Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance: Quick Overview
Shopping for travel insurance isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. But Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has made it feel much less painful. Backed by the financial might of Warren Buffett’s empire and sporting an A++ rating from AM Best, this company has serious credibility. Their claims process is genuinely impressive, with payments up to 5 times faster than the industry average. That said, the lower medical coverage limits on their budget plans might leave international travelers wanting more.
Overall, we rated Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance 9.0 out of 10, landing towards the top of our list of the best travel insurance companies.
Key Strengths
- Industry-leading claims speed with “pic-and-click” mobile filing and same-day electronic payments.
- Exceptional financial backing (A++ from AM Best, the highest rating possible)
- Family-friendly pricing with free coverage for up to two kids under 18 on select plans
Key Weaknesses
- Low medical coverage limits on entry-level plans ($15K-$50), which may be inadequate for international travel
- Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is only available on the premium LuxuryCare plan.
- The mobile app has stability issues and feels outdated compared to competitors.
Who is Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance Best For?
Budget-conscious travelers taking domestic trips or short international getaways who prioritize fast claims processing over maximum medical coverage. Also great for families looking to save with free kid coverage, and adventure seekers who need specialized AdrenalineCare protection.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) is an exceptionally strong choice for travelers who prioritize financial security and industry-leading claims efficiency. Backed by the financial power of Warren Buffett’s empire (Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company) and sporting the highest possible AM Best rating of A++ (Superior), the company offers unmatched credibility and peace of mind that claims will be paid. Furthermore, BHTP has made their claims process their central promise, with a motto of "Claims is Our Product." They consistently deliver, boasting payments up to five times faster than the industry average, often utilizing same-day electronic payments through their BHTP Burst system, and simplifying the process with "pic-and-click" mobile filing.
A second compelling reason to choose BHTP is its innovative approach to benefits and overall value, particularly for families and specific travel styles. Their ExactCare plans offer a popular "Kids Covered Free" feature for up to two children under 18, a benefit offered by only a handful of travel insurers. For those seeking niche coverage, the company provides specialized plans like AdrenalineCare for high-risk adventure sports and WaveCare for cruisers. Additionally, BHTP offers fixed benefit payouts for certain covered events (like a $500 payout for lost luggage), which eliminates the typical hassle of haggling over receipts and provides quick, predictable reimbursement.
Finally, the company's commitment to customer experience extends beyond payment speed to include unique, complimentary services. Every policy includes a 24/7/365 Emergency Assistance line and complimentary concierge services, which can assist with everything from restaurant reservations and securing event tickets to finding a local doctor or interpreter—all at no extra cost. While their entry-level medical limits are a weakness for extended international travel, BHTP's overall affordability, the availability of pre-existing conditions coverage (if purchased early), and the "15-Day Free Look" money-back guarantee make it a solid, value-driven option for domestic or short-haul international trips where fast, secure claims processing is the top priority.
- Industry-leading claims speed.
- Exceptional financial backing (A++).
- Budget-friendly pricing.
- Kids are covered free on select plans.
- Fixed benefit payouts (no receipt haggling).
Company Overview
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection launched in May 2014 after acquiring MyAssist and Insure America, entering the travel insurance market with a clear mission: to simplify an industry that had become unnecessarily complicated. Their motto, “Claims is Our Product,” tells you exactly where their priorities lie. Led by President Dean Sivley, the company has grown from a startup concept into a significant player in the travel insurance space.
| Company Information | Data |
| Year Founded | May 2014 |
| Headquarters | Stevens Point, Wisconsin |
| President | Dean S. Sivley |
| Parent Company | Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI) |
| Availability | US residents traveling worldwide |
| Estimated Revenue | ~$98.6 million |
| Employees | ~281 |
The company expanded significantly in 2022 with the acquisition of Alleghany (property, casualty, and reinsurance services), formed an underwriting partnership with Canadian insurer soNomad, and opened an office in Brussels, Belgium, to serve European territories. Their founder, John M. Noel, previously founded Travel Guard International, which provides some context for the level of industry experience behind this operation.
Financial Strength & Solvency
This is where BHTP absolutely crushes it. When you’re buying travel insurance, you want to know the company will actually be around to pay your claim. Being backed by the Berkshire Hathaway name (yes, that Warren Buffett company) gives this provider unmatched financial credibility in the travel insurance space.
| Strength Measurement | Data |
| AM Best Rating | A++ (Superior) |
| Financial Stability Score | 10/10 |
| Primary Underwriter | BHSI Company |
| Additional Underwriter | National Indemnity Co. (NICO) |
| Years in Business | 11 years (since 2014) |
The A++ rating from AM Best is the highest possible rating in the insurance industry, indicating “Superior” financial strength. This means BHTP has an exceptional ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations. When you combine this with the backing of National Indemnity Company (NICO), which also holds an A++ rating, you’re looking at one of the most financially secure travel insurance providers available. For anxious travelers who lose sleep worrying about whether their insurer will actually pay out, this should put those fears to rest.
