If you’re aged 65 or over, there could be limits to the cover you get through complimentary credit card travel insurance. Here’s what you need to know.
Use this guide to compare age limits for credit card travel insurance, learn what you need to do to make sure you’re covered and how to figure out if complimentary credit card travel insurance is worth it for you. We also have details on what to consider when comparing travel insurance options so you can choose travel insurance that works for you.
What is the age limit for credit card complimentary travel insurance?
Just as with regular travel insurance policies, the age limits and requirements for complimentary credit card insurance vary significantly based on the provider. In most cases, you can still get cover if you’re 65 or older but it may be limited or attract an additional premium.
To make it easier for you to compare credit card complimentary travel insurance options, we’ve drawn up the following table with details for the major credit card companies in Australia. Here, you can see details of the underwriting insurance provider, maximum age for standard coverage and additional details that will be useful when you’re looking at your options.
Who issues credit card insurance?
Generally, credit card companies partner with an insurance provider, such as Allianz, Chubb or QBE, to offer complimentary travel insurance. This means all inquiries and claims about the insurance should be directed to the insurance provider rather than your credit card company.
Compare credit card complimentary travel insurance age limits
| Credit card company | Insurance provider | Maximum age for standard coverage | Additional details |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Chubb | 79 | You must be under 80 years of age and in a good state of health and be fit to travel to be eligible for this cover |
| ANZ | QBE | 80 | To be eligible you must be 80 years of age or under on the day you activated cover |
| Bankwest | Allianz |
|
No overall age limit is outlined in the Bankwest Complimentary Credit Card Insurance booklet. The age limits listed are specific exclusions for cover of these pre-existing medical conditions. Call Allianz on 1800 785 918 for more information |
| Bank of Melbourne | Allianz | 80 | This cover is only available to persons up to and including 80 years of age |
| Citi | Allianz | Not outlined in the policy document | For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 072 791 |
| CommBank | Allianz | 79 | Limited cover is available for people aged 80 or over but may require further steps to activate and may attract a premium charge. Refer to the CommBank Credit Card Insurance booklet for more information |
| HSBC | Allianz | Not outlined in the policy document | For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 648 093 |
| NAB | QBE | 90 | You must be 90 years of age or under before the date of departure for your trip.Note that you will not be covered if you have to return to Australia due to the unforeseen death, accidental injury or illness of a relative over 80 years of age |
| St.George | Allianz | 80 | This cover is only available to persons up to and including 80 years of age |
| Virgin Money | Allianz | Not outlined in the policy document | For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 072 791 |
| Westpac | Allianz | 80 | This cover is only available to persons up to and including 80 years of age |
What can I do to get complimentary credit card travel insurance if I’m 65 or above the age limit?
There may still be situations when you’re eligible for complimentary travel insurance if you’re over 65 or above the age limit outlined in the policy. Here’s how you can find out:
- Check the insurance policy. Credit card companies provide complimentary insurance product disclosure statements (PDS) you can read to find out about age limits, exceptions and other requirements. Start here and see what details are provided about age requirements.
- Contact the insurance provider. Call the insurance provider and explain your situation. Ask them if any cover is available to you based on these details.
- Be prepared to have a medical examination. If you’re over the maximum age listed for standard cover or have pre-existing medical conditions, you may need to have a medical examination with one of the insurance provider’s approved medical professionals. Note that you may also have to pay fees relating to any medical examinations or tests.
- Pay any premium that’s required. An additional premium may apply if you’re over a certain age or if you have pre-existing medical conditions that you want covered by the insurance. You’ll need to pay these costs before your trip to be eligible for cover through this insurance policy.
- Keep details of the policy handy when you travel. If you’ve got limited or upgraded coverage due to your age or pre-existing conditions, make sure you keep details of the insurance policy and official communication handy so that you can easily make a claim if you need to.
Pre-existing medical conditions
If you’re over 65 and also have an ongoing condition such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, make sure you also look at whether or not the travel insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions.
Find out about travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Is complimentary credit card insurance worth it if you’re over the age limit for standard cover?
If you’re over the maximum age for standard cover but can still get limited coverage, you’ll need to check what this cover is and decide if it’s worth it. Similarly if you’re able to request coverage following a medical assessment and/or additional premiums, you’ll need to consider these costs and decide if they’re worth it when compared to what you’d pay for a travel insurance policy that’s designed specifically for people aged 65 and over.
There are also travel insurance brands that offer cover specifically for people aged over 75 and over 85, which could include more reasonable benefits and limits based on your circumstances. So it’s worth comparing different options and keeping in mind that sometimes paying for your insurance will be more valuable than trying to get complimentary cover through a credit card.
What to consider before choosing your travel insurance
Here are the key questions to look at when you’re comparing credit card insurance and standalone travel insurance policies based on age requirements and limitations:
- What limits are there for my age? These details will be in the PDS for both credit card complimentary travel insurance and standalone travel insurance.
- Are pre-existing medical conditions covered? Unless you choose a standalone policy that specifically covers pre-existing medical conditions, you may find that any existing conditions you have are excluded from cover with either standalone or credit card travel insurance. With either type of policy, you may still be able to get cover with a medical assessment and additional premium fee, but this will be at the insurance provider’s discretion.
- What are the excess costs? This is what you would have to pay to help cover the costs associated with any claims. Make sure you're aware of these costs when you compare policies and aim to have an appropriate amount of funds available in case you need to make a claim that requires an excess.
- For purchased travel insurance, what is the premium cost? This is the upfront cost you’ll pay for travel insurance and it can vary significantly based on factors including your age, health, travel plans and the provider.
- For credit card insurance, what is the card cost? Most credit cards that include travel insurance also have an annual fee. Consider whether this cost will outweigh the potential benefits of the insurance. For example, if a card has an annual fee of $250 but you could buy insurance for $200, it may be more affordable to purchase insurance for your trip – especially if you don’t plan on travelling every year.
- For credit card insurance, what else do I need to do to get cover? Most credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance require you to pay for some or all of your travel on the card before you leave. If you end up carrying a balance, you could pay more for the card as a result of trying to activate the insurance.
- Is there an additional premium if I want to use my credit card’s complimentary insurance? If you’re looking to cover pre-existing medical conditions or want to get upgraded insurance when you’re over the maximum age for standard complimentary cover, check what premiums and fees may apply. Weigh up these costs, along with the card’s annual fee, to decide if purchased or credit card travel insurance will be more suitable for you.
Complimentary travel insurance has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars on buying a policy but age requirements and exclusions for pre-existing conditions can limit the value of this credit card extra. By comparing these requirements and the cost of the card with standalone travel insurance policies, you can find the right type of credit card and travel cover for your individual needs.
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