WorldTrips Travel Insurance: Quick Overview
Overall, we rated WorldTrips Travel insurance 6.7 out of 10, which means it offers an acceptable service without major concerns. However, it didn’t score high enough to secure a spot on our list of the best travel insurance companies. That doesn’t mean it might not be right for you. Read more to learn about what WorldTrips Travel Insurance has to offer.
Key Strengths
- Rock-solid financial backing with an A++ AM Best rating from its underwriter
- Highly customizable plans with flexible coverage limits and optional upgrades
- Strong medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million on premium plans
Key Weaknesses
- The claims process can be frustratingly slow, often taking 30 to 45 days
- Significant disconnect between positive purchase experiences and negative claims experiences
- Customer service responsiveness varies dramatically based on whether you’re buying or claiming
Who is WorldTrips Travel Insurance Best For?
Travelers who prioritize strong medical coverage and financial stability have straightforward trips without complex claims scenarios, and are comfortable with a potentially lengthy claims process if issues arise.
WorldTrips Travel Insurance
WorldTrips’ most compelling strength is its rock-solid financial foundation, underwritten by a parent company that holds the highest possible financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) from AM Best. This exceptional rating is the gold standard in the insurance industry, offering customers absolute peace of mind that the company has an exceptional ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations. Backed by the massive Tokio Marine HCC group, which has been around for over 140 years, the company has proven its stability by successfully navigating multiple economic downturns and a global pandemic over its 25+ year tenure. For travelers purchasing a policy, this financial security ensures that the money will be there when a claim is finally approved.
The company also stands out for its strong and highly customizable coverage options, particularly in the medical and evacuation categories. Premium plans, such as the Atlas Journey Elevate, provide a top-tier $150,000 in primary medical coverage and an exceptional $1 million in medical evacuation coverage, a limit that few competitors can match. Furthermore, WorldTrips includes preexisting condition coverage as standard on all eligible policies (when purchased within the specified time window), a feature often offered as an expensive add-on by other providers. They cater to various traveler types, offering flexible annual plans for frequent travelers and a niche Atlas Nomads product specifically designed for long-term remote workers, all allowing for granular control over deductibles and coverage limits.
Finally, the customer's initial experience with WorldTrips is generally straightforward and positive, making the purchase process seamless. The company has successfully positioned itself as an early adopter of online insurance sales, offering a website that is easy to navigate and allows users to get a quote quickly by entering basic trip details. The three main plan options are presented side-by-side for easy comparison, and policy documents are provided immediately via email after purchase. For customers who never need to file a claim, the combination of competitive pricing, high financial stability, and simple policy configuration makes WorldTrips an attractive and reliable choice.
- Exceptional financial stability with an A++ AM Best rating provides peace of mind
- Highly customizable plans allow you to tailor coverage to your specific needs
- Strong medical coverage options, particularly evacuation benefits up to $1 million
- Preexisting condition coverage included as standard (within specified purchase windows)
- 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance for urgent situations
WorldTrips Company Overview
WorldTrips launched in 1998 (initially as Tokio Marine HCC Medical Insurance Services) and quickly positioned itself as an early adopter of online insurance sales. Back when most of us were still using dial-up internet, these folks were already letting people buy travel insurance without talking to a sales agent. The company rebranded to WorldTrips in 2021, which makes more sense than its previous alphabet-soup name.
They’re headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, and operate as part of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies, which is one of those massive international insurance conglomerates that has been around for over 140 years. WorldTrips now provides coverage to over 400,000 people annually across more than 130 countries.
For U.S. residents, WorldTrips offers comprehensive trip cancellation plans through its Atlas Journey series. International travelers, students, digital nomads, and visitors to the U.S. can access their travel medical insurance products. The company is licensed and operates throughout all 50 U.S. states, though some coverage options and plan names vary by state.
WorldTrips Financial Strength & Solvency
This is where WorldTrips really shines. The underwriting company holds an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, which is basically the gold standard. To put this in perspective, that’s the highest possible rating and indicates exceptional ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.
WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, and Atlas On-The-Go trip protection products are underwritten by U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC), a Texas-domiciled insurance company. Meanwhile, their Atlas Travel Series and StudentSecure international travel medical products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company.
