If you’re researching travel insurance and Warren Buffett’s name keeps popping up, you’re probably wondering if his financial backing translates into better coverage for your trip.
I get it – you want a company that’s financially stable but also one that actually pays claims when things go sideways.
After years of evaluating providers and helping clients navigate claims, here’s my honest assessment of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection as a company.
This review covers their approach, strengths, weaknesses, and whether they’re the right fit for your travel protection needs.
In this article...
About the Company
Founded in 2014, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) offers comprehensive travel insurance plans backed by the financial strength of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, led by the renowned businessman Warren Buffet.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is a division of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, which holds a financial strength rating of A++ from AM Best.
That A++ rating isn’t just marketing fluff – it’s the highest rating available and indicates superior financial security.
The company operates as a true insurance provider, not a broker, meaning they underwrite their own policies through their parent company.
💡 Personal Note: In fifteen years of handling travel insurance claims, I’ve learned that financial stability matters most when you’re filing a $100,000 medical evacuation claim from the middle of nowhere. Warren Buffett’s backing isn’t just a name – it represents genuine financial security when you need it most.
Provider Philosophy and Approach
Founded with a focus on simplified travel insurance policies and a speedy claims process, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has policies with coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, missed connections and flight delays.
What sets BHTP apart is their segmented approach to travel insurance.
In addition to the three main plan options, Berkshire Hathaway offers comprehensive specialty plans such as AdrenalineCare (with coverage for select adventure sports), LuxuryCare (for more luxury vacations), AirCare (to protect against unexpected flying delays) and WaveCare (providing additional benefits for cruisers).
This specialization shows they understand different travel styles have different risk profiles.
Rather than forcing everyone into cookie-cutter policies, they’ve built plans around how people actually travel.
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.
Claims Processing Performance
This is where Berkshire Hathaway genuinely stands out from competitors.
Berkshire Hathaway says it pays out claims five times faster than the industry average, and there are ample online reviews substantiating that.
A Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection refund is among the fastest in the industry. Depending on the claim and the refund method, you could be reimbursed the same day.
Success Stories:
- “From purchasing a policy to submitting a claim to receiving a settlement, the process was simple and fast. BHTP is by far my favorite travel insurance company”
- “Their response was timely, claim process was straightforward and went smoothly”
Concerning Experiences:
- “Easy to buy, impossible to claim. Had a policy to cover a cruise. Had to cancel due to an unplanned surgery… Endless run around, duplicate paperwork requirements”
- “Absolutely appalling experience! …Their excuse? We didn’t pre-book a return flight — a petty technicality buried in fine print”
✅ Pro Tip: Berkshire Hathaway’s lightning-fast processing primarily applies to straightforward claims like flight delays or baggage issues. Complex medical or cancellation claims requiring extensive documentation can still take weeks, especially if they involve policy interpretation.
Plan Portfolio Overview
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers seven plans for travelers. Three of these are a standardized ExactCare offering, with variations in policy maximums and a few extra inclusions on more expensive plans.
Core Plans:
- ExactCare Value (budget-friendly basic coverage)
- ExactCare (mid-tier standard coverage)
- ExactCare Extra (comprehensive coverage)
Specialty Plans:
- AirCare (flight disruption focus)
- WaveCare (cruise-specific benefits)
- AdrenalineCare (adventure sports coverage)
- LuxuryCare (high-value trip protection up to $100,000)
Important Limitation: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection does not have annual plan offerings.
Financial Strength and Stability
| Metric | Rating | Source |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Rating | A++ | Highest possible rating |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Better Business Bureau |
| Parent Company | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. | Warren Buffett’s conglomerate |
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is underwritten by the Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, which holds high financial ratings from Standard & Poor’s and A.M. Best.
Another Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (NICO), provides additional underwriting. NICO has attained the highest A.M. Best rating, A++XV.
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Pricing Position
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection can be more expensive than competitors’ offerings, but speedy claim reimbursement and specialty options for cruisers, adventurers and road trippers make it a compelling choice.
Basic plan cost: $136 for ExactCare Value, about $9 above average
Their ExactCare Value plan competes well on price, but their comprehensive options carry premium pricing.
❌ Avoid: Berkshire Hathaway if you’re shopping purely on price. Their comprehensive plans are typically 10-15% more expensive than comparable coverage from providers like Allianz or Travel Guard.
Customer Experience Analysis
Berkshire Hathaway customers find customer service agents helpful and easy to reach. While the provider has an efficient claims process, some customers report frustration with the communication and clarity while waiting for reimbursement.
Positive Patterns:
- Fast processing for routine claims
- Helpful pre-purchase customer service
- Easy online claim filing through mobile app
Negative Patterns:
- BBB complaints show issues with delayed responses and misunderstandings during the claims process
- Some customers report strict policy interpretation on complex claims
- Communication gaps during claim review periods
*ℹ️ Fun Fact: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection conducts the longest-running annual “State of Travel Insurance” research study, surveying thousands of travelers about safety perceptions and travel trends since 2016. Their 2025 research found that Gen Z travelers increased travel insurance purchases by 24% from 2023 to 2024.
Coverage Philosophy Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| A++ financial backing from Warren Buffett’s company | No annual plans for frequent travelers |
| Industry-leading claims speed for routine issues | Premium pricing on comprehensive plans |
| Specialized plans for different travel types | Medical coverage limits aren’t the highest |
| 24/7 assistance with mobile app support | Mixed experiences with complex claims |
Ideal Customer Profile
BHTP Works Best For:
- Travelers who prioritize financial stability and fast routine claims processing
- People taking specialized trips (cruises, adventure travel, luxury vacations)
- Those willing to pay premium pricing for Warren Buffett’s backing
- Travelers who prefer dealing directly with the underwriter, not a broker
Consider Alternatives If You:
- Take more than 3 trips per year (need annual coverage)
- Want the lowest possible premiums regardless of other factors
- Prioritize maximum medical coverage limits over processing speed
- Prefer smaller, more personalized customer service experiences
Industry Leadership and Research
State of Travel Insurance (SOTI), a joint project of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) and Polymath Research + Marketing (PRM), is the longest-running and most trusted research project tracking U.S. travelers’ attitudes toward travel safety and travel insurance.
This research leadership demonstrates their commitment to understanding traveler needs beyond just selling policies.
Their annual “Safest Destinations” report influences how travelers think about destination risk assessment.
Alternatives to Consider
Based on your priorities, these providers might be better fits:
For Annual Coverage: Travel Guard offers comprehensive annual plans if you take multiple trips yearly.
For Maximum Medical Coverage: Allianz Global Assistance provides higher medical limits at competitive pricing.
For Budget-Conscious Travelers: Seven Corners offers solid basic coverage at lower price points.
Bottom Line Assessment
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is a premium provider that delivers on its core promises: financial stability and fast claims processing for routine issues.
They’re not the cheapest option, and complex claims can still be challenging.
But if you want the peace of mind that comes with Warren Buffett’s financial backing and don’t mind paying for premium service, BHTP deserves serious consideration.
Their specialty plans show genuine understanding of different travel styles, and their claims speed for straightforward issues is genuinely impressive.
You can compare their plans with other providers here to find the best fit for your specific travel needs.
Always review the full policy wording carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!
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Can Save Up to 30%!
