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Best Costco Hearing Aids Review 2024: What to Know Before You Buy According to Our Experts

• Costco sells three brands of prescription hearing aids with in-person and remote support from hearing instrument specialists (state-licensed hearing professionals trained to evaluate common types of hearing loss and fit hearing aids) and one over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid.
• You can find affordable hearing aids at Costco, but the store requires an active membership for hearing aid purchases and services.
• The company has poor customer ratings online, and our Reviews Team found that customer service varies widely across store locations.

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aid devices to give you the most accurate hearing aid review. To make these selections, we:

• Consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped 18 brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews

Read more about our hearing aid review methodology .

Costco has become a major retailer of hearing aids in the United States since opening its first hearing aid center in 1989. The company sells hearing aids at more than 750 locations around the world. [1] Costco. Keep Your Ears Open. Feb. 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.costco.com/connection-buying-smart-keep-your-ears-open-february-2023.html Costco is a full-service hearing health provider, with in-person hearing tests, prescription hearing devices from three major brands, hearing aid programming, and after-purchase maintenance and repairs.

Costco Hearing Aids Available in 2024

• Jabra Enhance products are available at a Costco store
• Alternatively, buy Jabra Enhance products online
• Lexie products are available at a Costco store
• Alternatively, buy Lexie products online
• Philips products are available at a Costco store
• Alternatively, buy Philips products onlin e
• Rexton products are available at a Costco store
• Alternatively, buy Rexton products online

If you’re looking for affordable hearing aids and wondering which budget-friendly models are among the best Costco hearing aids, read our review for details on styles, features, and costs. Our Reviews Team visited several Costco hearing aid centers and spoke with corporate staff to help you make an informed decision when buying hearing aids .

Costco carries three prescription hearing aids in-store and one over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid model online.

Why you can trust our expert review

Table 1 comparison of costco hearing aids, as of 2024, hearing aids available at costco, best sound processing: philips hearlink 9040.

• Starting cost per pair : $1,499.99
• Style of hearing aid : behind-the-ear, receiver-in-ear, in-the-ear
• Degree of hearing loss : Mild to profound
• Battery type : Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming : Yes
• How to adjust : App, buttons on hearing aid, or remote control

The Philips HearLink 9040 series available at Costco uses SoundProtect and SoundMap 2 technology . This artificial intelligence (AI) technology allows for better processing of speech in noisy environments and minimizes noise caused by handling, wind, and sudden sounds, which is why we chose Philips HearLink as the brand with the “Best Sound Processing.”

Rather than applying unchanging rules for how your hearing aids process sound, the AI in SoundMap 2 learns how to filter sound better the longer you wear your hearing aids, with continual improvement over time. According to the company’s internal research , the new generation of SoundMap 2 technology comes with 50% better sound resolution compared to previous models.

Battery and smartphone app

Our Reviews Team found Philips HearLink hearing aids to have the shortest battery life of the hearing aids we tested. At 18 hours, it might be tough to get through the day without needing to stop and charge them.

Philips HearLink hearing aids can connect to the Philips HearLink 2 app and stream Bluetooth from iOS devices version 16 and newer and Android devices version 8.0 or newer, as long as they’re compliant with Google’s Android Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) . You can check the Philips website to see if your smartphone or tablet is compatible with the Philips HearLink 2 app .

If you have an older smartphone or an Android device that isn’t ASHA-compliant, you can still stream Bluetooth and control your hearing aids remotely with the Philips AudioClip accessory (sold separately).

Accessories

The Philips HearLink also works with the following accessories :

• TV Adapter : for streaming sound from a TV to your hearing aids
• Remote control : for making adjustments to the volume and settings on your hearing aids without using the app or hearing aid buttons

Best for Travel: Rexton

Rexton hearing aids are made by WS Audiology , the same company that manufactures prescription hearing aid brands Widex, Signia,  and Sony OTC hearing aids.

Rexton BiCore hearing aids are the brand’s newest line. BiCore technology processes speech and background sounds separately, which the company says provides a more natural listening experience. This type of sound processing is standard among prescription hearing aids, but we like that the starting price of Rexton devices is about $400–$800 less than other leading brands.

We also like that a pair of BiCore C R-Li hearing aids comes with two chargers instead of one: a standard at-home charger, and a travel charger that holds three full charges before it needs to be charged again. Both chargers are able to provide a 30-minute fast charge, giving you six hours of power. Most brands we’ve looked at provide only one charger, with travel chargers sold separately, which is why we named Rexton BiCore C R-Li “Best for Travel.”

• Battery Life: The BiCore C R-Li has a standard battery life of 28 hours when not streaming and 24 hours with five hours of streaming. That’s long enough for more than a full day of use, but keep in mind that Bluetooth streaming uses a lot of energy and will affect the length of each battery charge. If you are using the streaming function frequently (more than five hours), you may need to recharge your hearing aids more than once a day.
• Automatic adjustments: Rexton hearing aids automatically adjust to your sound environment. This feature comes standard in all prescription hearing aids, but it’s not something you’ll find in lower-priced OTC devices. The app also includes a feature called Rexton Assist , which helps you to fine-tune your hearing aids if they aren’t giving you a sound that’s as clear or easy to understand as you need.

Best Receiver-in-Ear: Jabra Enhance Pro 20

• Starting cost per pair : $1,599.99
• Degree of hearing loss : Mild to severe
• How to adjust: App or buttons on hearing aid

The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 is sold exclusively at Costco and includes a variety of features for improved speech understanding and ease of use, as well as the longest battery life of any receiver-in-ear hearing aid from Costco, earning our distinction of the “Best Receiver-in-Ear” (RIE) hearing aid. Philips also offers a receiver-in-ear hearing aid at Costco, but its battery life is 18 hours compared to 30 hours for the Jabra Enhance Pro 20.

Features we like in the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 include automatic adjustments, rechargeable batteries, an app that we found easy to use, and a waterproof coating. While water resistance is nice, we’ve learned from hearing specialists that it’s a smart idea to remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or using hair products.

Bluetooth streaming, app, and battery life

You can stream audio from iOS, and ASHA-compliant Android devices to the Jabra Enhance Pro 20. This hearing aid can also be used with the Jabra Enhance Pro app to make hands-free phone calls, but you’ll need an iPhone or newer iOS device to do so. Unlike Rexton and Philips devices, Jabra Enhance hearing aids aren’t compatible with Android devices for hands-free calls.

The battery in the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 will last up to 30 hours per charge. This length is about the same as most other rechargeable prescription hearing aids.

Jabra has a variety of accessories for the Enhance Pro 20:

• Phone Clip +
• Remote Control
• Remote Control 2
• TV Streamer 2

For more information on this brand’s over-the-counter hearing aids, read our Jabra Enhance hearing aids review .

Best Over-the-Counter: Lexie B2 Powered by Bose

• Starting cost per pair : $879.99
• Style of hearing aid : Receiver-in-ear
• Degree of hearing loss : Mild to moderately severe
• Bluetooth streaming : Streams calls only

Costco members get a $20 discount on the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose hearing aid, a rechargeable receiver-in-canal model with excellent ratings in our Review Team’s tests. It retails for $999, but Costco sells it for $879.99.

As an over-the-counter hearing aid, the Lexie B2 doesn’t require a prescription or a hearing test for purchase, but it’s only available online. Instead of visiting a Costco hearing center for setup and adjustment, you use the Lexie app to customize settings. Fortunately, the app gives thorough instructions, so it’s easy to get started.

The Lexie B2 has Bluetooth connectivity, but it’s limited mainly to connecting to the Lexie app to adjust the settings on your hearing aids. The B2 doesn’t stream music, television, or other audio, and it only streams phone calls on iPhone. Call streaming is incompatible with Android phones. 

The B2 has the shortest battery life of all Costco hearing aids, lasting up to 18 hours. You may have to recharge the Lexie B2 more than once a day if you frequently use the call streaming feature, as it quickly drains the battery.

According to our Reviews Team, Lexie provides one of the most functional hearing aid apps on the market. Fitting and setup instructions are thoroughly explained with animations, and it’s easy to contact the Lexie audiology team through the app for a personalized video conference. Adjusting volume, balance, and sound environment settings is intuitive. The Lexie app also hosts a video library of troubleshooting tips and a convenient portal for buying accessories. The app is available through the App Store and Google Play .

Costco doesn’t sell Lexie hearing aid accessories, but they can be purchased through the Lexie website or app:

• Electronic hearing aid dryer
• Extra domes 
• Replacement charging case and cable
• Replacement wires
• Dehumidifier capsules

For more information on this brand, read our Lexie hearing aids review .

Pros and cons of Costco hearing aids

Read on for a list of the advantages and disadvantages of buying hearing aids at Costco.

Alternatives to Costco hearing aids

If Costco hearing aids aren’t right for you, consider over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Most cost less than Costco’s prescription models, and many brands offer financing. OTC hearing aids come in all styles, from behind-the-ear to in-the-canal, and are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.  

On the other hand, if you’re able to spend more for in-person support, you may find more value in prescription hearing aids. Any audiologist can adjust or reprogram prescription-grade hearing aids, so you’ll get the most out of them even if your hearing changes.

