John Hancock Silver Travel Insurance - 2024 Review

John Hancock Travel Insurance is a partner of TravelDefenders. We showcase here the John Hancock Silver Travel Insurance Policy.

We are encouraged by the strong Emergency Medical, strong Medical Evacuation, and robust Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver benefits in this policy. It is unusual to see such levels of coverage in a mid-tier policy, yet the John Hancock Silver Travel Insurance does exactly this.

We have offered consistent advice over the years that $100k of Emergency Medical Insurance is appropriate in a trip insurance policy to be used overseas. This minimum recommended level gives us reasonable coverage in the event of a more serious illness or injury, followed by a prolonged period of treatment. No one wishes to think of these things, but accidents occur every day with US travelers overseas. Better to have adequate levels of coverage in place, and the associated peace of mind. The John Hancock Silver Travel Insurance policy offers this.

John Hancock, uniquely in our experience, includes a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver in all of its policies - Bronze, Silver and Gold. We encourage all of our travelers to think about taking a trip insurance policy with a Medical Waiver. These are embedded in the policy, and have no additional cost for the insured - all that is required is that you buy travel insurance promptly after your first trip deposit or payment.

We find John Hancock Travel Insurance plans to be highly robust, and certainly worthy of consideration in any travel insurance comparison.

John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. is a Delaware domiciled corporation with its principal place of business at 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA (CA license number OH37453) The policies described in this article are underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, a Texas domiciled corporation (NAIC Company Code: 38318; Texas license number 93542) with its principal place of business at 399 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

Travel Insurance provides emergency assistance services should you need help while you travel. Travel Insurance covers: unexpected costs such as having to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected reasons, such as illness of you, a family member, or a travel companion, severe weather, missed connections, strikes, default of travel supplier and other unexpected events that may arise before or during your trip. Plans include trip cancellation and interruption, accident and sickness with assistance services, medical repatriation, baggage coverage, accident insurance, travel accident insurance and many other benefits.

This insurance also includes toll-free, 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance services to help arrange any care you may need while you are away from home

John Hancock Ins. Agency (John Hancock Travel Insurance) works with Seven Corners Inc., located in Carmel, IN, to provide licensed administrative services for this travel insurance program.

Let’s take a look at the John Hancock Silver Trip Insurance Plan

John Hancock Silver Trip Insurance

The John Hancock Silver Travel Insurance policy is a better value trip insurance plan with benefits to protect your trip investment and cover unexpected emergency accident and sickness expenses.

The Silver plan is great for domestic or international destinations and has well rounded benefits and coverage.

John Hancock Silver Travel Insurance Benefits

Maximum Limits Per Person

Trip Cancellation Up to $20,000 of Trip Cost*

Trip Interruption 150% of Trip Cost**

Travel Delay $750 ($150 per day after initial delay of 3 hours))

Missed Connection $750 (after an initial common carrier delay of 3 hours)

Change Fee $200

Reimbursement of Miles or Reward Points Up to maximum shown on the schedule of benefits

Baggage & Personal Effects $1,000 ($250 per article)

Baggage Delay $500 (after initial delay of 12 hours)

Accident & Sickness Medical Expense $100,000

Emergency Medical Evacuation $500,000

AD&D $100,000

Pre-existing Condition Waiver Available – if purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit

Coverage Type Primary

John Hancock Travel Insurance - Silver - Covered Perils

Emergency Sickness/Illness/Injury/Death - Yes

Hijacking, Medical Quarantine, Subpoena or Jury Duty - Yes

Home uninhabitable due to fire, flood, burglary or Natural Disaster - Yes

Direct involvement in a documented traffic accident while en route to your departure - Yes

Organized Labor Strike - Yes

Terrorist Incident** - Yes

Inclement Weather and Natural Disaster - Yes

Revocation of previously granted military leave - Yes

Financial Default of Travel Supplier - Yes

Theft of passport or visa that prevents departure - Yes

Mandatory evacuation ordered by government authority due to adverse weather and Natural Disaster - Yes

John Hancock Travel Insurance - Silver - Additional Information

Maximum Trip Duration 90 days

Maximum Age Insured 69

Pre-Existing Condition Waiver Available – if purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit

Pre-Existing Condition Review Period 60 days

Premium Refunds You may submit a cancellation request and receive a full refund within 14 days from the effective date of your coverage***

Latest date plan can be purchased 1 day before departure

24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance Included

Minimum Trip Cost to be insured $500

Coverage Type Primary

This is only a summary of our program. Please read the policy carefully to fully understand the coverages, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Not all plans or coverages are available in every state. This summary does not replace or change any part of your policy. If there is a conflict between this summary and the policy, the policy will control.

