HSBC credit cards complimentary travel insurance
HSBC credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance can help you save on the cost of overseas trips – so how much cover can you get?
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HSBC offers complimentary insurance across its range of credit cards, including domestic and international travel insurance on HSBC Platinum and World Mastercard credit cards. The actual policies are underwritten by Allianz Insurance Australia (Allianz) and can be different based on the HSBC credit card you choose.
Like any insurance policy, there are terms and conditions you need to meet to get the cover and have your claims approved. The insurance policy booklet has complete details, so it's always good to keep that handy. But if you just want a quick guide of the cover you'll get, including what's available in a pandemic, we've got the key details here.
Have a question or need to make a claim right now? Call Allianz Insurance on 1800 648 093 (from Australia) or +617 3305 7499 (from overseas).
Which HSBC credit cards have complimentary travel insurance?
HSBC offers complimentary travel insurance to people with platinum and World Mastercard credit cards, as well as other types of insurance on other cards. Here are the key details for HSBC cards currently on the market.
| Card | International travel insurance | Transit accident insurance | Domestic travel insurance | Purchase protection insurance | Extended warranty insurance | Guaranteed pricing scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC Platinum Credit Card | ||||||
| HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card | ||||||
| HSBC Premier World Mastercard | ||||||
| HSBC Low Rate Credit Card |
Have an HSBC credit card that's not on this list? Check the terms and conditions available on the HSBC website to see if your card is eligible.
What's covered by HSBC complimentary international travel insurance?
HSBC credit card travel insurance can give you cover for overseas trips of up to 4 months if you need to go to hospital overseas, miss flights because of delays, have your luggage stolen and for other situations that can leave you out of pocket.
The actual cover is broken down into "benefits" based on what you can and can't claim. Some claims also have an excess you need to pay before you'll get any money if a claim is approved.
Does HSBC complimentary credit card travel insurance cover pandemics?
No, like many travel insurance policies, HSBC complimentary travel insurance does not offer cover for epidemics or pandemics.
In the insurance policy booklets for HSBC Platinum, Platinum Qantas and Premier World Mastercard credit cards, it states that you will not get cover for "any illness arising out of or in connection to an epidemic or pandemic". If you want to get cover for coronavirus or other related issues, Finder has a whole guide on travel insurance options for COVID-19.
Here, we've broken down the different types of claims, with an example of a situation when you might use the cover. But remember: You should always read the insurance policy booklet for complete details of the cover.
Medical, dental and emergencies cover with an HSBC credit card
| Benefit | Example of when you'd use this | Claim limit | Excess payment (per claim) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and hospital (except bed care patient allowances and emergency dental expenses) | If you become sick or injured overseas and have to pay for seeing a doctor or other medical professional. | Unlimited | $200 |
| Medical and hospital cover for bed care patient allowance | If you or an eligible person you're travelling with is admitted to hospital overseas, you could claim some essential expenses under this benefit. | $75 per day, up to $2,250 total | $200 |
| Medical and hospital cover for emergency dental expenses due to sudden, acute pain in a natural tooth (toothache) | If you're overseas and have to see a dentist because of a toothache that's not related to anything else. | Up to $750 | $200 |
| Assault requiring hospitalisation | If you're attacked and need to be treated at a hospital. Note that you need a written police report to make a claim. | Up to $600 | $0 |
| Loss of income | If you're injured overseas, get treatment and experience disability then can't return to work because of it. | Your verified income for up to 3 months in a row, with a maximum total limit of $8,500 | $0 |
HSBC complimentary international travel insurance for cancellation, delays, accommodation and transport
| Benefit | Example of when you'd use this | Claim limit | Excess payment (per claim) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation of travel and unexpected travel and accommodation expenses (specific situations only) | If your journey is cancelled, disrupted or rescheduled because of your death or the unforeseen death of a relative aged under 80. This includes financial reimbursement, as well as cover for frequent flyer points, air miles, loyalty card rewards and relevant vouchers used to book the trip if they can't be recovered in any other way. | Unlimited, except travel agents' cancellation fees up to a maximum of $500 (or less if the commission booking fee is lower) | $200 |
| Travel delay | If a flight was delayed by 6 hours or more and the airline didn't offer compensation, you could claim food, accommodation or other eligible expenses. Note: Excludes delays due to acts of terrorism. | Up to $350 per person, with a maximum of $500 for cardholders travelling alone or $900 for a family. | $0 |
