Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review: Is it Worth The Cost?

More travelers than ever are considering travel insurance, but navigating the vast seas of insurance companies and coverage options can leave you feeling less than enthused about your next trip. But if you want to protect your investment, Generali Global Assistance is a notable provider. Here’s what to expect and the plans the company offers.

Generali offers three different plans (Standard, Preferred or Premium), depending on what type of trip you’re planning. Each offers a different level of coverage and benefits.

Generali plan cost

Here’s a closer look at what a standard coverage plan with Generali might cost. Let’s say you and your partner — two travelers in their thirties — are planning to take a roughly $4,000 trip from New York to Germany for one week.

For this itinerary, a Generali Standard plan would cost $144. Rental car coverage isn’t included, but you can add it to your plan for $63 for the week.

The Preferred level of coverage can be a good option for those traveling with expensive gear like golf clubs or skis. For the same sample itinerary, a Generali Preferred plan would cost $162, an $18 upgrade from Standard. Rental car coverage is also extra.

The Premium plan is designed for luxury travel or vacations with a high price tag. Notably, this plan includes rental car insurance for no extra fee. Also important to note that only the Premium plan offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. A Generali Premium plan for our sample itinerary would cost $217, a $55 upgrade from Standard.

» Learn more: How to cancel a flight with travel insurance

It’s important to choose the right coverage for you and your trip based on your needs and what each plan covers. So make sure to look at each carefully.

• If you have pre-existing medical conditions, your best bet will be to stick with the Premium plan. It’s more expensive, but you’ll be covered no matter what medical issues arise on your trip.

• The Standard plan is the only one with no coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-the-ground travel (air travel is covered, though).

• If you’re traveling with sports equipment, you may want to opt for one of the top two tiers of coverage. Just make sure to accurately estimate how much your gear is worth to ensure you’re getting the coverage you need.

• If your trip is worth more, you’re bringing more luggage, etc., consider more expensive coverage. That way, if something goes wrong, you, your possessions and plans are more fully protected.

When it comes time to get a quote and choose your travel insurance plan, you can do so on the Generali website. Type in trip details like destination, where you’re from, your age, the total cost of the trip and your travel dates. Quotes for all three tiers of plans will be presented.

Then, select add-ons like rental car insurance if you’re not opting for the Premium plan and start the checkout process.

Like many travel insurance policies, there are several incidents that aren’t covered by Generali travel insurance. Examples include injuries that result from mental disorders, pregnancy, injuries as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if you are flying an aircraft yourself.

Destination matters, too. As of publication, you can’t get coverage for travel to Belarus, the Crimea Peninsula, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria or Ukraine. Also, you won’t be covered for anything that results from acts of war or civil disorder.

If you’re participating in extreme sports or activities like skydiving, mountain climbing or backcountry skiing, many benefits won’t be covered.

No matter what policy you choose, read the fine print before your buy, including everything that’s excluded from coverage. That will help ensure there are no surprises if your trip goes awry.

Generali provides three tiers of travel insurance for those who want to protect their nonrefundable trip expenses and/or who want to have a safety net in case their travels are disrupted or canceled.

Just like with any travel insurance policy, check to see if you’re already covered before you buy (many travel credit cards offer travel insurance), determine what kind of coverage you need and how much, and always read the details of what is and isn't included in coverage. That goes for policies available from Generali Travel Insurance as well as other providers.