On CheapoAir, what is travel protection; is it worth it?
What is CheapoAir Travel Protection?
Not to be mistaken with conventional travel insurance, CheapoAir presents a "Travel Protection Plan." Presented throughout the booking process, this plan addresses particular situations, including travel cancellation, interruption, and delays. Although coverage restrictions exist, this is not complete travel insurance. Third parties handle the Travel Protection Plan, not CheapoAir directly.
Coverage and Benefits
The plan provides benefits for circumstances like travel cancellation or interruption resulting from covered reasons (sickness, jury duty, etc.), trip delays, baggage delays and losses, and emergency medical expenses. Still, the tiny language typically hides particular specifics on covered reasons, maximum coverage limitations, and deductibles. Many reviews voice discontent with the coverage and claims process of the plan; several tales of refused claims and trouble getting reimbursements abound. The plan includes several high-risk activities and pre-existing conditions (unless acquired during a designated period following the initial trip payment). Before you buy, always closely go over the fine print.
Cost of the Travel Protection Plan
The length of the journey and the overall travel cost are among the various elements influencing the price of the plan. Usually, it's offered as an add-on right at checkout. Although promoted to safeguard your trip expenditure, several user reviews indicate that the plan's cost may not be justified given the restricted coverage and possible claims issues. Consider contrasting this approach's price with individual, all-encompassing travel insurance coverage.
Comparison with Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance provides broader coverage, including medical evacuations, repatriation, and more general cancellation reasons than CheapoAir's Travel Protection Plan. Companies like Allianz and others provide plans catering to particular requirements and budgets. These policies often offer much more medical coverage than the meager coverage CheapoAir offers. You may add-ons for specific issues or activities and adjust coverage levels. Purchased separately from the travel booking, comprehensive travel insurance provides more options and potentially more value.
Customer Reviews and Complaints
Many internet reviews of CheapoAir's Travel Protection Plan highlight bad experiences with the claims process, refused claims, and poor customer service. Many bad reviews on sites like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs center on hidden costs, false information, and lack of openness, sometimes referencing. These evaluations call attention to the strategy's actual worth regarding traveler protection.
Alternatives to CheapOair Travel Protection
Consider these alternatives for travel protection:
Credit Card Benefits: Travel credit cards include travel insurance benefits like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and rental car insurance. Verify your card's coverage details.
Independent Travel Insurance Providers: Companies like Allianz, World Nomads, and others offer comprehensive travel insurance plans with customizable coverage options. Comparison websites like Squaremouth can help you find the best policy.
Airline-Offered Insurance: Some airlines offer travel insurance directly during the booking process. Please review the policy details and compare them with other options.
Tips for Purchasing Travel Insurance
Purchase Early: Buy travel insurance soon after your initial trip deposit to maximize coverage options and potentially qualify for pre-existing condition waivers.
Compare Plans: Use comparison websites to compare policies from multiple providers. Pay attention to coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Read the Fine Print: Thoroughly review the policy wording to understand the coverage details, limitations, and claims process.
Consider Your Needs: Choose a policy that aligns with your trip, destination, and activities. Evaluate factors like medical coverage, cancellation reasons, and baggage protection.
CheapOair's Reputation and Customer Service
CheapoAir has come under fire for its general reputation and customer service. Many internet reviews document hidden fees, trouble contacting customer assistance, and problems with refunds and cancellals. These evaluations help one decide whether to reserve travel or buy add-on services using CheapoAir. If customer service is your top concern, consider booking straight with airlines or respectable travel firms.
| Coverage | Details | Cost | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Covers trip cost up to C$100,000 for covered reasons (illness, injury, death of traveler, family member, or companion; traffic accident en route to departure; theft of passports/visas; terrorism; home uninhabitable due to natural disaster). Must notify airline and CheapOair, call hotline for claim form. | Included in base plan | Potentially, depends on trip cost and risk tolerance. Excludes pre-existing conditions (unless stable & controlled for 90 days prior), known events like COVID-19. |
| Trip Interruption | Covers unused trip cost up to C$100,000 for covered reasons (same as cancellation). | Included in base plan | Potentially, depends on trip cost and risk tolerance. Same exclusions as cancellation. |
| Trip Delay | Covers up to C$100/day for reasonable additional expenses if trip is delayed 12+ hours due to carrier delay, lost/stolen documents/money, quarantine, natural disaster, or illness/injury. | Included in base plan | Potentially, C$100 may not cover all delay expenses. |
| Baggage Delay | Covers up to C$100 for essential items if baggage is delayed 24+ hours. | Included in base plan | Potentially, C$100 may not cover all replacement costs. |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | C$100,000 benefit. | Included in base plan | Standard for many travel insurance policies. |
| Travel Medical Assistance | Non-insurance services provided by Travel Guard. Contact Travel Guard for details: Canada & Continental USA 1.866.648.8425, International (collect) 1.416.646.3723 | Included in base plan | Unknown without details of included services. |
| Worldwide Travel Assistance | Non-insurance services provided by Travel Guard. Contact Travel Guard for details: Canada & Continental USA 1.866.648.8425, International (collect) 1.416.646.3723 | Included in base plan | Unknown without details of included services. |
| Baggage & Personal Effects (Optional Upgrade) | Covers up to C$250 with a C$50 deductible. | Optional upgrade | Potentially, low coverage amount. |
| Medical Expense (Optional Upgrade) | Covers up to C$2,000 with a C$50 deductible. Pre-existing conditions exclusions apply (see FAQ). | Optional upgrade | Potentially, low coverage amount, check existing health insurance. |
| Emergency Evacuation (Optional Upgrade) | Covers up to C$10,000. | Optional upgrade | Potentially, depending on destination and risk. |
| Flight Guard (Optional Upgrade) | Covers Flight accidents up to C$1,000,000. Contact Travel Guard for details. | Optional upgrade | Unknown without details of coverage. |