The amount of benefits provided depends upon the plan selected. Premium is based on the travelers age and the trip cost. Rates are subject to change at any time.

You can purchase the plan at any time after 14 days of the initial trip booking, but you will not be eligible for cancel for any reason, default of supplier and the pre-existing condition waiver. Other benefits will apply as per the terms and conditions of the policy.

*The trip cancellation benefit is determined by the amount of your trip you elect to protect, up to the maximum benefit stated above.

**The trip interruption benefit is determined by the amount of trip cancellation benefit purchased. All benefits are per insured person.

John Hancock Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

What if I buy it and decide the coverage isn't right for me?

If you are not completely satisfied with the travel insurance you have purchased, you can call to cancel within 14 days of the effective date. As long as you have not yet departed on your trip, your policy will be cancelled, and we'll refund the premium you paid. This refund is known as ‘Free-Look’. Free-Look option not available for the following states:

• Florida
• Massachusetts
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Virginia

If I already have medical coverage, why do I need to pay for it again within travel insurance coverage?

Travel Medical Expense is designed to cover expenses for accidental injury and sickness occurring on your trip. This benefit provides coverage for medically necessary care that may not be covered on your health insurance plan. You should check with your health insurance provider to verify if you are covered outside of the plan area or the US. This travel insurance also includes valuable 24/7 emergency assistance to aid with locating medical care, medically necessary transportation, and arranging payment for medically necessary care.

If your trip is extended on order of a physician due to an illness or accidental injury incurred while traveling, hotel and meal expenses as well as additional airline transportation costs may be covered.

The assistance services can also help you with many other services, such as arranging for forgotten or damaged prescription medication, locating an English-speaking doctor and ensuring you are receiving the right care for a medical emergency. The multilingual assistance staff can provide you with helpful information and advise you where to go if you lose your passport, need cash assistance or need legal services at your destination.

Are there any destinations or countries that are not covered by this insurance?

Yes. The travel insurance described here does not provide coverage for travel to the following locations:

• Cuba
• Iran
• Syria
• Crimea
• North Korea.

Additionally, the travel insurance does not provide coverage and will not reimburse expenses if sanctions laws or regulations prohibit doing so.

What is OFAC?

OFAC is the Office of Foreign Assets Controls. The Office of Foreign Assets Control administers and enforces economic sanctions programs primarily against countries and groups of individuals, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers. The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals.

What if a trip is longer than 90 days?

The insured would have cover for the first 90 consecutive days of a trip. Cover would end at 12:01 a.m. on the 91st day of the insured’s trip.

What is a Pre-existing Condition?

Pre-existing medical condition means any Accidental Injury, sickness or condition of You, Your Traveling Companion or Your Family Member booked to travel with You for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the 60-day period ending on the Effective Date. Sicknesses or conditions are not considered pre-existing if the sickness or condition for which prescribed drugs or medicine is taken remains controlled without any change in the required prescription throughout the entire 60-day period ending on the Effective Date and no medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment has otherwise been received.

What is a definition of a “Covered Trip”?

“Covered Trip” means a trip taken during the Policy period for which You request insurance coverage and pay the required premium, where: (a) you travel more than 100 miles from Your home to a destination outside Your City of residence; (b) the purpose of the trip is business or pleasure; and (c) the trip has defined departure and return dates.

What events are covered under the Trip Interruption benefit?

Typically, an insured can interrupt their trip for the same or similar reasons as they can for canceling their trip. These perils are similar to the trip cancellation perils except they provide coverage once you depart for your covered trip. The insured will be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused and non-refundable travel arrangements plus additional transportation costs to catch up to their trip or return home early.

What does Baggage Delay cover?

This benefit will reimburse a specified amount for the purchase of emergency toiletries and clothing when an insured’s checked luggage is lost or delayed by the airline or other Common Carrier for 12 hours or more.

Is loss of baggage covered?

Baggage and personal possessions are covered up to $750 with the John Hancock Bronze plan. A maximum benefit of $250 per item applies.

Please refer to the policy certificate for full details of coverage terms, limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. Please read the certificate carefully and all state exceptions that may apply.

What are the stipulations to cancel my travel insurance cover?

You may cancel insurance under the Policy by giving Our Administrator or Us written notice of cancellation on the earlier of: (a) 14 days from the date Your Policy is purchased; or (b) prior to Your Scheduled Departure Date. If You do this, We will refund Your premium paid provided You have not filed a claim under the Policy

What does the Travel Delay benefit cover?

