Does My Credit Card Have Travel Insurance?

• Credit cards may offer travel insurance with varying limits, conditions, and exclusions, so check with your bank or issuing company for details. 

• Your credit card can cover your airport lounge access, reward points, trip and baggage-related expenses, and more. 

• While some credit cards may offer travel-related benefits, coverage may be limited or not applicable to certain scenarios. A separate travel insurance policy can help secure your trip with enhanced coverage. 
   

Does my credit card have travel insurance? This is a question that many travelers overlook when planning their trips. Having an understanding of this feature of your credit card might help you manage unexpected bumps on your journey. Several credit card issuing authorities offer this perk as a reward for utilizing their cards to make purchases. However, benefits may vary across different credit cards, depending on the issuer and conditions tied to it. Therefore, it is important to check the terms and conditions for the specific credit cards you possess. 
 

How to Know If Your Credit Card Has Travel Insurance Benefits 

If you own a credit card, you might wonder if it offers any perks of travel insurance. Here’s how you can determine whether the travel-related benefits are included: 

Firstly, you can check the benefits guide. The terms and conditions of your credit card are often listed in the brochure or benefits guide you must’ve got at the time you applied for it. Read particular sections that might talk about travel insurance, like trip benefits, airport lounge access, or travel-related coverage and perks. 

Also, consider contacting customer service. Get in touch with your credit card company to learn and gain clarity about the benefits tied to your credit cards. This means obtaining minute details on coverage limits, exclusions, foreign transaction fee waivers, and terms on which one may qualify for coverage. 

Lastly, you can also visit the website of your credit card company or issuing bank to get information online. Many issuers provide details related to their products and services through online portals or apps, so check these options. 

What Travel-Related Perks You Can Get With Credit Cards 

Credit cards can offer several travel-related benefits that can help you to improve your overall travel experience. Here are some of the common benefits that your credit card issuing authorities might offer: 

Travel Insurance 

Several credit card companies offer built-in travel insurance. This coverage helps you to deal with unforeseen circumstances, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or interruptions when traveling. 

Having this coverage with your credit card may save you from purchasing a separate travel insurance policy. 

Trip and Baggage-Related Coverage 

Some credit cards may offer benefits if the airline delays your baggage beyond a certain period or loses track. You may receive reimbursements for necessary expenses, such as a change of clothing or toiletry essentials. Coverage may also extend to damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects. 

Accidents During Travel 

If the common carrier you booked your travel with meets with an unexpected accident and you sustain injuries, your credit card may offer coverage for your accidental injury. Medical benefits may also apply in case of the unfortunate event of your death due to the accident. 

Rental Car Travel Insurance 

If you rent a car at the destination, there may arise situations that can add to your overall trip expenses unexpectedly. An accident might occur, you might unintentionally hit a passerby, or the leased car may sustain physical damage or get stolen. Some credit cards may offer a damage waiver to help you pay for repair or rental costs if any of these events occur.  

Airport Lounge Access 

Many premium credit cards may also offer complimentary access to the airport lounges. Here, you can have a relaxing area away from the crowded area, along with the benefits of comfortable seating, beverages, free snacks, and Wi-fi.  

With your premium credit cards, you can make your airport experience more enjoyable, mainly during layovers or delays. 

Reward Points 

Your credit cards may also provide you with travel reward points that you will receive after purchasing the flight, hotel, or dining. These points or miles can be used to cover some or all of your future travel expenses, such as for flights, hotel stays, or even an upgrade to business class.  

When used strategically, your card can help you earn rewards that lower your travel costs or improve your travel experience significantly. 

What if Your Credit Card Doesn’t Offer Travel Insurance 

If travel insurance is not offered through your credit card, there are a number of things you can do to make sure you’re still covered while on your trip. The most practical option is to buy a standalone travel insurance policy from a reliable travel insurance provider such as AXA Travel Insurance.  

As directed by the US Department of State, a US traveler needs to get a supplemental insurance policy to cover medical expenses during international travel. So, if your credit card company is not offering coverage for your health and other travel-related issues, you can benefit from the coverage offered under AXA’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 

With these plans, you can get coverage for trip cancellation, emergency medical coverage, and lost or delayed baggage. You will also have the option of customizing these policies according to your individual travel requirements. 

Another option is to upgrade to a card that includes travel insurance benefits if you are a frequent traveler. Many premium cards offer extensive coverage, so they can be worth paying for. You might also check out travel booking sites that let you add travel insurance while you book flights, hotels, or rental cars. 

You need to check these options well so you are still covered, even if your credit card does not have travel insurance. 

While credit cards may offer travel-related benefits, they are not an alternative to travel insurance. It is important to note that coverage under credit cards may be tied to several conditions and limitations.  
 

FAQs About Travel Insurance with a Credit Card 

1. What is the difference between credit card travel insurance and standalone travel insurance? 

Credit card travel insurance generally offers basic coverage, such as trip cancellations or lost baggage. On the other hand, standalone travel insurance offers higher coverage. It may cover several unforeseen situations like missed connections, trip interruption, cancellation, collision damage waiver, and more. 

2. Will my family be covered under my credit card’s travel insurance? 

Some credit card providers may extend coverage to immediate family members of the cardholder. Check with your bank or issuing company for terms and conditions. 

3. Will my credit card cover me if I am diabetic? 

Credit card policies typically do not cover pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or asthma. To get reliable coverage for your pre-existing condition, consider a standalone travel insurance policy.