Save on holiday costs and get peace of mind with a credit card that includes travel insurance.
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Compare credit cards with complimentary travel insurance
Jacob from finder.com.au addresses common questions about complimentary travel insurance on credit cards
What is complimentary travel insurance?
Complimentary travel insurance refers to the insurance cover that is included with some credit cards. The travel insurance could be an included feature of the card, but that doesn't mean it's exactly free. Technically, it comes at the cost of the card, which could have an annual fee and interest rates. Some travel insurance covers can only be activated once you've met specific spend requirements, as well.
Having said that, complimentary or included insurance doesn't have its own fee, which means it is at "no extra cost". So this type of credit card extra can save you the time and money that comes with organising standalone travel insurance. It can also reduce the cost of any unforeseen emergencies that may pop up while you’re overseas.
What are the types of complimentary travel insurance?
Different credit cards provide different levels of complimentary travel insurance. It is important to look at the terms and conditions of the card to ensure you know what you are covered for and how much coverage applies. The cover will vary according to which card you use and the policy itself, so make sure you look at the overall cover, coverage limits and any excess applicable to decide if it's suitable for your trip. Different types of complimentary travel insurance include:
- Medical and hospital expenses incurred overseas. This insurance helps cover the cost of medical fees and hospital bills if you require emergency treatment when you are overseas. Generally, exclusions for this type of travel insurance include pre-existing medical conditions, conditions already covered by a private medical fund or government funds, or treatment that is not administered by a medical professional.
- Loss or damage to personal property. This cover is designed to offer you compensation for your luggage and other personal items are lost, damaged or stolen. It usually has a maximum limit per person, per trip, and will generally require the submission of a policy report before you are approved for a claim.
- Cancellation of travel arrangements. This insurance usually covers travel cancellations that may be due to unforeseen circumstances such as the accidental death of a relative, the sudden illness of a family member, or a natural disaster at the destination or near your normal residence.
- Travel inconvenience cover. With this insurance, additional meals and accommodation costs are covered if the delay of flight is more than a few hours. Flight cancellation, delayed flight boarding and loss of luggage may also be covered.
- Transport accident cover. This provides cover for accidents during travel or when you are boarding or leaving a commercial aircraft, cruise ship or bus. It may also cover any loss in departure and destination terminals.
- Legal liability cover. Â Some cards also provide legal liability cover which can settle or defend a claim in case of bodily harm or damage of property caused to someone other than cardholder.
Compare credit card international travel insurance
Use this table to compare complimentary credit card insurance covers based on the length of your trip, age and what's required to activate the insurance.
| Credit card provider | Length of cover | Maximum age for standard coverage | Steps to activate |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Up to 180 days | 79 | Book the full fare for a return trip on your eligible American Express credit card or by using reward points earned through the card. Other details may be outlined in the insurance terms and conditions booklet for your credit card. |
| ANZ | Up to 6 months | 80 | Book at least AUD$250 of your travel costs (airfares, cruise, tours, hire cars, accommodation etc) with an eligible ANZ credit card. Additional eligibility requirements are outlined in the ANZ premium cards insurance policy booklet. |
| Bankwest |
|
or glucose intolerance:Â Under 50 | Purchase a return overseas travel ticket. Spend at least $500 of your prepaid travel expenses with an eligible Bankwest credit card. Prepaid expenses include flights, airport taxes, tour bookings, hotel and hostel bookings. |
| Bank of Melbourne |
| 80 | You must have a return overseas travel ticket, and need to have prepaid at least AUD$500 of your travel costs using your eligible card. Travel costs include:
|
| Citi | Up to 6 months (or 3 months if you have a Citibusiness Gold Card) | Not outlined in policy document. For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 072 791. | Before leaving Australia, you must use one of the following methods to book your trip:
|
| CommBank |
| Limited cover is available for people aged 80 or over but requires further steps and may attract a premium charge. Refer to the CommBank Credit Card Insurance booklet for more information. |
|
| HSBC | Up to 4 months | Not outlined in policy document. For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 648 093. | Pay for at least 90% of your overseas return travel ticket with your HSBC card. |
| NAB | Up to 6 months | 90 | Pay for a minimum of $500 of your pre-booked travel expenses using an eligible NAB credit card. |
| St.George |
| 80 | Before leaving Australia on an overseas journey, you must have a return overseas travel ticket, and need to have prepaid at least AUD$500 of your travel costs using your eligible card. |
| Virgin Money | Up to 6 months | Not outlined in policy document. For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 072 791 | You must pay for your return overseas travel ticket using your eligible Virgin credit card. |
| Westpac |
| 80 | Use your eligible Westpac card for at least $500 on prepaid travel costs (e.g. return travel ticket, airport or departure taxes, prepaid overseas accommodation or travel itinerary items) before departing Australia. |
If you’re over the age specified for full coverage with your credit card’s complimentary insurance, it may still be possible to get limited coverage. Contact the insurance provider directly to find out your options. Alternatively, you may want to buy a policy designed specifically for people aged 65 or older.
