Overview of John Hancock Travel Insurance

John Hancock Travel Insurance is the travel insurance arm of John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc., a trusted U.S. insurance brand founded in 1862. Originally established as a life insurance provider, the company is now one of the top 50 largest insurance companies, and currently offers a range of comprehensive single-trip travel insurance plans designed to protect travelers against common trip disruptions, from inconvenient flight delays to urgent medical emergencies.

John Hancock currently offers three core comprehensive travel insurance plans on Squaremouth: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. This tiered approach to trip protection makes it easy for customers to find a plan that fits their coverage needs and budget requirements. John Hancock plans are known for their competitive coverage limits and flexibility.

When it comes to cost, John Hancock tends to fall on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, reflecting the strong coverage limits and comprehensive benefits included in its plans.

How Trustworthy is John Hancock Insurance Agency?

John Hancock Insurance Agency is recognized as a reliable and well-established insurance provider, backed by a long history in the industry and solid financial strength.

John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. is a subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation, one of the world’s largest insurance companies. Its policies are underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company and hold an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best. This rating is only given to financially strong insurers that demonstrate the ability to fulfill their claims obligations.

The provider also maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, demonstrating its commitment to serving customers fairly and reliably.

Our Take: John Hancock is a trusted and experienced travel insurance provider offering three comprehensive plans. Each plan provides different levels of financial protection and is designed to cover common trip disruptions, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays, and lost or damaged baggage. Eligible travelers can also benefit from pre-existing condition coverage and optional add-ons like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Rental Car Damage protection.

If you choose a policy from John Hancock, we suggest the provider’s Silver or Gold plans. These policies, while slightly more expensive than Bronze, offer generous medical and evacuation coverage limits. These options also provide exceptional Travel Delay coverage, which can be handy if you’re taking an international trip that involves tight layovers.

John Hancock Travel Insurance Customer Satisfaction Ratings

John Hancock has over 1,400 reviews on the Squaremouth platform. Each customer has been asked to rate their experience with the provider before, during, and after their trips.

John Hancock Rating Breakdown

4.16 (1,441 reviews)
Customer Service Before Trip 4.31/5
Customer Service During Trip 3.68/5
Customer Service During Claim 3.48/5
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) A+
  • TrustPilot Score 4.1/5
  • Named a Solid Choice by NerdWallet
  • All policies hold an AM Best’s Rating of A (Excellent)

The provider maintains a respectable overall customer satisfaction rating of 4.16 out of 5. This rating is made possible by John Hancock’s ability to support customers before their trips. According to its website, the provider is available to assist with policy purchases, make changes to your coverage, or answer any pressing inquiries you may have with your current policy.

John Hancock receives relatively average scores for in-trip customer service and claims support. Recent customer reviews from verified John Hancock customers can be found below:

John Hancock At-a-Glance

Pros:
  • CFAR add-on available to eligible travelers
  • Primary Emergency Medical coverage ranges from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the plan
  • Pre-existing medical condition coverage is included for travelers who qualify
  • The ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ plans Trip Delay coverage kicks in if you’re delayed at least three hours, which is the lowest minimum delay requirement found on Squaremouth
Cons:
  • With an average premium of $334, John Hancock’s travel insurance plans are priced slightly higher than the industry average
  • Some customers report a slow claims process

John Hancock offers several notable benefits for travelers. Eligible travelers can add CFAR coverage to their policy, providing extra flexibility and peace of mind. Additionally, the company’s plans include primary Emergency Medical coverage ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the plan selected, and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions for travelers who qualify. This level of medical coverage is generally enough to handle most international trips.

The provider’s Gold and Silver policies stand out with some of the best Trip Delay coverage available, helping reimburse unexpected expenses after delays lasting just three hours. For context, most plans will only reimburse travelers who experience 6 or 12-hour delays. These features make John Hancock a strong option for travelers who want well-rounded coverage while overseas.

On the downside, John Hancock’s policies are priced slightly higher than the industry average, with an average premium of $334. Some customers have also reported a slow claims process, including lengthy communication and paperwork. While not uncommon across the industry, these factors may be worth considering when choosing a provider.

Ready to explore your options? Compare John Hancock plans against other top providers.

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Which John Hancock Travel Insurance Plan is Right for Me?

John Hancock offers three comprehensive policies on Squaremouth: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. All plans provide adequate medical coverage for international travel that meet or exceed Squaremouth’s recommendations, plus the option to add CFAR insurance for eligible trips.

