Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: A Comprehensive Overview

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is a leading name in the travel insurance industry, offering a diverse range of plans tailored to meet the unique needs of travelers. As a subsidiary of the renowned Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, which also owns well-known brands like GEICO, this travel insurance provider has built a reputation for reliability and flexibility. With eight distinct plans available, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection caters to various types of travels, including road trips, cruises, luxury vacations, and adventure sports. This guide delves into the pros and cons, coverage options, pricing, and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Pros and Cons of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is widely praised for its extensive range of plans and customizable options. One of its standout features is the availability of pre-existing condition coverage, even with its more affordable plans. Additionally, the provider offers specialized coverage for cruises and adventure sports, making it a great choice for travelers with specific needs. The flagship ExactCare plan, for instance, covers up to 100% of trip cancellation costs, $750 in luggage losses, and provides 24/7 worldwide travel insurance.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) option is only available with the LuxuryCare plan, which is the most expensive tier. Furthermore, CFAR only reimburses 50% of trip costs, which is less Generous compared to some competitors that offer up to 75%. Another concern is the claims process, which some customers have reported as slow, especially during peak travel seasons. Despite these limitations, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection remains a strong contender in the travel insurance market.

Travel Insurance Plans Offered by Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers a variety of plans to suit different travel styles and budgets. The ExactCare plan is the most popular option and is available in three tiers: Value, ExactCare, and ExactCare Extra. These tiers vary in coverage limits, with ExactCare Extra offering the highest level of protection. For travelers seeking luxury, the LuxuryCare plan provides enhanced coverage, including higher limits and additional covered events.

In addition to its standard plans, Berkshire Hathaway offers specialized coverage for specific types of travel. For example, road trippers can opt for ExactCare Lite, which covers non-refundable costs for domestic trips, such as hotel rooms and event tickets. Cruise enthusiasts may prefer WaveCare, which includes coverage for cancellations up to $25,000 per person and medical evacuations up to $750,000. Adventure-seekers, on the other hand, can choose AdrenalineCare, which offers comprehensive coverage for high-risk activities, missed connections, and equipment delays.

Cost of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Plans

The cost of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection plans varies depending on factors such as the traveler’s age, destination, and total trip cost. On average, travel insurance costs range from 4% to 8% of the total trip expense. Berkshire Hathaway’s premiums generally fall within this range, making it a competitive option.

For instance, a 23-year-old traveler from Illinois planning a week-long trip to Italy with a $3,000 budget might pay between $63 and $125 for coverage, depending on the plan. Similarly, a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip could expect to pay between $127 and $238. Even older travelers, such as a 65-year-old couple from New Jersey traveling to Mexico, can find affordable options, with premiums ranging from $396 to $594. These examples demonstrate that Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers competitive pricing for travelers of all ages and destinations.

How to Purchase and Manage Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Policies

Purchasing a Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection policy is a straightforward process, thanks to the provider’s user-friendly online quote generator. To get a quote, you’ll need to provide basic information such as your destination, travel dates, trip cost, and the number of travelers. Once you’ve submitted these details, you’ll receive a list of eligible policies and their respective costs. You can also customize your policy by adding optional coverage or riders during the checkout process.

Managing your policy is equally convenient. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers a mobile app that allows you to file claims directly from your smartphone. Additionally, customers have access to a 15-day free look period, during which they can cancel their policy and receive a full refund. For those who prefer traditional methods, claims can also be submitted via email or phone. The provider’s customer service team is available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, and emergency assistance is available 24/7.

Filing Claims with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Filing a claim with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection can be done through the provider’s claims portal, by emailing claims@bhtp.com, or by calling (844) 411-2487. International callers can reach the company at +1 (715) 303-6333. Claims can also be submitted using the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection app, though some users have reported issues with its functionality.

Customers have up to one year from the date of their loss to file a claim, though the provider encourages timely submissions. For certain types of claims, such as lost baggage, you may only need to provide a photograph of the claim filed with the airline and some basic information. While some customers have reported quick and seamless claims processes, others have experienced delays, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Customer Reviews and Ratings of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has an average rating of 4.29 stars out of five on SquareMouth, with many customers praising the ease of purchase and the peace of mind that comes with having comprehensive coverage. The provider’s customer service has also received positive feedback, with reviewers noting responsive and helpful interactions.

However, some customers have reported difficulties in reaching the claims team and longer wait times, which may be more pronounced during peak travel seasons. It’s worth noting that SquareMouth reviews tend to be inflated, with even the lowest-rated providers maintaining high scores. Third-party ratings, such as Berkshire Hathaway’s A++ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best, provide additional reassurance of the provider’s reliability. While Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection may not be perfect, it remains a solid choice for travelers seeking customizable and comprehensive coverage.