- Overview of Tin Leg Travel Insurance: Tin Leg offers competitively priced travel insurance policies underwritten by financially strong companies like Berkshire Hathaway, but customer reports suggest the claims process can be slow and bureaucratic.
- Who is Tin Leg Best For?: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking strong medical and adventure sports coverage, though they should be prepared for potential frustrations with the claims process.
- Key Strengths of Tin Leg: Features include competitive pricing, solid financial backing from A++ rated underwriters, multiple plan options, and coverage for adventure sports and pre-existing conditions.
- Main Weaknesses of Tin Leg: The claims process is often reported as slow and complicated, baggage coverage is limited, and there is no mobile app for policy management, which diminishes convenience.
- Company Overview and Industry Reputation: Founded in 2014, Tin Leg is part of Squaremouth and has served over 400,000 travelers, with a solid reputation overall but mixed reviews regarding claims handling and customer service.
- Get a quote at Squaremouth.com and compare rates from Tin Leg Travel Insurance.
Tin Leg Travel Insurance offers compelling value in the travel insurance market, with competitive pricing and policies underwritten by financially strong companies like Berkshire Hathaway. While they provide a range of plans, including coverage for adventure sports, potential customers should be aware of a possible drawback: customers report the claims process as slow and bureaucratic.
Overall, we rated Tin Leg Travel insurance 7.5 out of 10, indicating it offers an acceptable service without any significant red flags. However, it didn’t score high enough to make our list of the best travel insurance companies. Read more and learn about Tin Leg, and whether it might be right for you.
Who is Tin Leg Best For?
Budget-conscious travelers who need strong medical coverage and are traveling to places where their regular health insurance won’t help them. Also great if you’re into adventure sports since most plans include that coverage. Just know that if you actually need to file a claim, you might be in for a frustrating experience based on what other customers have said.
Key Strengths
- Competitive pricing that won’t destroy your budget, with plans averaging around $266 for comprehensive coverage.
- Solid financial backing from A++ rated underwriters like Berkshire Hathaway.
- Different plan options so you can actually pick what works for your trip instead of being stuck with a one-size-fits-all situation.
Key Weaknesses
- The claims process can be a total nightmare based on customer reviews, with people reporting months-long delays and constant requests for documentation.
- Baggage coverage maxes out at $500 on most plans, which honestly won’t cover much if the airline loses your stuff.
- No mobile app for managing your policy or filing claims on the go.
Tin Leg Travel Insurance
Tin Leg's primary positive is its compelling value proposition and financial solidity. The company consistently offers competitive pricing, averaging around $266 for comprehensive coverage, which is often cheaper than competitors. This affordability doesn't come at the expense of financial stability, as all policies are underwritten by insurance heavyweights like Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, which boasts an A++ rating from AM Best. This strong financial backing ensures that the company has the money to pay claims, which the review notes is one of the most important factors when purchasing travel insurance. They strategically allocate premium dollars toward high-value benefits like emergency medical and evacuation coverage, providing robust protection against catastrophic expenses abroad without forcing travelers to pay for benefits they may not need.
Another significant positive is the breadth and quality of its coverage options. Tin Leg offers nine different plans, ranging from budget to comprehensive, allowing travelers to choose a package that fits their specific trip needs. A key differentiator is the inclusion of adventure sports coverage on most plans, which is a feature many competitors exclude or charge extra for. Furthermore, pre-existing condition coverage is available on eight of the nine plans, an essential feature for older travelers. All plans include strong medical emergency coverage and high limits for emergency evacuation, which can be a lifesaver when traveling to remote areas. The option to add Cancel for Any Reason coverage also provides maximum flexibility for those who want it.
Finally, the company benefits from a smooth pre-purchase digital experience and notable industry recognition. The website offers an excellent user interface for getting quotes, showing all nine plans with transparent pricing and coverage details side-by-side, making the purchase flow straightforward and quick. This ease of use before a trip contributes to a high customer service rating during the purchase phase. Furthermore, Tin Leg has received legitimate industry praise, being named the Best Value Travel Insurance Provider by USA Today in 2023 and having its Gold plan receive a 5-star rating from Forbes Advisor for its superior coverage and medical limits. This recognition suggests that, on paper, the coverage and pricing are highly competitive within the travel insurance market.
- Competitive pricing that beats many competitors while still offering solid coverage, especially for medical emergencies.
