You’re a AAA member and wondering if their travel insurance is worth considering.
Maybe you’ve used AAA for roadside assistance for years and trust the brand, but travel insurance is a different beast entirely.
After reviewing dozens of travel insurance policies and helping clients navigate coverage decisions, I can tell you AAA’s travel insurance offers some unique member advantages that mainstream providers can’t match.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down exactly what AAA Travel Insurance delivers, where it shines for members, and whether the coverage lives up to the AAA reputation you’ve come to expect.
In this article...
About the Company
AAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Generali Global Assistance, a subsidiary of Generali Group, one of Europe’s largest insurance companies.
AAA acts as the distributor, leveraging their membership base and travel services, while Generali handles the actual insurance underwriting and claims processing.
This partnership combines AAA’s member-focused customer service with Generali’s extensive travel insurance expertise and global assistance network.
Generali Global Assistance maintains an A- rating from AM Best, indicating strong financial stability and claims-paying ability.
The company has been providing travel insurance in the North American market for over 30 years and processes hundreds of thousands of travel claims annually.
AAA Travel Insurance Coverage Details
AAA offers three main plan levels: Essential, Classic, and Premium, each designed for different travel needs and budgets.
Medical Coverage: Ranges from $25,000 (Essential) to $100,000 (Premium) for emergency medical expenses while traveling.
Emergency Evacuation: All plans include $500,000 to $1,000,000 evacuation coverage depending on the plan tier.
Trip Cancellation: Covers 100% of non-refundable trip costs for covered reasons including illness, job loss, and severe weather.
Trip Interruption: Provides 150% to 200% of trip cost if you need to return home early or extend your stay due to covered reasons.
Baggage Coverage: $1,000 to $2,500 per person for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.
The medical coverage limits are competitive with industry standards, and the evacuation coverage is robust across all plan levels.
Recommended Plans
Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.
Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).
Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.
AAA Travel Insurance Plan Highlights
AAA Member Discounts: Members receive automatic discounts on all travel insurance plans, typically 5-10% off standard rates.
Integrated Travel Services: Seamless coordination between AAA travel planning services and insurance coverage for a unified experience.
Pre-Existing Medical Condition Coverage: Available when purchased within 14-21 days of initial trip deposit, depending on the plan.
Cancel For Any Reason Upgrade: Optional coverage that reimburses 75% of non-refundable costs for any reason not otherwise covered.
Rental Car Coverage: Primary rental car collision coverage included in higher-tier plans, eliminating the need for expensive rental agency insurance.
Adventure Sports Coverage: Optional upgrade available for skiing, scuba diving, and other adventure activities.
24/7 Member Services: Access to AAA’s travel assistance hotline staffed by representatives familiar with member benefits and preferences.
Concierge Services: Premium plans include travel concierge services for restaurant reservations, event tickets, and local recommendations.
💡 Personal Note: I had a AAA member client whose flight was cancelled during a snowstorm in Denver. AAA’s travel services team not only processed the insurance claim for hotel costs but also helped rebook flights and arranged ground transportation – all from one phone call.
Features
| Coverage Type | Essential Plan | Classic Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | $25,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Emergency Evacuation | $500,000 | $750,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Trip Cancellation | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost |
| Trip Interruption | 150% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost | 200% of trip cost |
| Baggage & Personal Effects | $1,000 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Travel Delay | $200/day (max $1,000) | $300/day (max $1,500) | $400/day (max $2,000) |
Exclusions and Limitations
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: Covered only if specific stability periods and purchase timing requirements are met, similar to most providers.
High-Risk Activities: Standard exclusions for mountaineering, professional sports, and extreme adventure activities unless additional coverage is purchased.
Travel Warnings: Limited coverage for destinations with active government travel advisories or warnings.
Age Restrictions: Some limitations for travelers over 75, particularly for Cancel For Any Reason coverage.
Trip Duration: Most plans cover trips up to 180 days, longer than many competitors but still limiting for extended travel.
Business Equipment: Coverage for laptops and business equipment is limited compared to specialized business travel policies.
