John Hancock Travel Insurance is a long-standing and well-regarded insurer. The company has been around for more than a century since it was founded in 1862.
Business Insider compared John Hancock travel insurance to the best travel insurance companies and found it to be a standout option. It provides strong coverage, even with its base Bronze plan. However, premiums are on the higher side, though still within the range of expected costs.
John Hancock Travel Insurance Pros and Cons
John Hancock Travel Insurance Pros
- Cancel for any reason rider available with all policies
- Preexisting condition coverage available with all policies
- CFAR is always 50% of the plan's cost
John Hancock Travel Insurance Cons
- Reviews of claims process are mixed
- No annual multi-trip plans
- Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
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- Offers 3 travel insurance plans
- Cancel for any reason rider available
- Affordable travel insurance premiums
- Reviews of claims process are mixed
- Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
- Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
- Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
- Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
- Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000
Compare John Hancock Travel Insurance
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- Zero Complaint Guarantee
- Streamlined comparison platform
- Variety of partnered travel insurance companies
- Customer service team is difficult to reach
SquareMouth is an online marketplace that helps you choose a travel insurance policy from 32 companies that shares a comprehensive, streamlined overview page for each insurance provider.
SquareMouth Travel Insurance
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- Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
- Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
- COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
- Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
- Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
- Limited add-on coverage options
- Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors
Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.
Tin Leg- Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.
- Options to cover sports equipment
- Option to increase medical coverage
- Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
- Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
- Includes generous baggage delay, baggage loss, and trip delay coverage
- Optional "adventure activities" bundle available for riskier activities
- Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
- Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage
Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the U.S. providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers Essential, Advantage, Ultimate, and Travel Med Go options. Read on to learn more.
Travelex Travel Insurance- Optional CFAR insurance available with the Ultimate plan
- Travel delay insurance starting at $500 with the Advantage plan
- Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000
John Hancock Travel Insurance Overview
John Hancock travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage in three tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Its offerings are comprehensive, offering CFAR and preexisting condition coverage with all its tiers, even Bronze. Additionally its medical coverage is primary and does not have a deductible.
John Hancock's plans are on the higher side of the industry, but premiums stay fairly consistent, even for older travelers. However, this means that younger travelers will be able to find cheaper travel insurance. The same goes for those looking for travel insurance for families.
However, its CFAR is relatively affordable, only costing 50% of the plan's cost. Many other providers have CFAR with costs that can eclipse the original plan's premium.
While John Hancock offers pretty solid single-trip policies, it lacks some additional options, like annual multi-trip plans.
It's important to note that John Hancock is just the distributer and agent, not the underwriter or insurer. Starr Indemnity & Liability company underwrites and insures policies sold by John Hancock.
John Hancock Travel Insurance Coverage
John Hancock Travel Insurance keeps it simple by offering three plans: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each provides different coverage limits; your premiums depend on your personal details and trip specifics.
Here's a look at the coverage limits you'll get with each plan:
John Hancock Travel Insurance Bronze Plan
John Hancock's Bronze plan plan offers a surprising variety of benefits despite being the provider's cheapest tier. It is available for trips up to $10,000 per person.
It offers the following benefits:
- Trip cancellation: 100% of trip cost
- Trip interruption: 125% of trip cost
- Optional CFAR: Up to 75% reimbursed when purchased within 14 days of initial trip payment
- Trip delay (6+ hours): $500 total; $150 per day
- Missed connection: $200
- Airline ticket change fee: $200
- Baggage/personal effects: $750
- Baggage delay (12+ hours): $250
- Emergency accident and sickness expense: $50,000
- Emergency evacuation: $250,000
- Preexisting condition waiver: Available when purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit
- Repatriation of remains: $250,000
- Frequent travel loyalty: $200
- Terror attack coverage: Yes
- 24/7 travel assistance: Yes
- Optional rental car collision: $50,000 (secondary)
- Optional AD&D - Air-only: $300,000 or $500,000
John Hancock Travel Insurance Silver Plan
The Silver coverage plan from John Hancock John Hancock Travel Insurance provides an enhanced level of protection for travelers seeking extra security. It is available for trips up to $20,000 per person.
