefits like travel expenses and bonus points.
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