- Strong financial backing from A++ rated underwriters like Berkshire Hathaway, so you can trust they have the money to pay claims.
- Nine different plan options, with clear side-by-side comparisons, make it easy to find coverage that fits your needs.
- Adventure sports coverage is included on most plans without extra charges.
- Excellent website for getting quotes and comparing options.
- Pre-existing condition coverage is available on eight out of nine plans.
- 24/7 emergency assistance hotline for help while traveling.
Tin Leg Travel Insurance Company Overview
Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by Squaremouth, which is basically one of those travel insurance comparison websites where you can shop around for different policies. It’s genius when you think about it. They spent years helping people compare travel insurance and probably thought, “We could do this better ourselves,” so they created their own insurance brand.
The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, which makes sense given Florida’s proximity to cruise ports and international airports. They’ve been around for about a decade now, which means they’re relatively new compared to the big legacy insurance companies that have been doing this forever. Tin Leg is available to U.S. residents and operates nationwide, though specific plan availability can vary by state due to differing insurance regulations.
Despite being the new kid on the block, Tin Leg has built a solid reputation. They’ve served over 400,000 travelers, and USA Today even ranked them as the best value travel insurance provider in 2023. That’s not nothing. The company operates as part of Squaremouth, which gives it access to the comparison platform’s infrastructure and customer base.
Tin Leg Financial Strength & Solvency
Here’s where Tin Leg actually shines. Even though the company itself is relatively young, they’re smart enough to partner with insurance heavyweights that have been around forever. Tin Leg’s policies are underwritten by three different insurance companies, depending on which plan you choose, and all of them have excellent financial ratings.
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company handles most of its policies and has an A++ rating from AM Best, which is basically the gold standard for insurance company ratings. That’s Warren Buffett’s company, so you know they have the money to pay claims. Spinnaker Insurance Company and Starr Indemnity & Liability Company also underwrite some Tin Leg policies, and they both have an A or higher rating from AM Best.
What this means in real terms is that if something goes wrong on your trip. You need to file a claim; the company backing your policy has the financial stability to pay you. That’s one of the most important things to look at when buying travel insurance, because you don’t want to find out your insurance company is broke when you’re stuck in a foreign hospital.
Tin Leg’s use of these established underwriters is a smart move that lets them offer competitive prices while still maintaining strong financial backing. It’s like they’re piggybacking on decades of insurance industry expertise without having to build all that infrastructure themselves.
Tin Leg Coverage Options
Tin Leg offers nine plans, which can be overwhelming at first, but also means you can find something that fits your specific needs. The plans range from Economy (their budget option) to Gold (their most comprehensive plan). They also offer specialized options like Adventure (for active travelers who enjoy hiking and scuba diving) and Cruise (specifically designed for cruise trips).
All of their plans include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which is basically the main reason most people buy travel insurance. If you get sick, someone in your family dies, or something else terrible happens that forces you to cancel or cut short your trip, you can get reimbursed for your non-refundable expenses. They also cover medical emergencies, which is enormous if you’re traveling internationally, where your regular health insurance might not work.
Emergency evacuation coverage is included on all plans, too, covering the cost of getting you to proper medical care if you’re injured in a remote area. This can literally cost tens of thousands of dollars if you’re on a cruise or somewhere far from a major hospital, so it’s not something to skip.
Baggage coverage is included, though it’s not super generous. Most plans cap lost or stolen bag coverage at $500, which won’t cover much if you’re traveling with expensive camera equipment or designer clothes. The Silver plan offers $2,500, and Adventure offers $1,000, which is better but might still not be enough for some travelers.
Travel delay coverage kicks in if your flight is delayed for a certain number of hours. The plans will reimburse you for meals and hotel stays while you’re stuck waiting. This has saved people hundreds of dollars when airlines mess up their schedules.
Cancel for Any Reason coverage is available as an add-on for specific plans. This is the premium option that lets you cancel your trip for literally any reason and get back 50-75% of your trip cost. The catch is you need to buy it within 15-21 days of making your first trip payment and insure the full cost of your trip. It’s expensive but gives you maximum flexibility.
Pre-existing condition coverage is available on eight of the nine plans (Economy doesn’t include it), which is essential for older travelers or anyone with ongoing health issues. You need to buy the policy within a specific timeframe after booking your trip and meet other requirements, but it can be a lifesaver.