Reputable hearing aids not available at Costco

Our Reviews Team tests hearing aids on an ongoing basis to verify sound quality, ease of use, battery life, and more. Here are some of the best hearing aids we’ve tested that are not available at Costco:

• Phonak: A top pick among the audiologists we interviewed, the Phonak Audéo Lumity exceeds the quality of Costco hearing aids and doesn’t require a membership plan to purchase—but it does require a prescription.
• Audicus: Costco doesn’t offer financing for its hearing aids, but Audicus works with Care Credit and Allegro to split the cost of its hearing aids into manageable monthly payments.
• MDHearing: The most expensive MDHearing hearing aid, the Volt Max, retails for $700—less than half the price of the most expensive Costco hearing aid—and doesn’t skimp on features.
• Eargo: None of the hearing aids sold at Costco are as small and discreet as Eargo models, but their minuscule size comes at a higher price.

How to adjust your Costco hearing aids

If you need your hearing aids adjusted or reprogrammed, call your local Costco hearing aid center to make an appointment. One salesperson we talked to said they recommend monthly cleanings to lengthen the life of your hearing aids. They told us that many customers make an appointment and drop off their hearing aids for cleaning while they shop.

If your hearing ability has changed or you’re having trouble with the sound quality of your devices, make an appointment for reprogramming. This will take place in the hearing aid center’s soundproof booth and can take up to an hour.

Both cleaning and reprogramming services are provided at no cost as long as you maintain a Costco membership.

Are Costco hearing aids “locked”?

Costco Kirkland hearing aids have traditionally been “locked,” meaning they can only be reprogrammed at Costco hearing aid centers. This is a common practice among large hearing aid manufacturers, such as Beltone, Miracle Ear, and Nu Ear. Locking devices is a way to keep sales and service within their own company.

The brands described in this article and currently sold at Costco are made specifically for Costco, so they can only be serviced at the company’s hearing aid centers. The limitation on where you can go for service is an important consideration before buying. Many people decide the lower price and convenience are worth the trade-off, but most hearing clinics don’t require you to return to them for service or have restrictions on brands they’ll service.

Costco hearing aid accessories

In addition to hearing aids, Costco also sells supplies, like batteries and hearing aid accessories, for each brand.

One of our testers contacted a Costco hearing aid center in Ohio to find out how to buy accessories, like TV streamers and remote controls. They said many customers buy them when purchasing their hearing aids, but you can come into the store at any time and place an order for an accessory. The store will order it and call you when it’s ready for pick up.

Costco hearing aids cost

Prescription Costco hearing aid prices range from $1,499–$1,599 per pair. While this isn’t inexpensive, it is at the lower end of the spectrum for many prescription hearing aid brands. For example, ReSound hearing aids (made by the same manufacturer as Jabra Enhance Pro) cost $3,500–$6,500 per pair. Lexie B2, the only over-the-counter hearing aid sold at Costco, costs $979.99.

Factors that affect Costco hearing aid prices

Some of the more severe degrees of hearing loss require a power hearing aid and/or a custom ear mold for proper hearing correction. Custom ear molds will add to the overall cost. A Costco hearing specialist told us hearing aids with custom ear molds generally cost about $2,700 per pair.

Another factor to be aware of is price differences between the styles of hearing aids available. All three prescription brands have the option of a behind-the-ear, receiver-in-ear, and in-the ear style. A hearing center specialist told us that the final cost will depend on which style you choose, so this is something you’ll want to take into account and ask about when you’re in the final decision stage.

Unlimited adjustments and reprogramming services are included with the price of Costco hearing aids, though, and that’s not always standard with prescription hearing aids. Some hearing clinics charge extra for those services, and others only include a certain number of appointments with the hearing aid purchase price.

Finally, the generous warranty coverage Costco offers with its hearing aids adds to their value. The terms of prescription hearing aid warranties can vary widely among clinics because every hearing aid company negotiates its own contract with each clinic. Since Costco is a large retail chain with massive buying power, it’s able to provide a warranty that’s one of the best in the industry.

Having the ability to bring your hearing aids in for repair or replacement at no charge to address manufacturer’s defects, damage, or loss for the first two to three years is something that can definitely save you money. Our Reviews Team’s survey of 600 older adult hearing aid users found that among people who bought hearing aids at Costco, 55% needed repair services during the warranty period. Hearing aid repairs can be expensive, so a good warranty like the one Costco provides is something to look for when shopping.

Payment options

The Costco website lists the following options as acceptable forms of payment at U.S. Costco warehouse locations:

• All Visa cards
• The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• Most PIN-based debit/ATM Cards
• Costco Shop Cards
• Personal checks from current Costco members
• Business checks from current Costco Business members
• Traveler’s checks
• Mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans for its hearing aids or any other products.

Can I use insurance to pay for hearing aids?

Without the option to finance hearing aids at Costco, you may be wondering about other ways to fit this expense into your budget. Unfortunately, Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover the cost of hearing aids. [2] Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids

The good news is some Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) and private health insurance plans do include hearing aid benefits. [3] Medicare.gov. Medicare Advantage Plans Cover All Medicare Services. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-medicare-health-plans-cover/medicare-advantage-plans-cover-all-medicare-services Talk to your health insurance provider to see if your plan will cover the cost of hearing exams and hearing aids.

How to save money on hearing aids at Costco

Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans, but you can still cut down on the price of hearing aids from the company by using the tips below.

Costco store credit card

Use the Costco credit card to earn 4% cash back on in-store, gas, and other qualifying purchases. The company sends out the cash you’ve earned over the past year each February, and you can put that money toward your hearing aid purchase. Or simply use your Costco credit card to pay for your hearing aids and earn 4% from that purchase to use or save for later.

Other money-saving tips for hearing aid customers

Regardless of where you buy your hearing aids and whether you need prescription or OTC devices, they are an expensive purchase. Treating your hearing loss is just as important as improving your vision with glasses, but hearing aids don’t need to break your budget . Read on for ways to save money on your next pair of hearing aids.

FSA and HSA funds

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you can use those funds toward the purchase of hearing aids, as they are considered a medical expense.

Medicaid offers some hearing aid coverage in some states. The Hearing Loss Association of America has more information on Medicaid coverage for hearing aids and exams in each state.

Veterans benefits

Hearing issues—including hearing loss and tinnitus —rank as the number one service-connected disability [4] U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Research and Development. Found on the internet at https://www.research.va.gov/topics/hearing.cfm#research4 among U.S. veterans, defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs as “an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.” [5] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. April 21, 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap02.asp If you’re a veteran receiving VA health care benefits, you can also get free hearing exams, hearing aids, and hearing aid supplies. Check the VA website for more information on hearing benefits .

State vocational rehabilitation programs

If you need hearing aids to get a job or to function in a role at your current job, your state’s vocational rehabilitation program may pay for them. Check out the Rehabilitation Services Administration website to contact the vocational rehab program in your state.

Hearing aid donation programs

Organizations such as Help America Hear and the Hearing Aid Project donate used and refurbished hearing aids across the country. Visit their websites to fill out an application.

Other hearing aid financial resources

This list provides links to other sources of financial aid for hearing aids:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Hearing Industries Association
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders

Use NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp to find other benefits in your area you may be eligible for.

Costco trial period, warranty, and follow-up care

Costco provides a 180-day trial period, during which you can return the hearing aids for a full refund if they aren’t a good fit for your needs. This trial period, which equals a full six months, is longer than any other hearing aid company we’ve researched.

Most states require a minimum trial period of 30 days for hearing aids, and the majority of manufacturers provide up to 45 days. [6] Hearing Loss Association of America. Consumer Protection Laws. May 2013. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerProtectionLaws.pdf

We visited a Costco hearing center and were told by the manager that the company doesn’t share warranty terms until after customers have signed a purchase agreement. We also contacted the regional hearing aids manager and the corporate office multiple times, both of whom said they could not share warranty information.

Finally, after calling four Costco hearing aid centers, we reached a helpful salesperson who was able to give us this information on the company’s hearing aids warranty:

• Two-year loss and damage warranty with one-time replacement per ear and unlimited repairs
• Three-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects

Follow-up appointments

While the corporate office also declined to share details about the care you can expect after purchasing Costco hearing aids, the same salesperson told us that customers get unlimited repairs and cleanings at no cost.

Costco customer service and reviews

You can contact the Costco customer service department in the following ways:

• 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday and Sunday
• Online chat
• Online store locator to find and call a Costco hearing aid center near you

From our experience searching for information on Costco hearing aids and customer policies, we found customer service varies widely depending on who you talk to. Some hearing aid centers didn’t answer the phone even after we called multiple times, while two centers had helpful, friendly salespeople who readily answered our questions.

The regional managers and corporate offices we reached out to were not helpful in sharing information about Costco hearing aids to help potential customers. This may explain why as a company, Costco does not have favorable customer reviews.

Costco Ratings

Company-wide ratings for Costco on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is 1.2 out of 5 stars, with many negative reviews citing poor customer service. TrustPilot reviews are about the same, with 1.6 out of 5 stars. While the Costco hearing aid center has an A+ rating on BBB , it is not BBB accredited and doesn’t have any customer reviews.

Costco online hearing screening

Costco provides a free online hearing screening to give you an idea of your degree of hearing loss. While it can’t be used as a diagnostic tool and isn’t nearly as detailed as an in-person hearing exam (which is also free to members at any Costco hearing aid center), it’s a great starting point and took our Reviews Team only about five minutes to complete.

You’ll need a pair of wired (not Bluetooth or wireless) earbuds or earphones and a quiet place to take the screening. After answering a few questions about your hearing health, which covers conditions that may be underlying your hearing loss, you’ll listen to a series of numbers spoken over background noise, with instructions to type in the numbers as you hear them.

