Worth It: RT Health Travel Insurance Accurate Review and Comparison
Understanding RT Health and HCF
RT Health combined with HCF in 2021, with an eye on Australia's energy and transport sectors. Among Australia's not-for-profit health funds is HCF, one of the biggest. Since RT Health now partners with Allianz Global Assistance for travel insurance, enabled by HCF, this merger affects their travel insurance offers.
RT Health Travel Insurance: What's Offered?
Members of RT Health get 25% off on HCF Travel Insurance+. The several plans available from HCF Travel Insurance+ are single, couple, and family. Coverage covers medical bills, lost luggage, travel delay, trip cancellation or interruption, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Additionally, specific COVID-19-related coverage is offered, including medical treatment should one be diagnosed with COVID-19 while on the trip. One crucial detail is that particular COVID-19 coverages exist inside the overall exclusion for epidemics and pandemics.
Cost and Coverage Details
HCF Travel Insurance+ does not have a straight pricing list. On the HCF website, quotes follow the entry of trip specifics and member information. All plan levels benefit from the 25% discount given to RT Health members. Depending on the selected plan, coverage levels for medical bills, luggage damage, etc., change. The Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) details these restrictions and exclusions.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
With a 4.8-star rating on ProductReview.com.au in 2024 for customer service and value, RT Health has received excellent comments for its health insurance options. These evaluations, meanwhile, mostly speak to domestic health insurance rather than travel insurance. On several sites, separate reviews for HCF Travel Insurance and Allianz Global Assistance provide insights into their travel insurance policies and claims procedures.
Comparison with Other Travel Insurance Options
With so many companies like World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Allianz Travel Insurance offering a variety of policies, the travel insurance market is competitive. These cover certain activities, long-term travel, and backpacking, among other demands. Plans should be compared depending on coverage limitations, exclusions (such as pre-existing conditions), and additional advantages like gadget coverage or adventure sports. Cost is A significant consideration; choices range from low-cost, basic plans to all-around luxury packages.
Claim Process and Customer Service
Underwritten by Allianz, HCF Travel Insurance uses a web claims platform. Allianz Global Support offers phone-based 24/7 emergency support. The PDS contains information on particular claim processes and client service contact data. Comparing customer service accessibility and claim procedures across several companies can reveal a lot.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Senior Travel
The PDS contains information that mainly addresses pre-existing conditions within HCF Travel Insurance+. There are specifics on any required waivers or other coverage choices. Many specialist travel insurance companies provide customized plans for those over 90. These plans address age-related needs and usually cover pre-existing conditions, guaranteeing complete protection.
Travel Insurance for Specific Activities
Verify whether your intended activities—hiking, winter sports, or cruises—are covered under the regular HCF Travel Insurance+ plan or call for extra coverage. Many carriers provide particular add-ons for adventure sports or cruise-related concerns, including missing port departures. Always review the PDS for specifics on the activity covered. Consider specialized backpacker insurance or policies allowing for longer lengths for lengthier journeys like thru-hikes. For these hikes, factors including elevation limits and gear use are vital.
Provider | Policy Type | Coverage | Benefits | Flexible subscription, covers digital nomads and remote workers | Cost | Eligibility | Claim Process | Customer Service | Additional Perks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RT Health (through Allianz Global Assistance) | Single, Duo, Family, Annual Multi-trip | Medical emergencies, repatriation, cancellation (limited pandemic coverage), lost baggage | 24/7 assistance, online claims, pre-trip updates | Annual multi-trip plan available | Varies based on plan selected (25% discount for RT Health members) | RT Health members, dependents under 25 | Online claims portal | Email, phone | Two and three-month waiver on Extras-only waiting periods. Six weeks free on Hospital and Extras (new members). |
Allianz Travel Insurance | Single, Multi-trip | Medical emergencies, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage | Concierge service (some plans), coverage for children 17 and under (some plans) | Multi-trip and annual plans available | Varies based on trip cost, age, and plan selected (OneTrip Basic, Prime, Premier, etc.) | U.S. residents | Online claims center | Email, phone, 24/7 assistance hotline | Frequent traveler options |
John Hancock Travel Insurance | Single, Multi-trip | Medical emergencies, trip cancellation/interruption, medical evacuation | Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option | No | Affordable premiums (Bronze, Silver, Gold plans) | U.S. Residents | Mixed reviews, online or via mail | Phone, email | Rental car collision coverage rider |
Nationwide Travel Insurance | Single, Annual, Cruise-specific | Trip cancellation/interruption, medical emergencies | CFAR option (some plans) | Annual plan available | Average $206 | U.S. residents | Online, app | Phone, online chat, email | Cruise-specific plans |
GeoBlue | Voyager (single), Trekker (annual) | Medical emergencies, medical evacuation, trip interruption (Voyager), pre-existing conditions (Trekker) | 24/7 assistance, various coverage levels | Trekker annual plan can suit some nomads | Voyager: from $1.17/day; Trekker: from $100/year | Voyager: US citizens up to 95; Trekker: US citizens | Online portal | Phone, email, 24/7 assistance | Pregnancy coverage (Voyager) |
Atlas Travel Insurance | Single, Multi-Trip, Annual | Medical emergencies, evacuation, repatriation, lost luggage | 24/7 assistance, Schengen visa compliance, customizable options | Atlas Nomads plan designed for digital nomads | From $0.80/day | All nationalities (outside home country) | Online, email | Phone, email | Adventure sports coverage available |
IMG | Patriot (single, multi-trip, annual), GlobeHopper Senior (annual) | Medical emergencies, medical evacuation, pre-existing conditions (some plans) | Various coverage levels, optional riders | Patriot Annual Plan can suit some nomads. Global Medical Insurance (GMI) for expats. | Patriot: from $1.90/day; GlobeHopper: from $1/day | Patriot: US citizens and non-US citizens; GlobeHopper: US citizens/residents 65+ enrolled in Medicare | Online (MyIMG portal) | Phone, email | CFAR option available (some plans) |
Trawick International | Safe Travels (single, annual) | Medical emergencies, evacuation, repatriation, pre-existing conditions (some plans) | Various coverage levels, extensions available | Some Safe Travels plans can suit some nomads, though limited. | Safe Travels USA: from $1.08/day | Safe Travels USA: non-US citizens traveling to US | Online, email, mail | Phone, email | CFAR option (Safe Travels Armor only) |
World Nomads | Single, Multi-trip (Explorer Plan) | Medical emergencies, evacuation, repatriation, adventure activities, gear | 24/7 assistance, customizable options | Explorer Plan can be extended for multi-trip coverage. | Varies based on trip cost, age, duration, and destination. (Standard, Explorer, Epic Plans) | Most nationalities (Not available for EU residents) | Online | Phone, email, 24/7 assistance | Specific add-ons for hikers |
SafetyWing | Long-term, subscription-based | Medical emergencies, travel disruptions, some home country coverage | Flexible dates, affordable for long trips | Yes | From $40/month (Nomad Insurance), $150/month (Nomad Health) | Nomad Insurance: Up to age 69; Nomad Health: Ages 18-65 (restrictions apply) | Online | 24/7 chat, email | Adventure sports add-on, electronics theft coverage, US coverage add-on |
Battleface | Single, Multi-trip, Annual | Medical emergencies, evacuation, adventure activities, extreme sports | High-risk activity coverage | Can provide coverage suitable for nomads depending on the plan. | Varies depending on trip, traveler age, etc. (Discovery, Scout plans) | Varies by plan and country of residence | Online | 24/7 assistance, online chat | Coverage for extreme sports. |