Allianz is one of the largest insurers in the world. Asteroid was founded by the TPA that Allianz International hires when a policyholder has a medical emergency abroad. That difference in position in the value chain determines almost everything about your experience as a customer.
The Schengen Requirement: Minimum Legal Isn't Minimum Intelligent
Schengen requires minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage. Both insurers meet this requirement — but meeting minimum legal requirement doesn't mean you're protected.
The EUR 30,000 problem: - Covers roughly 25 days of Italian hospitalization at €1,200/day - Medical evacuation from Rome to São Paulo costs EUR 20,000-50,000 alone - Alpine helicopter rescue: EUR 15,000–50,000
Asteroid Recommendation: USD 100,000 minimum for Europe. The price difference between EUR 30K and USD 100K on a 7-day trip is about US$6–12. The difference when you need it is your financial stability.
Schengen Medical Coverage (DMH): - Allianz: Various plans with DMH from EUR 30,000 - Asteroid Assistance: All Europe plans start at EUR 60,000+ DMH, recommending USD 100,000 standard
Allianz: Tradition and Extensive Global Network
Allianz is one of the world's largest insurers with robust global presence and decades of experience. This translates to:
- Extensive Service Network: Allianz has a vast network of credentialed hospitals and clinics across countries, potentially offering strong service access
- Plan Variety: From basic options to complete packages with additional coverage for radical sports, cruises, and pregnant travelers
- Reclame Aqui Score (Brazil): Allianz's travel insurance reputation on Reclame Aqui generally maintains GOOD levels (7.0-7.9 score), with complaint resolution around 75-80% (last 12 months, March 2026 data). Users frequently praise service responsiveness
Asteroid Assistance: Innovation, Technology, and Modern Traveler Focus
Though newer, Asteroid enters the Brazilian market with disruptive proposition focused on technology, clarity, and agile service. Its differentiator lies in innovative integrations:
- Parametric Insurance: This is Asteroid's key strength. Instead of traditional claim analysis (potentially slow), parametric insurance pays automatically based on pre-defined triggers. For example, flight delay over X hours? Payment processes and reaches your account automatically, without bureaucracy. This is travel insurance's game-changer
Essential Coverage: Detailed Comparison
| Main Coverage | Allianz (Typical) | Asteroid Assistance (Typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical & Hospital Expenses (DMH) | From €30,000 (Schengen) | From €60,000 | Asteroid offers double Schengen minimum as standard |
| Dental | Typically €200-500 | From €600 | Asteroid usually offers more robust dental coverage |
| Pharmaceutical | Included in DMH or separate (€100-300) | From €300 | Direct coverage for prescribed medications |
| Medical Transfer/Repatriation | Included | Included | Essential for any Europe plan |
| Baggage Loss | From €1,000 (supplementary) | From €1,200 (supplementary) + parametric trigger for baggage delay | Asteroid differentiator: Beyond loss indemnity, Asteroid offers parametric triggers for baggage delay, paying quickly if bags don't arrive with you |
| Flight Delay | Usually via claim process | Parametric automatic payment | Asteroid differentiator: Parametric eliminates bureaucracy. Trigger activated (e.g., 3h delay), money goes to you. Allianz requires traditional claim |
| Cancellation/Trip Interruption | Optional add-on, varying coverage | Optional add-on, competitive pricing | Both offer, important to compare conditions and covered reasons |
| Life Insurance | From €10,000 | From €15,000 | Asteroid tends to offer higher life coverage as standard |
| Medical Repatriation | Included | Included | Essential for returning to country if grave emergency |
Conclusion: Choose Your Priority
Your choice between Allianz and Asteroid Assistance for European travel depends on your priorities:
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For travelers seeking tradition and established credentialed network globally: Allianz is solid and trustworthy. Its long history and presence in many countries can provide security for those preferring the known path
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For modern travelers valuing agility, technology, and uncomplicated processes: Asteroid Assistance stands out. Parametric insurance for events like flight delays and baggage offers revolutionary claims experience with automatic payments avoiding headaches. MDabroad's TPA credibility behind the scenes also guarantees international health expertise. If you want less bureaucracy and more peace of mind, Asteroid looks to the future of travel insurance
Both meet Europe entry requirements. The question is what happens when you really need the insurance.
The verdict: Allianz has decades of brand. Asteroid has the infrastructure Allianz contracts. If you want to talk directly to whoever solves the problem rather than through an intermediary, the choice is clear.
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Quick FAQ
Can I buy Asteroid Assistance a day before traveling? Yes, but we always recommend advance purchase to ensure all coverage is active and avoid last-minute surprises.
Does Asteroid Assistance cover COVID-19 expenses in Europe? Yes, most Asteroid plans include COVID-19-related expense coverage within medical and hospital expense limits. Always check your specific plan conditions.
What is Reclame Aqui and why does it matter? Reclame Aqui is Brazil's consumer complaint platform where customers report product/service issues. A company's Reclame Aqui score indicates problem-solving level and customer satisfaction, serving as good quality barometer. Scores above 8.0 are considered "Excellent."
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