| Domestic pets (additional kennel or boarding costs in Australia) | If your return home is delayed for a covered reason and it means you have to pay extra boarding fees for your cat or dog that lives in Australia, you could make a claim under this benefit. | Up to $75 per 24 hours that your return to Australia is delayed with a maximum of $550. | $0 |
| Special event (alternative transport) | If your transport is delayed or cancelled and it means you wouldn't make it to a conference, wedding or major event, this helps cover the cost of reasonable travel expenses to get you there. Note: Excludes delays due to acts of terrorism. | Up to $3,000 | $0 |
| Resumption of journey following the death of a relative | If a relative in Australia dies and you return home for the funeral, you could submit a claim to help cover the cost of returning to your trip. | Up to $7,500 per person with a maximum total of $14,000 | $200 |
| Rental vehicle insurance excess | If your overseas rental car is stolen or involved in an accident and the hire company agreement includes an excess that you need to pay, this cover can help with the cost. Or, if an event covered by the insurance stops you returning the vehicle, you could make a claim. | Up to $3,000 | $0 |
Luggage and personal items cover offered with HSBC credit card complimentary insurance
| Benefit | Example of when you'd use this | Claim limit | Excess payment (per claim) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luggage Note: This type of claim comes under the benefit listing of "Luggage and travel documents" in the HSBC credit cards complimentary insurance policy booklets | If you're travelling and your bag is stolen while you're carrying it with you. | Up to $25,000 per cardholder or a maximum of $40,000 when travelling with a spouse or dependants. There are also the following specific limits:
| $200 |
| Travel documents, transaction cards and traveller's cheques Note: This type of claim comes under the benefit listing of "Luggage and travel documents" in the HSBC credit cards complimentary insurance policy booklets | If your passport is lost or stolen and you have reported it to the local police within 24 hours, you could claim the fees for reissuing it. | $600 per person, up to $1,100 when travelling with a covered spouse and/or dependants | $200 |
Hijacking, terrorism and personal liability cover offered with HSBC complimentary credit card travel insurance
| Benefit | Example of when you'd use this | Claim limit | Excess payment (per claim) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hijack and detention | If your flight, cruise or other booked transport is hijacked and you are held with the threat of violence for more than 12 hours. Note: Excludes claims related to acts of terrorism. | $250 per person for every 24 hours you are held by force, up to a maximum of $12,000 | $0 |
| Legal liability | If you're involved in an accident and become legally liable to pay compensation for someone else's injuries or damaged property (when the person doesn't live with you), this helps cover the legal costs. | Up to $2.5 million | $0 |
HSBC credit card complimentary international travel insurance for death and funerals
| Benefit | Example of when you'd use this | Claim limit | Excess payment (per claim) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidental death | If you are injured overseas and die because of that injury within 12 months of when it happened. Or if the plane or boat you're travelling on disappears and you're declared dead within 12 months. | $30,000 per cardholder $30,000 per spouse $5,000 per dependant up to a maximum total of $65,000 | $0 |
| Funeral expenses | If you die overseas and there is a funeral or your remains need to be brought back to Australia. Note that only some causes of death are covered. | Up to $15,000 per person and a maximum total of $30,000 | $0 |
What's not covered?
Every insurance policy has details of when you will and won't get cover. These details can be very specific, which is why it is important to always check your insurance policy documents.
To give you an idea, here are some of the key things you won't be covered for with HSBC credit card complimentary international travel insurance:
- Epidemics or pandemics
- Acts of terrorism
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless you have got written confirmation from Allianz that your condition will be covered before you leave)
- If you don't follow advice from any government, official body or mass media announcements
- Issues related to drinking alcohol or taking non-prescription drugs
- Travel that's for the purpose of medical treatment
- If you're a crew member or pilot working on any of the transport
- Dangerous activities including rock climbing (with equipment), white water rafting, bungy jumping, off-piste snowboarding or skiing and quad or motorbike riding on a vehicle that has an engine capacity of 200cc or more
If you need cover for a skiing trip, bungy jumping or other overseas adventures, check out adventure sport travel insurance costs and conditions. Got a pre-existing health condition? Check out travel insurance policies that offer cover for conditions including asthma, high blood pressure and physical disabilities.