It offers the following benefits:
- Trip cancellation: 100% of trip cost
- Trip interruption: 150% of trip cost
- Optional CFAR: Up to 75% reimbursed when purchased within 14 days of initial trip payment
- Trip delay (3+ hours): $750 total; $150 per day
- Missed connection: $750
- Airline ticket change fee: $200
- Baggage/personal effects: $1,000
- Baggage delay (12+ hours): $500
- Emergency accident and sickness expense: $100,000
- Emergency evacuation: $500,000
- Preexisting condition waiver: Available when purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit
- Repatriation of remains: $500,000
- Frequent travel loyalty: $200
- Terror attack coverage: Yes
- 24/7 travel assistance: Yes
- Optional rental car collision: $50,000 (secondary)
John Hancock Travel Insurance Gold Plan
The Gold coverage plan from John Hancock Travel Insurance represents the pinnacle of travel protection, offering a luxurious safety blanket for those who desire the utmost in security and comfort. It is available for trips up to $100,000 per person.
- Trip cancellation: 100% of trip cost
- Trip interruption: 150% of trip cost
- Optional CFAR: Up to 75% reimbursed when purchased within 14 days of initial trip payment
- Trip delay (3+ hours): $1,000 total; $200 per day
- Missed connection: $1,000
- Airline ticket change fee: $200
- Baggage/personal effects: $2,500
- Baggage delay (12+ hours): $500
- Emergency accident and sickness expense: $250,000
- Emergency evacuation: $1 million
- Preexisting condition waiver: Available when purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit
- Repatriation of remains: $1 million
- Frequent travel loyalty: $200
- Terror attack coverage: Yes
- 24/7 travel assistance: Yes
- Optional rental car collision: $50,000 (secondary)
Additional Coverage Options from John Hancock (Riders)
Like many other travel insurance providers, John Hancock John Hancock Travel Insurance offers a few add-ons. These include:
- Rental-car collision coverage
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance coverage
- Accidental death & dismemberment (for air travel only)
These add-ons can be purchased simultaneously, as your policy for an additional cost. And the coverage amounts may vary depending on the policy purchased.
Additionally, CFAR is not available to travelers who reside in New York.
John Hancock Travel Insurance Cost
The most important thing to remember is that the cost of your policy will depend primarily on your age and the cost of your trip. So premiums can vary widely.
That said, the average premiums for travel insurance range from 4% to 8% of overall trip costs, which is a good benchmark to have in mind.
We pulled a few quotes as examples to sample how much a policy from John Hancock might cost.
A 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following John Hancock travel insurance quotes:
- Bronze Plan: $111
- Silver Plan: $118
- Gold Plan: $160
Premiums for John Hancock plans are between 3.7% and 5.3% of the trip's cost, well below the average cost of travel insurance. It's also relatively cheap compared to many of its competitors
John Hancock provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:
- Bronze Plan: $143
- Silver Plan: $149
- Gold Plan: $200
Once again, premiums for John Hancock plans are between 3.6% and 5%, below the average cost for travel insurance.
A Texas family (two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old) taking a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000.
- Bronze Plan: $754
- Silver Plan: $824
- Gold Plan: $1,270
Premiums for this trip are between 3.8% and 6.4%, on the lower end of the range of average premiums.
A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New York for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following John Hancock quotes:
- Bronze Plan: $360
- Silver Plan: $384
- Gold Plan: $540
Premiums for this trip are between 6% and 9%, which is roughly in line with the average cost for travel insurance. This is to be expected, as travel insurance is often more expensive for older travelers.
How to Purchase and Manage a John Hancock Travel Insurance Policy
To purchase John Hancock travel insurance, you'll need to obtain a quote on the provider's website. You'll need to provide details about you and your trips:
- Travel dates
- Initial payment date
- Destination
- Your state of residence
- Number of travelers
- Traveler(s) age
- Trip cost
Once you obtain a quote and select a plan, you'll be asked if you want to add any additional coverage to your policy.
Travelers in most states will have a 14-day free-look period, in which they can cancel their policy and receive a full refund. In Indiana, New Hampshire, and Utah, travelers have 30-days to cancel their policy.
How to File a Claim with John Hancock Travel Insurance
If you need to file a claim, you can start by visiting the company's claims website. The claims department can also be reached by phone at 855-422-6462 or by email at Affinityclaims@us.crawco.com.
