Aegis Travel Insurance: Quick Overview
Okay, let’s get real about Aegis (formerly GoReady) Travel Insurance. If you’re the type of traveler who wants solid coverage without breaking the bank, Aegis deserves a spot on your radar. They’ve been around since 1977, which means they were protecting trips before most of us were even born. After being acquired by K2 Insurance Services and merging with April Travel Insurance in 2021, they’ve become a legitimate player in the travel insurance game.
Overall, we rated Aegis Travel insurance 8.3 out of 10, which means it offers an acceptable service without major concerns. Its high score is enough to secure a spot on our list of the best travel insurance companies.
Key Strengths
- “Stress Less Benefits” that handle claims in real-time, so you don’t have to front the cash.
- Named U.S. News’ “Most Economical Travel Insurance Company” with genuinely competitive pricing.
- Intense customer satisfaction with only a 0.2% negative review rate on Squaremouth.
Key Weaknesses
- The claims process can be frustratingly slow when dealing with underwriters (Zurich).
- Maximum trip length capped at 60 days for most plans.
- No dedicated mobile app for policy management.
Who is Aegis Best For?
Budget-conscious millennials and Gen Z travelers who want reliable coverage without paying premium prices. Ideal for international trips, cruises, and anyone who values the peace of mind that comes with real-time claims assistance.
Aegis Travel Insurance
Aegis Travel Insurance (formerly GoReady) is presented as a strong, budget-conscious choice for travelers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, earning an overall score of 7.5/10. Key strengths include its competitive pricing, which led to it being named the "Most Economical Travel Insurance Company" by U.S. News, and its innovative "Stress Less Benefits" that handle claims in real-time to prevent the traveler from having to front the cash. The company also offers highly customizable single-trip plans (like Go Ready Choice and Go Ready VIP) and multi-trip options, with robust coverage limits and a strong financial backing from A-rated underwriters like Zurich American Insurance Company.
However, the review points out a significant weakness in the traditional claims process, which earned a low score of 6/10. Customers frequently report slow and frustrating processing times, citing communication gaps between Aegis and its third-party claims administrators. Other drawbacks include a maximum trip length capped at 60 days for most single-trip plans and the lack of a dedicated mobile app for policy management, which is noted as a miss for a company targeting digitally-native travelers. For travelers with pre-existing conditions, coverage is only available if the policy is purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.
In conclusion, Aegis delivers legitimate value for its price and is a solid choice for those prioritizing affordability and the convenience of real-time claims assistance for in-trip issues. Travelers should choose Aegis if they seek customizable, cost-effective coverage and are planning shorter trips (under 60 days). Conversely, those planning long-term trips or who prioritize a seamless digital experience and a guaranteed fast, hassle-free claims process are advised to look elsewhere. The overall recommendation is to go in with realistic expectations about the potential for delays in reimbursement-style claims and to meticulously document all necessary paperwork.
- Excellent value with competitive pricing across all plan tiers.
- Innovative Stress Less Benefits for real-time claims assistance.
- Highly customizable coverage options to fit specific trip needs.
- Strong financial backing from reputable underwriters.
- 24/7 emergency assistance with global support.
Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth
Aegis Company Overview
Aegis General Insurance Agency has been in the insurance game for over 40 years, which is impressive longevity in an industry that’s seen countless companies come and go. Here’s the TL;DR on who they are:
| Company Information | Data |
| Year Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
| Parent Company | K2 Insurance Services (acquired 2013) |
| Availability | All 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia |
| Travel Division | GoReady Insurance (acquired April Travel 2021) |
| Licensing | CA License No. 0I66850; Licensed in all 50 states |
The company initially focused on property insurance before expanding into travel coverage. Their acquisition of the French company April Travel Insurance in 2021 gave them profound expertise in the travel space, and they’ve since rebranded that division as GoReady. They’re part of K2 Insurance Services, which wrote over $1 billion in premiums last year, so we’re not talking about some fly-by-night operation here.
Aegis Financial Strength & Solvency
When it comes to financial stability, Aegis checks the essential boxes. Here’s what matters:
| Financial Strength | Data |
| AM Best Rating | A (Excellent) for underwriters |
| Primary Underwriters | Zurich American Insurance Company, Starr Indemnity & Liability Company |
| Years in Business | 47+ years (since 1977) |
| Claims-Paying Ability | Strong, backed by A-rated underwriters |
The real reassurance here is their underwriters. Zurich American Insurance Company is a major player with deep pockets, and Starr Indemnity & Liability Company (yes, that Starr) adds another layer of financial security. When you file a claim, you’re ultimately getting paid by these well-established insurers, not some sketchy startup.
