Complimentary or 'free' credit card travel insurance is a popular feature which many travellers rely on for cover during their travels. Checking the fine print of your credit card travel insurance policy terms is essential - otherwise, you might find common exclusions leave you out of pocket.
What is credit card travel insurance?
Credit card travel insurance is an insurance policy that is usually included with premium credit cards. While marketed as 'free' or 'complimentary', these policies are typically paid for through your annual card fees. The biggest misconception is that all credit cards come with travel insurance. This simply isn't the case and is usually a bonus reserved for premium cards such as Gold or Platinum.
If you already have a premium credit card, utilising the complimentary travel insurance offered by your bank can be great way to save money. You will need to check the benefits to ensure that the policy meets your needs and is suitable for your circumstances. If you're considering applying for a credit card for the benefit of travel insurance, you should consider the cost of the annual fee against a standalone travel insurance policy.
It is important to know that some policies only activate if you purchased your flights on your credit card, while others need you to call a hotline, and most don't cover pre-existing conditions. Understanding the fine print is essential for keeping eyewatering bills at bay but here we provide a few key pros and cons to look out for.
pros and cons of credit card travel insurance compare travel insurance
Underwritten by quality underwriters
Most credit card policies are underwritten by the same companies as standalone policies, so you know legitimate claims will be paid.
May not cover pre-existing conditions
Most credit card travel insurance policies specifically exclude pre-existing conditions from cover.
No price increase as you get older
While standard travel insurance gets more expensive as you get older, there's no extra cost on credit card travel insurance policies.
May have age and duration limits
Many cards have an age limit or restrictions once you hit 75 years of age. Trip duration is often limited of 1 to 6 months, so you might not be covered at all even though you've paid your annual fee.
No price increase for expensive destinations
You don't have to pay extra to be covered for places like Japan and the USA, which typically cost more with standalone policies due to
May not cover your activities
If you're going skiing, riding a motorcycle, or partaking in adventure activities be sure to check the policy detail as they may be excluded.
It's complimentary, or 'free'!
You've already paid for your policy using your annual fees, so there's no additional cost to you.
May cost more than a standalone policy
Annual card fees can be hefty. Depending upon your trip details, a standalone policy may be cheaper than your credit card annual fee.
Activating credit card travel insurance
You might think you're automatically covered by your credit card travel insurance, but most policies have some rules around eligibility and activation criteria so it's important to check the fine print. Common activation rules include:
- 1. Activation on purchase your credit card trip insurance is automatically activated once you make a travel-related purchase on your card, such as flights or accommodation
- 2. Activation on value or percentage of trip purchases some credit card travel insurance only applies if you've spent a certain value, like $250-$500, or a percentage amount (e.g. 50%, 100%) of travel expenses on your credit card.
- 3. Activation on flight purchase Your trip is covered provided you've purchased a return flight on your credit card.
- 4. Activation on notification You need to call your card provider or log in to their internet banking or app and notify them of your trip to activate the policy. Check the table below for activation rules for popular credit cards, and check your policy documents to confirm.
| Credit Card Company | Insurance Activation Rules | Eligible Cards | Underwriter |
|---|---|---|---|
 American Express | 1. Ensure eligible Amex cards. 2. Buy return flight from Australia with Amex card. Cover activated by flight purchase only. Spouse and dependants covered if their flights also paid with Amex card. | American Express Credit Cards: Amex Explorer, Amex Platinum Edge, Amex Velocity Platinum, David Jones Amex Platinum, Qantas Amex Premium, Qantas Amex Ultimate | |
 ANZ | 1. Ensure eligible ANZ cards. 2. Spend $250 on prepaid travel expenses with card. 3. Return flight booked. Spouse and dependants covered if they have $250 prepaid travel costs on card. | ANZ Credit Cards: ANZ Frequent Flyers Black, ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum, ANZ Low Rate Platinum, ANZ Platinum, ANZ Rewards Black, ANZ Rewards Platinum, ANZ Rewards Travel Adventure | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited View the Premium Cards Insurances booklet (to be read with the Premium Cards Insurances Notification). |
 Bankwest | 1. Ensure eligible Bankwest cards. 2. Spend $500 on prepaid travel expenses or redeem points. 3. Return flight booked. Spouse and dependants covered if they meet same $500 criteria. | Bankwest Credit Cards: Bankwest Breeze Platinum, Bankwest More Platinum, Bankwest More World, Bankwest Qantas World, Bankwest Zero Platinum. | Zurich Insurance Group |
 Citibank | 1. Ensure eligible Citibank cards. 2. Buy return flight with Citibank card. 3. Return flight booked. Spouse and dependants covered if their flights paid on card. | Citibank Cards: Citi Prestige, Citibank Rewards Credit Card, Signature and Platinum, Emirates Citibank World, Emirates Citibank Platinum, Citibusiness Gold | |