Plan Medical Evacuation &
Repatriation
Trip Cancellation Trip Interruption CFAR Option
Bronze $50,000 Primary $250,000 100% of the trip cost 125% of the trip cost
Silver $100,000 Primary $500,000 100% of the trip cost 150% of the trip cost
Gold $250,000 Primary $1,000,000 100% of the trip cost 150% of the trip cost

Like a handful of other providers on Squaremouth, John Hancock employs a tiered approach to its travel insurance offerings. Each plan offers the same benefits, but at varying degrees of coverage. The right John Hancock plan for you will largely depend on your budget and coverage needs.

Bronze

John Hancock’s base plan, Bronze, is the least expensive and provides the lowest coverage limits across the board. This type of policy is suitable for quick domestic getaways or low-risk international trips. Despite being a low-cost option, it still manages to provide fair coverage against cancellations, medical emergencies, delays, baggage loss, and other common trip disruptions.

Silver

Silver is the provider’s middle-of-the-road policy, and the top-selling plan out of the three it offers. It finds a good mix between cost and coverage, offering dependable trip protection without breaking the bank. With up to $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and up to $500,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, this plan is ideal for cruises, adventure trips, and vacations to remote destinations.

Gold

If you’re looking for top-of-the-line trip protection, then John Hancock’s Gold plan may be for you. With up to $250,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and up to $1,000,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, it offers among the highest medical reimbursement rates of any comprehensive plan on the market. This policy is also one of the few plans that includes Travel Delay coverage that begins after just three hours, earning it a spot on our list of the Best Flight Insurance Plans.

Compare All Plan Details

Compare John Hancock to Other Top Providers

John Hancock is one of many providers currently featured on the Squaremouth marketplace. See how it stacks up against other top-rated insurers.

Plan Features
Overall Coverage

High medical limits and comprehensive trip protection

Broad coverage, with options for customization

Cost

Moderate to high with flexible options

Moderate pricing with flexible plan options

Customer Rating
4.2
4.5
Very Good
208 Reviews
AM Best Rating A (Excellent) A (Excellent)
Unique Benefits

High medical limits, CFAR, adventure travel add-ons

Sporting equipment coverage

Insurance Partners Backed by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company. Backed by BCS Insurance Company and Jefferson Insurance Company.

How Much Does John Hancock Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of comprehensive travel insurance is determined by a wide range of factors, including age, trip length, trip cost, and depth of coverage. The chart below highlights how John Hancock premiums compare to those of other insurers found on Squaremouth.

Average Cost of John Hancock vs. Competitors Cancellation Plans
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* The average premium is calculated using the last 12 months of sales, including trip cancellation, for consumers ages 20 to 59, with a trip cost between $5,000 - $9,999.

Using the chart above, you can see that John Hancock’s comprehensive policies have an average cost of $333.88, placing them on the higher end compared with other providers. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans are priced below $300 on average.

Comprehensive travel insurance typically costs 4-10% of your prepaid travel expenses, with the industry average being around 6%. John Hancock plans, however, land on the higher end of this spectrum at roughly 7.75% of your overall trip costs. This higher price is reflective of the strong benefits included within each of the provider’s plans.

Opting for lower-tier policies, such as John Hancock’s Bronze or Silver plan, can help keep your travel insurance expenses to a minimum. If you’re traveling on a strict budget, it may be worth considering coverage from other providers.

How Do Customers Rate John Hancock vs. Competitors?

John Hancock ranks around the middle of the pack for customer satisfaction compared with other travel insurance companies on the market.

John Hancock currently holds an overall customer satisfaction score of 4.16 out of 5. This score is fairly average, and makes them the 14th highest-rated travel insurance provider on the Squaremouth platform.

The provider’s main strength when it comes to customer service is the assistance it provides before a trip. Generally, providers that score highly in this department go above and beyond to make sure you are satisfied with your coverage leading up to your departure date.

John Hancock’s lowest score comes from its claims support. Specifically, some customers report slow communication and time-consuming paperwork when filing a claim. It’s worth noting, however, that claims processes with any travel insurance provider can be time-consuming and involve multiple steps, so these challenges are not unique to John Hancock.

Is John Hancock Travel Insurance Worth the Cost?

Yes, John Hancock’s plans are worth the cost, especially if you’re looking for reliable, comprehensive coverage that comes with high medical and evacuation limits, protection for pre-existing conditions, and optional add-ons like CFAR and Rental Car Damage coverage.