Any documentation you might need to include with your claim can be emailed to the email address above or mailed to:
Claim Benefit Services
P.O. Box 459084
Sunrise, Florida 33345
Navigating the claims process with John Hancock Travel Insurance can be straightforward if you understand the steps involved and what is expected. Here's a guide to help you navigate the claims process efficiently:
- Immediate Notification: As soon as you encounter an issue that may lead to a claim (such as a medical emergency, trip cancellation, or baggage loss), it's crucial to contact John Hancock immediately. This can often be done through their 24/7 assistance line. Early notification can expedite the claims process and ensure you receive guidance on the necessary steps.
- Understand Your Policy: Before you make a claim, review your policy details to understand what is covered and the documentation required. Knowing your policy benefits and limitations can streamline the process and set clear expectations.
- Collect Documentation: Gathering all necessary documentation is a critical step. Depending on the nature of your claim, this may include medical reports, police reports, receipts, proof of travel or accommodation bookings, and any correspondence related to your claim (such as emails with airlines regarding lost luggage).
- Complete the Claims Form: You will need to complete a claims form, providing detailed information about your trip, the incident, and the loss or expenses incurred. Be as accurate and comprehensive as possible to avoid delays. The form should be available on the John Hancock website or upon request.
- Submit Your Claim: Once you have completed the claims form and gathered all necessary documentation, submit your claim as per the instructions provided by John Hancock. This can often be done via email, post, or an online portal.
- Claim Assessment: After your claim is submitted, it will be reviewed by a claims assessor. This process may involve additional questions or requests for further information. Prompt and complete responses can help expedite this stage.
- Claim Decision: Once your claim has been fully assessed, you will be notified of the decision. If your claim is approved, you will be informed about the compensation amount and when to expect payment. If your claim is denied, you should receive an explanation, and you may have the option to appeal the decision if you believe it was made in error.
- Receiving Payment: If your claim is approved, the payment will be processed according to the terms of your policy. The time frame for receiving payment can vary, so it's important to have realistic expectations and keep in touch with John Hancock if there are any delays.
- Post-Claim Support: If you have questions or concerns after your claim is settled, John Hancock's customer support can provide assistance and clarify any doubts.
John Hancock Travel Insurance Customer Reviews and Ratings
John Hancock has very mixed reviews online, receiving an average of 1.09 stars on its Better Business Bureau page and 1.5 stars on Trustpilot. It's worth mentioning that these reviews primarily pertain to its other financial services, like 40(k)s.
On SquareMouth, John Hancock's travel insurance has a 4.16 star rating. Though high compared to its reviews on other sites, SquareMouth reviews are generally inflated. Its worst reviewed provider, Azimuth Risk Solutions, still has a 3.92 star rating and its highest rated provider is GeoBlue with 4.64 stars. As you can see, John Hancock is on the lower end of this range.
Reviews mention that the claims process can be frustrating, citing unresponsive agents, superfluous documentation requirements, and long wait times between messages. Additionally, several customers mentioned wrongful denials of claims.
Let's look at some additional ratings from third-party agencies.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' complaint index rates insurance companies based on how many complaints they receive against its share of the market. A 1.00 means that a company has an expected number of complaints based on its size. A lower score indicates fewer complaints than expected and a higher number indicates more complaints than expected.
Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, which underwrites and insures John Hancock plans, has a 0.34 Company Complaint Index score, which means it also received fewer complaints than expected.
Starr International Company, the parent company of Starr Indemnity & Liability, has an A (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating, meaning it's in a good position to uphold its financial obligations, like paying claims.
John Hancock Travel Insurance Alternatives
John Hancock Travel Insurance vs. Nationwide Travel Insurance
Nationwide Nationwide Travel Insurance and John Hancock travel insurance are well-recognized names in the insurance industry. And each makes it easy to find coverage by offering just two or three single-trip policies.
With Nationwide, you can choose between the Essential and Prime plans.
Nationwide's Essential Plan comes with the following:
- Trip cancellation coverage of up to $10,000
- Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation
- Up to $150 per day ($600 maximum) reimbursement for travel delays of 6+ hours
- Coverage for delayed or lost baggage
In comparison, John Hancock's Silver plan comes with 100% of the trip cost in trip cancellation coverage, $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage, up to $150 per day ($750 maximum) reimbursement for travel delays of 3+ hours, and baggage insurance.