We will pay Your additional expenses on a one-time basis, up to $500 ($150 per day), if You are delayed en route to or from the Covered Trip for at least 6 hours due to an Unforeseen Event For the Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits occurring on or after the Effective Date of the Policy.

Additional Expenses include:

• any prepaid, unused, non-refundable land, air or water accommodations;
• any reasonable additional expenses incurred (meals, accommodations, local transportation, and telephone calls);
• an Economy Fare from the point where You interrupted Your Covered Trip to a destination where You can resume Your Covered Trip; or
• a one-way Economy Fare to return You to Your originally scheduled return destination.

Can I buy travel insurance after an incident has occurred?

Travel insurance coverage applies only to unforeseen issues that occur after the policy is in effect. Insurance does not cover events that are no longer unexpected or unforeseen.

What is considered an Accident?

An Accident is defined as a sudden, unexpected, unusual, specific event that occurs at an identifiable time and place during the Covered Trip and also includes a mishap to a conveyance in which You are traveling.

Are there any coverage exclusions?

The complete details of coverage exclusions that may affect coverage and benefits payable are summarized in the certificate. Please read the certificate carefully and note all exclusions and state exceptions that may apply.

Can the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion be waived?

Yes.

John Hancock Bronze, Silver and Gold Waiver:

The Pre-existing Conditions exclusion is waived if

• You enroll in the Plan at the time You pay the deposit required for the Covered Trip (or within fourteen (14) days of the initial deposit) and
• You purchase the coverage under the Plan for the full cost of the Covered Trip.

How can a traveler get assistance while on a trip?

For EMERGENCY evacuation and medical assistance, or travel assistance ONLY, call Seven Corners Assist 24/7/365:

If a traveler needs help with any travel emergency (from a lost passport to the need for medical care) please call one of the following numbers as soon as possible: (1) 866-888-7150 or (1) 317-582-2690 from outside North America.

When does insurance coverage begin?

Subject to payment of any premium due:

• For Trip Cancellation: Coverage begins at 12:01 A.M. local time, at Your location on the day after the required premium for such coverage is received by Us or Our administrator as shown in the confirmation of benefits. Coverage ends at the point and time of departure on Your Scheduled Departure Date.
• For Trip Delay: Coverage is in force while en route to the Covered Trip from Your home and also while en route from the Covered Trip to Your home.
• For all other coverages: Coverage begins at the later of the time of Your departure on the Scheduled Departure Date; or Your actual departure for Your Covered Trip.

When does coverage end?

Coverage is effective for the stated term shown in the confirmation of benefits. In addition, Your coverage will end at 11:59 P.M. local time on the earliest of the following dates:

• the date You cancel Your Covered Trip;
• the Scheduled Return Date as stated on the travel tickets;
• the date You return to Your origination point if prior to the Scheduled Return Date; or
• the date You leave or change Your Covered Trip (unless due to Unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances covered by the Policy).

If You extend the return date, coverage will terminate at 11:59 P.M., local time, at Your location on the Scheduled Return Date.

What if a trip is longer than 90 days?

The insured would have cover for the first 90 consecutive days of a trip. Cover would end at 12:01 a.m. on the 91st day of the insured’s trip.

What is a definition of a “Trip”?

“Trip” means a trip taken during the Policy period for which You request insurance coverage and pay the required premium, where:

• you travel more than 100 miles from Your home to a destination outside Your City of residence;
• the purpose of the trip is business or pleasure; and
• the trip has defined departure and return dates.

What perils are covered under the Trip Cancellation benefit?

Emergency Sickness, Injury or Death to You, a Family Member, a Travel Companion, a Business Partner or a Child Caregiver.

You or a Travel Companion are hijacked, detained under quarantine, called to jury duty, are required to appear as a witness in a legal action, provided You or Your Traveling Companion are not a party to the legal action or appearing as a law enforcement officer, are the victim of felonious assault

Your home or the home of a Travel Companion is made Uninhabitable by fire, flood, burglary or a Natural Disaster.

A documented theft of passports or visas. Documented means that You have reported the theft to the local authorities.

Your transfer, within thirty (30) days of the date of Your Covered Trip, by the employer with which You are employed on the Effective Date that requires relocation of Your principal residence.

An automobile accident directly involving You or a Travel Companion, substantiated by a police report, while en route to a departure point for the Covered Trip.

Unannounced Strike that causes complete cessation of services for at least 48 consecutive hours of the Common Carrier on which You are scheduled to travel.

Inclement Weather that causes complete cessation of services for at least 6 consecutive hours of the Common Carrier on which You are scheduled to travel.

Mechanical breakdown that causes complete cessation of services for at least 6 consecutive hours of the Common Carrier on which You are scheduled to travel.

