Tag: travel tips

  • This Is How Travel Insurance Saved Me $2,600

    This Is How Travel Insurance Saved Me $2,600

    The part points can’t cover

    Points and miles can make travel easier. They can unlock flights and hotels that would normally cost a lot in cash.

    But when real life shows up mid-trip, points can’t always save you. Medical bills are cash. Replacing stolen items is cash. Last-minute solutions are cash. And they usually happen when you have the least energy to deal with them.

    A lot of PointsYeah users rely on the travel insurance that comes with their credit cards and feel that separate travel insurance is no longer necessary. The reality is that credit card travel insurance often comes with major limitations:

    • Card-specific coverage
    • Tedious claims processes
    • Long reimbursement timelines

    That’s why I personally use the Allianz Partners annual travel insurance plan and have for many years. It works very differently than credit card coverage.

    The trip that turned into two ER visits

    During the holidays, I traveled to Mexico and ended up visiting the ER twice for different reasons, racking up about $2,600 in medical bills.

    This is where travel insurance became top of mind.

    Filing the claim took just a few minutes (under 5 minutes). I only needed:

    • Medical records
    • Medical bills
    • Credit card payment slips (yes, I still kept the points)

    That’s it!

    I chose direct deposit and was reimbursed through two payments totaling $2,554.30, all within a few days, with no phone calls and no back-and-forth emails.

    Get a personalized Allianz Partners quote so you have protection in place before your next trip.

    The receipts (direct deposit)

    Payment #1

    • Claim filed: 12/27/2025
    • Payment date: 01/03/2026
    • Amount: $605.37
    • Status: Completed
    • Payment method: Direct Deposit

    Claim filed 12/27/2025. Payment issued 01/03/2026 for $605.37 via direct deposit.

    Payment #2

    • Claim filed: 01/03/2026
    • Payment date: 01/13/2026
    • Amount: $1,948.93
    • Status: Completed
    • Payment method: Direct Deposit

    Claim filed 01/03/2026. Payment issued 01/13/2026 for $1,948.93 via direct deposit.

    Total reimbursed: $2,554.30

    That’s why I say travel insurance saved me about $2,600. The exact amount, $2,554.30, came back through two direct deposits in just days.

    This is why I keep an annual plan. Get a personalized Allianz Partners travel insurance quote for your next trip.

    And this wasn’t a one-off

    Back in 2022, I was flying from Istanbul to Belgrade when the plane turned around mid-flight due to weather.

    If you travel enough, you know what happens next. Everyone rushes to the service desk, lines explode, confusion spreads, and hours get burned waiting for the airline to maybe offer something.

    Instead, I booked a hotel inside the terminal, paid for dinner, and went to sleep, while everyone else waited hours just to get a hotel.

    All of those expenses were reimbursed within days.

    That wasn’t the only time I used it. On separate trips, I’ve also had two theft incidents (my computer and wallet) and one emergency dental visit. Those losses were reimbursed promptly as well.

    If you want the same kind of backup when travel goes sideways, get a personalized Allianz Partners travel insurance quote.

    Another real receipt: $750 reimbursement (ACH credit)

    This is another example of what a reimbursement looks like once it hits your account.

    I have a separate screenshot showing an ACH credit of $750.00 labeled “Jefferson Insura EDI PYMNTS…” and “ACH credit” for $750.00.

    Another reimbursement example: $750 ACH credit.

    Why the annual plan has been worth it for me

    I like the annual plan because it keeps things simple(Or you can see Troy always loses things). I don’t have to think about it every time I book a trip, and I’m protected across the year without buying a new plan for every itinerary.

    On top of the reimbursements above, there are a few parts of my $510 annual plan that I’ve found especially useful:

    • No receipts required for claims under $100, which helps keep smaller claims quick and easy, and isn’t limited to the annual plan
    • Rental Car Damage & Theft Benefits up to $45,000, which is great to have any time I rent a car
    • Benefits for travel partners, since you can add their names during purchase
    • Loyalty Program Redeposit Fee Reimbursement Benefits $500.00(This comes into play when using non USA programs)

    That combination is why I keep renewing it year after year.

    Curious what an annual plan looks like for your travel? Start with a personalized Allianz Partners travel insurance quote.

    See below for my whole benefits summary:

    • Trip Cancellation: $5,000.00
    • Pre-existing Medical Condition Limit: $5,000.00
    • Trip Interruption: $5,000.00
    • Pre-existing Medical Condition Limit: $5,000.00
    • Change Fee Coverage: $500.00
    • Travel Delay: $1,600.00
    • Maximum reimbursement per 24-hour period of delay:
    • Daily Limit: $200.00
    • Minimum Required Delay (Hours): 6
    • Baggage Coverage: $1,000.00
    • Maximum benefit for all high value items, per policy: $500.00
    • Baggage Delay: $1,000.00
    • Minimum Required Delay (Hours): 12
    • Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $50,000.00
    • Dental Care maximum sublimit: $750.00
    • Emergency Transportation: $250,000.00
    • Business Equipment Coverage: $1,000.00
    • Business Equipment Delay/Rental: $1,000.00

    Get a personalized quote

    Get a personalized Allianz Partners travel insurance quote and make sure your next trip has the backup it deserves.

    Happy travels!