Adventure sports coverage is included on most plans, covering activities like skiing, scuba diving, and zip-lining. This is rare in the travel insurance world, where many companies exclude anything remotely adventurous.
Coverage Limits & Flexibility
Coverage limits vary significantly across plans. The Economy plan offers $20,000 in medical coverage, which might not be enough if you have a serious emergency in a country with expensive healthcare. The higher-tier plans, like Gold, offer up to $500,000 in medical coverage, providing much better protection.
Emergency evacuation coverage ranges from $100,000 on the lower plans up to $1 million on the Gold plan. Trip cancellation limits are typically up to the amount you paid for the trip, with maximums ranging from $10,000 per person on Economy up to $50,000 per person on Gold.
One area where Tin Leg falls short is customization. You can’t really pick and choose individual coverage amounts or benefits. You’re basically stuck with whatever package comes with the plan you choose. Some competitors let you adjust coverage limits for different categories, but Tin Leg keeps it simple with its preset packages. This is fine if one of their plans matches your needs, but it can be frustrating if you want something more tailored.
The policy exclusions are standard for the industry. They won’t cover you if you’re doing something dangerous while drunk or high, if you intentionally hurt yourself, or if you travel somewhere the State Department has warned you not to go. Acts of war aren’t covered either. Named storms (hurricanes with official names) were once excluded in some situations, which was annoying, but coverage has improved in recent years.
Tin Leg Affordability & Value
Tin Leg’s pricing is honestly one of their most significant selling points. They consistently come in cheaper than many competitors while still offering solid coverage, which is why USA Today named them the best value provider. For a comprehensive plan with trip cancellation coverage, Tin Leg averages around $266 per trip. That’s affordable compared to competitors that charge $300-400 for similar coverage.
To give you some real numbers, a 36-year-old traveling from Indiana to Canada for five days could get Tin Leg’s cheapest plan for $36. That’s basically the cost of a couple of drinks at a restaurant. The Gold plan for the same trip runs around $188, which is still reasonable for comprehensive coverage. For a more extended international trip costing $5,000, you’re looking at $131 for Economy, $142 for Standard, and $181 for Luxury.
The value proposition is solid if you prioritize medical coverage. Tin Leg puts more of your premium dollars toward emergency medical and evacuation coverage rather than maxing out every possible benefit category. This means you get strong protection for the things that could bankrupt you (like a medical emergency abroad) without paying extra for benefits you probably won’t use.
There aren’t really any discounts available, which is a bummer. You won’t find deals for buying multiple policies or for being a returning customer. The pricing is what it is, though it’s already competitive, so they don’t need to offer discounts.
The price transparency is excellent. You can get instant quotes on their website by entering your trip details, and they show you all nine plans side by side with transparent pricing. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges at checkout. What you see in the quote is what you pay.
One thing to watch out for is that the cheapest plan isn’t always the best deal. The Economy plan saves you money upfront, but has much lower medical coverage limits. If you’re traveling somewhere with expensive healthcare like Japan or Switzerland, spending an extra $50-100 for a higher-tier plan could save you thousands if something goes wrong.
Tin Leg Customer Service
Tin Leg’s customer service is available daily from 8 am to 10 pm Eastern Time. That’s 14 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call them at 844-240-1233 during those hours. The claims department has slightly different hours (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm ET), which seems weird since problems don’t just happen during business hours, but whatever.
For true emergencies while traveling, they have a 24/7 emergency assistance hotline. This is separate from regular customer service and is staffed around the clock to help you find a hospital, arrange an evacuation, or deal with a medical emergency abroad. This is one of the most important features of travel insurance, and Tin Leg delivers here.
Average wait times aren’t publicly disclosed, and customer reviews are mixed. Some people report getting through quickly, while others complain about long hold times. There’s no information about how many languages their customer service supports beyond English, which could be a problem for non-English speakers.
Support Channels
Phone support is the main channel, and it’s available at the number mentioned above. You can also email them at [email protected] for general questions and [email protected] for claims issues. Response times for email support aren’t advertised, but based on customer reviews, it can take a while to hear back.
There’s no live chat option, which is outdated in 2026. Most companies have added chat support because it’s convenient and customers like it. The lack of live chat means you’re stuck calling or emailing and waiting.
