Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Determining the best travel insurance for your trip can be more complex than planning the journey itself. Going on a cruise? Want to insure your flights only? Need 24/7 travel assistance? Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) can help you whether you need to find affordable or niche insurance.
Let’s look at what this travel insurance company offers, how to get a quote, file a claim, and what exclusions to look out for.
What is Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection?
BHTP was founded in 2014 as a North American-based travel insurance company headquartered in Wisconsin. Before launch, it acquired MyAssist and Insure America to provide various services, including 24-hour global assistance, virtual concierge, connected-vehicle service, and travel liability insurance.
BHTP travel insurance’s goal was to simplify the industry. The company also offers innovative travel plans that appeal to niche consumers, such as those going on cruises, adrenaline seekers, and flight-only travel insurance.
BHTP provides a “pay-first, pay-fast” claims experience that can operate in real-time. Berkshire Hathaway distinguishes itself from the competition by offering fixed pay-out benefits for inconveniences like flight delays and lost baggage.
In 2022, BHTP also acquired Alleghany (property, casualty, and reinsurance services), formed an underwriting partnership with Canadian insurer soNomad, and opened an office in Brussels, Belgium to expand its reach to European territories.
Can You Trust Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance?
BHTP travel insurance reviews include pros and cons based on individual customer experiences. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. It also has an Excellent rating on other review platforms.
24/7 Travel Assistance
BHTP travel insurance provides 24/7 emergency travel assistance when you need it most. The agency offers live, person-to-person help with the following:
- Emergency cash transfers
- Emergency message relays
- Missed connections
- Last-minute traveling booking
- Emergency return travel arrangements
- Finding a doctor while traveling
- Replacing prescription medication
- Language translation
- Finding/replacing lost luggage
- Passport assistance
- Lost or stolen wallet or tickets
BHTP Plan Options
ExactCare
ExactCare offers affordable insurance for travelers with comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption coverage. ExactCare includes base-level coverage for emergency medical, including pre-existing conditions (if purchased within 15 days of the trip deposit).
ExactCare Lite
ExactCare Lite is a travel insurance option for road trippers. The plan does NOT cover international travel, flying, or cruising. This plan can provide monetary compensation for unexpected vacation cancellations, travel interruptions, and medical emergencies.
ExactCare Value
ExactCare Value is similar to ExactCare but provides a lower claim maximum for emergency medical travel insurance. Pre-existing conditions are still covered if the policy is purchased within 15 days of the trip deposit.
ExactCare Extra
ExactCare Extra provides all the benefits of ExactCare with added coverage that is meant to appeal to travelers flying to their destination. Policyholders can receive a flat-amount payment for missed connections, flight delays, tarmac delays, and lost luggage.
If flight information is added to your policy before your trip, your flights can be tracked by BHTP. This way, claims can be automatically processed when you experience a delay when traveling.
LuxuryCare
Luxury travel can be an expensive investment. Purchasing travel insurance is vital if you want to protect that investment.
BHTP’s LuxuryCare insurance covers the most common reasons for cancellation and can be eligible for Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades depending on your vacation.
Covered reasons for cancellation include:
- Inability to travel due to becoming pregnant or approved for adoption
- The school calendar is adjusted for makeup days, and the makeup days coincide with your trip
- Travel documents are lost or stolen
- You or your travel companions are not medically approved for travel
WaveCare
WaveCare is built for individuals and families that are going on a cruise. BHTP WaveCare provides emergency medical and evacuation services. WaveCare also includes trip interruptions, flight delays, missed connections, and lost luggage.
Specialized coverage under WaveCare includes the following:
- Cruise line declares bankruptcy. You can receive financial reimbursement if your cruise line enters into financial default.
- Cruise ship disablement. If the cruise ship runs aground or cannot function properly, a mass evacuation of the ship is typically required. This coverage can result in an inconvenience payment and aid with alternative travel arrangements so you can get home safely.
- Cruise ship diversion. You can receive an inconvenience payment if you have been significantly diverted on your course due to bad weather or equipment issues.
- Prepaid excursion cancellation. You can receive reimbursement for pre-paid cruise excursions that are canceled.
- Document loss. Having document loss coverage can help you gather the necessary information to get replacement documents quickly.
Even though WaveCare was built for cruises, it isn’t always the best choice for every traveler boarding a boat. If you are seeking BHTP insurance and are taking a cruise, also consider the following options and compare coverage to makes sure you choose the policy that is right for you:
- Budget cruise = ExactCare Value
- Adventure cruise = AdrenalineCare
- Luxury cruise = LuxuryCare
AdrenalineCare
If your vacation consists of less lying on the beach and more parachuting out of airplanes, you may wish to consider buying AdrenalineCare. This BHTP plan includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage (including license fees), equipment delay, medical emergency coverage, lost baggage coverage, and three-quarters of a million dollars for medical evacuation services.
AirCare
AirCare is for individuals or groups that only require coverage for flight inconveniences. It does NOT cover trip cancellation, interruption, or medical emergencies.
AirCare is your plan if you need help with flight delays, get stuck on the tarmac, or lose your luggage. Use the BHTP flight tracking option to get claims filed and paid automatically.
How to File a Claim With Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
According to Berkshire Hathaway’s own website, Berkshire Hathaway pays travel claims five times faster than the average travel insurance company. Berkshire Hathaway offers four convenient ways to file a claim. You can do so by filling out a form online, using the BHTP app, by email, or by phone.
You can get electronic payment for claims the same day if you file a claim on the BHTP app and your claim is approved.
Before starting a claim, gather the following documents:
- Trip invoice. Your invoice must show your travel dates, trip costs, and any installment payments.
- Proof of refunds received. If you received any refunds from travel partners, you must disclose this when filing a claim.
- Cancellation penalties. Provide documentation regarding cancellation penalties from travel providers such as cruise lines, airlines, or excursions.
- Proof of payment. Provide credit card or bank statements that show proof you have already paid for the trip. Remove any personal account information for security purposes.
What Exclusions Can I Expect?
Before buying any travel insurance policy, it is important to know what your plan covers. All travel insurance companies and policies have exclusions and payment caps, and it is better to know what they are before you board the plane than when you are filing a claim.
For example, typical exclusions for a travel medical plan include:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Mental health care
- Routine doctor appointments
- Self-inflicted injury, including suicide
- Experimental medical procedures
- Treatment of alcohol or substance abuse
- Loss caused by depression or anxiety
- Routine pregnancy care
- Routine dental care
- High-risk activities or sports
- Loss due to war or civil unrest
Make sure that your top travel concerns are adequately covered by your policy. The easiest and best way to buy travel insurance is to visit TravelInsurance.com and compare coverage and prices to make sure you find the right policy for your next trip.
