AXA Travel Insurance - Medical Coverage
In addition to covering medical expenses due to accidents or illness, AXA travel insurance also includes hospital admission guarantees, hospital translation/interpretation services, and will compensate for follow-up consultation expenses within three months of returning to Hong Kong, covering the following situations:
- Due to an accident or injury
- Chinese medicine, acupuncture, physiotherapy, or chiropractic treatment
However, note that under the same plan, insured persons of different age groups have different coverage amounts. For medical and related expenses, insured persons over 70 years old receive half the coverage amount of the 18-70 age group, while those under 18 receive 25%. In Single Journey plans, all children on the same policy as their parents can enjoy free coverage. If insured persons under 18 want full coverage, they will be charged the adult’s premium amount.
The table below lists the maximum compensation amounts for medical expenses coverage and sub-items for each insured person aged 18-70 under different plans:
|
Benefits |
Standard Plan |
Premier Plan |
Privilege Plan |
|
Medical and Related Expenses |
HK$250,000 |
HK$500,000 |
HK$1,000,000 |
|
Sub-limits |
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Chinese medicine, acupuncture, physiotherapy, or chiropractic treatment |
HK$3,000 (HK$200 per day) |
HK$3,000 (HK$200 per day) |
HK$3,000 (HK$200 per day) |
|
Hospital admission guarantee |
HK$4,000 |
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|
Hospital translation/interpretation services |
HK$5,000 (HK$500 per day) |
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Follow-up consultation expenses within three months of returning to Hong Kong |
Due to accident, injury, or illness: 10% of the maximum compensation amount Chinese medicine, acupuncture, physiotherapy, or chiropractic treatment: HK$3,000 (HK$200 per day) |
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|
Daily hospital cash* |
HK$3,000 (HK$500 per day) |
HK$3,000 (HK$500 per day) |
HK$5,000 (HK$500 per day) |
|
Daily compulsory quarantine cash* |
HK$3,500 (HK$500 per day) |
HK$3,500 (HK$500 per day) |
HK$5,600 (HK$800 per day) |
Analysis of Medical Coverage
From the sub-items, it's evident that AXA has considered the insured's needs thoroughly. Although hospital translation/interpretation service protection sounds specialised and few travel insurance plans in the market currently include this part, this coverage is indeed necessary when encountering complex medical procedures in countries with language barriers (for example, Japan, France). Additionally, if the insured is hospitalised during travel, AXA also provides compensation for "Compassionate Visit" and "Return of unattended children to Hong Kong," though flights are limited to economy class. For more details, please read the policy.
AXA Travel Insurance - Trip Interruption
Trip interruption protection includes travel interruptions, loss of deposits or trip cancellation, curtailment, and other situations. The table below provides an overview of AXA's maximum compensation amounts for different items related to travel interruption.
|
Benefits |
Standard Plan |
Premier Plan |
Privilege Plan |
|
Travel Interruption |
Not covered |
HK$5,000 |
HK$10,000 |
|
Loss of Deposit/Trip Cancellation* |
HK$25,000 |
HK$50,000 |
|
|
Trip Curtailment* |
HK$25,000 |
HK$50,000 |
|
|
*For claims due to black outbound travel alerts, compensation is 100% of non-refundable deposits or expenses; for red outbound travel alerts, it's 50% of non-refundable deposits or expenses.
The "Travel Interruption" protection mentioned above includes various sub-limits, such as cash allowances for travel delays of 6 hours or more and additional overseas accommodation expenses incurred as a result. For the Privilege Plan, both claims have compensation amounts of HK$3,000, with cash allowances calculated at HK$300 per 6 hours. Other sub-limits include protection for missed transportation connections and overbooking. All protections have exclusions; please read the policy for more details.
Brief AnalysisAXA SmartTraveller Plus’ coverage amounts for trip interruption remain largely unchanged from its previous version. In the market, its trip cancellation protection is higher than most other travel insurance plans, with a maximum compensation of HK$50,000, covering non-refundable deposits or expenses for transportation, accommodation, or missed activities. Another noteworthy point is the overbooking protection, which is not currently included in all travel insurance plans on the market, so this is definitely a bonus feature!
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AXA Travel Insurance - Personal Effects
Personal effects coverage is absolutely a major focus of AXA's updated policy details. The updated plans' coverage is more comprehensive than before. Previously, only the highest-tier plan covered laptops, but now the mid-tier "Premier Plan" also includes laptop protection. Additionally, the new plan includes tablet and mobile phone protection to meet market demands, though this new protection is limited to the highest-tier "Privilege Plan."
|
Benefits |
Standard Plan |
Premier Plan |
Privilege Plan |
|
Baggage and Personal Belongings |
HK$3,000 |
HK$8,000 |
HK$15,000 |
|
Sub-limits |
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|
Per article/pair/set of articles |
HK$500 |
HK$1,500 |
HK$2,000 |
|
Per laptop computer* |
Not covered |
HK$5,000 |
HK$5,000 |
|
Per tablet computer or mobile phone* |
Not covered |
HK$2,000 |
|
|
Suitcase, trunk, receptacle, or similar items |
HK$1,000 (HK$750 per item) |
HK$2,000 (HK$1,500 per item) |
|
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*Limited to only one laptop computer, tablet computer, or mobile phone |
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Brief Analysis
Although the personal baggage protection has expanded its coverage, the maximum compensation amount for the entire "Baggage and Personal Effects" coverage has actually been reduced compared to the old plan, from HK$20,000 to HK$15,000. It is recommended that you first consider whether you value the scope of the coverage (such as coverage for mobile phones and tablets) or higher compensation amounts before deciding to purchase.