We like the fact that the online hearing screening combines questions about hearing health along with the hearing test. Questions about symptoms like ear pain, sudden loss of hearing, or issues with dizziness and balance can help guide users to make an appointment with their doctor to address underlying medical causes of hearing loss.

We also like that you don’t have to enter an email address or other personal information to get your results. The final screen gives you a rating of your degree of hearing loss, along with a link to find a hearing aid center near you.

For more information about online hearing tests, visit our online hearing test guide .

One thing that’s difficult with this hearing screening, which is made by hearX (the manufacturer of Lexie hearing aids ), is that when you click on each number as it’s spoken during the test, you can’t go back and change your answer if you accidentally hit the wrong button. This could result in a false rating. You can always take the test again, though, if you feel the result is wrong.

What to look for in hearing aids from Costco

Prescription Costco hearing aids range in price from $1,499–$1,599 per pair, but can get more expensive if you need custom ear molds. Every rechargeable hearing aid purchase includes the charger, but you’ll pay extra if you need accessories like a remote control or TV streamer.

Think about the features you’ll use in a hearing aid. Do you want to stream music or phone calls to your hearing aids? You may want a model with Bluetooth capability. Do you like to exercise or work outside? A model with water resistance, such as the Jabra Enhance Pro 20, may be a good fit.

If you want a discreet model that other people won’t notice, think about a behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-ear (RIE) model, which are available among all three prescription brands sold at Costco. The tiny wire that runs from the hearing aid body at the back of your ear into your ear canal is so slim that it’s almost invisible; even more so if your hair partially covers your ears.

Keep in mind that smaller hearing aids are less able to accommodate technology like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth, and telecoil.

Battery type

Are you interested in a disposable or rechargeable hearing aid battery? Many hearing aid users we’ve interviewed like the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids . You won’t need to buy disposable batteries, which can save money over time, but you will have to go without your hearing aids for several hours while they charge. Many people get around this by charging them at night so they’re ready to go in the morning.

Bottom line

Buying hearing aids at Costco can be a good solution if you need prescription hearing aids. They are able to treat all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and are priced at the lower end of what you can expect to pay for prescription devices.

Even so, you need to have an active Costco membership to buy hearing aids in the store, you need to keep your membership active for as long as you have the hearing aids in order to get service for them, and Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans like many hearing care clinics do. We also found that customer service varies widely across hearing aid center locations, and it can be hard to get details about what’s included with your purchase until you sign a contract.

For more information on how to make a wise decision when shopping for the best Costco hearing aids, read our hearing aids buyer’s guide .

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, Costco sells prescription hearing aids from three companies: Philips, Rexton, and Jabra Enhance. Costco also sells over-the-counter Lexie B2 hearing aids online.

Costco sells prescription hearing aids from Philips, Rexton, and Jabra Enhance in a variety of styles for all degrees of hearing loss, and over-the-counter Lexie hearing aids.

Costco prescription hearing aids cost between $1,599–$1,699 per pair. Over-the-counter Lexie hearing aids cost $979 per pair.

Costco does not accept insurance, but you may be able to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement after purchasing hearing aids at Costco.

You need to have an active Costco membership to purchase hearing aids in the store or online, and you need to keep your membership active to get your hearing aids serviced. Memberships start at $60 per year.

Hearing tests at the Costco hearing center are free, but you need to have an active membership. The online hearing aid screening is free and doesn’t require membership.

Costco generally employs hearing instrument specialists rather than audiologists.

Costco hearing aids are comparable to other prescription hearing aids on the market, such as Phonak, Oticon, ReSound, Widex, Starkey, and Signia.

Costco discontinued selling its Kirkland Signature 10.0 hearing aids in November 2022. The Kirkland name is well known to Costco customers as the store’s flagship brand and has traditionally been the top-selling hearing aid at Costco.

Sonova is the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer and was the maker of the Kirkland and Phonak hearing aid models sold at Costco until late 2022, when Sonova and Costco ended their partnership amid declining sales. [8] Hearing Health and Technology Matters. Sonova to End Sales of Hearing Aids at Costco as It Eyes Future of Brand. Nov. 21, 2022. Found on the internet at https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-news-watch/2022/costco-stops-selling-phonak-hearing-aids/ At the time of publication, Costco had not released details on if and when Kirkland hearing aids would be available again.

Several benefits come with purchasing hearing aids from Costco, including prices, which are lower compared to many other prescription aids. Additionally, hearing aids that treat mild to profound hearing loss are available, and there’s a generous 180-day trial period, a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, two years of unlimited repairs, and a one-time replacement offered due to loss or damage. You also get unlimited cleaning and programming services and remote and in-person support.

The downside is that you need a membership to purchase hearing aids from Costco. It’s also hard to find what you need from the website, there are no financing or payment plans, and health insurance is not accepted. Additionally, if you need your prescription hearing aids adjusted, you’ll have to do it at Costco.

Costco sells four brands of hearing aids: three prescription devices and one over-the-counter option. For prescription devices, you can shop Philips, Rexton, and Jabra Enhance brands. The only OTC brand sold is Lexie.

Have questions about this review? Email us at [email protected] .

• Costco. Keep Your Ears Open. Feb. 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.costco.com/connection-buying-smart-keep-your-ears-open-february-2023.html
• Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
• Medicare.gov. Medicare Advantage Plans Cover All Medicare Services. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-medicare-health-plans-cover/medicare-advantage-plans-cover-all-medicare-services
• U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Research and Development. Found on the internet at https://www.research.va.gov/topics/hearing.cfm#research4
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. April 21, 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap02.asp
• Hearing Loss Association of America. Consumer Protection Laws. May 2013. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerProtectionLaws.pdf
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Finalizes Historic Rule Enabling Access to Over-the-COunter Hearing Aids for Millions of Americans. Aug. 16, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
• Hearing Health and Technology Matters. Sonova to End Sales of Hearing Aids at Costco as It Eyes Future of Brand. Nov. 21, 2022. Found on the internet at https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-news-watch/2022/costco-stops-selling-phonak-hearing-aids/
• NCOA Adviser Hearing Aids Survey. 328 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched March 2022.

Is Costco Travel Insurance Worth It? A Detailed Review

Travel insurance can provide valuable protection when you’re on vacation. If something goes wrong, like a canceled flight or medical emergency, insurance helps cover your costs. But is Costco’s travel insurance worth buying?

Costco offers travel insurance policies throughCover-More, a division of Zurich Insurance Group. Policies are available for international trips, cruises, domestic U.S. vacations and rental cars.

Here’s what to know about Costco travel insurance and whether it’s worth it for your next vacation.

What Does Costco Travel Insurance Cover?

Costco offers a few different travel insurance options based on your trip type:

International travel: Covers vacations outside the U.S. Offers the highest coverage limits.

Cruise vacations: Protects the entire cruise vacation, not just time on the ship.

Domestic U.S. trips: For vacations within the United States. Lower coverage limits than international policies.

Rental cars: Primary insurance for rental vehicles to replace expensive rental company options.

The main coverages are similar across plans and include:

Trip cancellation: Up to 100% of trip costs if you have to cancel for a covered reason.

Trip interruption: Up to 150% of trip cost to get home if you have to cut your trip short.

Travel delay: Reimburses expenses like hotels and meals if your travel is delayed.

Baggage: Covers lost, damaged and stolen luggage. International and cruise plans offer higher limits.

Medical: Emergency medical and dental care if you’re injured or get sick on your trip.

Evacuation: Transportation to get you to adequate medical facilities in a medical emergency.

Some benefits are upgraded for international and cruise vacations like missed connections coverage. Rental car protection has more limited benefits focused just on the vehicle itself.

You can also add on cancel for any reason coverage and increased rental car damage coverage for extra fees.

How Much Does Costco Travel Insurance Cost?

Costco travel insurance rates are based on:

Trip cost: The dollar amount of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip.

Trip length: Longer trips may have higher premiums.

Destination: International trips often cost more than domestic.

Upgrade options: Cancel for any reason or rental car damage upgrades raise the price.

Here are some examples of Costco travel insurance cost:

• 7-day domestic trip costing $6,000: $270
• 10-day Spain trip costing $6,000: $300
• 30-day rental car: $170

In most cases, expect to pay about 4% to 10% of your total nonrefundable trip cost. Upgrading your policy raises the percentage.

Costco’s website makes it easy to get quotes. Just enter your trip details to see exact pricing. Members can buy policies online without contacting an agent.

Pros of Costco Travel Insurance

High coverage limits: Maximum coverages go up to $200,000 for medical care and $1 million for emergency evacuation.

Cancel for any reason upgrade: Unique upgrade reimburses 50% of trip costs if you cancel more than 48 hours before departure.

Easy online purchase: Quote and buy policies completely online without phone calls.

Good value: Competitive pricing compared to plans from other insurance providers.

Strong backing: Zurich Insurance Group backing provides security and stellar financial ratings.

Cons of Costco Travel Insurance

Pre-existing condition exclusion: Typical for travel insurance, but still problematic for travelers with health issues.

High-risk activities excluded: No coverage for things like scuba diving, mountain climbing or amateur racing.

Weather exclusions: Natural disasters like hurricanes often have special exclusions.

Rental car restrictions: Daily limits and excluded car models apply to rental coverage.

