Emergency Medical
Travel Insurance
We help you travel with confidence, wherever you go.
What is Emergency Medical Travel Insurance?
While traveling through Japan, a client contacted us after experiencing severe abdominal pain and not knowing where to go for care. She was unfamiliar with the local healthcare system and worried about the language barrier.
But since emergency medical travel insurance was included in her travel protection plan, I helped her locate a clinic with English-speaking staff, confirmed that her visit and diagnostic tests were eligible under her coverage, and guided her through what records she would need for her claim. With support in place and her travel insurance plan covering the medical costs, she was able to focus on treatment and recovery before continuing her trip.
~ Roxanne, Licensed Travel Assistance Agent with AXA
What warrants a Medical Emergency?
In general, medical emergencies are defined as unexpected illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Some examples of medical emergencies include:
Accidents, such as a broken bone or a severe burn
Illnesses, such as a heart attack, stroke, or appendicitis
Allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
High fever that doesn’t respond to medication
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Medical emergencies must occur during your covered trip and be considered urgent by a medical professional to be eligible under your plan’s benefits.
What Medical Coverage Comes with AXA Travel Protection?
All three of AXA's travel plans include Emergency Accident & Sickness Expense coverage. Maximum coverage per person is up to:
What Does Baggage Delay Insurance Include?
Delayed baggage can disrupt the start of your trip, especially if essential items are inaccessible. Baggage delay coverage included in AXA Travel Protection plans may help reimburse you for necessary purchases made while waiting for your checked luggage to arrive. Coverage is subject to plan limits, exclusions, and documentation requirements.
Eligible expenses under this benefit may include:
Essential Items
Reasonable purchases such as clothing, toiletries, and other necessities needed during the delay.
Covered Delay Periods
Reimbursement may apply when your checked baggage is delayed by a common carrier beyond the specified waiting period in your plan.
Carrier Verification
Written confirmation from the airline or other transportation provider verifying the baggage delay.
Receipt Submission
Original, itemized receipts are required for all reimbursable purchases.
Time and Location Limits
Coverage applies only during your covered trip and while en route to your destination, not on your return trip.
One-Time Purchase Limit
Some plans may set a per-item or per-day maximum for reimbursement, subject to the total benefit limit.
Claims must include supporting documentation and will be reviewed according to the terms of your travel protection plan. Reimbursement is based on actual cash value, up to the applicable benefit limit.
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How to File a Baggage Delay Insurance Claim
If your checked baggage is delayed during your covered trip, you may be eligible for reimbursement of essential items purchased while waiting for your bags. Follow these steps to file a claim for baggage delay coverage :
Report the delay immediately
Notify the airline or transportation provider as soon as you notice your baggage is delayed. Request a written report, such as a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which is typically required to support your claim.
Keep receipts for essential purchases
Save all receipts for reasonable, necessary items like clothing, toiletries, or medication replacements purchased during the delay period. These purchases may be eligible for reimbursement under the plan terms.
Submit your claim with documentation
Complete the claims form as outlined in your plan documents. Include the airline’s delay report, your flight itinerary, and receipts for eligible expenses. Providing thorough documentation can help expedite the review process.
Claims are reviewed based on plan terms and limits
AXA reviews your claim based on the coverage details in your travel protection plan. Reimbursement is subject to the plan’s stated time thresholds and benefit limits for baggage delays.
What Are the Benefits of Baggage Delay Coverage?
Reimbursment for Essential Purchase
Coverage generally includes reimbursement for essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and other basic needs purchased while waiting for delayed checked baggage, up to the travel insurance plan’s benefit limit.
Supports Travel Continuity
This benefit helps travelers continue their trip with less disruption by covering basic needs during a baggage delay, offering practical support until the checked luggage is returned by the transportation provider.
Defined Limits and Conditions
Reimbursement is based on the maximum benefit amount, allowable expense types, and any conditions listed in the plan documents.
Claims Support Included
The claims process includes step-by-step instructions and support from AXA. Claims are reviewed based on documentation provided and in accordance with the travel protection plan’s terms.
How Baggage Delay Coverage Works
When checked baggage is delayed during your covered trip, AXA Travel Protection includes benefits that help cover essential items you need during the wait. Here’s how the process typically works :
1. You report the baggage delay promptly
Notify the airline or carrier as soon as you realize your baggage has not arrived. Request written confirmation of the delay, such as a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which will be required for your claim.
2. You purchase necessary items
Buy essential personal items such as clothing, toiletries, or medication replacements while your baggage is delayed. Keep all itemized receipts for eligible expenses incurred during the covered delay period.