    Disclaimer: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply, including for pre-existing conditions. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Travel Insurance is a mark of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Partners or its affiliates. Allianz Partners compensates their suppliers or agencies for allowing Allianz Partners to market or offer products to customers of the supplier or agency. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by AGA Service Company, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.

  • Why More Travelers Are Booking Premium Economy with Points and Why You Should Too

    Why More Travelers Are Booking Premium Economy with Points and Why You Should Too

    When it comes to long-haul travel, most flyers think there are only two options: spend fewer points and squeeze into economy, or spend big for a lie-flat seat in business class. But there’s a middle ground that too many travelers overlook: premium economy.

    Premium economy sits perfectly between comfort and value. It offers just enough extra space and service to make a long flight restful, yet it typically costs 30–50% fewer points than business class. For many travelers, especially families, it’s the ideal balance between comfort, cost, and practicality.

    What Is Premium Economy?

    Premium economy is a distinct cabin class found on most major international airlines, positioned between economy and business class. It usually features:

    • Wider seats with 5 to 7 inches more legroom than economy
    • Deeper recline and leg or foot rests for better rest on long flights
    • Enhanced dining, often served with real glassware and upgraded meal options
    • Priority check-in and boarding, making airport navigation smoother
    • Extra baggage allowance and dedicated overhead bin space

    Airlines like ANA, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa are known for exceptional premium economy products, while American, Delta, and United have invested heavily in improving their cabins for long-haul travelers.

    The Real Advantage: Sleep and Comfort Without Overspending

    Long flights can be exhausting, especially overnight routes from the U.S. to Europe or Asia. Premium economy provides just enough space and recline to actually sleep on the plane, which can make or break how you feel when you land.

    You won’t get a lie-flat seat, but the comfort upgrade is significant enough that many travelers now choose premium economy intentionally, not as a downgrade from business class but as a smart, points-efficient choice.

    Save Points While Flying in Comfort

    From an award travel perspective, premium economy is one of the best values in the sky. Many routes cost 30–50% fewer miles than business class redemptions, yet the experience is far better than standard economy.

    For example:

    • New York to London in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy can often be found for under 14K points, but with higher fees than economy. Even with the added surcharges, it remains a great value for a comfortable transatlantic flight.
    • Fly from major cities in the U.S. to Tokyo in Japan Airlines Premium Economy can be booked for 50,000 Alaska Atmos Reward points plus $18 in taxes.

    These savings matter even more for families booking multiple tickets or travelers who want to conserve points for hotels or future trips.

    Added Airport Perks That Simplify Your Journey

    Beyond what you get onboard, premium economy passengers often receive priority airport services that make the journey smoother from start to finish:

    • Priority check-in counters to skip long lines
    • Faster boarding and deplaning, so you spend less time waiting
    • Priority baggage handling, meaning your bags usually arrive first

    These conveniences can make flying with kids or connecting through busy airports much less stressful.

    Premium Economy vs. Business Class: The Real Comparison

    FeaturePremium EconomyBusiness Class
    Seat TypeRecliner with extra legroomLie-flat bed or pod
    Points Required (avg.)30–50% less than BusinessHigh, premium pricing
    MealsUpgraded economy-styleMulti-course dining
    Ideal ForBudget-minded comfort seekers, familiesFrequent travelers and luxury seekers

    f you value sleep, space, and smart redemptions, premium economy delivers 70 to 80% of the comfort for nearly half the points. For most travelers, that’s a deal worth booking.

    Why Premium Economy Is Perfect for Families

    Families love premium economy for good reason. The extra seat width and legroom make it easier for kids and adults to relax without breaking the points bank. Parents appreciate early boarding, dedicated cabin service, and the ability to sit together in a smaller, quieter cabin.

    For long flights to destinations like Europe, Japan, or Australia, premium economy can save thousands of points per trip while keeping everyone comfortable.

    How to Book Premium Economy Using PointsYeah

    Finding premium economy award space isn’t always easy since these cabins have limited seats. That’s where PointsYeah helps.

    With PointsYeah’s lightning-fast award search, you can:

    • Compare award space across 200+ airlines instantly
    • Filter by cabin class, including premium economy
    • Set alerts so you’re notified when award seats open up
    • Track points prices and book when value improves

    It’s the simplest way to see whether premium economy seats are worth the points, and often, they are.

    When Premium Economy Is the Smarter Move

    Premium economy makes the most sense when:

    • You’re flying overnight or long-haul (8+ hours)
    • You want to save points but still sleep comfortably
    • You’re traveling with family or a partner
    • Business class redemptions are scarce or overpriced
    • A transfer bonus makes premium economy redemptions especially strong

    Booking premium economy can also help you extend the lifespan of your points, freeing up more value for future business or first-class deals when they truly count.

    Final Thoughts: The Smart Traveler’s Sweet Spot

    Premium economy hits the perfect balance: comfort, practicality, and value. You’ll save a meaningful number of points while still enjoying a much better flight experience that lets you arrive rested, not wrecked.

    If you’ve been sleeping on premium economy, now’s the time to give it a closer look. Use PointsYeah to find, compare, and track the best premium economy award flights worldwide. You might just find it’s the class you never knew you needed.

    🔍 Start searching premium economy award flights now on PointsYeah.com