Social media responsiveness is minimal. They have social accounts, but don’t seem particularly active in responding to customer service issues there. This is a missed opportunity, since many people, especially younger travelers, prefer to reach out via social media.
Customer Service Quality
This is where things get complicated. The customer service experience is a tale of two companies. Before and during purchase, customers consistently rate the experience highly. The Squaremouth website (which sells Tin Leg policies) has a rating of 4.63 out of 5 for customer service before the trip, which is really good.
However, when it comes to actually filing claims, the ratings drop significantly. Customer service during the claims process gets a 4.08 out of 5, which is still technically above average but noticeably lower. Reading through reviews, there’s a clear pattern of frustration with the claims process.
The staff’s knowledge and helpfulness are fine when you’re asking questions about coverage or buying a policy. Problems emerge when you need to file a claim. Multiple customers report being repeatedly asked for the same documentation, dealing with different claims adjusters who provide conflicting information, and waiting months for resolution.
The effectiveness of issue resolution is the biggest weakness. Some customers report smooth claims experiences where everything was approved within days, but many others describe nightmare scenarios that dragged on for months. There’s no publicly available data on first-contact resolution rates, but based on customer feedback, claims often require multiple interactions and document submissions before they’re resolved.
Tin Leg Online & Digital Experience
Tin Leg’s website is suitable for getting quotes and buying policies. The quote process is straightforward. You enter basic info like the number of travelers, ages, trip dates, where you’re going, and your trip cost. Within seconds, you get a comparison chart showing all nine plans side by side with their coverage details and prices. It’s one of the cleaner interfaces for comparing travel insurance options.
The information clarity is solid. Each plan clearly shows what’s covered and the limits. You can click for more details on any coverage category, and they provide the full policy documents upfront so you can read the fine print before buying. No surprises there.
The purchase flow is smooth. Once you pick a plan, checkout takes just a few minutes. You can add optional upgrades, such as Cancel for Any Reason coverage, during checkout if they’re available for your plan. Payment is secure, and you get your policy documents immediately via email.
Policy management features are available through their customer portal, which lets you view your policy details, modify your coverage (within certain limits), and start the claims process. The portal is functional but looks dated compared to competitors with more modern, app-like interfaces. You can access your policy documents, update trip information, and add available upgrades through the portal.
Mobile App
Here’s the problem: Tin Leg doesn’t have a mobile app. This is a little ridiculous for a travel insurance company. You’re supposed to carry your policy information with you while traveling, and most people do everything on their phones now. Without an app, you’re stuck accessing their website through a mobile browser, which works but isn’t as convenient.
There are no iOS App Store ratings or Android Google Play ratings to report because the app doesn’t exist. This is a significant gap in their digital offering. Competitors like Allianz and Travel Guard have apps that let you access your policy, file claims, upload documents, and contact emergency services all from your phone. Tin Leg makes you use their website instead.
Digital Tools
You can file claims online through their customer portal, which is available 24/7. This is convenient and lets you start the process whenever it works for you rather than waiting for business hours. The online claim filing process includes uploading required documents such as receipts, medical records, and boarding passes.
Document upload capabilities are available, but could be improved. You can upload PDFs and images through the portal, but there’s no mention of document size limits or file type restrictions in their documentation. Some customers report issues with the upload process, though it’s unclear whether they’re user error or system problems.
Policy document access is good. Once you buy a policy, you can download your policy documents as PDFs and access them anytime through the customer portal. You can also email documents to yourself or others directly from the portal.
Travel assistance resources are available but not particularly robust. They provide basic information on what to do if you need to file a claim, but there aren’t any interactive tools or features, such as trip-planning resources, destination health alerts, or real-time travel updates, that some competitors offer.
Tin Leg Customer Satisfaction & Reputation
Customer feedback presents a mixed picture, with high satisfaction before purchase but significant frustration and complaints about the claims process, which is often reported as slow and bureaucratic.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Tin Leg doesn’t have its own BBB page, which is weird but also makes sense since they’re a brand under Squaremouth. The Squaremouth BBB page has an A+ rating, which is great. There have been four complaints filed in the past three years, and Squaremouth failed to respond to two of them, which is why they don’t have a higher rating.
Looking at the complaints that mention Tin Leg specifically, the themes are consistent with what you see elsewhere. People complain about denied claims, excessive documentation requests, and poor communication during the claims process. The complaints that were resolved often involved the customer having to escalate multiple times or threaten to contact insurance commissioners before getting anywhere.