3. You submit a claim with documentation
File your claim using the instructions provided in your travel protection plan. Include receipts, the carrier’s delay report, your travel itinerary, and any other requested documents to support the claim.
4. Coverage begins after a specified delay periodBenefits apply after baggage has been delayed for the time period listed in your plan. This starts at 24 hours or more for Silver and Gold levels, and 12 hours or more for the Platinum level.
5. Assistance services may help locate your baggage
Non-insurance travel assistance services included with your plan may help you track or locate delayed baggage, coordinate with carriers, and provide updates during your trip.
FAQs About Baggage Delay Insurance
What should I do if my baggage is delayed?
While not required by law, travel insurance that includes emergency medical benefits can be helpful when traveling internationally. Many domestic health plans offer limited or no coverage outside the U.S., and paying out-of-pocket for emergency care abroad can be costly. A travel protection plan with emergency medical coverage may help reimburse eligible expenses if you experience a covered illness or injury during your trip.
Is Baggage Delay coverage included in all AXA travel protection plans?
If you are hospitalized for a covered condition that began during your trip and your scheduled return date passes, AXA Travel Protection may extend your emergency medical coverage for up to 90 additional days. This extension applies until you are released from care or the plan's benefit maximum is reached, whichever occurs first. The condition must have originated during your covered trip. Coverage is secondary, meaning it applies only to expenses not already paid by another source.
Can I purchase Baggage Delay coverage separately from a travel protection plan?
Yes. If medically necessary, your plan may reimburse the cost of ambulance transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility. This can include ground or air transport, depending on your condition and location. Coverage is subject to the benefit limits and conditions outlined in your policy.
When does delayed baggage insurance coverage start?
You may seek treatment at any licensed medical facility, but AXA's assistance team can help locate an appropriate hospital nearby. The team can also coordinate care, communicate with providers, and ensure the facility meets your needs based on the medical situation and destination.
What proof do I need to claim Baggage Delay coverage?
Emergency dental treatment could be included if you experience an accidental injury to natural teeth during your trip. Coverage is limited and must meet the criteria defined in your policy. Routine dental care or pre-existing dental conditions are not covered.
Are all items in my checked luggage covered under Baggage Delay coverage?
AXA's 24/7 assistance team can help with language support when communicating with medical providers. If you're in a country where you don't speak the local language, the team can help relay medical information and coordinate care with local professionals.
What if my baggage is delayed for fewer hours than the required waiting period?
In most cases, you might need to pay for treatment out of pocket and then file a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to keep all receipts, itemized bills, and medical documentation. For certain high-cost treatments, AXA's assistance team may be able to coordinate payment directly with the provider when possible.
Do I need to pay out of pocket before I’m reimbursed?
Yes. Emergency medical benefits can apply to both domestic and international trips, as long as the trip meets the eligibility requirements defined in your policy. Coverage only applies to unforeseen medical conditions that occur during your covered travel dates.
Will compensation from the airline reduce my reimbursement?
Yes. Emergency medical benefits may apply during a cruise, including treatment provided onboard or at a port destination. It's important to contact AXA's assistance team as soon as possible so they can coordinate care and help guide you to appropriate services if needed.
Does this coverage apply to delayed baggage on the return trip home?
In an emergency, seek care right away. Once your condition is stable, contact AXA's 24/7 assistance team. They can help guide you to a suitable facility, assist with documentation needs, and answer questions about what may be covered under your policy. Always keep your plan details and emergency contact numbers with you during your trip.
Can I claim reimbursement for any item I buy during the delay?
No. Only medications prescribed by a licensed medical provider as part of necessary treatment for a covered condition are eligible for reimbursement under emergency medical benefits. Over-the-counter products are typically not covered unless specifically prescribed and documented.
Is baggage delay coverage available for both domestic and international travel?
No. Only medications prescribed by a licensed medical provider as part of necessary treatment for a covered condition are eligible for reimbursement under emergency medical benefits. Over-the-counter products are typically not covered unless specifically prescribed and documented.
How long do I have to file a claim?
No. Only medications prescribed by a licensed medical provider as part of necessary treatment for a covered condition are eligible for reimbursement under emergency medical benefits. Over-the-counter products are typically not covered unless specifically prescribed and documented.
Can I claim baggage delay benefits along with other coverage if multiple issues occur?
No. Only medications prescribed by a licensed medical provider as part of necessary treatment for a covered condition are eligible for reimbursement under emergency medical benefits. Over-the-counter products are typically not covered unless specifically prescribed and documented.
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