Limited plan options: Only one set of benefits and coverage amounts for each trip type.

What Credit CardsCover

Before buying a Costco policy, check what your credit card covers. Many travel credit cards include some protections:

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Baggage delay or loss coverage
• Rental car damage coverage
• Travel accident insurance

But credit card protections typically have lower limits, like $1,000 or $2,000. Costco travel insurance offers more robust coverage.

For a big trip or cruise, Costco insurance works well in addition to credit cards. Use the card’s coverage first, then Costco for anything else.

What’s Not Covered by Costco Travel Insurance

Like most insurance policies, Costco travel insurance excludes some things:

Pre-existing medical conditions: Unless you qualify for a waiver when you buy coverage shortly after your first trip payment.

High-risk activities: No coverage for things like extreme sports, racing or stunt flying.

Intentional acts: Injuries or illnesses caused by things like drug use or self-harm.

Natural disasters: Hurricanes, earthquakes and other major weather or events known when you purchase coverage.

Refundable reservations: Anything you can cancel for a full cash refund.

War: Injury or loss due to declared or undeclared war or civil unrest.

Pay attention to exclusions when choosing a travel insurance policy and reading the full terms.

Is Costco Travel Insurance Worth It?

Costco travel insurance can be worth it for the right kind of traveler and trip.

Good for big, expensive vacations: Policies with high coverage limits protect costly trips. Good for cruises, exotic locations or extended travel.

Nice upgrade over credit cards: More robust benefits than even the best travel credit cards. The cancel for any reason upgrade is hard to find.

Peace of mind for worriers: Comprehensive coverage lets anxious travelers relax. Insurance can seem worth it for the trip protection.

Not worth it for everyday trips: Lower cost domestic travel may not need big coverage limits or extra insurance cost. Credit cards work fine.

Is Costco Travel Insurance Right for You?

Think about your upcoming trip and how you handle travel risks. Ask yourself:

How expensive is this vacation? Higher cost trips get more value from insurance.

How worried will I be about potential issues? More nervous travelers appreciate the peace of mind.

Does my credit card already cover some risks like baggage or rental cars? If so, a big policy may not be necessary.

Are we doing risky activities excluded by insurance? Consider passing if you’ll have coverage gaps.

For many frequent travelers going on higher cost trips, Costco insurance can definitely be worth considering. It provides solid protection that goes beyond most credit card coverage. Just be sure to understand what is and isn’t covered before making your purchase.

The Bottom Line

Costco travel insurance provides good value at reasonable prices for members. For international vacations, cruises, and other big trips, it’s worth considering to supplement credit card protections. Make sure to evaluate your trip, risk factors, and existing coverage when deciding if you should buy a policy.

For the right person and the right vacation, Costco insurance can give useful trip coverage and peace of mind. Just know what you’re buying and make sure it fits your needs.

Costco Travel Insurance Review: Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Costco’s Travel Insurance Policy

What travel insurance company does Costco use?

Is Costco a good place to buy insurance?

What is the benefit of booking with Costco Travel?

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Does Costco Visa have travel insurance?

Does Costco Visa Have Travel Insurance?

As a loyal Costco cardholder, you’re likely familiar with the numerous perks and benefits that come with your membership, from discounts on everyday expenses to exclusive sales on electronics. However, one critical aspect of your overall financial safety net is insurance coverage for unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage. In this article, we’ll delve into whether the Costco Visa card offers travel insurance and what specific benefits are included.

Costco Travel Insurance: Availability and Enrollment

Before discussing the details, let’s clarify that the travel insurance offered with the Costco Visa is automatic, meaning you won’t need to sign up or enroll explicitly . By simply having this credit card and purchasing travel or travel-related items using your card, you’ll be entitled to these insurance perks.

Comprehensive Travel Coverage

As a Costco Visa cardholder, you’ll have access to four main components of comprehensive travel coverage:

• Trip Cancellation Insurance : Compensate up to 100% of your trip expense for unexpected events, such as work-related layoffs , home damage , natural disasters , or loss of passports .
• Trip Delay Insurance : Receive a $750 daily allowance up to 12 hours or more travel delay or 12 hours more away from original destination in case your trip is disrupted by unforeseen events.
• Emergency Medical & Evacuation Insurance : Offers up to $50,000 for medical expenses and _$100,000 for medical evacuations _, including accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), in cases of unexpected medical emergency or accident.

These benefits are powered by United States Fire Insurance Company , ensuring that you’ve got additional protection against any unexpected roadblocks during your adventures.

Perks and limitations

Please note that coverage is contingent upon the following specifics:

Additional Assistance and Resources

Keep in mind that these insurance plans are designed for individuals between 21 and 65 years old and at least 62 days away from the card**. Exceptions may apply for families, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and cardholders over this age range; contact the Insurance Company’s Travel Services for further information_:

• Get help with delayed or missed flights, lost bags, medical emergencies, or roadside assistance 24/7 1 (877) 470-5558
• Retrieve your delayed or lost check-in and baggage information costcotravelservices.custhelp.com

Keep your Visa card and travel reservations handy! In-Transit Travel Assistance has your back when you’re outside your designated destination, offering translation services in over 14 languages

Overall, the Costco Visa provides a thoughtful combination of travel coverage elements , setting you up well for handling unexpected events while minimizing financial and emotional stress. Knowing what perks and limitations surround your travel-related expenses on your Visa card purchase will guarantee you’re adequately secured for your most exciting adventures .

It’s essential to check the official details, terms and conditions, on the Costco Visa Benefits page or the Insurer’s direct website for clarity on additional coverage, limitations, exclusions, or changes. Travel smart!

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Costco Travel   Reviews

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Reviews 1.8.

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Fun in Hawaii

I recently had a delightful 5-day stay at The Grand Hyatt Kauai which was booked through Costco. I can’t say enough good things about my vacation from the flights, ease to pick up rental car, lovely resort, to the fabulous breakfast buffett included in the package. Most everyone I had contact with was pleasant and helpful. I feel the Costco package was money well spent.

Date of experience : July 29, 2024

I called Costco travel yesterday to…

I called Costco travel yesterday to acquire assistance for the cruise we had booked. The cruise line had cancelled part of our cruise. The cruise no longer work for us. I tried to cancel with the cruise line. The cruise line would not refund the full deposit. Henda, a Costco travel agent, arranged for reimbursement that was acceptable to us. Thank you Henda.

Date of experience : August 01, 2024

Total scam , got put in a dump hotel with no AC and bugs everywhere, then I wasn't allowed to change. I finally gave up and bought early tickets home and $6,000 down the drain

I had to cancel my trip and I still…

I had to cancel my trip and I still have not gotten my refund after a month and they promised 10-14 business days. Customer service promises that someone higher up will call me and they never do. I can't recommend Costco travel because of this.

Date of experience : June 22, 2024

Someone else here posted having an…

Someone else here posted having an issue w/ a Budget rental car and getting no help from Costco Travel. Same thing happened w/ us. We booked thru Costco Travel, got ripped off for $450 in bogus charges by Budget in Orlando, FL, and then Costco did absolutely nothing to help us. Avoid them. Never once had any issues renting cars through other sites. We just cancelled our membership w/ Costco b/c of this.

Date of experience : June 10, 2024

Horrible service

Horrible service! I had a rental agreement 2 weeks in advance, and they called the same day to say they didn't have any cars available. No help was offered. They said rental agreements are no guarantee you can get a rental car, that's why they do not charge until you have the contract with the vin number. Awful experience with this location as well as costco travel, which was the company I used to book a premium suv. Their excuse were people robbed these cars, many suvs decommissioned due to Florida floods, and we gave your car to a customer paying a higher rate. They lie to the customers and practice price gauging. Please stay away from costco Travel and Enterprise rent a car. Same with the 145th and Pines locations. Again, no one helped. I called corporate nothing. Costco travel agents are clueless and helpless. I even said I could wait hours for them to help me find a similar car and offered to drive over an hour to another enterprise location. Terrible, no good, no accountability. I had to move my hotel reservation, and my kids were devastated 💔

Date of experience : July 24, 2024

Because of the cyber attack our flight…

Because of the cyber attack our flight was canceled and rebooked without our knowledge, all while leaving the airport. Upon returning home, Ireached out to customer service. The representative made us aware that it was very unlikely that the resort would refund us the $4700 or at least the three days that we missed. She stated that if we canceled she would see if she could some of our money, no guarantee. She suggested that we take the four remaining days and that she would email the resort and call us back. Didn't happen. The very next day she emailed us( a very condescending email might I add) stating that the resort said no can do. Deciding to make the best of a bad situation we decided to take the lost and enjoy the four remains days. Upon our arrival we were told that the reservation automatically cancels after 3 days. Explaing to the receptionist that no one at Costco told us this we were sent to a room within having access. Thankfully the belhop had a master key. After making sure my husband was settled in, I headed back to the lobby to see what was the problem. Speaking with a different employee and explained the situation, she got on the phone with her supervisor and rectified the problem. Thank God for kind and considerate people. We did not have any more money to pay for 4 additional nights. Watching my husband ring the bell in late June finishing up his radiation treatment was a relief. Watching him stressing over this issue really hurts. Costco you should have a better repoire with the resorts that you do business with. The representative did not provide the information needed

Date of experience : July 26, 2024

Horrible,Horrible customer service

Horrible,Horrible customer service. Please stay away from costco travel and enterprise rent a car! They nearly ruined my vacation with kids. Too many things gone wrong to even get into it. Trust me, they are the worse.