The parent company has financial strength ratings of AA (strong) from Standard & Poor’s, A+ (superior) from A.M. Best, AA (very strong) from Fitch Ratings, and A1 (good) from Moody’s. Translation: If you need to file a claim, the money is there. You won’t be dealing with a company that might go belly up when you actually need them.
The company has been in business for over 25 years, which in travel insurance years is a pretty solid tenure. They’ve weathered multiple economic downturns, a global pandemic, and all the chaos that comes with being in the travel business.
WorldTrips Coverage Options
WorldTrips offers a pretty comprehensive lineup, though the availability depends on whether you’re a U.S. resident or an international traveler.
For U.S. Residents (Trip Cancellation Plans):
WorldTrips offers three central trip cancellation policies: Atlas Journey Escape, Explore, and Elevate, though in some states they may be referred to as Atlas Journey Economy, Preferred, and Premier.
Atlas Journey Escape (Economy): This is the budget option. It covers 100% of trip cancellation and interruption, provides $10,000 in medical expenses (as excess coverage), $250,000 in medical evacuation, and $1,000 in baggage loss, with a $250 per item limit. The medical coverage is excess, meaning it only kicks in after your primary insurance. You can get preexisting condition coverage if you buy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
Atlas Journey Explore (Preferred): The middle child of the family with better coverage limits and primary medical coverage, which makes filing claims much easier since you don’t have to coordinate with your regular health insurance first. This plan extends the preexisting conditions exclusion waiver window to 21 days and adds coverage for airline reissue or cancellation fees. You also get access to additional optional upgrades, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) with 50% or 75% reimbursement.
Atlas Journey Elevate (Premier): The top-tier plan provides 100% trip cancellation, 150% trip interruption, $150,000 in medical expenses (primary coverage), $1 million in medical evacuation, and $2,000 in baggage loss with a $ 500-per-item limit. This is the one to get if you’re booking an expensive trip or have significant medical concerns.
Atlas On-The-Go: This is their post-departure trip interruption plan for those who forgot to buy insurance before leaving. Coverage is limited but better than nothing if you’re already traveling.
For International Travelers and Non-U.S. Residents:
WorldTrips offers several travel medical insurance products, including Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas America (for visitors to the U.S.), Atlas MultiTrip (annual plans), and Atlas Nomads (for digital nomads). These plans are flexible, allowing travelers to choose policy length, deductible, and coverage limits.
For Students:
StudentSecure comes in four tiers: Elite ($5 million overall maximum with a $25 deductible), Select ($600,000 maximum with a $35 deductible), Budget ($500,000 maximum with a $45 deductible), and Smart ($200,000 maximum with a $50 deductible). These plans meet J-1 visa requirements and most university mandates.
Coverage Limits & Flexibility
The customization options are genuinely impressive. You can adjust deductibles and coverage maximums, and add optional benefits. Unlike many providers, WorldTrips includes preexisting condition coverage as standard on all eligible policies when purchased within the specified time window, which is a nice touch.
Optional Upgrades Include:
- Cancel for Any Reason (50% or 75% of trip cost)
- Rental car damage protection
- Adventure sports coverage (bungee jumping, hang gliding, etc.)
- Pet care benefits (vet expenses and boarding)
- Interrupt for Any Reason (on Elevate plan)
- Enhanced medical evacuation coverage
Common Exclusions:
Like all travel insurance, there are standard exclusions. Pre-existing conditions are defined as any condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within 2 years before the effective date of coverage. You also won’t be covered for things like injuries from professional sports, intentional self-harm, or travel to countries under U.S. sanctions.
One thing that might catch people off guard: baggage delay coverage doesn’t kick in until 12 hours have passed, which is longer than some competitors.
WorldTrips Affordability & Value
WorldTrips sits somewhere in the middle of the market pricing-wise. They’re not the cheapest option, but they’re not the most expensive either.
Plan costs range from around $61 for a short 8-day trip to Africa to $256 for a longer 16-day journey to Europe. For a more specific example, a 30-year-old Indiana resident taking a 5-day, $3,000 trip and purchasing 21 days before departure would see different pricing across the three plan tiers.
According to NerdWallet’s comparison for a 10-day, $2,000 trip for a 35-year-old from California, the cost varies by coverage limits.
The pricing factors are standard: your age, trip cost, departure date (the closer to departure, the more expensive), trip length (trips over 30 days cost extra), and your state of residence. All influence the final price.