What do I need to do to use HSBC's credit card
international travel insurance?
If you're planning a trip and want cover through your HSBC credit card, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
- Travel bookings. You need to use your HSBC credit card to pay for at least 90% of your return travel ticket before you leave Australia. A simple way to meet this requirement is to pay for your airfares, cruise or hotel stays with the card.
- Australian residency. You need to permanently live in Australia.
Keep in mind that countries and regions around the world all have their own restrictions and guidelines around the coronavirus pandemic. These can change, so it's worth checking where you can travel before you book anything.
Does HSBC credit card travel insurance cover family members?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for cover on an upcoming trip, your spouse and dependants (children) can get cover under this policy when they're travelling with you for at least half of your trip and meet the following requirements:
- They need to permanently live in Australia.
- At least 90% of their return travel tickets have been paid for with your eligible HSBC credit card.
- They are travelling with you for the entire trip.
They also need to meet all the other conditions of the insurance policy.
Need written confirmation of cover? Call Allianz on 1800 648 093.
Pre-existing medical conditions
This complimentary international travel insurance doesn't cover pre-existing medical conditions.
In simple terms, that means you won't get cover if you've seen a doctor or other qualified professional about a condition that causes issues overseas. It's the same if you're aware of a physical, medical, mental or dental condition before you travel.
There are some exceptions if you're pregnant, though:
- You can get cover for pregnancy complications that arise from injury or sickness when you're travelling and meet the other eligibility requirements.
- If you were eligible for the travel insurance before you became pregnant, you'll be entitled to available cover.
If you have a pre-existing condition you want covered, follow these steps:
- Call Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 648 093. You'll then go through an assessment process.
- Answer all the questions honestly and give them any extra information they ask for.
If your pre-existing medical condition is approved for cover, you will need to pay an administration fee. This fee is non-refundable and the cost is not detailed in the insurance policy booklet, so make sure you ask how much it will be when you call Allianz.
If you follow these steps and get approved, Allianz will send you written confirmation of cover for your pre-existing medical condition.
How to make a claim through your HSBC credit card complimentary international travel insurance policy
If you think you will need to make a claim, contact Allianz Global Assistance as soon as possible so that they can give you specific information.
You can do this by calling +617 3305 7499 from overseas (a reverse charge number) or 1800 648 093 in Australia.
There are 2 main ways you can submit your claim:
| If you're overseas | If you've returned to Australia |
|---|---|
| 1. Call Allianz on +617 3305 7499 (reverse charge). 2. Tell them what's happened and the type of claim or claims you want to make. 3. Provide details of your eligible HSBC credit card and proof that you paid for at least 90% of your return travel ticket with the card (for example, your payment receipt or card statement). 4. Follow their instructions to complete the claim.1. Call Allianz on 1800 648 093 (Australia) within 30 days of returning home from overseas, or within 30 days of an issue that you want to claim for. | 1. Call Allianz on 1800 648 093 (Australia) within 30 days of returning home from overseas, or within 30 days of an issue that you want to claim for. 2. Tell them what's happened and the type of claim or claims you want to make. 3. Follow their instructions to complete the claim. |
Allianz will review your claim and ask for any further details before giving you an outcome.
What to include in your claim
With insurance claims, it's always good to include as much detail and supporting documentation as possible. It makes it easier for the insurer to look at the claim and your eligibility for a payout.
So when you're travelling overseas with this cover, try to get as much written or photo evidence as you can for any claim you need to make. This could include:
- A referral or letter from a doctor or other professional you see in relation to a claim
- Official medical reports
- Police reports
- Photos of damaged items
- Emails or letters from airlines that relate to a claim
- Receipts or other proof of purchase
Other types of HSBC complimentary
credit card travel insurance
Domestic travel insurance
- What is it? Cover for specific issues that come up when you're travelling to a different state or territory in Australia for up to 14 days. This can include costs relating to cancelled return flights, flight delays of 6 hours or more, delayed or lost luggage and rental vehicle excess insurance costs if you hire a vehicle.
- When can I use it? If you have used your eligible HSBC credit card to pay for at least 90% of your flights and accommodation before you leave. If your partner or dependants are travelling with you for the whole trip, they'll also get cover if you meet these requirements.
- Is there an excess cost? Yes, $200 per claim for cover relating to cancellation, luggage or rental vehicle excess insurance.
