You’re researching these two major travel insurance providers and getting overwhelmed by policy details, coverage limits, and marketing claims.
After working with both Allianz and IMG for over a decade and helping clients navigate claims with each company, I can tell you they serve very different types of travelers.
This comprehensive comparison examines the real differences between these providers, so you can choose the right coverage for your specific travel needs and budget.
In this article...
About the Companies
Allianz Partners operates as part of Allianz Group, a German multinational insurance giant with over 130 years in the business.
They’re one of the largest travel insurers globally, processing millions of claims annually through their extensive network.
Allianz sells directly to consumers and maintains their own claims processing teams and global assistance networks.
IMG (International Medical Group) has specialized in international health and travel insurance since 1990.
They operate as both an insurer and third-party administrator, with underwriting handled by Sirius International and other A-rated carriers.
IMG focuses heavily on international travelers, expats, and adventure seekers with robust global medical networks.
Coverage Details
This is where the fundamental differences between these companies become apparent.
Allianz OneTrip Prime Coverage:
- Emergency medical: Up to $100,000
- Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
- Trip cancellation: Up to trip cost
- Trip interruption: Up to 150% of trip cost
- Baggage protection: Up to $2,500
- Travel delay: Up to $800
- Pre-existing condition waivers available
IMG iTravelInsured Travel SE Coverage:
- Emergency medical: Up to $50,000-$1,000,000 (plan dependent)
- Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
- Trip cancellation: Up to $100,000
- Adventure sports automatically included
- Mental health coverage and crisis counseling
- Rental car coverage and personal liability
- Coverage for travel to high-risk destinations
💡 Personal Note: I had a client with a serious skiing accident in the Alps last year. Allianz processed the evacuation claim smoothly but questioned some adventure activity details. IMG covered a similar client’s mountaineering accident without hesitation because adventure sports were automatically included. These coverage differences matter when you’re filing a claim.
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.
Plan Highlights
Allianz OneTrip Prime Highlights:
- Industry-leading evacuation coverage up to $1 million
- Direct billing arrangements with international hospitals
- Comprehensive trip interruption coverage at 150% of trip cost
- Strong reputation for paying claims quickly
- Multiple plan tiers for different budgets
- Pre-existing condition waivers within 14-day window
- 24/7 multilingual assistance hotline
IMG iTravelInsured Highlights:
- Comprehensive international medical networks
- Adventure sports coverage included automatically
- Flexible policy duration up to 364 days
- Mental health and crisis counseling included
- Personal liability coverage up to $25,000
- Rental car collision damage coverage
- Strong coverage for remote and high-risk destinations
Features Comparison
| Feature | Allianz OneTrip Prime | IMG iTravelInsured Travel SE |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | Up to $100,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Emergency Evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Trip Cancellation | Up to trip cost | Up to $100,000 |
| Adventure Sports | Limited coverage | Automatically included |
| Policy Duration | Standard trip lengths | Up to 364 days |
| Pre-existing Conditions | 14-day waiver window | Limited waiver options |
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re planning any adventure activities like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, IMG’s automatic inclusion of these activities provides significantly better value than Allianz’s limited adventure coverage. Always check the specific activity list before purchasing either policy.
Exclusions and Limitations
Understanding what’s excluded prevents expensive surprises during claims.
Allianz Exclusions:
- High-risk activities require separate coverage
- Pre-existing conditions need 14-day lookback period compliance
- No coverage during government travel advisories
- Alcohol or drug-related incidents excluded
- Mental health coverage limited to acute episodes
IMG Exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions (very limited waiver options)
- Professional sports participation
- Travel to countries under US government travel warnings
- Pregnancy-related expenses unless complications arise
- Mental health conditions not related to crisis events
Both exclude intentionally dangerous activities and have specific requirements for pre-existing medical conditions.
Buying Travel Insurance Online
Can Save Up to 30%!
Pricing Insights
Allianz typically runs 15-20% cheaper for standard trips under 30 days.
Their OneTrip Prime offers excellent value for travelers who don’t need adventure sports coverage.
IMG costs more upfront but includes adventure sports coverage that would cost hundreds extra with other insurers.
Expect to pay 25-40% more for IMG, but you’re getting specialized international coverage and adventure protection built-in.
For standard leisure travel, Allianz provides better value. For adventure or extended international travel, IMG’s higher cost is often justified.
ℹ️ Fun Fact: Allianz processes over 5 million travel insurance claims annually worldwide, making them one of the most experienced providers in the industry. Their claims data shows that trip cancellation and medical emergencies account for nearly 70% of all travel insurance claims.
Pros and Cons Analysis
| Allianz Pros | Allianz Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive pricing for standard trips | Limited adventure sports coverage |
| Extensive global assistance network | Stricter claim approval processes |
| Strong evacuation coverage limits | Less flexibility for extended trips |
| IMG Pros | IMG Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive adventure sports included | Higher pricing than competitors |
| Strong international medical networks | Limited pre-existing condition coverage |
| Flexible policy durations available | More complex policy terms |
Plan Overview
Allianz OneTrip Prime offers comprehensive coverage with industry-leading evacuation benefits and strong trip protection.
Their plans emphasize reliable, predictable coverage with efficient claim processing for standard leisure travel.
Best suited for travelers taking typical vacations who want dependable coverage from a major, established carrier.
IMG iTravelInsured Travel SE provides specialized coverage designed for international travelers and adventure seekers.
Their plans include adventure sports protection and robust international medical networks.
Ideal for travelers planning extended trips, adventure activities, or travel to remote destinations where specialized coverage is essential.
❌ Avoid: Avoid Allianz if you’re planning adventure sports like skiing, scuba diving, or mountaineering. Their limited adventure coverage will leave you exposed to significant financial risk during high-risk activities.
Ideal Buyer Profile
Choose Allianz if: You’re taking standard leisure travel (cruises, city breaks, beach resorts) and want reliable coverage from a major carrier.
You have pre-existing medical conditions and can purchase within their 14-day waiver window.
You prefer established, corporate-style claim processes and want competitive pricing for basic coverage.
Choose IMG if: You’re planning adventure activities, extended international travel, or trips to remote destinations.
You need robust international medical networks and don’t mind paying premium prices for specialized coverage.
You’re a digital nomad, expat, or frequent international traveler who values comprehensive adventure protection.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither option feels quite right, World Nomads offers similar adventure coverage to IMG but with more flexibility for changing travel plans.
Travel Guard provides middle-ground coverage between these two options with solid customer service and competitive pricing.
The bottom line comes down to your travel style and coverage priorities.
Allianz excels for standard travelers who want reliable, affordable coverage from a major carrier with excellent evacuation benefits.
IMG dominates for adventure travelers and international nomads who need specialized coverage and don’t mind paying premium prices.
Both companies will protect your travel investment, but they’re designed for completely different types of travelers and travel styles.
Always review the full policy wording carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!
Buying Travel Insurance Online
Can Save Up to 30%!