Value Proposition:
You’re paying for that A++ financial rating and the backing of a major insurance company. The customization options add value if you actually use them. However, if you end up in claims hell (which we’ll discuss later), you might feel like you overpaid.
The Atlas MultiTrip annual plan can be cost-effective for frequent travelers, covering up to 30 or 45 days of travel within 364 days. For digital nomads, the Atlas Nomads plan starts at around $56.27 per month (excluding U.S. coverage) for travelers ages 18 to 39.
Discounts:
Group rates are available for parties of five or more. There aren’t a ton of promotional discounts floating around, which is typical for the travel insurance industry, where pricing is relatively regulated.
WorldTrips Customer Service
Here’s where things get complicated—the customer service experience at WorldTripsexistst in two parallel universes.
Availability & Accessibility
WorldTrips’ customer service team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for travel emergencies. For general inquiries, their regular business hours are 8:00 am to 6:30 pm Eastern Time.
They offer multilingual support, which is genuinely helpful if you’re stuck in a foreign country dealing with an emergency. The main phone number is 1-800-605-2282.
Support Channels
- Phone: Primary contact method, 24/7 for emergencies
- Email: Available, but responses can be slow
- Member Portal: Self-service online platform for managing policies and filing claims
- Mail: Still an option for those who prefer paper
Social media responsiveness wasn’t clearly documented, which in 2024 feels like a missed opportunity.
Customer Service Quality
This is where we need to talk about the elephant in the room. The customer service experience varies dramatically depending on whether you’re buying a policy or filing a claim.
Pre-Purchase and General Inquiries:
The reviews here are generally positive. People consistently mention that the purchase process is smooth, the website is easy to navigate, and if you have questions before buying, you can usually get them answered promptly. Many Trustpilot reviewers note that the insurance was “easy to purchase” with “reasonable rates”.
Claims Assistance:
This is where things fall apart for some customers. The BBB complaints and Reddit discussions paint a concerning picture. Common themes include:
- Claims are taking much longer than the stated 30 to 45-day processing window
- Repeated requests for additional documentation that customers claim they already provided
- Difficulty reaching claims adjusters for updates
- Denials that feel arbitrary or poorly explained
However, it’s worth noting that some customers report positive claims experiences, with one stating “the claim went smoothly,” though they wished for fuller reimbursement on baggage expenses.
One particularly telling complaint noted that “CBP Connect, that handles the claim, provides no updates except when the claim is processed,” with no way to see progression or track the claim online.
WorldTrips Online & Digital Experience
The WorldTrips website is pretty straightforward. You can get a quote quickly by entering basic trip details, and the information is laid out clearly, with little insurance jargon. The purchase flow is smooth, though some people might feel overwhelmed by all the customization options if they’re not sure what coverage they actually need.
The quote process takes just a few minutes. You enter your state, trip cost, departure and return dates, and destination, and boom, you’ve got your options. The comparison of the three main plans is laid out side by side, making it easy to see what you’re getting (or not) at each price point.
Mobile App
Here’s a gap: WorldTrips doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app. In 2024, this feels like a miss. You can access their Member Portal through a mobile browser, but it’s not quite the same as a native app experience.
Digital Tools
The Member Portal is where most of the digital magic happens. Once you register (which requires your policy number and some personal details), you can:
- View policy documents
- File claims online via DocuSign
- Upload supporting documents
- Track claim status
- Update payment information
- Extend or cancel coverage
The claims filing process through the Member Portal uses DocuSign, allowing you to complete and submit the Claimant’s Statement and Authorization form electronically. You can attach up to 3 supporting documents initially, and you can submit additional documents later if needed.
The portal shows your claim timeline, with steps such as “claim started,” “request for more information,” and “outcome determined.” However, based on customer feedback, the updates can be sparse and don’t always give you a clear picture of what’s happening with your claim.
One convenient feature: You can access policy documents and ID cards immediately by email after purchase, with hard copies mailed if requested.
WorldTrips Customer Satisfaction & Reputation
This is where WorldTrips shows some fundamental contradictions.
Better Business Bureau
WorldTrips is BBB Accredited as of March 31, 2011. They’re listed as meeting BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to making good-faith efforts to resolve consumer complaints.