What should I be wary of when comparing complimentary insurance?
Some of the other factors you’ll want to take into account with complimentary credit card travel insurance include:
- Eligibility and activation of insurance. Make sure that you’re eligible for the cover and that the terms and conditions of the policy suit your needs. Credit card providers also usually require you to activate the policy in some way. For most cards, you will "activate" or become eligible for insurance by purchasing your return travel ticket using your credit card. Others may require you to log in to your account online and fill out a simple form to activate your policy before each trip.
- Length of travel. Most credit card complimentary travel insurance policies will cover trips of between three and six months in length. Make sure you consider the specific coverage length offered by your card when you first start planning your trip. If you plan to travel for longer, you may be able to request an extension (for a fee).
- Levels of coverage. Some credit card companies provide travel insurance for several cards, and offer different levels of coverage based on the account you have. For example, St.George complimentary travel insurance is available for up to six months with an Amplify Signature or Vertigo Platinum card, while it's only available for up to three months on an Amplify Platinum card. Different claim limits and excesses may also apply, so make sure you check what level of coverage your card offers when referring to the insurance policy booklet.
- Terms and conditions. While this may be a tedious practice, reading the terms and conditions is crucial to ensure you understanding the opportunities and boundaries of your insurance. If you have any doubt about your cover after referring to such documents, you may wish to contact the insurance provider directly.
How to compare credit cards that include travel insurance
If you're interested in getting a credit card with complimentary travel insurance, make sure you also consider the following factors:
- Annual fee. Credit cards that offer a lot of perks, including complimentary insurance, tend to have higher annual fees than low rate or no-frills options. While these benefits can offset the cost of the annual fee, remember that they will only add value if you actually use them
- Interest rates. Standard variable interest rates on credit cards with travel insurance range from about 12% p.a. to 22% p.a. Make sure you factor in the potential cost of both the purchase rate and cash advance rate – especially if you have to purchase your travel to activate the policy or if you think you may carry a balance from time to time.
- Travel insurance policy details. The type of coverage, eligibility and activation requirements are all important factors to consider when you're comparing cards that offer travel insurance. Reading through the policy details provided for each credit card you consider can help you choose a credit card that will offer the right level of coverage for you.
- Currency conversion fee. If you also plan to use your credit card overseas, make sure you check the currency conversion or international transaction fee. This is usually a charge worth 2-4% of each transaction made in another currency, so the costs can quickly add up. You may even want to consider cards with 0% foreign fees for overseas spending to help keep your additional expenses in check.
- Rewards. There are many rewards credit cards that also offer complimentary travel insurance. These products earn points for your everyday card spending, which could then be redeemed for flights, fare upgrades or a wide range of other rewards.
- Other extras. Credit cards that include travel insurance may also provide complimentary insurance for purchases, interstate flight inconvenience insurance and price-matching services. Some top-end platinum and black cards also provide travel benefits such as flight vouchers and airport lounge access that can add even more value to the card you choose. Just remember to consider the card costs when factoring in these perks.
What are the pros and cons of travel insurance credit cards?
Pros
- Provides essential travel cover. If you're travelling overseas, you'll need to organise travel insurance. Complimentary insurance could provide you with the cover you'll need if you run into an unforseen emergency while overseas.
- Save time and money. If you decide to take advantage of your card's complimentary insurance, this can save you the time and money required to organise external cover.
- Cover for family. Most credit cards with included travel insurance will also cover your spouse and any dependents travelling with you, providing they also meet the activation requirements of the policy.
Cons
- Higher price tag. Most credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance are premium products that have high annual fees when compared to other options. Plus, you may be required to use your card to pay for a certain amount of the trip to activate the insurance.
- Less value for infrequent travellers. If you only travel every now and then, the cost of the annual fee could outweigh the value you get from the complimentary insurance. Before choosing this type of card, consider how frequently you will use it and whether a standalone policy could be more cost-effective based on your travel habits.
- Exclusions and excesses. Just as with any insurance policy, there are exclusions and excesses that may apply for complimentary credit card travel cover. Always read the policy documents beforehand, so you know what you are covered for and how much you will have to pay if you need to make a claim.