Coverage Options
BHTP offers seven distinct plans designed for different travel styles and budgets. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, they’ve created specialized products that actually make sense for how people travel today.
Core Plans
- ExactCare Value: The budget-friendly option with $15,000 medical coverage. Best for domestic trips where medical costs are less of a concern.
- ExactCare: Mid-tier plan with $50,000 medical coverage and the popular “Kids Covered Free” feature (up to 2 children under 18 per adult).
- ExactCare Extra: The most comprehensive ExactCare option with flight tracking, automatic claims processing, and $75,000 emergency medical coverage.
Specialty Plans
- LuxuryCare: Premium protection with $100,000 medical coverage, $1,000,000 evacuation, and the only plan offering CFAR coverage. Covers trips up to $100,000 per person.
- WaveCare: Explicitly built for cruisers with $75,000 medical, $750,000 evacuation, plus unique benefits like cruise ship disablement coverage and cruise line bankruptcy protection.
- AdrenalineCare: For the thrill-seekers doing activities most insurers won’t touch, like skydiving, rock climbing, and scuba diving. Includes $750,000 evacuation coverage.
- AirCare: Flight-only coverage for travelers who just want protection against delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. Does not include medical coverage.
- ExactCare Lite: Post-departure plan designed for road trips. Covers hotel bookings, attraction passes, and medical emergencies. Does not cover flying or cruising.
Coverage Limits & Flexibility
| Coverage | ExactCare Value | ExactCare | LuxuryCare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | $15,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Medical Evacuation | $300,000 | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Trip Cancellation | 100% Trip Cost | 100% Trip Cost | Up to $100,000 |
| Trip Interruption | 100% | 150% | 150% |
| CFAR Available | No | No | Yes |
| Kids Free | No | Yes | No |
Common Exclusions
Like most travel insurers, BHTP won’t cover everything. Here’s what’s typically excluded:
- Pre-existing conditions (unless you purchase within 15 days of your initial trip deposit)
- Adventure activities (unless covered by AdrenalineCare)
- Incidents while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Named storms (after they’re named)
- Travel to countries under government advisories
- Mental or nervous disorders (unless resulting in hospitalization)
- Trips less than 100 miles from your primary residence (for evacuation coverage)
Affordability & Value
Here’s where BHTP really shines for budget-conscious millennials. Their travel medical insurance policies average just $21.21, which is literally less than what you’d pay for a mediocre airport sandwich. For comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, expect to pay an average of $183.52, which remains competitive compared to industry standards.
| Coverage Type | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| Travel Medical (Non-Cancellation) | ~$21 |
| Comprehensive (with Cancellation) | ~$184 |
| AirCare (Flight-Only) | Starting at ~$26 |
| LuxuryCare (Premium) | Starting at ~$75+ |
As a general rule, expect to pay about 8-10% of your total prepaid trip cost for comprehensive coverage. The value proposition is strongest for travelers who prioritize claims speed and financial security over having the absolute highest coverage limits. If you need maximum medical coverage for international travel, you’ll want to spring for LuxuryCare or consider competitors with higher base limits.
Available Discounts
- Kids Covered Free: Up to 2 children under 18 covered at no extra cost on ExactCare plans
- 15-Day Money Back Guarantee: Full refund if you change your mind within 15 days (before trip departure)
Customer Service
Contact Method | Information |
General Customer Service | Mon-Fri, 7 am-7 pm CST |
Claims Line | 7 days/week, 5 am-11 pm CST |
Emergency Assistance | 24/7/365 |
Phone Number | 844-411-2487 |
Support Channels
BHTP offers refreshingly modern communication options:
- Phone support
- Email ([email protected])
- Text messaging
- Web chat
- Twitter and Facebook Messenger
- Mobile app
Concierge Services
One standout feature that sets BHTP apart is its complimentary concierge services included with all policies. This isn’t just for emergencies. They can help with restaurant reservations, securing concert tickets, golf tee times, finding a doctor, telephone interpreter services, and even replacing lost eyeglasses. It’s the kind of white-glove treatment you’d expect from a luxury service, but it’s included at no extra cost.
Online & Digital Experience
The BHTP website (bhtp.com) is clean, straightforward, and gets you from quote to coverage in just a couple of minutes. Plan information is presented in clear, easy-to-understand language, free of excessive insurance jargon. The quote process asks only essential questions: destination, travel method, dates, trip cost, number of travelers, and ages. You can easily compare plans side-by-side before purchasing.
