Azimuth Beacon Series International Travel Insurance

Product Review

Azimuth is the newest entrant into international travel insurance among the major carriers offered at Freedom Benefits. The firm is led by executives who left their employers to start a firm that offers an even stronger top quality insurance product. Coverage is issued through a multi-national trust so this is actually a group-type insurance policy.

Eligibility: 14 days+.

Benefits: Covers usual, customary and reasonable medical charges up to the policy limit of $50,000 to $2,000,000 subject to the other listed conditions and limitations. Maximum overage is reduced over age 80. Coverage is primarily intended for medical expenses outside of the home country except that coverage is also provided for short trips home and for up to 30 days upon return from an extended trip. Lost luggage is covered up to $250 and trip delay or cancellation coverage is $100 per day.

Deductible and Co-insurance : A choice of deductible from $0 to $2500. The choice of deductible most significantly affects the premium price. A 20% co-insurance is applied to the first $5,000 of claims that are incurred within the U.S. using medical providers that are outside of the Preferred Provider network. Otherwise, there is no co-insurance.

Coverage Period: 7 days to 6 months

Coverage Limitations and exclusions: Pre-certification is required for non-emergency procedures. Pre-existing conditions are normally excluded from coverage except that a $20,000 benefit is available for sudden onset of a pre-existing condition. Coverage for acts of terrorism is limited to $50,000. Physical therapy benefits are limited to 15 visits at $50 per visit. 

Explanatory note: In English speaking countries outside the U.S. insurance plans are referred to as insurance schemes. We point this out because the word "scheme" often has a negative connotation in the U.S. especially when applied to a financial operation, i.e. "Ponzi scheme". Use of "scheme" as a synonym for "plan" in this insurance policy certificate does not imply a negative connotation.

Pros

Financial backing by Lloyd's London. The claim processing differs from other insurers to be more consumer-friendly. The terrorism coverage provided is excluded by some other medical insurance policies. The administrator accepts collect calls, even from outside the U.S. This could be important in an emergency situation and we are not aware of any other provider that offers this service.

There is no age limit on the Beacon Series, just a limited overall maximum amount of coverage  of $12,000 for older applicants.

Includes 30 days coverage at the end of a trip in the home country with 12+ month Beacon policies. This coverage option is free (others charge extra for this home country coverage). This same benefit is 15 days free home country coverage for policies ranging in length from 6 months up to 11 months, 29 days.

The administrator maintians an excellent report with the Better Business Bureau. Generally, due to the inherent nature of the insurance industry, only the very best insurance insurance administrators attempt to obtain a BBB review. In our opinion, Azimuth Risk Solutions has emerged as the premier source of international travel insurance.

Cons

The plan administrator in the U.S. is a new company without a significant track record. Yet the corporate profile emphasizes the relevant experience of the principals in past positions and we believe that the company has shown excellent performance and policyholder service in the time it has been in operation.

Forms in PDF format for download

Product Brochure
Rates
Application
Sample policy certificate of coverage