Looking for more comprehensive travel cover?
If you'd like to receive more comprehensive cover than your card's complimentary insurance, you can compare comprehensive standalone policies from Australian travel insurance issuers for more options.
If you travel regularly, a credit card with complimentary travel insurance could help you save time and money on additional expenses. As the level of cover and the eligibility requirements will vary according to the card and insurance issuer, it’s important to compare your options and read the terms and conditions so you can find a card with insurance that suits your needs.
Compare travel insurance quotes online and save
Frequently asked questions
I will be travelling overseas for the first time with my partner. Which is the ideal card to get complimentary travel insurance?
Most credit card travel insurance will cover you and your partner, but you will need to consider the length of your trip as well. More premium cards will offer a greater length of coverage. You may also want to read our guide on getting complimentary insurance for your spouse and dependent children.
Do I need to stick with my higher cost card if I will not be undertaking any travel for next few years?
If you're not planning to travel in the next few years, it may be worth considering credit cards that offer value in the form of lower rates and fees. If the savings you get from a lower cost card outweigh those of your current card, you could find that it's better to switch and simply buy travel insurance if and when you need it.
It is always advisable to read all the terms and conditions before choosing a card. However, you can speed up the process by focusing on the key policy details. In general, the most important travel insurance cover to look for is medical and hospital, bag and luggage cover and travel cancellation cover. You can quickly check the policy details for these covers before making a decision, and then take your time reading over the policy for the card you choose.
Another option is to call the enquiry number in the credit card insurance policy booklet and speak to a customer representative. This gives you the chance to ask any specific questions you may have without actually reading all that fine print.
Usually when the fees are higher there is more to be gained in extras and bonuses. The credit cards in this comparison do offer complimentary free travel insurance. Read terms before you go ahead.
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Hi I have a Nab card /with a Amex card linked do both these cards cover excess on car hire when using either card
Thanks Mick
Hi Mick,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Please note that the NAB Premium and NAB flybuys Rewards cards come with the complimentary travel insurance. If you own one of these cards, then you can receive cover for your overseas travel including rental vehicle accidents and the return of rental vehicle provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
On this page, you can find the details of the eligibility criteria as well as the cover included in the complimentary travel insurance.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Which credit card comes with travel insurance when I purchase flight tickets for just my kids on unaccompanied flights.
Hi Wilson,
Thanks for your question.
Basically, the complimentary travel insurance attached to a credit card provides cover for the primary cardholder and his dependents (i.e. spouse and dependent children) so long they will be travelling with the cardholder.
To be sure that your dependents are covered without you having to travel with them, it would be best to contact the insurance provider of the credit card.
Cheers,
May
Hi! I have paid for myself and my family using my CBA Gold Visa for travel overseas. Would the complimentary travel insurance cover me over the period of the travel?
Thanks,
Adrian
Hi Adrian.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Your Commonwealth Bank complimentary travel insurance will cover not only you but also your spouse or dependent child. As long as they are travelling with you for the entirety of the trip and meet the other standard eligibility requirements, they’re automatically covered. You must activate your Commonwealth Bank complimentary travel insurance before you leave for your travel by contacting Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) at 1800 837 177.
Cheers,
Jason
I have paid for overseas travel flights via Bpay using an eligible Westpac black credit card. Is this considered the same as using the credit card directly and therefore activating the complementary travel insurance policy?
Hi Pegasus, thanks for your inquiry!
Yes this will qualify as using the credit card directly to active the complimentary travel insurance policy.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi
We are ANZ Platinum credit card holder who wish to use our complimentary travel insurance for our overseas cruise and travel in the USA. Could you please confirm that we only have to pay a total of $250.00 for both of us on our credit card for part of our holiday expenses. Our return flight to Australia is being paid by using Frequent flyer points by a relative . Also should we unfortunately , be hospitalised or have doctor’s fees do they have to be paid directly by me or will QBE pay directly.
Also in general do you think complimentary travel insurance is okay to rely on.
Thanking you
Margaret
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for reaching out.
Kindly note that finder.com.au is an online comparison service that does not represent any card issuer such as ANZ and cannot give an opinion on whether a complimentary travel insurance is highly reliable or not as that depends on your personal needs and situation.
To answer your question, however, you can become eligible for ANZ Platinum’s complimentary travel insurance when you:
- hold a return ticket to Australia
- have purchased at least $250 of your prepaid travel expenses using your ANZ Platinum Credit Card
Its complimentary travel insurance has a medical coverage that would include hospital and ambulance expenses or other expenses that are medically necessary to be treated, which you incur in result to your illness, injury, or even death. However, there are still some situations that cannot be insured depending on the costs or types of events involved.
