AXA Travel Insurance: Quick Overview
Look, if you’re reading this, you’re probably in the same boat as the rest of us millennials: you’ve got a trip booked, you’re excited, but there’s that nagging voice in the back of your head saying, “What if something goes wrong?” AXA Travel Insurance has been around since the late 1950s and is backed by one of the world’s largest insurance conglomerates. They’ve got the financial muscle and global reach that make you feel secure. But here’s the thing: the experience you’ll have varies wildly depending on where you’re buying and whether you ever need to file a claim.
Overall, we rated AXA Travel insurance 7.5 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 AXA Travel Insurance has to offer.
Key Strengths
- Seriously impressive financial backing with an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best
- High coverage limits, especially on the Platinum plan (up to $250K medical, $1M evacuation)
- 24/7 multilingual assistance with a global network of 30,000+ medical providers
Key Weaknesses
- The claims process can be painfully slow, and communication is inconsistent.
- Dramatically different experiences between the US and UK operations
- CFAR coverage is only available on the most expensive plan
Who is AXA Travel Insurance Best For?
Travelers who want robust medical and evacuation coverage from a financially stable company, cruise enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and those who prioritize comprehensive protection over budget pricing. If you’re the type who reads the fine print and keeps meticulous documentation, you’ll likely have a better experience than those who don’t.
AXA Travel Insurance
AXA Travel Insurance's primary strength lies in its rock-solid financial foundation and exceptionally high coverage limits. Backed by a French multinational insurance corporation that has been operating since 1816, AXA S.A. holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best. This financial stability ensures they can pay out claims when they are needed most. The coverage tiers are genuinely competitive, especially the Platinum plan, which boasts high limits such as up to $250,000 for Emergency Medical and a significant $1,000,000 for Medical Evacuation. For travelers who prioritize comprehensive protection and the security of a major global brand, AXA provides a high degree of peace of mind.
A key differentiator for AXA is its customer-friendly features, particularly the zero-deductible policy across all its plans—a rarity in the travel insurance market. This means travelers won't have to pay any out-of-pocket costs before their coverage kicks in. Furthermore, the higher-tier plans offer niche benefits that appeal to specific traveler types, such as coverage for lost ski days, golf rounds, and sports equipment rental on the Platinum plan. All customers also benefit from the integrated My Trip Companion digital platform, which provides real-time travel alerts, a claims portal, and access to telehealth consultations via the "Doctor Please!" feature.
Finally, AXA is an excellent fit for specific traveler profiles and provides proper global emergency assistance. It is highly recommended for cruise enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and those requiring the comprehensive coverage needed for destinations with high-cost medical care. The company provides 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance and leverages a massive International Medical Network of over 30,000 providers worldwide. The Gold plan also meets the requirements for a Schengen Visa, making it a reliable choice for travel to Europe.
- Rock-solid financial backing from one of the world's largest insurers.
- High coverage limits, especially for medical evacuation ($1M on Platinum).
- No deductibles on any plan.
- Proper 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance.
- Cancel for Any Reason option available (though only on Platinum).
AXA Travel Insurance Company Overview
AXA is a French multinational insurance corporation that’s been around since 1816 (yes, that’s over 200 years). The travel insurance arm specifically has been operating since 1959, which means they’ve seen almost every travel disaster you can imagine. In the US market, AXA Travel Insurance is administered by AXA Assistance USA, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
|
Company Information |
Data |
|
Parent Company Founded |
1816 (as Ancienne Mutuelle) |
|
Travel Insurance Since |
1959 |
|
Global HQ |
Paris, France (8th arrondissement) |
|
US Operations |
Chicago, IL (AXA Assistance USA) |
|
Global Presence |
50+ countries, 95+ million customers worldwide |
|
US Availability |
All 50 states (some benefit variations by state) |
|
US Underwriters |
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company; American Modern Home Insurance Company |
Here’s something worth noting: AXA has been ranked as the #1 global insurance brand for ten consecutive years by Interbrand, an international brand analysis firm. They manage around 8 million assistance cases annually through a network of 8,000+ employees. That’s a lot of infrastructure backing up your policy.
AXA Travel Insurance Financial Strength & Solvency
This is where AXA really shines, and it should be a significant factor in your decision. There’s no point buying travel insurance from a company that might not be able to pay out when you need it to.
|
Rating Agency |
Rating |
|
AM Best (AXA S.A.) |
A+ (Superior) with Stable Outlook |
|
AM Best (Nationwide Mutual) |
A+ (Superior) |
|
S&P Global Ratings |
AA- |
|
Moody’s |
A2 |
In plain English: AXA S.A. reported a net income of EUR 7.4 billion in 2023. Their risk-adjusted capitalization is rated at the “strongest level” by AM Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. The company has excellent access to capital markets and a diversified earnings profile across property/casualty, life/health, and asset management. You’re not going to wake up one morning to find out they’ve gone bankrupt.
