Number 01 Travel Safety - Best Travel Guard for You
Travel Guard Insurance : Is It Worth It for Budget Travelers?
Buying a cheap flight feels great—until you have to cancel it.
If you are booking Basic Economy or low-cost carrier tickets (like Spirit or Frontier), you know the golden rule: The ticket is non-refundable. If you get sick, miss a connection, or have a family emergency, that money is gone forever.
That is where AIG Travel Guard® comes in.
At Low Cost Budget Airlines, we believe in saving money, not wasting it. We reviewed AIG Travel Guard to see if their “Essential Plan” is worth the extra cost for budget travelers.
Why Do Budget Travelers Need Insurance?
Most people think travel insurance is only for expensive luxury vacations. The opposite is true.
If you buy a fully refundable ticket on Delta or American, you can cancel anytime and get your money back. You don’t need insurance for that.
But you are a budget traveler. You likely bought a “Non-Refundable” ticket to save $100.
The Risk: If you catch the flu the day before your trip, you lose 100% of your flight cost.
The Solution: Travel Guard reimburses you for that non-refundable ticket.
Think of it this way: Would you pay $25 to protect a $400 investment?
Our Recommendation: The “Essential” Plan
AIG Travel Guard offers several tiers, but for our readers, we recommend the Essential Plan. It cuts out the expensive fluff and keeps the hard protection you need.
What Does the Essential Plan Cover?
✅ 100% Trip Cancellation
If you or a family member gets sick, injured, or (in some cases) loses a job, Travel Guard reimburses 100% of your insured trip cost.
✅ Trip Delay Coverage
Budget airlines are famous for delays. If you are stuck in an airport for more than a specific number of hours, this plan helps pay for meals and accommodations.
✅ Baggage Coverage
Did the airline lose your bag? This plan provides reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage (up to the policy limit), so you aren’t left buying new clothes out of pocket.
✅ Medical Expense ($15,000)
Your US health insurance often does not work internationally (and sometimes not even out of state). This covers emergency medical expenses during your trip.
Comparison: Essential vs. Preferred
Should you upgrade? Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide.
| Feature | Essential Plan (Best for Solo/Budget) | Preferred Plan (Best for Families) |
| Price | $$(Lowest) | $$$ (Mid-Range) |
| Trip Cancellation | 100% of Trip Cost | 100% of Trip Cost |
| Medical Coverage | $15,000 | $50,000 |
| Trip Delay | Up to $500 | Up to $800 |
| Kids Included? | No | Yes (at no extra cost) |
| Cancel for Any Reason? | Not Available | Available as Upgrade |
💡 Pro Tip: If you are traveling alone or as a couple on a budget, stick to the Essential Plan. If you are traveling with children, the Preferred Plan is often a better deal because kids are often included at no extra charge.
Real-Life Scenarios: When Travel Guard Saves You
Scenario 1: The “Basic Economy” Flu
You booked a $350 roundtrip to Florida. Two days before the flight, you wake up with a high fever.
Without Insurance: You stay home. The airline gives you $0. You lose $350.
With Travel Guard: You see a doctor, get a note, and file a claim. Travel Guard sends you a check for $350.
Scenario 2: The Lost Backpack
You land in Europe, but your backpack doesn’t. It contains all your clothes.
Without Insurance: You spend $200 buying new clothes at a tourist shop.
With Travel Guard: You file a baggage delay/loss claim and get reimbursed for the essential items you had to buy.
How to Get a Quote
Getting a quote is free and takes about 2 minutes. You do not need to buy immediately.
Click the button below to visit the official Travel Guard site.
Enter your Trip Cost (Total cost of flights + prepaid hotels).
Enter your State of Residence and Age.
Look for the “Essential” tab to see the lowest price.
[ GET A QUOTE NOW ]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Travel Guard cover COVID-19?
A: generally, yes. Travel Guard treats COVID-19 the same as any other sickness. If you test positive and a doctor says you cannot travel, it is usually a covered reason for Trip Cancellation.
Q: Can I cancel just because I don’t feel like going?
A: No. Standard insurance only covers “Unforeseen Events” (Sickness, Weather, Injury). If you want the freedom to cancel for any reason, you must buy the “Preferred Plan” and add the “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrade (this costs extra).
Q: I have a credit card with travel protection. Do I need this?
A: Maybe not! Check your credit card benefits first. However, most basic credit cards do not offer comprehensive medical coverage or high-limit trip cancellation like Travel Guard does.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Low Cost Budget Airlines is not an insurance company. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy. Please read your policy document carefully before purchasing.