A government-mandated shutdown of an airport or air traffic control system due to a Natural Disaster.

You or Your Traveling Companion are called to active military duty after the Effective Date.

After at least three (3) years of full-time continuous employment at the same company, You are terminated or laid-off from full time employment at such company within thirty (30) days of the date of Your Covered Trip.

A politically motivated Terrorist Attack that occurs within 30 days of Your departure and within 50 miles of a City listed on Your itinerary. The Terrorist Attack must occur on or after the Effective Date of Your Trip Cancellation Coverage.

You have, or Your Traveling Companion has, a previously approved military leave revoked or experience a military reassignment.

Bankruptcy or Default of an airline, or cruise line, tour operator or other travel provider (other than the Travel Supplier, tour operator or travel agency, organization or firm from whom You purchased Your Travel Arrangements supplied by others) causing a complete cessation of travel services more than 10 days following Your Effective Date.

Mandatory evacuation ordered by local authorities at Your destination due to a Natural Disaster. You must have 50% or less of Your Trip remaining at the time the mandatory evacuation ends, in order for this benefit to be payable.

*Complete details of coverage, terms, limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits are summarized in the certificate. Please read the certificate carefully and note all state exceptions that may apply.

What is AD&D – Air only?

This benefit covers for loss of life, limb or sight that is a direct result of a covered accident that occurs while You are riding as a passenger in or on, boarding or alighting from, any air conveyance operated under a license for the transportation of passengers for hire during the Covered Trip.

Complete details of coverage terms, limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable are summarized in the certificate. Please read the certificate carefully and all state exceptions that may apply.

What does Baggage Delay cover?

The expense of replacing necessary personal effects, up to the maximum shown on the Schedule of Benefits, if Your Checked Baggage is delayed or misdirected by a Common Carrier for at least the number of hours shown on the Schedule of Benefits, while on a Covered Trip, except for return travel to Your primary residence.

Is loss of baggage covered?

Provides payment up to the maximum shown on the Schedule of Benefits, for loss, theft or damage to Baggage and personal effects, provided that You, Your Traveling Companion or Your Family Member has taken all reasonable measures to protect, save and/or recover the property at all times. The Baggage and personal effects must be owned by and accompany You during the Covered Trip. Original receipts and a police report from the local jurisdiction (in the event of theft) must be provided for reimbursement. You have checked Your Baggage with a Common Carrier and delivery is delayed, coverage for Baggage will be extended until the Common Carrier delivers the property.

There is a per article limit shown on the Schedule of Benefits. There is a combined maximum limit shown on the Schedule of Benefits for the following: jewelry, watches, articles consisting in whole or in part of silver, gold or platinum, furs, articles trimmed with or made mostly of fur, sports equipment, radios, cameras, camcorders and their accessories and related equipment and other electronic items.

We will pay You for fees associated with the replacement of Your passport during Your Covered Trip. Receipts are required for reimbursement. We will also reimburse You for charges and interest incurred due to unauthorized use of Your credit cards if such use occurs during Your Trip and provided that You have complied with all credit card conditions imposed by the credit card companies.

We will pay the lesser of the following:

1. Actual Cash Value, as determined by Us, at time of loss, theft or damage to Baggage and personal effects; or
2. the cost of repair or replacement.

What does the Travel Delay benefit cover?

Provides Payment for Your additional expenses on a one-time basis, up to the maximum shown on the Schedule of Benefits, if You are delayed en route to or from the Covered Trip for at least the number of hours shown on the Schedule of Benefits due to an Unforeseen Event For the Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits occurring on or after the Effective Date of the Policy.

Additional Expenses include:

• any prepaid, unused, non-refundable land, air or water accommodations;
• any reasonable additional expenses incurred (meals, accommodations, local transportation, and telephone calls);
• an Economy Fare from the point where You interrupted Your Covered Trip to a destination where You can resume Your Covered Trip; or
• a one-way Economy Fare to return You to Your originally scheduled return destination.

As always, we recommend that a traveler consider whether to buy travel insurance. At TravelDefenders you can get a quick anonymous quote and compare dozens of the top travel insurance plans from many of the largest US travel insurers, saving you time and money finding the right travel plan for your travel needs.

Did you know that they won’t find the same trip insurance plans available at a better price – because of price certainty anti-discriminatory law in the US.

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Travel Insurance Comparison – Will I Pay More Buying Travel Insurance from a Comparison Website?

The price of a trip insurance quote for an insurance plan that you see on TravelDefenders is the same price you would see from the insurance carrier direct – we are not allowed to compete on price for ‘filed’ insurance products. No one is. So, you are certain to get best value from us.

Safe travels.

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