The complaint resolution rate is concerning. The fact that Squaremouth didn’t respond to half of the complaints over the past three years suggests they’re not prioritizing BBB complaints. To be fair, some companies don’t engage much with BBB anymore since it’s not as relevant as it used to be, but it’s still not a great look.
Trustpilot
Tin Leg has a 3.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on 223 reviews, which puts them in the “Great” category. This is pretty good for an insurance company, since people are more motivated to leave reviews when they’re angry than when things go smoothly.
Looking at the breakdown, there are plenty of positive reviews from people who had smooth experiences buying policies and even some who successfully filed claims. However, the negative reviews are brutal and follow consistent themes. People complain about claim denials that seem arbitrary, being asked repeatedly for the same documentation, extremely slow processing times, and difficulty getting anyone on the phone.
Recent review trends (as of late 2024 and 2025) show continued issues with the claims process. One pattern that emerges is that medical claims process more smoothly than trip cancellation or travel delay claims. Emergency medical situations that require hospitalization are approved, while claims for flight cancellations or trip interruptions are subject to greater scrutiny and denials.
Common praise themes include the easy purchase process, competitive pricing, good coverage options, and helpful customer service before buying. The comparison tools on their website get consistent positive mentions. People also appreciate that the policies include coverage for adventure sports.
Claims issues dominate common criticism themes. The phrases “months of waiting,” “asked for the same documents multiple times,” “denied for no clear reason,” and “impossible to reach anyone” appear over and over. Some reviewers specifically warn others not to buy from Tin Leg based on their claims of experiences, which is pretty damning.
Reddit & Social Media Sentiment
Reddit discussions about Tin Leg are mixed but lean slightly negative. The r/travel and travel-related subreddits have threads about Tin Leg where people share experiences. The general sentiment is that they’re fine if nothing goes wrong, but you might struggle if you need to file a claim.
Some Redditors report positive experiences with claims, particularly for straightforward medical emergencies. However, others share frustrating stories about denied claims, especially for trip cancellations or interruptions. The consensus is that Tin Leg is a decent budget option if you primarily want medical coverage and aren’t too worried about getting reimbursed for cancelled flights or hotels.
There aren’t a ton of red flags that keep coming up beyond the claims processing issues. No one’s accusing them of being a scam or of being outright fraudulent. The claims process seems inconsistent and overly bureaucratic. Some people sail through while others get stuck in documentation loops for months.
General sentiment analysis suggests that Tin Leg is viewed as a value option for covering catastrophic medical emergencies, but not the best choice if you want a smooth experience getting reimbursed for more routine travel disruptions.
Industry Awards & Recognition
Tin Leg ranks as one of the top sellers on Squaremouth’s marketplace, though that’s somewhat circular since Squaremouth owns Tin Leg. Still, selling over 103,000 Gold policies since 2014 shows they’re doing something right and customers are actually buying their products.
The company doesn’t have as many industry awards as older, more established competitors, but that’s to be expected given that they’ve only been around since 2014.
Tin Leg Claims Process
Here’s where Tin Leg really struggles, and it’s honestly the most crucial part of insurance. What’s the point of paying for coverage if you can’t actually get your money when something goes wrong?
Filing a claim is easy enough. You can report claims online 24/7 through their customer portal, or call during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am- 4 pm ET). The initial claim form is straightforward and asks for basic information about what happened and what you’re claiming. You can also start claims via email at [email protected].
The required documentation varies depending on what you’re claiming, but typically includes receipts, boarding passes, medical records, and proof that you had to cancel or interrupt your trip. For medical claims, you need itemized bills and documents from the healthcare provider. For trip cancellation, you need documentation explaining why you had to cancel, such as a doctor’s note for illness or a death certificate for a family emergency.
This is where things get messy. Multiple customers report being asked repeatedly for documentation they already submitted. You’ll send in receipts and proof of your claim, then weeks later, get an email asking for the duplicate receipts again. Then a different claims adjuster takes over and asks for additional documentation that the previous one didn’t mention. It feels like the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.
Tin Leg does not officially publish average processing times, which is itself a red flag. Some customers report claims being approved within a few days or weeks, particularly for straightforward medical emergencies. However, many others report waiting months. According to customer reviews, some claims remain open for 6-9 months, which is absurd.