As you can see, the policy from John Hancock offers superior coverage. But let's also compare their top-tier plans.
Nationwide travel insurance's Prime Plan, which provides even more coverage, including:
- Trip cancellations up to $30,000
- Trip interruption coverage up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
- $250 per day for trip delays of 6+ hours
- Up to $1 million for emergency medical evacuation
John Hancock's top-tier Gold plan offers 100% of the trip cost in trip cancellation coverage, 150% of the trip cost in trip interruption coverage, $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage, up to $200 per day ($1,000 maximum) reimbursement for travel delays of 3+ hours.
When comparing these two policies, it's a little more difficult to declare one the clear winner as many of the coverage limits are similar.
The best thing to do when looking for coverage is to compare premiums to determine which policy and provider is right for you.
Read our Nationwide travel insurance review.
John Hancock Travel Insurance vs. AIG Travel Guard
John Hancock travel insurance and AIG Travel Guard offer three primary travel insurance plans. And with each plan, you'll find different coverage limits and various types of protection.
To compare these two providers, we'll look at the mid-tier options from each company.
With AIG Travel Guard Preferred plan, you'll get the following:
- Trip cancellation coverage of up to $150,000
- Trip interruption coverage up to $225,000
- Emergency medical coverage of up to $50,000
- Coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage up to $1,000
- Travel delay coverage of up to $800
Now we can compare that to John Hancock's Silver Plan, which offers reimbursement of 100% of the trip cost in trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption coverage of 150% of the trip cost, $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, baggage coverage for up to $1,000, and travel delay coverage of up to $750.
You can see that the policies are pretty similar in their coverage limits. But remember that several factors will determine the actual premiums for these travel insurance policies. So we recommend getting a personalized quote before deciding which provider and policy is best for you.
Read our AIG Travel Guard travel insurance review.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed John Hancock Travel Insurance
To evaluate John Hancock travel insurance, Business Insider reviewed the following factors.
Coverage amounts: We consider the policies available, what they cover, and how much coverage they offer. We like to see a variety of options available, with a great deal of flexibility to cover as many needs and customers as possible.
Inclusions/Exclusions: We consider common inclusions and exclusions, and how much customers have to pay for certain benefits. For example, many companies offer preexisting condition waivers, but reserve this benefit for more expensive plans. However, John Hancock offers preexisting condition coverage for all its policies. It also allows travelers to add CFAR to all its policies, which most companies don't provide.
Cost: We obtain quotes for a variety of travelers, including single travelers, families, couples, and older travelers. We see how the quotes compare to the standard costs of travel insurance, which is between 4% and 8% of your total trip cost. We also pay attention to any savings opportunities travelers can take advantage of, like discounts for children.
Customer service: We consider how a company treats its customers by looking at online customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, SquareMouth, and the Better Business Bureau. We also look at ratings from third-party organizations like the NAIC and AM Best. We look at any customer service features a company offers, like 24/7 helplines.
Unique features: We look to see if a company has any unique features or benefits.
Read more about Business Insider's travel insurance ratings methodology.
FAQs
What types of coverage does John Hancock travel insurance offer?
John Hancock travel insurance offers three tiers of single-trip travel insurance that offers a variety of coverage, which includes trip cancellation, travel medical, and trip inconvenience.
Can I purchase John Hancock Travel Insurance if I have a preexisting medical condition?
Yes, John Hancock travel insurance provides coverage for preexisting conditions on all its plans, provided you purchase your policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
Can I cancel John Hancock travel insurance and receive a refund?
Yes, you can cancel John Hancock travel insurance and receive a full refund if you cancel within 14 days of purchasing your policy.
How quickly should I purchase John Hancock travel insurance?
Ideally, you should purchase John Hancock travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. However, you can purchase a policy as late as two days before your departure date.
Does John Hancock travel insurance have good travel medical coverage?
Yes, John Hancock travel insurance has good travel medical coverage, with $0 deductible and primary coverage.
Partner offer: Find the best travel insurance policy for your needs and avoid costly surprises. Learn more about travel insurance here.