While John Hancock’s travel insurance plans are priced slightly higher than the industry average, the benefits and generous coverage limits justify the cost for many travelers. For example, the Gold plan offers up to $250,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $1,000,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, among the highest available in a comprehensive policy. This level of protection can provide peace of mind for international travelers, especially if you’re taking a cruise, visiting remote destinations, or participating in high-risk activities while away from home.

John Hancock plans also include some of the best Trip Delay coverage on the market, reimbursing travelers after delays as short as three hours, which is much faster than most competitor plans.

Alternatives to John Hancock Travel Insurance

If you can’t find a John Hancock plan that fits your needs, consider coverage from one of these top-rated providers:

Generali, like John Hancock, is a reliable travel insurance provider that offers different levels of trip protection to customers. Its Standardplan is the most popular option among travelers due to its affordability and well-rounded coverage limits, while its Premiumplan offers the best overall coverage.

For top-level medical protection, consider a policy from Seven Corners. Trip Protection Choice by Seven Corners provides up to $500,000 in Primary Emergency Medical coverage and up to $1,000,000 in Medical Evacuation protection, which exceeds coverage limits offered by John Hancock Gold.

For best-in-class customer service, look for plans offered by Tin Leg. The provider currently holds the best customer satisfaction rating across all providers, and is the company behind the top-selling plan on Squaremouth, Tin Leg Gold.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Hancock Insurance Agency

Are John Hancock’s plans comprehensive?

Yes, all of John Hancock’s plans are comprehensive, offering broad protection for common travel disruptions. The provider uses a tiered approach with three plans, aptly named Bronze, Silver, and Gold, so travelers can select the level of coverage that fits their needs and budget.

Each plan includes coverage for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, travel delays, baggage loss, and emergency medical expenses, with coverage limits increasing as you move from Bronze to Gold.

Does John Hancock offer travel medical insurance plans?

John Hancock does not offer medical-only travel insurance plans, but every policy includes substantial medical coverage as part of its comprehensive travel protection. This means you’ll be covered for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation no matter which plan you choose.

Does John Hancock offer enough medical coverage?

Yes, all John Hancock plans meet our recommended requirements for medical coverage. When traveling abroad, we recommend at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

John Hancock’s Bronze plan provides enough coverage for standard international trips or lower-risk destinations, while the Silver plan is ideal for cruises, adventure travel, or trips to countries with higher medical costs, offering up to $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. The Gold plan is designed for travelers who want maximum protection, with up to $250,000 in medical coverage and $1,000,000 in evacuation benefits. These limits are generally sufficient to handle most medical emergencies abroad.

Is John Hancock a good option for international travel?

Yes, John Hancock is a solid choice for international travel. Its comprehensive plans provide strong medical coverage and cancellation protection. In addition, the Gold and Silver plans offer some of the best Trip Delay coverage, reimbursing travelers after delays of just three hours. The Gold plan also offers up to $2,500 in Baggage Loss protection, which ensures you’re compensated for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

These benefits make John Hancock particularly well-suited for long-haul trips that involve multiple connections or international destinations where travel disruptions are more likely.

Does John Hancock offer any upgrades that I should consider?

Yes, all John Hancock plans include optional upgrades that can enhance your coverage. Key add-ons include Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), which allows eligible travelers to cancel for reasons not already covered by the Trip Cancellation benefit, and Rental Car Damage protection, which covers physical damage to rental vehicles. These upgrades are worth considering if you want greater flexibility, extra financial protection, or maximum peace of mind heading into a trip.

Does John Hancock have a 24/7 assistance team?

Yes, John Hancock Insurance Agency provides multilingual 24-Hour Emergency Assistance services to all policyholders. You can contact your provider at any point during your trip for help with medical referrals, coordinating evacuations, emergency cash transfers, translation services, and more.

How do I file a claim with John Hancock?

John Hancock processes its claims internally. To initiate a claim, you must contact the provider directly. Useful contact information can be found in the section below.

Contact Information for John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.

Customer Service: 866-511-9104

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday, 7:00am to 10:00pm ET

Claims Phone: 1-866-511-9104

Claims Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm ET

Mail to:
Starr Travel Claims
c/o Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.
PO Box 94645
Cleveland, Ohio 44101-4729

Emergency Assistance:

Inside USA: 1-833-322-1237

Outside USA: +1-819-566-0612

Fax: John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. has not provided a fax number for claims.

Provider Claims Website: Please click here