Transit accident insurance
- What is it? Cover for accidents that happen when you're travelling overseas on a plane, train, cruise ship, bus or other eligible vehicle. You also get cover for related accidents that happen when you're boarding or leaving the transport.
- When can I use it? If you have paid for the entire trip with your eligible HSBC credit card before you leave. If your partner or dependants are travelling with you for the whole trip, they'll also get cover.
- Is there an excess cost? No.
HSBC credit card complimentary insurance for shopping
HSBC credit cards give you access to other types of insurance, also provided by Allianz. Below is a snapshot of the different types.
Purchase protection insurance
- What is it? Cover for the cost of a new item that is stolen, accidentally damaged or lost. It covers most household and personal items such as laptops, shoes, jewellery and glasses. Exclusions include second-hand items, perishables, cash, computer software, vehicles and items you've accidentally left in a hotel after checking out.
- When can I use it? If you use your eligible HSBC credit card to pay for covered items, this insurance will apply for the first 90 days from when you get them. This cover is available for personal items bought anywhere in the world.
- How can I make a claim? You need to show proof that you own the item and report the loss, theft or damage to the local police or relevant authorities (such as the office of a transport company) within 24 hours of an issue. You also need to show proof of the report, such as written confirmation for the authorities involved. Then, call Allianz on 1800 648 093.
- Is there an excess cost? Yes, $100 per claim. There are also maximum claim amounts depending on the item.
Extended warranty insurance
- What is it? Cover that doubles the manufacturer's warranty for items bought in Australia, up to a maximum period of 12 months. For example, if you bought a laptop with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty and it stopped working for no reason after 12 months, you could make a claim under this cover.
- When can I use it? If you used your eligible HSBC credit card to pay for an item and it came with an Australian manufacturer's warranty of between 7 days and 5 years. You can make a claim if something happens after the original warranty period has ended.
- How can I make a claim? Call Allianz on 1800 648 093 and give them as much information as possible.
- Is there an excess cost? Yes, $200 per claim. There is a total maximum claim limit of $10,000 per year.
Guaranteed pricing scheme
- What is it? If you buy something and then see it being sold for less somewhere else, you could use this cover to make up the difference in price. For example, if you paid $300 for a pair of shoes and saw them advertised for $200 a week later, you could claim the $100 difference.
- When can I use it? If you bought something in a store (not online) with your eligible HSBC credit card and then got a printed catalogue advertising it for at least $75 less than what you paid for it. You need to see the cheaper price within 21 days from when you bought it and the catalogue needs to have been printed after your purchase.
- How can I make a claim? Call Allianz on 1800 648 093 and provide as much information as possible, including proof of the price difference.
- Is there an excess cost? No.
Don't have complimentary insurance on your credit card yet? Compare HSBC credit cards or other cards that offer insurance.
Other HSBC cards with complimentary insurance options
HSBC also offers different types of travel insurance on the following cards:
- HSBC Corporate Card. If you're looking at getting a card account for your business, the HSBC Corporate Card offers travel insurance and corporate liability against deliberate misuse by cardholders.
- HSBC Premier Platinum Visa Debit Card. If you qualify for an HSBC Premier Platinum Visa Debit Card account, you'll get access to complimentary transit accident insurance. To qualify for HSBC Premier, you need to have an HSBC Everyday Global Account and meet a deposit or savings balance requirement.
Frequently asked questions
How do I activate my HSBC travel insurance?
If you have an eligible HSBC credit card, you'll get international travel insurance when you pay for at least 90% of your return travel ticket before the start of your trip.
Does HSBC credit card travel insurance cover cruises?
Yes, the international travel insurance policy would cover you for eligible issues that come up when you're on a cruise. But any claims relating to transit accident insurance won't cover cruises.
- HSBC Platinum Credit Card and Platinum Qantas Credit Card insurance terms and conditions effective 31 March 2019
- HSBC Premier World Mastercard and Premier Visa Platinum Debit Card insurance terms and conditions effective 15 July 2021
- HSBC Low Rate Credit Card insurance terms and conditions effective 31 March 2019
- HSBC Classic Credit Card insurance terms and conditions effective 31 March 2019
- HSBC credit card terms and conditions webpage
- HSBC Premier account details accessed 8 March 2022
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