I wish I had read the reviews before booking!!!

I wish I had read the Costco Travel reviews before signing up for the Universal Package. It was very enticing and worked perfectly for our family. But within a few hours they called to confirm they cannot offer that flight and left no choice but to either get a refund or opt for the flight available that did not suit our family with two kids. I agreed with the understanding that I can make changes before a specific day without any fee as the supervisor called at a time when I was out with the kids. Since then, it's the fourth day spending every single day 2 to 3 hours figuring out the flight that works for my kids and my own disability challenges. I did not in my wildest dream even thought it'll be this difficult to make the changes. Being a Costco executive member for more than 10 years with great experience but Costco Travel has definitely changed my mind towards Costco. Same flights and packages are available through other platform but now I cannot even cancel it and move there because a vacation is in few weeks. Total trap of sales gimmick and appealing packages. I have filed a complaint and waiting for the Manager to call with the hope that they will change this experience to a pleasant one and make this trip worthwhile the money and time we are spending. Hoping the manager who calls brings a human touch and puts himself into our shoes and is able to resolve this When you call Costco travels customer service reps are amazing however their packages,the process,the delays,the agreements are very confusing and take full advantage of clients vulnerable situation. I will change my post based on my call with complaint office. Final conclusion - Made a settlement and both joined hands in the middle. Complaint Manager understood our situation and did her best to accomodate. We did not get exactly what we were looking for but settled with a compromise. Appreciate the customer service and people involved to close this.

Date of experience : July 25, 2024

The price and package options were very…

The price and package options were very decent. The convenience of one booking looked like a boon but soon turned into a bane. After our stay in a place 11 hrs (2 flights away) when we reached the airport they informed me that our tickets were cancelled by the airline with no reason given. Costco did not have any clue or notification that it had been cancelled. For over an hour I was on the line with Costco with no actual help. Finally some kind and competent airline supervisor helped us rebook our tickets. When Contacted , Costco washed their hands off stating “12 weeks for airlines to address your claim”… essentially stating “ we don’t care about you just your Money. You deal with the airlines yourself “. Very disappointed with Costco

Date of experience : June 04, 2024

Costco Travel broke its promise

Costco Travel broke its promise, Princess is heartless, but Delta is generous In late 2022, my wife and I booked an 11-day Alaskan cruise-tour for September 6-17, 2023. The Costco Travel package included a riverboat cruise, a nature walk, and 4 overnight stays during the initial 4-day land portion from Fairbanks to Anchorage. On the 7-day cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver, it included crew gratuities, wi-fi, and a beverage package. In addition, the package included a $425.00 digital shopping card for use in Costco warehouses and online. By June 2023 the total amount had been paid via our Costco Citi Visa card: $6,004.00 (cruise-tour fee for two) plus $574.82 (various port fees and taxes payable on our behalf by Princess). We were scheduled to begin in Fairbanks on the morning of September 6, 2023. We had arranged our own airfare with Delta from our location to Fairbanks on September 5 and from Vancouver back to our location on September 17. In mid-August, one of us developed a condition that made it impossible to leave home for any kind of travel. We hoped that medication would bring the symptoms under control prior to our trip but it did not. Early on September 5, I called Costco Travel and explained why we would have to miss the trip. The Costco Travel agent called Princess and was told that neither a refund nor a credit for future travel would be issued. The entire cruise-tour fee of $6,004.00 was retained by Costco Travel/Princess. The port fees and taxes were returned only because Princess would not be paying those pass-through fees on our behalf. I also called Delta and explained that we needed to cancel our flights. The agent was very understanding and, within a couple of days, Delta credited full refunds back to my charge card. The tour information from Costco Travel stated that the $425.00 shopping card would be issued approximately 10 days after the beginning of our trip. When it didn’t arrive after two weeks, I searched the web site and was surprised to discover a Q&A saying that no card would be issued if we did not physically travel. I filed a claim online with Costco Travel requesting the shopping card and never got a response of any kind. After a couple of months, we brought this up with customer service at a Costco warehouse. The agent said she understood and would work with Costco Travel to try to get the digital shopping card. She also suggested that the Costco Citi Visa had trip cancellation insurance for anything paid with the card. I discovered that feature had been terminated some time before we paid for our cruise-tour. At this point, I have given up on trying to work with Costco Travel and am writing this review. In my view, Costco Travel should have issued the digital shopping card whether we were physically on the tour or not. Costco Travel/Princess got the exact same cash from us as if we had been on the ship. Between the two of them, there actually were some financial benefits from our absence: no food served, no hotel or cabin cleaned, and no beverages consumed. By taking back the shopping card, Costco Travel unfairly reneged on its promise and profited an additional $425.00 at our expense because of a situation over which we had no control. My advice is to book your own airfare and never use Costco Travel. The one-star rating is one star too many!

Date of experience : September 05, 2023

COSTCO Travel representatives are…

COSTCO Travel representatives are inexperienced and lack the requisite knowledge to plan trips! We called COSTCO to plan our trip to Fiji Tokoriki. The representative had no idea about the various ways to the island and that a Catamaran trip would have a five-hour airport wait. All she did was read chapter and verse about the rules and regulations, but not about the resort or how best to get there. We contacted COSTCO about the experience and how much we spent on reasonable alternative transportation without any sympathy. They told us it was too bad. They don't care about your experience or inconvenience. NEVER use these guys.

Date of experience : January 27, 2024

Horriable to deal with when there is a…

Horriable to deal with when there is a problem. I booked a car rental through them with Budget. Worst experience ever. I’m still fighting with Budget to get the bill corrected and now they are billing me for tolls which I declined. I contact Costco travel, Yohannes D Costco Travel Member Service 425-657-2041 and they were NO HELP AT All to get it resolved. I DO NOT RECOMMEND GOING THROUGH COSTCO TRAVEL FOR ANYTHING.

Date of experience : May 17, 2024

Our flight was cancelled and united…

Our flight was cancelled and united would not help find a similar flight so we called Costco and they were closed .not available .next time Expedia o

Date of experience : July 07, 2024

We used Costco travel for a all…

We used Costco travel for a all inclusive vacation in Dominican Republic. Unfortunately the experience was not so good as with other services or products at Costco. We had a private transfer from airport to the hotel. When arrived there and contacted the representative somebody from their team get us and took us to the parking for the car. Only thing the car was not there. They said it will take a few minutes and during almost 45 minutes the same slogan. After that the car arrived but they said it can not enter the airport because is too busy. So after we waited 45 min. outside in the sun, we were forced to walk with our baggage outside the airport to take the car. On our arrival back home we complain to Costco and their answer was that the representants in Dominican Republic said this is not true that everything was normal. So if this is the normal for Costco travel, then we will never book with them.

Date of experience : June 12, 2023

Do NOT BOOK TRAVEL WITH COSTCO!!

Do NOT BOOK TRAVEL WITH COSTCO!!! do not!!! - first of all it is much cheaper if you book through orbits or Expedia. - second of all, you don't have to wait for business hours to open to adjust/fix your reservation ( ridiculous) - their travel system is pretty outdated and old. which makes a lot of mistakes with integration and booking correctly - refund process takes forever - people answering the phone calls are polite and lack customer service if there is an issue with reservation. ( not all of them) - don't give a crap if they loose you as a customer, you gone? there will be another one! that's the attitude. so please save your money, nerves and energy. book somewhere else, not Costco travel. never again!

Date of experience : April 13, 2024

Booked a trip from Sacramento to Florida with issues

Booked a trip from Sacramento to Florida with a two day hotel stay. Major issues with transportation from airport to hotel and hotel to cruise ship and then transportation to airport on return from cruise. Transport service was only advised of first transportation pick up an arrival airport. Now another call to Costco Travel to have them so their job. Lack of precision and follow through is not an endorsement of this service. Much time wasted on the phone. The origianal booking agent was very helpful, never the less, someone dropped the ball.

Date of experience : March 13, 2023

Thank you - Refuned car hire extra costs

We booked and paid for a hire car through Costco Travel to be collected at Malaga Airport but when we went to collect the car, we were told that we had to pay another 751 euros for CDW, breakdowns, windscreen cover etc. etc. I questioned this because I already spoken to Costco about any extra charges and there were none. However, Budget Car Hire would not release the car so we had to pay up! Om my return to the UK I took the matter up with Costco Travel whom at first were rather reticent but said they would look into the matter, after a few weeks I was refunded the extra payment by the car hire company. Many thanks.

Date of experience : June 25, 2022

Hotel Had No Record of Reservation

We got the "New York City: Your Way Hotel and Airfare Package," which includes air travel, hotel stay and airport/hotel ground transportation. Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel had no record of our room reservation when we arrived. Thankfully, the clerk at the desk gave us an upgraded room, since that was all that was available. I had been sure to download the Alaska Airlines app and made sure that my Costco booking was in their system and we were able to select seats through the Alaska app. I also confirmed the New York ground transportation, getting to talk directly with the drivers. However, I should have called the hotel in New York to confirm that the registration was in their system and avoid being confronted with possibly having to scramble for alternate accommodations in a busy area. But someone buying a travel package should not have to do that much footwork of confirming reservations which each individual vendor. Thank goodness that clerk at the Sheraton got us a room!