Claims approval rates aren’t publicly available, so there’s no way to know what percentage of claims get approved versus denied. Based on customer feedback, clear-cut medical emergencies tend to get approved, while trip cancellation and interruption claims face more scrutiny and have higher denial rates.
Customer feedback on claims experience is consistently negative. Words like “nightmare,” “frustrating,” “exhausting,” and “terrible” appear frequently in reviews about the claims process. People feel the company is trying to wear them down, so they give up on their claim. Several reviewers mention having to threaten legal action or file complaints with state insurance commissioners before their claims were finally processed.
One pattern that emerges is that Tin Leg apparently contracts out some claims processing to third-party companies like Broadspire and Robin Assist Claims. This adds another layer of bureaucracy and confusion, with customers bouncing between different companies and adjusters who don’t coordinate with each other.
Payment methods and speed are reasonable once claims are actually approved. Payments are typically sent via check in the mail, which arrives within a week or two of approval. Some customers report receiving direct deposit, though it’s unclear whether that’s available for all claims or only certain types.
The bottom line on claims is that you might get lucky and have a smooth experience, but you also might end up in documentation hell for months. If you need the money quickly to avoid financial hardship, that’s a serious problem. For catastrophic medical emergencies where hospitals are waiting for payment, Tin Leg’s 24/7 emergency assistance can help coordinate direct payment to providers, which is a good thing. But for reimbursement claims where you’ve already paid out of pocket, be prepared to wait and potentially fight for your money.
Tin Leg Unique Features & Differentiators
Tin Leg has a few things that set it apart from competitors, though none of them are revolutionary. Their main differentiator is their value proposition: comprehensive coverage at lower prices than many competitors. This stems from their approach of allocating premium dollars to high-value benefits like medical coverage rather than maxing out every possible category.
The inclusion of adventure sports coverage on most plans is genuinely helpful and not universal in the industry. If you’re planning to go skiing, scuba diving, or zip-lining, many other travel insurance policies would exclude those activities or charge extra to cover them. Tin Leg includes them in the base plan, which is cool.
They offer job layoff protection on specific plans, which is relatively rare. If you get laid off shortly before your trip, you can cancel and get reimbursed for your non-refundable costs. This is particularly relevant in today’s economy, where layoffs are happening constantly in tech and other industries.
Pre-existing condition coverage is available on most plans, which is essential for older travelers or anyone with ongoing health issues. You need to buy the policy within a certain timeframe and meet specific requirements, but having it as an option on eight out of nine plans is good.
Extended quarantine coverage is another unique feature. If you get quarantined during your trip and your travel extends beyond your scheduled return date, you’ll get up to 7 extra days of emergency medical benefits. This became super relevant during COVID and remains useful given the ongoing possibility of disease outbreaks.
Tin Leg doesn’t have a mobile app, which would actually be a valuable differentiator if they added one. They also don’t have loyalty programs or perks for repeat customers, which is a missed opportunity.
The partnership with Squaremouth means Tin Leg’s policies are always shown alongside competitor options, making it easy to compare. This transparency is good for consumers, but it isn’t a unique feature, since you can get the same comparison by visiting any insurance aggregator site.
Tin Leg Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of Tin Leg Travel Insurance:
Pros
- Competitive pricing that beats many competitors while still offering solid coverage, especially for medical emergencies.
- Strong financial backing from A++ rated underwriters like Berkshire Hathaway, so you can trust they have the money to pay claims.
- Nine different plan options, with clear side-by-side comparisons, make it easy to find coverage that fits your needs.
- Adventure sports coverage is included on most plans without extra charges.
- Excellent website for getting quotes and comparing options.
- Pre-existing condition coverage is available on eight out of nine plans.
- 24/7 emergency assistance hotline for help while traveling.
Cons
- The claims process is consistently reported as difficult, slow, and frustrating by customers. Consider Berkshire Hathaway travel insurance if the claim process is a concern.
- Documentation requirements seem excessive and repetitive based on customer reviews.
- No mobile app, which is honestly unacceptable for a travel insurance company. Consider Faye travel insurance for the overall customer experience.
- Baggage coverage is limited ($500 on most plans), which won’t cover much if your stuff gets lost.
- Limited customization options; you’re stuck with preset package deals. Take a look at Battleface travel insurance for customizable options.
- Customer service during claims is significantly worse than before the purchase.