Aegis Coverage Options
Aegis offers a solid lineup of plans that actually make sense for different travel scenarios. Here’s what you’re working with:
Single-Trip Plans
- Go Ready Choice: Their most customizable option with tons of add-ons available
- Go Ready VIP: Highest coverage limits with rental car protection included
- Go Ready Pandemic Plus: Comprehensive COVID-19 coverage for the still-cautious traveler
- Go Ready Cruise: Tailored for cruise-specific issues like itinerary changes and missed ports
- Go Ready Trip Cancellation: Budget option for those who just want cancellation protection
Multi-Trip Plans
- Annual/Multi-Trip Preferred: One of the few multi-trip policies that includes trip cancellation coverage
- Yearly/Multi-Trip Primary: Primary medical benefits for frequent travelers
Coverage Limits & Flexibility
Here’s where it gets interesting. Aegis lets you actually customize your coverage instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan:
| Coverage Type | Limits |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | 100% of trip cost |
| Trip Interruption | 150% of trip cost |
| Emergency Medical | Up to $250,000 (VIP plan); upgradeable to $500,000 |
| Medical Evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) | Up to 75% reimbursement (Choice plan add-on) |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Covered if purchased within 14 days of initial deposit |
Notable Exclusions: Standard stuff here, including acts of war, intentional self-harm, and activities under the influence. Named storms are excluded unless your policy was purchased before the storm was named. Pre-existing conditions require purchasing within that 14-day window. The maximum trip length for single-trip plans is 60 days.
Aegis Affordability & Value
This is where Aegis really shines. They were literally named “Most Economical Travel Insurance Company” by U.S. News, and the pricing backs that up. Here’s what you’re looking at:
| Sample Trip Scenario | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Two-week international trip (mid-40s traveler) | $169 – $263 depending on plan |
| Cruise coverage | ~$246 |
| Pandemic Plus coverage | ~$199 |
| Average comprehensive plan | ~$266 |
Travel insurance generally costs around 4% of your total trip cost, but some more comprehensive policies may run up closer to 10%. Aegis tends to land on the lower end of that spectrum. They achieve this by letting you customize and not forcing unnecessary coverage on you. Price transparency is solid since you can get an instant quote on their website without giving up your firstborn child’s email address.
All plans include a Free Look Period (typically 14-21 days, depending on your state) where you can cancel for a full refund if you haven’t filed a claim or departed on your trip.
Aegis Customer Service
Aegis offers phone support, email ([email protected]), and live chat on their website. Social media responsiveness is limited, but honestly, who’s DMing their travel insurance company anyway? The good news is that when you call during business hours, you actually get a real person relatively quickly.
Availability & Accessibility
- Phone Support Hours: 8 am – 10 pm ET, 7 days a week
- Emergency Hotline: 24/7/365 (toll-free: 877-317-3472)
- Customer Service Number: 800-774-3959
- Languages Supported: Multiple languages across time zones
Customer Service Quality
Reviews consistently praise the pre-trip customer service experience. Agents are knowledgeable and helpful when explaining coverage options. However, the experience can decline significantly once you’re in the claims process. The disconnect between Aegis’s customer service team and its third-party claims administrators (especially Zurich) is a legitimate pain point that repeatedly surfaces in reviews.
Aegis Online & Digital Experience
The GoReady website (goreadyinsurance.com) is clean and functional. Getting a quote is straightforward: enter your trip details, see all available plans side-by-side, and purchase. The comparison charts help you understand the differences between plans, rather than confusing you further. Policy documents are emailed within 24 hours of purchase.
Mobile App
Here’s the bad news: there’s no dedicated mobile app. This is a miss, especially for a company targeting travelers who might need to access policy info or file claims while abroad. The website is mobile-responsive, but it’s not the same as having a proper app.
Digital Tools
Claims can be initiated online, via phone, or through live chat. Document upload capabilities are available, though some reviewers report having to resubmit documentation. Policy documents are accessible online through your account. Travel alerts and advisories are posted on the website, which is actually helpful for staying informed about potential disruptions.
Aegis Customer Satisfaction & Reputation
Aegis maintains a strong industry standing with key recognition, yet customer sentiment is mixed, with competitive pricing being a highlight and the claims process being the main pain point.
Squaremouth Reviews
Aegis holds a 4.07 out of 5 rating from over 1,200 reviews on Squaremouth since 2013. The negative review rate is 0.2%, which is impressive. Customers frequently praise competitive pricing and the ease of the purchase process. The main complaints center around claims communication and processing times.
BBB Status
Aegis General Insurance Agency is not BBB Accredited. Complaints exist, but they’re relatively few given the company’s size. Most complaints relate to delays in claims processing and communication issues with underwriters. The company does respond to BBB complaints, which matters if you ever need that escalation path.