However, the BBB page doesn’t display a letter grade rating, which is unusual. The complaints section tells a concerning story with numerous unresolved issues, particularly around claim denials and slow processing. Common complaint themes include:
- Claims are denied for reasons customers feel are unjustified
- Requests for excessive documentation
- Long delays in claim processing
- Difficulty getting responses from the claims department
- Confusion over the Cancel for Any Reason policy terms
It’s important to note that many of the complaints appear to be related to their travel medical insurance products (Atlas America, VisitorSecure) rather than their trip cancellation plans, which are different product lines with other terms.
Trustpilot
WorldTrips has a 4.4 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on 1,741 reviews. This is actually quite good and represents an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot’s scale.
The positive reviews heavily feature people who didn’t actually file claims. Common phrases include “easy to purchase,” “didn’t need to use it but glad we had it,” and “great peace of mind.” These reviews are valuable for understanding the purchase experience, but don’t tell us much about how the company performs when you actually need them.
The negative Trustpilot reviews mirror the BBB complaints, with customers frustrated by claim denials and slow processing.
Reddit & Social Media Sentiment
The Reddit sentiment is notably harsher than on other platforms. Multiple threads discuss WorldTrips (particularly in the digital nomad community since they underwrite SafetyWing policies) with significant skepticism.
Common criticisms on Reddit include claims that the company is “a scam,” delays in claim processing lasting months, and allegations that it requests unnecessary documentation to delay or deny claims. However, these discussions often conflate WorldTrips’ role as an underwriter with their direct insurance products, which can muddy the waters.
There’s a clear pattern: people who haven’t filed claims tend to rate WorldTrips positively. People who have filed claims are much more likely to have negative experiences.
WorldTrips Claims Process
Let’s be real: this is WorldTrips’ biggest weakness, according to customer feedback.
Filing a Claim
You have three options for filing:
- Member Portal (Recommended): Use DocuSign to complete and submit forms electronically
- Email: Submit forms and documents via email
- Mail: Send physical documents to their Apple Valley, Minnesota address
You must report a claim within 30 days of a loss occurring, or as soon as reasonably possible.
Required Documentation
The documentation requirements are standard for the industry:
- Completed Claimant’s Statement and Authorization form
- Receipts and itemized bills
- Medical records (if applicable)
- Proof of payment
- Any other relevant supporting documents
The problem, according to numerous complaints, is that WorldTrips seems to request additional documentation even after customers believe they’ve submitted everything. If you don’t respond to requests for further information within 45 days, your claim may be closed.
Processing Time
WorldTrips states that claims need 15 to 30 business days to set up a file and begin reviewing a submitted claim, with processing occurring in accordance with policy terms after all required information is received.
In practice, many customers report waiting much longer. Some complaints mention claims pending for 60 to 90 days or even longer in complex cases.
Claims Approval and Payment
There’s no publicly available data on claims approval rates, which isn’t unusual for the industry. However, the volume of complaints about denied claims suggests that approval isn’t automatic, even for what seem like straightforward situations.
Once a claim is finalized, an Explanation of Benefits and any payment check are issued within ten business days.
Customer Feedback on Claims Experience
The feedback is mixed but leans negative:
Positive experiences mentioned:
- Claims processed smoothly within the stated timeframe
- Helpful customer service during the process
- Fair reimbursement for covered expenses
Negative experiences mentioned:
- Excessive delays (60+ days common, some report 90+ days)
- Repeated requests for the same documentation
- Denials for reasons that seem unclear or unjustified
- Difficulty getting status updates
- Poor communication from claims adjusters
One concerning pattern: multiple customers report that claims representatives tell them the claims department is “very busy” or that processors “got confused,” which doesn’t inspire confidence in their systems.
Appeals Process
If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal within 90 days. The appeal must be submitted in writing and include relevant documentation supporting your request to overturn the original claim decision. You can file appeals through the Member Portal, email, or mail.
WorldTrips Unique Features & Differentiators
- High Medical Evacuation Coverage: WorldTrips offers up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage, a level that few competitors can match.
- Standard Preexisting Condition Coverage: Unlike many competitors who make this an add-on, WorldTrips includes preexisting condition coverage as standard on all eligible policies if purchased within the required time window.
- Flexible Cancellation Policy: WorldTrips offers full refunds on select policies until the day before departure, which is more generous than many competitors.