Date of experience : July 31, 2023

We missed our flight by 2 minutes and…

We missed our flight by 2 minutes and they never gendered the phone to help us and we had to buy new tickets plus they canceled our returning flight. Worst experience ever they blamed the airline and the airline blamed Costco. After waiting on hold for 3 hours they were serin help

Date of experience : March 01, 2024

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Costco Travel Insurance Review and Pricing (2024)

Sarah Horvath is a finance writer and researcher based in New York City. She specializes in writing about home warranties, insurance and home financial protection.

Anna Douglas is a journalist and editor with over a decade of experience in newspapers and digital publishing.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

The worldwide budget travel provider Costco Travel partners with the Zurich Insurance Group to offer budget travel insurance to its members. Costco Travel offers lower-cost insurance policies to protect nonrefundable trip costs, plus exclusive vacation offers. Costco members can purchase a travel insurance policy and access lower rates on their vacation if they book using Costco Travel.

While Costco only offers one policy option for international travel, this plan includes competitive travel and baggage benefits. After extensive industry research, the MarketWatch Guides team awarded Costco Travel Insurance 4.3 out of 5 stars. We especially recommend Costco to older adult travelers looking for lower-cost coverage.

• Average plan cost: $219
• Emergency medical coverage: $200,000
• Trip cancellation coverage: 100%
• CFAR coverage: 50%
• Offers an affordable insurance option, with lower pricing than the national average
• Policies include several benefits, ranging from airfare reimbursement to non-emergency medical evacuation
• Features advantageous pricing for older travelers
• Missed connections benefits go into effect after just three hours
• Has a highly rated underwriter with an A+ score from the financial credit rating agency AM Best
• Premium pricing is only available for Costco members who buy one of the company’s travel packages
• Only offers one travel package for international trips
• Limits its CFAR upgrade to a 50% reimbursement, lower than competitors offering 70% or more

Our Thoughts on Costco Travel Insurance 

Travel package shoppers who buy an insurance plan through Costco are eligible for a discounted policy issued and backed through the company’s partner, Zurich. While it only offers one plan choice for all international travelers, policy details are competitive with other industry providers we’ve reviewed.

Most travelers can access the International Travel Protection Plan, which extends coverage for travel expenses and medical emergency situations . It includes benefits for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), financial insolvency of the carrier and missed connections, which goes into effect after just a few hours. Pricing is set before asking for the traveler’s age — a benefit if you’re over 50 years old and worry your age may influence costs.

There are a few drawbacks to consider before selecting Costco as your travel insurance provider. First, you’ll only have one policy choice — leaving no flexibility to adjust costs by reducing coverages. To take advantage of the best pricing, you have to insure a Costco vacation offer, the cost of which can run upwards of $2,000 per traveler and requires a membership to purchase. Costco’s cancel for any reason (CFAR) benefits are also less comprehensive than competitors, with only up to 50% reimbursements compared to 70% or 80%. 

Pros and Cons

How costco travel insurance scored in our methodology.

Overall, our team gave Costco’s travel insurance plans a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars . While members may only qualify for low-price protection if they book their trip through Costco Travel, eligible customers can access travel insurance with high coverage caps at competitive prices.

Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines

Compare Costco Travel Insurance to the Competition

Comparing Costco’s travel insurance options to other companies can help you determine the best rate for the coverage you need. However, if you don’t have a Costco membership, you will have to find another provider to work with. Explore a few of our team’s top picks for travel insurance using the table below.

Costco vs. Nationwide

If you aren’t a Costco member but are looking for similar protections as those offered by the International Travel Protection Plan, consider Nationwide. Like Costco, Nationwide’s Single-Trip Prime plan includes benefits for baggage, medical considerations, emergency evacuations and baggage issues you might run into with an airfare provider. Plus, anyone can buy a plan, whether or not they have other Nationwide insurance products.

Nationwide can also offer a stronger choice for customers looking for more protection against travel interruptions. While Costco’s policy caps interruption benefits at 150%, Nationwide will reimburse up to 200% of eligible trip expenses. This insurance company also offers more generous CFAR reimbursements of up to 75% of travel expenses — 25% more than the available upgrade from Costco.

Read our team’s complete review of Nationwide travel insurance to learn more. 

Costco Travel Insurance vs. Tin Leg

Customers looking for additional coverage options and more affordable prices compared to Costco may consider Tin Leg Travel Insurance. While Costco only offers one international plan, Tin Leg provides seven policy options, with multiple coverage tiers allowing you to more easily personalize coverage. Its prices are also more affordable than Costco on average and you don’t need a membership to enroll.

Read our complete review of Tin Leg Travel Insurance to learn more. 

What Does Costco Travel Insurance Cover?

Costco travel insurance is not issued through the same retailer that maintains and provides Costco wholesale club locations. While Costco Travel sells travel insurance policies at an advantageous rate, the international insurance company Zurich Insurance Group services the plans. Zurich offers international travelers one policy option, which includes both medical and travel benefits.

Zurich offers one specialized travel insurance plan to Costco members who book their vacation through Costco Travel.

• International Travel Protection Plan: The only international coverage option issued for non-domestic travelers through Costco Travel. The plan offers standard trip insurance and more generous baggage benefits than many competitors. It also includes benefits for AD&D, service provider bankruptcy and emergency medical expenses.

You do not need to have a Costco membership to buy travel insurance through Zurich. However, standardized pricing only applies to Costco executive members who book their trip through the company’s travel branch and have a Costco Travel booking number. If you buy directly through Zurich to protect a trip other than a Costco vacation, different rates will apply.

The table below summarizes coverages found in the International Protection Plan.

Costco’s partnership with Zurich offers customers only one plan option. While our team found coverage pricing to be competitive with other service providers, you may prefer to compare pricing between providers with multiple plan options if you’re shopping on a budget.

Costco Optional Add-On Coverage

Costco travel insurance policies, administered by Zurich, also offer the following add-on options:

• CFAR coverage: Covers up to 50% of your total travel expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason, as long as you purchased insurance within 21 days of your initial trip payment. You must also be within 60 days of international travel to qualify for this coverage.
• Pre-existing conditions waiver : This coverage extends your plan’s medical expense benefits to include conditions you showed symptoms of before planning your trip. You must be within 21 days of your initial trip payment to qualify.
• Rental car coverage: Adds $50,000 worth of collision coverage to rental cars you use abroad. This add-on is not available in Ireland, Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica.

How Much Does Costco Travel Insurance Cost?

The International Travel Protection Plan is the only coverage option available at a discounted rate with a Costco travel offer. In our review, we found the average price of a travel insurance coverage plan through Costco is $219 . This is around the same cost of an average travel insurance policy ($221) our team found in our review of dozens of providers. The specific cost of your travel insurance policy will vary primarily depending on your trip value, number of travelers in your group and date of your initial trip payment. The table below summarizes sample pricing our team found when we requested pricing for sample trips with Costco.

Note: We collected the above quotes in 2024 directly through the policy provider ’s website for sample travelers living in Alabama. 

Does Costco Travel Insurance Offer 24/7 Travel Assistance?

Yes, Costco travel insurance policies include access to its 24/7 travel assistance line, which can provide concierge services and assistance when booking emergency services. Some common uses of this coverage include replacing prescriptions, arranging emergency evacuation services, and connecting with local medical and evacuation service providers on your behalf.

How To Buy a Travel Policy From Costco

To purchase a travel insurance policy through Costco, start by visiting Costco Travel’s website and entering your trip details. You’ll need to have your trip itinerary, travel dates and budget per traveler available to claim a quote. Notably, when you purchase travel insurance through Costco, you don’t need to input your age — a potential benefit for older travelers.

After entering your trip information, you get redirected to Costco’s partner company, Zurich Insurance Group, the servicing company offering international travel insurance plans. In most instances, you’ll have access to only one plan, no matter if you’re traveling internationally or domestically. For international travelers, the International Travel Protection plan is the only offering. You can explore specific coverages and view a sample contract directly before purchase, making it easy to compare additional plans.

After exploring a sample contract, you can finalize your purchase through Zurich. You’ll need to have your Costco policy travel number handy when finalizing your policy pricing — so you can’t lock in coverage until you’ve settled on a travel offer. Overall, our team found the process of buying a travel insurance policy easy and straightforward, especially if you already have a Costco vacation planned.

Costco Travel Insurance Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are an important consideration when selecting any travel insurance policy. Our team looked at what previous policyholders had to say about their travel insurance experience with Costco and identified common likes and dislikes. Since Costco offers travel insurance through a partnership with Zurich, we referenced Zurich’s BBB and Trustpilot profiles for insights. 

What Customers Like

• Helpful customer service agents: Most positive reviews of Zurich’s insurance products relate to its customer service representatives , whom policyholders said were eager and able to help.
• Comprehensive cruise benefits: Multiple customers praised the company’s cruise line assistance and claims process, which customers say was easy to use in accident-related cancellations. 
• Prompt payments: Another common compliment among BBB customers is quick reimbursements — a benefit after an expensive cancellation or trip interruption.

What Customers Don’t Like

• Long hold times: Multiple BBB customers expressed frustration with waiting times when connecting with customer service, with some travelers being left on hold for more than 20 minutes. Customers who submitted messages via email also faced long wait times.
• Denied claims: From airport cancellations to rental car insurance claims , multiple customers reported that their claim was denied by Zurich.
• Poor claims settlements: For customers who were able to submit a successful claim, payouts were often less than expected. This made some travelers question the value of their coverage.