Mobile App
This is where things get a little disappointing. The BHTP mobile app (available on iOS and Android) has the right features on paper, but execution is mixed. Users can initiate claims, upload documentation, check claim status, and select payment methods. However, app reviews consistently mention stability issues, crashes, and difficulty loading policies. One telling review captured the sentiment perfectly: “The app is terrible – it just doesn’t work. Constantly crashes, says it can’t load policy, etc. The company is FANTASTIC. Don’t let the app dissuade you.”
Digital Tools
- Online Claims Filing: Full capability to submit claims through the web portal
- “Pic-and-Click” Claims: Snap a photo of documentation to start most claims instantly
- Flight Tracking: Automatic tracking on ExactCare Extra that can process delay claims automatically
- Electronic Payment: Direct deposit option for same-day claim payments
- Policy Document Access: Available through the web portal and app
Customer Satisfaction & Reputation
Organization | Rating |
BBB Rating | A+ (Accredited) |
Squaremouth Rating | 4.29/5 (900+ reviews) |
Common Praises
Customers consistently praise the speed of claims processing, ease of filing, and the helpfulness of customer service representatives. The “pic-and-click” mobile claims feature gets particularly positive feedback for its convenience.
Common Criticisms
The most frequent complaints involve claim denials based on policy definitions (particularly around “family member” definitions for death-related cancellations) and frustration with communication during the claims review process. Some customers report feeling blindsided when claims are denied for reasons they didn’t anticipate based on their reading of the policy. This underscores the importance of reading the fine print carefully before purchasing.
Claims Process
This is BHTP’s bread and butter. Their entire brand identity revolves around “Claims is Our Product,” and they essentially deliver on that promise. The company claims to pay claims 5 times faster than the industry average, and customer feedback generally supports this claim.
Filing Methods
- Online Portal: Full claim submission with document upload at bhtp.com/claims
- Mobile App: “Pic-and-click” filing with photo documentation
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 844-411-2487 (Option 4)
Required Documentation
To file most claims, you’ll need: a trip invoice showing travel dates and costs; proof of payment (credit card or bank statements); proof of any refunds received; and cancellation penalty documentation from the travel provider. Medical claims require signed patient authorization to release medical information and attending physician documentation.
Payment Speed
The standout feature here is BHTP Burst, their electronic payment system. If your claim is approved and you opt for electronic payment, you can receive funds the same day. Even for more complex claims requiring review, the timeline is generally faster than that of competitors. Flight delay claims through ExactCare Extra can be filed and paid automatically via their flight-tracking system, which is genuinely impressive.
Unique Features & Differentiators
Standout Benefits
- Fixed Benefit Payouts: Unlike traditional insurers that reimburse actual expenses, BHTP pays fixed amounts for covered events. Lost luggage? Get $500. Tarmac delay? Get $1,000. This eliminates haggling over receipts.
- Automatic Flight Tracking: ExactCare Extra monitors your flights and automatically creates and pays delay claims without you lifting a finger.
- Complimentary Concierge: Restaurant reservations, event tickets, doctor finding, interpreter services, and more are included with every policy.
- Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage: Available on all plans if purchased within 15 days of initial trip deposit.
- Kids Covered Free: Up to 2 children under 18 at no extra cost on ExactCare plans. Only four travel insurers offer this.
- 15-Day Free Look: Get a full refund if you change your mind before your trip starts.
Pros and Cons
Compare the pros and cons of Berkshire Hathaway travel insurance.
Pros
- Industry-leading claims speed (5x faster)
- Exceptional financial backing (A++)
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Kids are covered free on select plans
- Fixed benefit payouts (no receipt haggling)
- Pre-existing conditions coverage available
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Free concierge services
Cons
- Low medical limits on budget plans
- CFAR only on LuxuryCare
- Mobile app stability issues
- No annual/multi-trip plans
- Secondary coverage on some plans
- Strict policy definitions for claims
- Limited add-on customization
Our Verdict & Overall Score for Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance
At the end of the day, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection delivers precisely what it promises: straightforward travel insurance backed by serious financial muscle, with a claims process designed to get you paid quickly. The medical coverage limits on entry-level plans are a legitimate concern for international travelers. Still, for domestic trips and budget-conscious travelers who value speed and simplicity, BHTP is a solid choice that won’t leave you stressed when things go wrong.
Choose BHTP if you: prioritize fast claims processing, want strong financial backing, are traveling domestically or on short international trips, have kids you want covered for free, enjoy adventure sports and need AdrenalineCare coverage, or simply want affordable peace of mind without overthinking it.
Look elsewhere if you: need maximum medical coverage for extended international travel (consider Travel Insured International or Seven Corners), require Cancel For Any Reason coverage on a budget plan, travel frequently and want an annual policy, or prioritize a polished mobile app experience.
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 Berkshire Hathaway Scored
- Financial Strength: 10/10
- Affordability: 8/10
- Customer Service: 7/10
- Online Experience: 6/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 7/10
- Claims Process: 8/10
You can learn more about how each company scored and what curve was applied here: Travel Insurance Reviews.