That said, it would still be best to read through ANZ’s complimentary insurance guide, which I sent to your email.
You may also opt to read through our ANZ Platinum Credit Card review page for more information.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Ally
I have paid for my flight with my BOQ Platinum credit card, now I want to upgrade. Will I be covered for travel if I pay the balance with another card?
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your inquiry.
As long as the flight was purchased with BOQ Platinum Credit Card and still active, you will still be covered for your travel.
As such, I would suggest that you get in contact with Bank of Queensland directly or Zurich which is the insurance issuer of BOQ to verify.
For more details regarding the Bank of Queensland insurance, kindly refer to this page.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Debbie
I’m travelling overseas with my girlfriend in July this year so she bought an airplane ticket for both of us with her Golden credit card. After that she made me the second gold credit card holder so we are travelling together and hiring a car overseas. But I will be the only driver to drive overseas so I wanted to know if I’m covered with car excess fees in the case of an accident, could you please let me know about that?
Hi Alex, thanks for your inquiry!
To allow me to assist you further could you notify us to which Golden credit card you are using please? You may also like to refer to the following link for a guide on free complimentary travel insurance with credit cards.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I am about to book flights for a 6 month trip through Europe and am wondering which card is best to use to get the best insurance or if I should use multiple cards to cover holes in the others insurances? I have an ANZ Frequent Flyer Black card, Westpac Altitude Qantas Black card and NAB Platinum Frequent Flyer card. It seems as though NAB has the best insurance but it is hard to compare the info from pds’s.
I paid the deposit for our cruise on 10/06/15 by ANZ Platinum credit card I paid the balance on 31/08/15 again on my ANZ Platinum card.We then changed To ANZ Black Credit card and the payment will be paid on our black credit card statement
will we still be covered for insurance
Hi Ann, thanks for your inquiry!
Since the ANZ Black Credit Card is eligible for the complimentary insurance, if you meet the following eligibility requirements you will be covered for a maximum of 6 continuous months under this policy:
-Be eighty (80) years of age or under
-Be a permanent resident of Australia or a person who holds a temporary work (skilled) visa (subclass 457)
-Purchased a minimum of $250 of your pre-booked transport costs, and/ or land content prior to the commencement of your trip. The payment must be debited to your participating card account prior to your departure from Australia
-Hold a return ticket to Australia
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi Clinton, thanks for your inquiry!
Depending on your travel insurance needs (types of activities, nature of the visit, type of holiday, personal requirements) the travel insurance policy will vary depending on the individual. If one credit card has significant ‘holes’ in your travel needs it may be recommended to look at other options, as receiving cover from one card policy can overrule other complimentary card policies. It would be best to speak to an authorised representative from the bank/’s to best advise on your travel insurance needs and options.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I have an ANZ platinum card with free travel and medical insurance. My husband disagrees with me re the insurance benefits cover, so prefers to buy separate insurance. We paid a premium costs of over $500 for a recent ten-day travel as he has a pre existing condition and he is 71. I feel the credit card is adequate for me. I am 67 and have no pre-existing medical condition. I wonder whether for future travels, i will let him buy his separate insurance just for himself while i feel comfortable to be covered by the free credit card insurance. Is this possible? If the travel for us both are paid using the credit card, does it mean he will be doubled covered, ie covered by two insurances?
Hi Kim, thanks for your inquiry!
The complimentary travel insurance with the ANZ Platinum credit card covers the primary cardholder and accompanying spouse up to 80 years of age. The eligibility requirements require you to have a return ticket to Australia and have purchased at least $250 of your prepaid travel expenses using the ANZ Platinum Credit Card, this also applies to the accompanying spouse. If this requirement has been met then your partner would be covered by both insurances.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Thank you for your reply. Is there any benefit to be covered by two insurances? Does it mean he can choose one to claim valid medical expenses or can he claim from both?
Hi Kim, thanks for your response!
Under Australian insurance law, ‘double claims’ are not supported in the context of getting twice the payout for the same loss. Claims would only be able to be made from one insurance provider.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hello we are travelling to the United States later this year and have already paid for our tickets. We are thinking of getting a credit card for this and subsequent trips (we being myself and my husband) and wondered if we needed to pay for the trip with the card to have the insurance and which card would be best for our purposes. We look forward to your reply, kind regards,
Hi Pamela, thanks for your inquiry!
For a guide on travel insurance and a list of credit cards that provide this features please see this page.
Cheers,
Jonathan