We reached out to Costco for comment on its lower ratings and negative customer reviews in relation to its partnership with Zurich but did not receive a response.

How To File a Travel Insurance Claim With Costco

Costco travel insurance, administered through Zurich, offers two methods customers can use to file a travel insurance claim. We’ve summarized each method below.

• Phone: To begin a claim by phone, call 844-799-0331 if you’re located in the U.S. or Canada. Call 416-945-9802 if you’re abroad when you need to file.
• Online filing: Zurich also allows you to file a claim online . For a speedier process, have details of your claim handy when you file.

According to customers who have filed a claim with Costco’s travel partner, Zurich, it is sometimes difficult to get claims approved. Multiple customer reviews indicate denied travel insurance claims or being asked for multiple rounds of documentation for expenses. Of customers who had a claim approved, some reported getting only a small percentage of eligible expenses reimbursed.

Is Costco Travel Insurance Worth It?

Costco’s option for travel insurance is comprehensive and affordable, offering more convenient benefits for members. For example, in addition to its standard trip cancellation and interruption benefits, Costco’s partner Zurich allows you to begin using benefits such as baggage delay and missed connections funds in as little as three hours. Policies are also convenient, providing an all-in-one choice for medical, flight, baggage and evacuation benefits.

There are a few notable drawbacks to consider before investing in a Costco travel insurance plan. While anyone can purchase insurance through Zurich, only Costco members can access its travel benefits and discounted pricing. Costco also limits its plan offerings to a single coverage choice, which may not benefit travelers looking for more coverage variety. Still, for the benefits provided, Costco offers an affordable and inclusive choice for travel insurance for its members.

Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Travel Insurance

How much does costco travel insurance cost.

In our review, we found a week-long trip insured by Costco will cost $219. This is around the average when compared to other travel insurance company options.

How can you buy Costco travel insurance?

Travel insurance policies, administered by Zurich Insurance Group, are available after purchasing one of Costco’s vacation packages and receiving a traveler number. While you can buy a plan directly through Zurich, you may not have access to Costco’s lower rates unless you hold a membership.

Can I purchase the International Travel Protection Plan for a vacation to Hawaii?

No, Costco’s international travel insurance is only available to American residents traveling outside of the country.

What travel insurance carrier does Costco use?

Zurich Insurance Group issues Costco’s travel insurance policies, which holds an A+ rating from AM Best for financial stability.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

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• What are the Costco Visa travel benefits

What are the Travel Benefits of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi?

Exclusively for Costco members, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers cash back on all purchases and additional cash back on categories such as eligible gas and EV charging, restaurants and eligible travel and purchases from Costco and Costco.com. Cardholders also enjoy access to Citi Entertainment ® .

These benefits and more can make the Costco Anywhere Visa a great card for travel. Let’s look at how it works.

Cash back rewards on travel

Cardholders earn unlimited 3% cash back at restaurants and eligible travel purchases. This can include airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, travel agencies, cruises and Costco travel.

Cardholders can also make the most of road trips and vacation car rentals with 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging transactions for the first $7,000 every year. After the first $7,000, cardholders continue to earn 1% cash back in these categories.

Other travel benefits

Cardholders can also get access to services and benefits like:

• Travel and emergency assistance
• Worldwide car rental insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Roadside assistance dispatch service
• Zero foreign transaction fees 1

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, please see here for more information.

These services and benefits help take the stress out of travel so you can enjoy a worry-free, relaxing vacation.

Access to Citi Entertainment

Citi Entertainment opens the door to popular experiences, such as concerts, sporting events and dining.

With the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, cardmembers can get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including presale tickets and exclusive experiences for some of the most anticipated concerts, sporting events and dining experiences.

Whether you want to attend a local event while on vacation or plan a trip around a concert, your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi can enhance your travel with special entertainment experiences.

1 Important Pricing & Information

Disclosure : This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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Important Information

• Compare the Costco Anywhere Visa
• Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa Review 2024

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The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex®. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

If you're a Costco member and spend a lot of money on gas or electric vehicle charging, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi card is a great option for maximizing your rewards at this popular wholesale club. Just remember that your rewards will only become available to you once a year, and that you'll have to visit a brick-and-mortar Costco store to get your cash back or to cash in your rewards for merchandise. 

Here's what you should know about one of the  best credit cards for Costco shopping.

Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year (then 1% thereafter). Earn 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases. Earn 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

20.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous cash-back categories, especially for gas purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No foreign transaction fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can only receive rewards once per year
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You need to visit a Costco location to redeem rewards for cash back instead of merchandise

If you're a Costco member and you spend a lot of money on gas or EV charging, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi card can a great option. Just remember that your rewards will only become available to you once per year, and that you'll have to visit a brick-and-mortar Costco store to get your cash back or to cash in your rewards for merchandise.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Overview

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers generous cash-back rewards in several spending categories, including Costco purchases . But where the card really stands out is for the rewards it offers on gas and EV charging purchases worldwide.

If you're someone who drives long distances or commutes to work, this card could be an excellent choice for your wallet for that reason alone. You'll earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases worldwide on up to $7,000 in spending per year (then 1%).

You'll also earn 3% cash back on all restaurants and eligible travel, 2% back on Costco purchases, and 1% back on everything else. Note that the card has no annual fee, but you'll need an active Costco membership to qualify for the card.

While the ongoing rewards you earn with this card can be quite lucrative, the fact that there's no sign-up bonus is a downside, as is the limitation on how you can use your rewards — you'll only receive your rewards once per year, in the form of a certificate you can redeem for cash back or merchandise at Costco.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Card Rewards

Welcome bonus.

The Costco Anywhere Visa doesn't offer a public sign-up bonus. However, Costco members are sometimes targeted for an exclusive bonus when opening a Costco membership. If you don't find any targeted bonus online, you can always apply in-store at Costco and ask if you're eligible to receive a bonus.

How to Earn Rewards 

One great feature about a "store card" like the Costco Anywhere Visa is that you aren't relegated to Costco purchases alone. In fact, this is an extremely rewarding card for purchases that have nothing to do with Costco.

Gas Stations and EV Charging

You'll earn 4% cash back at gas stations and EV charging with the Costco Anywhere Visa for up to $7,000 in spending per year (then 1% cash back). This return makes it one of the best credit cards for gas purchases . Just note that gas, when purchased at a superstore, supermarket, convenience store, or warehouse club other than Costco, will only earn 1% cash back. Similarly, if you purchase fuel for non-automobile vehicles, you'll earn 1% back. 

Restaurants and Travel

The Costco Anywhere Visa also accrues 3% cash back for both travel and restaurant expenses. Travel purchases include:

• Rental cars
• Travel agencies (including Costco Travel)

Costco Purchases

The Costco Anywhere Visa earns 2% cash back at Costco.

If you've also got a Costco Executive membership (which offers 2% back at Costco), you'll earn a total of 4% back on all purchases — or 5% back when buying travel through Costco Travel . That's excellent.

In other words, Costco Executive members can earn 4% back with Costco if they have this card — or 5% back if they're making a purchase through Costco Travel .

Other Eligible Purchases

This card earns a flat 1% cash back for expenses that don't fall into a bonus category. There's no limit to the amount of cash you can earn.

How to Use Rewards 

Redeeming the rewards you earn with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi isn't as convenient as you'll find on other cash-back credit cards.

You can't redeem incrementally as you accrue cashback — you can't even redeem monthly after your rewards post. You can only cash out once per year "as an annual credit card reward certificate once your February billing statement closes." You can either receive cash or use your rewards for merchandise at US Costco warehouses.

Either way, you'll have to actually visit a Costco warehouse to obtain your rewards.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Benefits and Features

This card doesn't offer as impressive a suite of benefits as our favorite rewards credit cards , but you can do worse for no annual fee. Here's what you can expect.

Purchase Protection

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers purchase protection against damage or theft, for example, provided you report the incident within 120 days of purchase (90 days for New York residents).  This makes the card a good choice when making expensive purchases.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Some credit cards charge a fee (usually 3%) just for the privilege of swiping your card outside the US. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi doesn't charge these foreign transaction fees , so it's a good card to bring when traveling abroad.

Car Rental Insurance

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi will cover you for up to $50,000 in repairs (or the cash value, whichever is less) of a car rental reserved in full with this card. You're covered for both theft and damages. Only rentals lasting 31 consecutive days or less qualify.

To activate this benefit, you'll need to waive the CDW at the rental agency counter. You'll receive primary insurance when outside the US, and secondary when renting domestically.

Peer-to-peer rental platforms like Turo aren't covered under this perk.

Travel Accident Insurance

This card will cover up to $250,000 per person in the event of tragedy during your travels. Eligible situations that qualify for travel accident insurance include:

• Accidental death on a "Common Carrier" (such as a plane, train, ferry, cruise ship, etc.)
• Loss of a limb
• Loss of sight
• Loss of speech
• Loss of hearing

Those covered include the primary cardholder, spouse, domestic partner, and dependents.

Roadside Assistance Dispatch Service

If you're within the US (including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands), you'll have access to 24/7 roadside assistance.

You'll pay a pre-negotiated price for each service call, and will have access to the following:

• Towing/winching
• Change of flat tire (you must have a spare)
• Lock-out service (when the key is inside the vehicle
• Up to two gallons of gas delivered

The primary cardholder is the only one covered for this benefit, and must be physically with the car in order to be eligible. In other words, the primary cardholder cannot share this perk with another driver who takes the vehicle out on their own. 