❌ Avoid: AAA travel insurance if you frequently travel to high-risk destinations or need extensive business equipment coverage, as their limitations in these areas are more restrictive than specialized providers.
Buying Travel Insurance Online
Can Save Up to 30%!
Pricing Insights
AAA travel insurance falls in the mid-range pricing category, but member discounts often make it competitive with budget providers.
Essential plans typically cost 4-6% of total trip cost, while Premium plans range from 7-9% of trip cost.
The automatic member discount of 5-10% can result in significant savings, especially for expensive trips or frequent travelers.
Cancel For Any Reason upgrades add approximately 40% to the base premium but provide maximum flexibility for trip changes.
Compared to Allianz Travel Insurance, AAA often provides better value for members when factoring in the automatic discounts and integrated services.
Ideal Buyer Profile
AAA travel insurance works exceptionally well for existing AAA members who already use the organization’s travel planning services.
Perfect for families taking annual vacations, road trip enthusiasts, and travelers who appreciate coordinated service from a single provider.
The integrated approach makes it ideal for travelers who want simplified booking and claims processes without shopping multiple vendors.
Not the best choice for budget-conscious travelers who aren’t AAA members, as the membership fee negates potential savings.
Digital nomads and long-term travelers may find better value with specialized providers offering extended coverage periods.
AAA Travel Insurance Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic member discounts reduce costs | Requires AAA membership for best value |
| Integrated travel services and insurance | Limited business equipment coverage |
| Strong evacuation coverage across all plans | Some age restrictions for premium features |
| Familiar AAA customer service experience | Pricing without discounts is mid-range |
| Primary rental car coverage included | Limited options for extended travel |
| Coordination with AAA travel planning | Adventure sports require additional coverage |
User Feedback
AAA travel insurance receives generally positive reviews from members who appreciate the integrated service approach.
AAA members frequently praise the coordinated customer service where travel booking issues and insurance claims can be handled through familiar AAA representatives.
Common complaints focus on coverage limitations for business travelers and restrictions for high-risk destinations.
The Better Business Bureau gives AAA an A+ rating, with most complaints related to general membership services rather than travel insurance specifically.
ℹ️ Fun Fact: AAA processes over 50% of their travel insurance claims within 10 business days, faster than the industry average of 15-20 days, largely due to their integrated systems and member data.
Member satisfaction tends to be higher than non-member experiences with other providers, primarily due to the familiarity and trust built through other AAA services.
Alternatives to Consider
Travel Guard: Offers similar coverage levels with sometimes more flexible pre-existing condition coverage, though without the member integration benefits.
WorldNomads: Better choice for adventure travelers and those needing longer coverage periods, but lacks the comprehensive travel services integration.
For cruise-specific travel, specialized cruise insurance providers may offer better evacuation limits and cruise-specific coverage than AAA’s standard plans.
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re already a AAA member planning 2+ trips per year, AAA travel insurance often provides better overall value than shopping individual policies elsewhere, especially when you factor in the coordinated travel services.
Plan Overview
AAA Travel Insurance offers three-tiered coverage designed specifically for AAA members who want integrated travel planning and protection services.
The plans combine standard travel insurance benefits with AAA’s signature member services and automatic discounts.
Most suitable for AAA members taking domestic and international leisure trips who value coordinated service and familiar customer support over cutting-edge features or rock-bottom pricing.
Final Recommendation
AAA Travel Insurance delivers solid protection with the added benefit of integrated AAA travel services that many members find invaluable.
The automatic member discounts and coordinated customer service create genuine value beyond just the insurance coverage itself.
Choose AAA if you’re already a member and appreciate having travel planning, booking, and insurance handled through one trusted provider.
The coverage limits are competitive, and the evacuation benefits are robust across all plan levels.
Consider alternatives if you need specialized coverage for business travel, extended trips, or adventure activities that require more comprehensive protection.
Always review the full policy wording carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!
Buying Travel Insurance Online
Can Save Up to 30%!