- Processing times for claims can stretch to months, according to customer reports.
Our Verdict & Overall Score for Tin Leg Travel Insurance
Tin Leg represents a genuinely innovative approach to travel insurance with real strengths in user experience and pricing. The inconsistency in the claims process is the most enormous red flag, but for many travelers taking standard trips, the odds of a positive experience are reasonably good. Make sure you document everything meticulously if you need to file a claim, and be prepared to require patience and persistence if your situation is complicated.
Who should look elsewhere? If you value peace of mind and want confidence that filing a claim will be relatively smooth, spend the extra money on a more expensive competitor with better claims reviews. Companies like Faye, World Nomads, and HTH may charge more but have more consistent claims experiences according to customer feedback.
How Tin Leg Scored
- Financial Strength: 9/10
- Affordability: 8/10
- Customer Service: 6/10
- Online Experience: 6.5/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 5.5/10
- Claims Process: 4/10
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%
You can learn more about how each company scored and what curve was applied here: Travel Insurance Reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to your questions about Tin Leg travel insurance.
Yes, Tin Leg travel insurance covers COVID-19 on all of its policies. If you or a traveling companion contracts COVID-19 and needs to cancel your trip, you can be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses under the trip cancellation benefit. Medical coverage applies if you contract COVID-19 during your trip and need treatment. Additionally, if you’re required to quarantine while traveling, Tin Leg policies can be extended up to 7 days to continue providing emergency medical benefits. However, canceling due to fear of COVID-19, border closures, or travel advisories is only covered if you purchase the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade, which is available on the Luxury and Adventure plans.
Tin Leg doesn’t publish official claim processing timelines, and customer experiences vary significantly. Some travelers report that claims are approved within 2-7 days of submitting all required documentation, particularly for straightforward medical emergencies. However, many customers report much longer waits, ranging from several weeks to several months. Trip cancellation and interruption claims appear to take longer than medical claims. The claims process can be delayed if you don’t submit all required documentation upfront, as Tin Leg may request additional paperwork multiple times. To speed up your claim, file it as soon as possible, keep all receipts and documentation organized, and submit everything the first time rather than waiting for follow-up requests.
The main differences between these Tin Leg plans are the amounts of medical coverage, trip cancellation limits, and available add-ons. The Gold plan offers the highest primary medical coverage (up to $500,000) and comprehensive trip cancellation benefits, making it best for international trips. It also allows you to add Cancel for Any Reason coverage. The Silver plan provides comprehensive cancellation coverage and high medical benefits ($250,000), with particularly generous trip delay coverage. The Platinum plan sits in the middle with $100,000 in medical coverage and higher cancellation limits than the Basic plan, plus $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. None of these three plans includes concierge services. If you’re traveling internationally or doing adventure activities, Gold is usually the best choice. Silver is a good option if you’re concerned about flight delays. Platinum is a mid-range option for those who want more coverage than Basic but don’t need Gold’s maximum benefits.
Yes, Tin Leg covers pre-existing medical conditions on eight of its nine plans (the Economy plan does not include this coverage). To qualify for the pre-existing condition waiver, you must: (1) purchase your policy within a specific timeframe after making your first trip payment (typically 15-21 days, depending on the plan), (2) insure the full cost of your non-refundable trip expenses, and (3) be medically able to travel when you buy the policy. If you meet these requirements, the policy will cover trip cancellation, interruption, and medical expenses related to pre-existing conditions for both you and your traveling companions. This is particularly important for older travelers or anyone with ongoing health issues like diabetes, heart conditions, or cancer. The pre-existing condition coverage makes Tin Leg competitive with other travel insurers who often exclude these conditions entirely.
Tin Leg offers a dedicated Cruise plan specifically designed for cruise travelers. This plan includes standard benefits like trip cancellation, medical coverage, and baggage protection, plus cruise-specific benefits such as itinerary change coverage (if your cruise changes ports or destinations), missed port of call coverage (if the ship can’t dock at a scheduled port), and coverage if you miss your ship’s departure from a port. The medical coverage limits are high since cruise medical facilities are limited, and evacuations from boats can be costly. The plan also covers pre-existing medical conditions if you meet the waiver requirements. However, if you’re taking an adventure cruise (like to Antarctica) or planning activities like scuba diving or zip-lining at ports, consider the Adventure plan instead, which covers over 300 activities that the Cruise plan may exclude.