Trustpilot & Social Sentiment
Important note: “Aegis Travel” on Trustpilot is a different company (a travel agency in North Carolina), not Aegis/GoReady travel insurance. GoReady’s Trustpilot presence shows mixed reviews, with the main theme being frustration with the claims process. Positive reviews highlight successful claims and helpful customer service. In contrast, negative reviews describe lengthy delays and poor communication during the claims process.
Aegis Claims Process
Let’s be honest: the claims process is where Aegis has room for improvement. Here’s what you need to know:
The Good (Stress Less Benefits): If you contact Aegis immediately during a covered event while traveling (flight delay, illness, injury), their team can coordinate solutions and pay costs directly. No fronting money, no reimbursement hassle. This is genuinely innovative and works well for real-time issues.
The Not-So-Good (Traditional Claims): For claims requiring reimbursement (like trip cancellation), the process can be frustrating. The standard timeframe is three business weeks, but many customers report longer waits. The handoff between GoReady and their underwriters (especially Zurich) creates communication gaps. Some reviewers describe needing to file a BBB complaint to get a resolution.
How to File:
- Contact Aegis via phone (800-774-3959), email, or live chat
- A specialist will identify appropriate benefits and required documentation
- Submit documentation (may be pre-screened before going to claims)
- Wait for processing (7-10 business days claimed; reality may vary)
- Receive payment via check
Pro Tip: Document everything obsessively, submit all required paperwork at once, and follow up proactively. If you hit a wall, the BBB complaint route has proven effective for some customers.
Aegis Unique Features & Differentiators
Here’s what makes Aegis stand out from the crowded travel insurance market:
- Stress Less Benefits: Real-time claims assistance that covers costs upfront. This is genuinely useful and not something every provider offers.
- Highly Customizable Choice Plan: More than a dozen upgrade options so you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need.
- Pet Coverage: The Choice plan offers optional pet evacuation and veterinary expense coverage. For parents, rejoice.
- Trip Inconvenience Benefit (VIP Plan): Covers missed work from carrier delays and cancellations of trip activities due to weather.
- Employment Layoff Coverage: Some plans cover trip cancellation if you’re laid off (must have been employed for 3+ consecutive years).
- Terrorism Coverage: Both foreign and domestic terrorism are covered causes for cancellation.
- COVID-19 Coverage: All plans include pandemic coverage, with Pandemic Plus offering the most comprehensive options.
Aegis Pros and Cons
Consider the pros and cons of Aegis.
Pros
- Excellent value with competitive pricing across all plan tiers.
- Innovative Stress Less Benefits for real-time claims assistance.
- Highly customizable coverage options to fit specific trip needs.
- Strong financial backing from reputable underwriters.
- Comprehensive COVID-19 coverage on all plans.
- 24/7 emergency assistance with global support.
Cons
- Claims processing can be slow and frustrating.
- Communication gaps between Aegis and third-party claims administrators.
- No dedicated mobile app for policy management.
- Maximum 60-day trip length for most single-trip plans.
- Pre-existing condition coverage requires purchasing within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.
Our Verdict & Overall Score for Aegis Travel Insurance
Who should choose Aegis: Budget-conscious travelers who want solid coverage without premium pricing. International travelers who value the Stress Less Benefits for real-time assistance. Cruise enthusiasts are looking for specialized coverage. Anyone who wants customizable plans without paying for unnecessary benefits. Pet owners who want coverage for their furry travel companions.
Who should look elsewhere: Travelers planning trips longer than 60 days should consider HTH travel insurance. Those who prioritize a seamless digital experience and want a mobile app should consider Faye travel insurance. Anyone who has had negative experiences with lengthy claims processes and doesn’t have patience for potential delays might want to look at Berkshire Hathaway travel insurance. Travelers who need the highest possible coverage limits and don’t mind paying more for premium providers.
The bottom line? Aegis delivers legitimate value for the price, and their Stress Less Benefits are genuinely helpful. Go in with realistic expectations about the claims process, document everything, and you’ll likely have a positive experience. For most millennials and Gen Z travelers looking to protect their trips without draining their bank accounts, Aegis is a solid choice.
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 Aegis Scored
- Financial Strength: 8/10
- Affordability: 8.5/10
- Customer Service: 7/10
- Online Experience: 6.5/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 7/10
- Claims Process: 6./10
You can learn more about how each company scored and what curve was applied here: Travel Insurance Reviews.
Important Information About Travel Insurance
*Insurance needs vary significantly based on individual circumstances. This page provides general information and should not be considered personal insurance advice. Always read policy documents carefully and consider consulting with a licensed insurance professional for guidance on your specific situation.
**Company information and offerings may have changed since the time of writing. Please always verify the current details before purchasing an individual policy.