- Digital Nomad-Focused Product: The Atlas Nomads plan is specifically designed for long-term remote workers, a growing market segment that many traditional insurers ignore.
- Highly Customizable Plans: The ability to choose deductibles and coverage limits, and to add multiple optional upgrades, gives you control over your coverage and costs.
- Strong Financial Backing: That A++ rating isn’t just for show. It means absolute financial stability.
WorldTrips Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional financial stability with an A++ AM Best rating provides peace of mind
- Highly customizable plans allow you to tailor coverage to your specific needs
- Strong medical coverage options, particularly evacuation benefits up to $1 million
- Preexisting condition coverage included as standard (within specified purchase windows)
- 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance for urgent situations
- Easy online purchase process with immediate policy documents
- Flexible cancellation policy with refunds available until the day before departure (on select plans)
Cons
- Claims processing is notably slow, often exceeding the stated 30 to 45 day timeframes.
- Significant volume of complaints about claim denials and requests for additional documentation
- Customer service quality drops dramatically when dealing with claims versus sales.s
- No dedicated mobile app for policy management and claims tracking
- Limited transparency in claim status updates through the Member Portal
- Some customers report difficulty reaching claims adjusters for updates
- Annual plans are limited to medical coverage only, with no comprehensive trip protection annual option
Our Verdict & Overall WorldTrips Rating
WorldTrips is a paradox. On paper, they look fantastic: rock-solid financial ratings, comprehensive coverage options, competitive pricing, and over 25 years in business. The purchase experience is smooth and straightforward. If your trip goes perfectly and you never need to file a claim, you’ll be happy with WorldTrips.
The trouble starts when things go wrong. The claims process is their Achilles heel, with too many reports of delays, documentation requests, and poor communication to ignore. It’s the classic insurance company trap: easy to buy, hard to use.
That said, not everyone has a terrible claims experience. Some customers report smooth sailing from start to finish. The question is whether you’re comfortable taking that risk.
If you’re booking a relatively straightforward trip, value strong medical coverage, and want the peace of mind that comes with an A++ rated underwriter, WorldTrips is worth considering. Just go in with your eyes open about potential claims challenges and keep meticulous records of everything. Take photos of receipts, save all emails, and document every interaction. If you do need to file a claim, you’ll want that paper trail.
For complex trips, expensive vacations where a claim denial would be financially devastating, or if you simply don’t have patience for bureaucratic runarounds, you should shop around. The travel insurance market is competitive, and several providers offer similar coverage with better reputations for claims handling.
WorldTrips isn’t a scam, despite what some angry Reddit users might claim. They’re a legitimate company with solid financial backing. But they’re also not perfect, and their claims process needs significant improvement if they want to match their strong financial profile with strong customer service. Until they address that disconnect, they’ll remain a middle-of-the-road option: great on paper, potentially frustrating in practice.
Who This Company Is Best Suited For:
WorldTrips makes sense for travelers who:
- Prioritize strong medical coverage and high evacuation limits
- Have straightforward trips with a lower likelihood of filing claims
- Value financial stability and want assurance that their insurer can pay out
- Need customizable coverage options and don’t mind spending time configuring their plan
- Are comfortable with potential delays if claims become necessary
- Want strong preexisting condition coverage included as standard
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
Consider other providers if you:
- Have complex trip arrangements that might require nuanced claims handling
- Value responsive customer service above all else
- Want a streamlined claims process with regular updates
- Prefer a mobile app for managing your policy
- Have had previous negative experiences with slow-moving insurance companies
- Need an annual comprehensive plan (not just medical) for frequent travel
About Our Methodology
We use a weighted scoring system for travel insurance reviews. We compared 20 companies on key factors, including their travel insurance rates, to inform our ratings. Once we scored each company, we applied a curve based on the best overall product. Here’s what we look for:
- Financial Strength & Solvency: 20%
- Affordability & Value: 15%
- Customer Service: 20%
- Online & Digital Experience: 10%
- Customer Satisfaction & Reputation: 20%
- Claims Process: 15%
How WorldTrips Scored
- Financial Strength: 10/10
- Affordability: 7/10
- Customer Service: 5/10
- Online Experience: 7.5/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 5.5/10
- Claims Process: 4/10
You can learn more about how each company scored and what curve was applied here: Travel Insurance Reviews.
