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 up to age 80

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. 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.

Cons

The plan administrator in the U.S. is a new company without a significant track record; the corporate profile emphasizes the relative experience of the principals in past positions.

Forms in PDF format for download

Product Brochure
Rates
Application
Sample policy certificate of coverage