AXA Travel Insurance Coverage Options
AXA offers four tiers of coverage in the US market: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Bronze plan is a post-departure medical-only option, while the other three provide comprehensive trip protection. Here’s the breakdown of what you’re actually getting:
Plan Comparison Overview
|
Benefit |
Bronze |
Silver |
Gold |
Platinum |
|
Trip Cancellation |
— |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Trip Interruption |
— |
100% |
150% |
150% |
|
Emergency Medical |
$15,000 |
$25,000 |
$100,000 |
$250,000 |
|
Medical Evacuation |
$50,000 |
$100,000 |
$500,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
Baggage Loss/Damage |
— |
$1,000 |
$1,500 |
$3,000 |
|
Trip Delay (per day) |
— |
$100 |
$200 |
$300 |
|
Missed Connection |
— |
$500 |
$1,000 |
$1,500 |
|
Pre-Existing Coverage |
— |
— |
✓* |
✓* |
|
CFAR Available |
— |
— |
— |
✓ (75%) |
*Pre-existing condition coverage requires purchase within 14 days of initial trip deposit and a 60-day look-back period.
Notable Coverage Features
One thing I genuinely appreciate about AXA is that none of its plans have deductibles. That’s rare in the travel insurance world and means you won’t be paying out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
The Platinum plan also includes some niche benefits that adventure travelers and golfers will love: coverage for lost ski days ($25/day), lost golf rounds ($500), and sports equipment rental ($1,000). Plus, optional collision damage waiver coverage up to $50,000 for rental cars is available on the Gold and Platinum plans.
What’s NOT Covered
- Incidents while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Named storms after they’ve been officially named (buy early!)
- Adventure activities, unless specifically included in your plan
- Acts of terrorism (varies by plan)
- Travel to sanctioned countries, including Russia, North Korea, Iran, Syria, and several others
AXA Travel Insurance Affordability & Value
Let’s be real: AXA isn’t the cheapest option out there. But travel insurance is one of those things where you really do get what you pay for, and AXA’s coverage limits are genuinely competitive for what you’re paying.
Sample Pricing (as of October 2025)
|
Trip Scenario |
Approximate Cost |
|
36-year-old, 5 days to Canada (cheapest) |
$168 (Silver) to $235 (Platinum) |
|
60-year-old, Japan trip, $2,500 cost |
$155 (Silver) to $218 (Platinum) |
|
Silver Plan Starting Price |
From $16 |
|
Gold Plan Starting Price |
From $36 |
Compared with competitors like Tin Leg and HTH Worldwide at similar coverage levels, AXA tends to be slightly higher in price. However, AXA’s Platinum plan was named among the highest-rated plans in Forbes Advisor’s 2025 review, which speaks to the value proposition if you need comprehensive coverage.
AXA Customer Service
Here’s where things get interesting. Pre-trip customer service generally gets solid marks. Multiple reviewers mention being able to reach a live person quickly, and the staff is described as friendly and knowledgeable when explaining policy details or making adjustments.
However, the story changes dramatically when you need to file a claim. Communication becomes inconsistent, response times drag, and some customers report feeling like they’re getting the runaround. The Squaremouth customer satisfaction scores tell the story: 4.33/5 for pre-trip service, but only 3.62/5 during the trip and 3.71/5 during claims.
Contact Information:
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Hotline: 855-327-1442 (US) or 312-935-1719 (International)
- Customer Service: Monday-Saturday, 8 am-7 pm CST (855-327-1441)
- Claims Support: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4 pm CST (888-957-5015)
- Email: [email protected]
- Languages: Multilingual support available
AXA Online & Digital Experience
The AXA website (axatravelinsurance.com) is clean and easy to navigate. You can get a quote in under five minutes, and the comparison tool makes it easy to see what you’re getting at each plan level. The site complies with W3C accessibility standards, which is a nice touch.
My Trip Companion App
AXA’s digital offering is the My Trip Companion (MyTC) platform. It’s not a traditional app you download from an app store. Instead, it’s a Progressive Web App (PWA) that you access through your browser and can add to your home screen. The platform offers:
- Real-time travel alerts and destination information
- Telehealth consultations via the “Doctor Please!” feature
- Access to AXA’s International Medical Network to find doctors/hospitals
- Visa and travel requirement assistance (powered by Sherpa)
- Claims portal for filing and tracking
- MyCare Line nurse callback service
The app is functional and covers the basics, but it won’t blow your mind. There’s no dedicated WhatsApp channel for instant messaging, unlike some competitors.
AXA Customer Satisfaction & Reputation
This is where we need to have an honest talk. The customer satisfaction picture for AXA is genuinely mixed, with significant variation by region.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
AXA Travel Insurance holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), though it is not BBB-accredited. Over the past three years, the company has received a small handful of complaints, with the common themes revolving around claims delays, requests for extensive documentation, and denied claims.