Yes, Tin Leg’s Adventure Plan specifically covers adventure sports and activities. This plan covers over 300 types of sports and activities commonly excluded by other travel insurance companies, including scuba diving (with proper certification), skiing, snowboarding, zip-lining, mountain biking, and hiking. The Adventure plan also offers some of the highest emergency medical evacuation limits in the industry, at $1 million, which is crucial since adventure activities often take place in remote locations where evacuation costs can be astronomical. The plan includes the same trip cancellation and interruption benefits as other Tin Leg policies, plus you can add Cancel for Any Reason coverage. However, the plan does not cover professional sporting events or extreme activities such as BASE jumping or mountain climbing with specialized equipment, including pickaxes and anchors. If you’re planning an active vacation, this is typically your best option.
Yes, Tin Leg offers coverage for seniors, including travelers over 70 and even over 100 years old, though coverage levels may vary by age. The company’s high medical coverage limits make it particularly suitable for older travelers who are more likely to need medical care abroad. Many Tin Leg plans offer primary medical coverage, meaning you don’t have to file with your Medicare or other insurance first. The pre-existing condition coverage (available on most plans) is especially valuable for seniors who often have ongoing health issues. However, premiums increase significantly with age, and older travelers can expect to pay substantially more than younger travelers for the same coverage. Tin Leg’s customer service is available by phone during extended hours (8 am- 10 pm ET daily), which many seniors prefer to online-only options. The main downside is that some customers report the claims process can be complicated and require extensive documentation, which may be challenging for less tech-savvy seniors.
To file a Tin Leg claim, you’ll need: (1) completed claim form (available online or by phone), (2) original receipts for all expenses you’re claiming, (3) proof of your original trip cost and travel arrangements (confirmation emails, itineraries, boarding passes), (4) documentation explaining why you canceled or were delayed (doctor’s notes for medical claims, death certificates for family emergencies, airline delay letters for travel delays), (5) proof you couldn’t get a refund from travel providers, and (6) any medical records or bills if claiming medical expenses. You can file claims online 24/7 through their customer portal or by calling 844-240-1233 weekdaysfrom 8 am- 4 pm ET. The process involves reporting the claim first, then submitting documentation within the timeframes specified in your policy (typically 20-90 days, depending on the type of claim). Before filing, contact your airlines, hotels, and tour operators to request refunds, as Tin Leg only reimburses what you can’t recover from other sources. Keep copies of everything you submit, as customers frequently report being asked for the same documents multiple times.
Yes, Tin Leg offers Cancel for Any Reason coverage as an optional upgrade on select plans (Luxury and Adventure). CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for literally any reason not otherwise covered by the policy and receive reimbursement for 50-75% of your non-refundable trip costs. To add CFAR, you must: (1) purchase it within 15-21 days of making your first trip payment, (2) insure the full cost of your trip, and (3) cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. CFAR typically adds 40-50% to your policy premium. Whether it’s worth it depends on your circumstances. It’s valuable if you’re worried about work conflicts, pregnancy complications, fear of terrorism or disease outbreaks, or simply changing your mind about traveling. It’s expensive, and you only get back 50-75% of your costs (not 100%), so it’s not worth it for short trips or if you’re confident you’ll travel barring major emergencies. For expensive trips where you want maximum flexibility, CFAR provides peace of mind despite the higher cost.
Tin Leg’s main advantage over competitors is pricing. Their policies typically cost 20-30% less than similar coverage from Allianz, Travel Guard, or Travelex while still offering solid medical and evacuation coverage. A++-rated underwriters like Berkshire Hathaway back Tin Leg, so its financial stability matches the big names. However, Tin Leg has significant disadvantages in the claims department. Customer reviews consistently report longer processing times, more documentation requests, and higher claim denials than with established companies. Allianz and Travel Guard have higher customer satisfaction ratings for claims processing and customer service. Tin Leg’s baggage coverage ($500 on most plans) is much lower than competitors, who typically offer $1,000-$2,500. Tin Leg also lacks a mobile app, while major competitors all offer apps for policy management and claims filing. The best choice depends on your priorities: if saving money is crucial and you’re primarily concerned about catastrophic medical emergencies, Tin Leg is a competitive option. If you value smooth claims processing and better customer service, spending more on Allianz or Travel Guard may be worth it.