Before purchasing, also note that you can select one out of three electronic devices - laptops, tablets, or mobile phones - for coverage. When the insured claims for baggage and personal belongings, they must also pay a deductible, which is 20% of the loss.
Additional Options and Supplementary Services
AXA "SmartTraveller Plus" travel insurance offers the following additional options and supplementary services:
1. Enhanced Cruise Benefit:
- Covers cruise trip cancellation and interruption.
- Covers cruise hijacking-related accident.
- Covers satellite phone call on cruise.
2. Coverage for Driving on a Road Trip: Protection for collision damage or theft of rented vehicles.
3. Free Optional Benefits: For the insured persons returning to Hong Kong, free optional benefits are provided, including accidental death or permanent total disability compensation, coverage for permanent total disability, and baggage or personal effects protection.
4. Virtual Medical Consultation: Annual travel plans provide two free virtual medical consultations per policy year at designated overseas locations, covering medicine delivery expenses. (Applicable only to annual travel plans)
5. Annual Plan’s Family Coverage: The whole family can be protected under one policy by paying just one total premium.
6. Free Coverage for Children: Single Journey Plan provides free coverage for children under the same policy as their parents.
What Items Are Not Covered by AXA "SmartTraveller Plus" Travel Insurance?
Uninsured items include, but are not limited to, the following situations:
- Racing, such as car racing, motor rallies, horse racing, swimming competitions, sailing, cycling, and skiing, etc. (competitions conducted on foot, such as running or race walking, are not included in this restriction)
- Aviation activities (except as a fare-paying passenger on a licensed aircraft)
- Pre-existing medical conditions or illnesses before departure
- Participation in any form of professional sports or competitions
- Situations caused by war, invasion, riots, or military uprisings
- Self-inflicted injury or illness
- Travelling against medical advice or for the purpose of seeking medical treatment
- Conditions resulting from sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, or related syndromes
- Pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, and related complications
- Events known to the public before applying for Single Journey policy, or before booking travel arrangements under an annual travel cover
- Engaging in any form of labour or physical work
- Claims for medical and related expenses, global emergency assistance services, and enhanced medical and related expenses resulting from:
> Events involving red or black outbound travel alerts issued by the Hong Kong government (except COVID-19), unless the trip had already commenced before the relevant warning was issued
> Claims caused by vaccine-preventable diseases if both of the following conditions are met:
(i) You have not been vaccinated; and
(ii) the Hong Kong government or the government of your destination country requires vaccination
> Loss of deposits or trip cancellation due to red or black outbound travel alerts caused by a pandemic
AXA Travel Insurance Claim Procedures
Insured persons can submit travel insurance claims through a mobile application (EMMA BY AXA) or email completed claim forms and relevant supporting documents to travel.claims@AXA.com.hk.
The steps for submitting claims through the mobile application are as follows:
- Download and complete the relevant claim form
- Prepare all required supporting documents
- Upload the claim form and the supporting documents to complete the submission
Once all the necessary documents are received, AXA will process the claim application within seven working days. After the claim is approved, the insured will receive a confirmation letter or email. If necessary, AXA reserves the right to request additional documents to complete the review.
Is AXA Travel Insurance Worth Purchasing?
AXA "SmartTraveller Plus" travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage and personal effects, and other items. It provides three plans—"Standard," "Premier," and "Privilege"—allowing flexible choices based on needs. It is especially suitable for family travellers, as children can be included in their parents' policy for free, and there is family coverage available in the Annual Plan, which is both convenient and economical. Additionally, it offers extra protection for driving and cruise itineraries, catering to different travel styles.
However, it should be noted that some benefits have relatively low compensation amounts (such as baggage and belongings), and a deductible must be paid when claiming, which may increase actual expenses. There are also exclusions, including pre-existing conditions, war, terrorist activities, etc. It is essential to read the terms in detail before purchasing to avoid disputes.
Whether AXA "SmartTraveller Plus" travel insurance is suitable for you depends on your individual needs. If its coverage aligns with your travel habits, it can be considered.
How to Maximise Your Benefits
In Hong Kong, multiple banks offer credit cards with complimentary travel insurance, such as HSBC EveryMile Credit Card, Citi PremierMiles and Prestige Credit Card, American Express The Platinum Card, etc. In most cases, the relevant credit card must be used to pay for travel expenses to activate the protection. The coverage includes personal accidents, medical expenses, baggage delays, etc. Some cards, like the American Express Platinum Card, provide coverage without requiring spending. To get the maximum protection benefit, you can use platforms like MoneyHero to compare over 60 popular credit cards and choose the most suitable one based on your needs.