Trustpilot Ratings
Here’s where the regional divide becomes crystal clear:
The customer satisfaction picture for AXA shows a clear regional divide based on Trustpilot ratings. AXA Assistance USA holds a strong 4.2/5 rating from 363 reviews, and AXA Schengen has a 4/5 rating from 1,811 reviews. However, AXA Travel Insurance UK has a significantly lower reputation, with a rating of only 1.9/5 across over 1,900 reviews, frequently drawing complaints regarding claim denials, poor communication, and processing delays.
The UK operation has a particularly rough reputation, with customers frequently complaining about claim denials, poor communication, and delays lasting months. US-based customers report better experiences overall, though claims processing continues to draw criticism.
Squaremouth (Travel Insurance Marketplace)
- Overall Rating: 4.22/5
- Negative Reviews: Only 0.1% among 69,000+ policies sold
- Common Praise: Efficient pre-departure service, easy policy adjustments
- Common Criticism: Claims process too long, lacks transparency
AXA Claims Process
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: the claims process is probably AXA’s weakest area. While some customers report smooth experiences, a significant number describe frustrating delays and communication breakdowns.
How to File a Claim
- Online: Through the AXA website claims portal or the My Trip Companion app
- Phone: 855-327-1441
- Mail: AXA Assistance USA c/o Claims Desk, P.O. Box 26222, Tampa, FL 33623
Required Documentation Typically Includes
- Completed claim form
- Policy verification and booking confirmation
- For medical claims: receipts, diagnosis report, primary insurance EOB
- For baggage: Property Irregularity Report, police report if theft
- For cancellation: Supplier cancellation statement, supporting documentation
Processing Times
AXA’s official guidance suggests standard reimbursement times of 10-15 business days after all documents are received. However, customer reports paint a different picture. Some describe waiting a month or longer, with one particularly frustrated customer comparing AXA unfavorably to Allianz, which paid out a hip fracture claim within four days.
The theme that emerges is that AXA can be thorough to the point of being difficult. Multiple requests for the same documentation, rigid interpretation of coverage terms, and sometimes seemingly arbitrary denials are common complaints. On the flip side, when claims do get paid, customers generally receive the full amount without quibbling over receipts.
AXA Unique Features & Differentiators
- Zero Deductibles: Unlike many competitors, no out-of-pocket costs before coverage kicks in
- Sports Coverage: Lost ski days, golf rounds, and equipment rental coverage on Platinum
- Massive Medical Network: 30,000+ healthcare providers worldwide
- My Trip Companion: Integrated digital platform with telehealth and visa assistance
- Schengen Visa Compliant: Gold plan meets European visa requirements
- Cruise-Ready: Enhanced benefits for cruise travelers, including missed port connections
- COVID Coverage: Included in many policies
AXA Pros and Cons
Weigh the pros and cons of AXA travel insurance.
Pros
- Rock-solid financial backing from one of the world’s largest insurers.
- High coverage limits, especially for medical evacuation ($1M on Platinum).
- No deductibles on any plan.
- Proper 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance.
- Cancel for Any Reason option available (though only on Platinum).
- Good coverage for adventure travelers and sports enthusiasts.
Cons
- The claims process can be slow and frustrating.
- Communication during claims is inconsistent.
- CFAR is only available on the most expensive plan.
- Pre-existing condition coverage requires purchase within 14 days of deposit.
- No annual travel insurance plans are available.
- Dramatically worse reputation in the UK market compared to the US.
Our Verdict & Overall Score for AXA Travel Insurance
AXA Travel Insurance is like that restaurant with fantastic food but inconsistent service. The core product is genuinely good: comprehensive coverage, solid limits, financial stability you can count on, and global support when you need it. The Platinum plan, in particular, offers some of the best coverage limits in the industry.
But here’s the catch: you might have a frustrating time using it if you actually need to. The claims process needs significant improvement, and the disconnect between pre-trip service and claims handling is concerning.
Who Should Choose AXA
Travelers who prioritize high coverage limits and financial security, cruise enthusiasts, adventure travelers, golfers and skiers, and those who are organized enough to keep meticulous documentation and follow up persistently on claims.
Look Elsewhere If
You’re primarily price-sensitive and just need basic coverage, you want CFAR without paying for the top-tier plan, you’re in the UK (their operations there have serious reputation issues), or you value a quick, painless claims process above all else.
At the end of the day, travel insurance is about peace of mind. AXA can provide that, but just go in with realistic expectations about what the claims experience might look like.
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 AXA Scored
- Financial Strength: 9/10
- Affordability: 6/10
- Customer Service: 6/10
- Online Experience: 7/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 5/10
- Claims Process: 5/10
You can learn more about how each company scored and what curve was applied here: Travel Insurance Reviews.