 Commonwealth Bank | 1. Ensure eligible Commonwealth cards. 2. Medical and liability cover automatic upon booking. Comprehensive cover requires Netbank login and activation each trip. 3. Return flight booked. Cover for spouse and dependants if traveling with cardholder. | CommBank Credit Cards: Commonwealth Bank Diamond Awards, Commonwealth Bank Gold Awards, Commonwealth Bank Low Fee Gold, Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Gold, Commonwealth Bank Platinum Awards. | |
 NAB (National Australia Bank) | 1. Ensure eligible NAB cards. 2. Spend $500 related to trip on card. 3. Return flight booked. Spouse and dependants covered if they meet $500 prepaid travel cost criterion. | NAB Credit Cards: NAB Signature, Platinum or Premium cards, NAB Flybuys Rewards, NAB Qantas Rewards Premium, NAB Velocity Rewards Premium. | |
 Westpac | 1. Ensure eligible Westpac cards. 2. Spend $500 related to trip on card. 3. Return flight booked. Spouse and dependants covered if they meet $500 criterion. | Westpac Credit Cards: Westpac Black Cards (Altitude Black, Earth Black), Westpac Platinum Plus Cards (Earth Platinum Plus, Altitude Platinum Plus, Altitude Qantas Platinum Plus), Platinum A Cards (Singapore Airlines Westpac Platinum, 55 Day Platinum, Low Fee Platinum), Platinum B Cards (Earth Platinum, Altitude Platinum - including Altitude Qantas Platinum), Westpac Gold Cards (Singapore Airlines Westpac Gold, Private Bank Gold Mastercard). |
The information provided is factual at the time of writing and general in nature. We have not considered your personal circumstances. Eligibility requirements and terms and conditions for cover are subject to change from time to time. Please refer to your credit card provider and the latest policy wording prior to your travels.
Will credit card insurance cover you?
- Spouse or family members: Some credit card travel insurance policies only cover the primary cardholder, while others will cover secondary cardholders, spouses and dependents, provided that they meet similar activation criteria.
- Age limits: Many credit card travel insurance policies have an age limit of 75-80, so if you're a senior traveller, make sure that you know what your policies age limit is before you travel.
- Trip length: While some credit card travel insurance policies will cover you for travel up to twelve months at a time, most have a limit of one to six months. If you're relying on credit card travel insurance and realise that it will run out before you get home, consider looking into a standalone comprehensive travel insurance policy for the whole trip, or for an already overseas policy for the remaining time.
What credit card travel insurance may not cover
As most credit card travel insurance policies are one-size-fits-all, they may not account for your specific travel needs.
- Pre-existing conditions: Most credit card holiday cover has general exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes, asthma, or cancer, make sure your credit card travel insurance policy will cover you. If not, you may face hefty medical bills if something goes wrong overseas, or big losses if you have to cancel your holiday for health reasons.
- Holiday activities: If you're looking to go skiing, cruising, riding scooters or motorbikes, or try adventure activities like scuba diving or hiking at high altitudes, check that these are covered by your credit card cover, as many brands exclude cover for these activities. Many credit card travel insurance policies are better for being beachside in Bali than basking in the view at Basecamp.
- High-Value Items: Unless your policy has new-for-old replacement terms, high-value electronics like mobile phones, laptops, cameras and hearing aids may not be covered for their full value, as they will be subject to depreciation.
What credit card travel insurance covers
Generally speaking, most credit card travel insurance policies mimic many of the features of standalone comprehensive travel insurance products. However, as per the table above, some credit card travel policies only cover for medical coverage and public liability unless you activate comprehensive benefits prior to your trip.
- Overseas emergency medical treatment: Cover for hospitalisation, general practitioner fees, surgery, and other medical treatment you experience a medical emergency overseas which is not due to a pre-existing condition.
- Cancellation fees and lost deposits: Cover if you have to cancel your trip due to illness or injury, family emergencies, natural disasters or striking and rioting. Visit our cancellation cover page for more information.
- Luggage and personal effects: Cover for items you take with you on your journey, and typically any items you buy overseas. Visit our luggage cover page for more information.
- Public liability: Cover if you become liable for injury to another person or for damage to their property. Cover is generally excluded if you are operating a motor vehicle.
credit card travel faqs
We get a lot of questions on credit card travel insurance. Here's some answers to our most common ones.
Crystal Moran
With a research and journalism background, and certified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice, Crystal is passionate about investigating customers’ tricky travel questions and helping them find the answers they’re looking for. A writer and filmmaker whose favourite trips have been to film festivals in Cuba and South Korea, and campervanning around the USA, she loves getting to know new people and seeing a glimpse of the world through their eyes.
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