Travel and Emergency Assistance

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi provides 24/7 emergency assistance for things like travel arrangements, medical referrals, legal issues, etc. While the information will be free, you'll still have to pay for the services once requested.

Family members and traveling companions are eligible to use this benefit — even if you're not traveling with them.

Citi Entertainment Access

Additionally, you'll receive access to presale tickets and exclusive experiences through the Citi Entertainment program .

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Annual Fee and Other Costs

You must have a Costco membership to qualify for this credit card. Costco memberships start at $60, which is worth considering if you don't have a membership already and don't plan on shopping at the store very often.

In terms of additional costs, this card will charge interest on outstanding balances, as well as cash advance and balance transfer fees.

It's great to see no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, however.

Compare the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is fantastic for diehard Costco shoppers. But if you diversify your household expenses, you should also consider other picks from our list of the best cash-back credit cards . Here are two of the most popular options.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

The  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns 2% cash rewards on all purchases, and the rewards are much more flexible for redemption than what you earn on the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi.

This flat-rate cash back card comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening (then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR). It also offers a welcome bonus of $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also comes with extremely useful benefits, including cellphone insurance, roadside dispatch, travel, and emergency assistance services, emergency cash disbursement and card replacement, and access to the Visa Signature Hotel Collection. Most of these perks rival or exceed those on the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, and can round out your wallet more effectively than the Costco card.

Read more about this card in our Wells Fargo Active Cash card review .

Chase Freedom Flex® vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

The Chase Freedom Flex® is another powerhouse of a $0 annual fee credit card that outstrips the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi in many ways. 

Chase Freedom Flex® cardholders earn 5% cash back (in the form of 5 Ultimate Rewards points) on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 5% (5x Ultimate Rewards) on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter in rotating bonus categories if you activate the promotion; 3% on dining and drugstore purchases; and 1% per dollar on everything else.

You can earn a welcome bonus of $200 cash bonus (received as 20,000 bonus points) after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You'll also have cellphone protection , car rental insurance (secondary in the U.S, primary otherwise), trip cancellation/interruption insurance , purchase protection, extended warranty, and travel and emergency assistance services. 

New cardholders can also take advantage of the 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR).

Read more in our Chase Freedom Flex credit card review .

Costco Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

You must be a Costco member to open the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. Even though this card doesn't have an annual fee, you must pay an annual fee for a Costco membership to qualify for the card.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is effectively a cashback-earning credit card — though you can choose to redeem your rewards for either cash or Costco merchandise.

You can only redeem your rewards once per year (after your February billing statement closes). You'll have through December 31 to redeem your cash back, and you must visit a Costco warehouse.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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Zurich travel insurance.

Please Note: To be eligible for the pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days of your initial trip payment. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. 

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Table of Contents

Do Citi cards have travel insurance?

Car rental insurance, costco anywhere visa® card by citi travel insurance benefits, citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard® travel insurance coverage, does citibank offer travel insurance.

Citi credit cards provide a host of benefits, including some generous points and miles earning opportunities (depending on the card you have).

But, when it comes to travel insurance, let’s just say it’s not necessarily Citi cards' strong suit.

Still, there are Citibank travel insurance benefits you should know about to ensure you use the right card when paying for your next trip. Here are the primary benefits associated with Citi card travel insurance.

Only two Citi cards have travel insurance, and each one has a different set of benefits: The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

on Citibank's application

Both cards provide rental car insurance.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi also offers roadside assistance, worldwide travel accident insurance and a 24/7 concierge for travel and emergency assistance. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , on the other hand, offers baggage protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay protections.

» Learn more: Best Citi credit cards right now

If you use either of the two Citi credit cards listed above to pay for a car rental, Citi travel insurance will protect any damages to a rental car up to $50,000.

This amount will cover the cost of repairs or the cash value of the car, whichever is lower. It applies anywhere you rent a car — there are no geographic limitations — as long as the rental period is no longer than 31 days. Citibank travel insurance covers accidental damage, theft, vandalism or a natural disaster, and any necessary towing costs.

Citi's rental car insurance is secondary when renting a car within the U.S., but if you're renting outside of the country, it switches to primary coverage.

With secondary insurance, you need to rely on any other insurance coverage you have before Citi’s car rental insurance kicks in. Primary insurance, alternatively, will be the first line of coverage you have.

Coverage wouldn't apply if you rent the car to someone else or operate a rental car as a rideshare vehicle. It also only covers the car, not any personal injuries that might result from an accident.

There are several types of vehicles that are excluded from coverage. These include:

Trucks, pickup trucks, trailers, full-size vans on a truck chassis or recreational vehicles like campers and off-road vehicles.

Motorcycles or motorized bikes.

Commercial vehicles or cargo vans.

Any vehicle with fewer than four wheels.

Antique vehicles older than 20 years or that have not been made in the past decade.

Limousines.

Sport-utility trucks or open, flat-bed trucks.

Any vehicle that retails for over $50,000.

» Learn more: Rental car insurance explained

Roadside assistance

When driving in the U.S., roadside assistance is available for Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders by calling 866-918-4670.

Roadside assistance is valuable in the event of an accident, loss of fuel or other vehicle malfunction. Keep in mind that you would still have to pay for the assistance (like a tow truck, for example), but this benefit makes it easy to reach someone with one phone call.

Citi card provides access to similar assistance as a membership program like AAA . The difference is that AAA’s annual fee covers roadside assistance fees while Citi's coverage doesn't; it solely provides access to someone who can help you for a reduced rate.

Several credit cards provide some type of roadside assistance and are worth considering before paying the annual fee for AAA.

Worldwide travel accident insurance

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi includes accident insurance, which covers the cardholder or family members if they are injured or killed when traveling on a common carrier (any vehicle that is licensed to carry passengers like a bus, plane, cruise ship or train).

You will need to have used the Citi card to cover the entire cost of the travel on that common carrier for the benefit to apply. The maximum coverage is $250,000.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

Travel and emergency assistance

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi card provides access to a 24/7 concierge to help you with a disruption to your trip. This can include medical assistance, referrals to a doctor or legal help. It can also help if you need to adjust travel plans.

Just remember, you’ll be responsible for paying for any services used, but the call is toll-free.

Baggage protection

Only available for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , this luggage protection provides coverage if your checked bag is stolen, lost or damaged.

The insurance covers as much as $3,000 per person ($2,000 for New York residents), but only kicks in if you use the card or American AAdvantage miles to pay for the trip.

» Learn more: The guide to baggage insurance

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

If a covered traveler has a medical emergency or dies, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® coverage can provide reimbursement for up to $5,000 in eligible nonrefundable expenses.

You would need to use the card or American AAdvantage miles to pay for the trip.

Trip delay protection

Another benefit that’s reserved only for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is trip delay protection . This coverage kicks in if your trip is delayed by at least six hours, and offers reimbursement for expenses incurred during the delay, up to $500 per trip.

This would include reasonable purchases like hotel stays, rental cars and meals.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Citibank travel insurance is available, but limited. It is only offered on two cards and isn't as comprehensive as other credit cards with travel insurance .

Both cards include rental car coverage, but beyond this, each has its own set of benefits. Depending on which one you hold, it may include coverage like trip delay protection or roadside assistance.

People hold Citi cards for many reasons, including the ability to earn transferable Citi ThankYou Points . But, the travel insurance benefits are somewhat limited. If you have a Citi card, review the travel insurance perks before you take off to understand your coverage.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Earn 3% cash back when you choose online shopping plus earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is always important, to help ensure that you, your family or visitors to Canada will be protected for emergency medical expenses and many other unforeseen costs during a trip. Without it, travellers can be left to deal with large out-of-pocket expenses.

Enjoy Costco value!

As a Costco member, you're accustomed to a certain level of value and service. You'll get all that with Travel Insurance for Costco members – with great rates for all members. Plus, Executive members can save up to 5% on most insurance plan premiums!

Medical Concierge Service on all plans with emergency medical*

If medical assistance is required while travelling, you'll get 24/7 access to StandByMD™. This service helps you locate a clinic nearby, connect you with a physician, and assist you with emergency room admission, and much more.

There are several plans available, so you get the exact amount of coverage you need.

Travelling canadians.

Help protect your trip, whether in Canada or outside, with plans for single or multiple trips, cancellation, emergency medical, and much more.

Preparing to study abroad? Or coming to Canada to study? Help protect yourself with coverage for both emergency and non-emergency medical costs.

Visitors to Canada

Whether you have family or friends visiting you from outside Canada, or are visiting Canada yourself, lock in protection for your trip.

Take action

For more information and to speak to a Licensed Insurance Advisor, call

1-866-707-4922 (Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm ET)

Or email [email protected]

Ready to apply?

If you’re ready to lock in the coverage that works best for you - take the next step and get a quote for the coverage you need, then proceed to the application.

10-Day Free Look

If you notify us within 10 days of your purchase date, as indicated on your confirmation, that you are not completely satisfied with your policy, we will provide a full refund if you have not already departed on your trip and there is no claim in progress. For information on refunds after the 10-Day Free Look period, please refer to the Cancellations & Refunds section in the policy.

* Manulife cannot guarantee the availability of the StandbyMD service indefinitely. 

StandbyMD is a registered trademark™ of Healthcare Concierge Services, Inc.