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Rewards credit cards with international travel insurance

Amy Bradney-George
Last updated:

Enjoy more perks when you’re travelling with a rewards credit card that also offers travel insurance.

A rewards credit card with travel insurance gives you a way to enjoy benefits such as flights, flight upgrades and hotel stays, while also saving you money on an essential travel cost. Depending on the card you choose, you could even be able to get complimentary insurance cover for your partner or dependent children travelling with you. This also means you can get value from the card even if you don’t have enough points to redeem travel rewards.

Use this guide to compare credit cards that offer rewards and international travel insurance. We explain how to get cover, different types of travel insurance available, and other factors to consider so that you can find the right card for your budget and travel goals.

What you'll find in this guide

What rewards credit cards offer complimentary international travel insurance?

International travel insurance offers comprehensive cover for trips you take overseas. While the type of cover and the limits available vary between cards, you’ll usually get international medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance and lost baggage coverage.

You can use this table to compare the reward cards with international travel insurance offered by major issuers in Australia. We’ve included details of each card’s point earn rates, annual fee and key details about what you need to do to use the international insurance cover.

Card Standard point earn rate Annual fee International travel insurance requirements
American Express Explorer
  • 2 points per $1 spent on most eligible purchases
  • 1 point per $1 spent on government purchases
 $395 p.a. You must pay the full fare for a return trip with the Amex Explorer, Membership Rewards points or Travel Credit. Your trip must start and end in Australia.
American Express Platinum Edge
  • 3 points per $1 spent on purchases at major supermarkets
  • 3 points per $1 spent at major petrol stations
  • 1 point per $1 spent on most other purchases
  • 1 point per $1 spent on utilities, insurance (except those issued by American Express), telecommunication providers and government bodies in Australia
 $195 p.a. You must pay the full fare for a return trip with the American Express Platinum Edge or Membership Rewards points. Your trip must start and end in Australia.
American Express Velocity Platinum
  • 1 Velocity Points per $1 spent on selected Virgin Australia purchases made within Australia
  • 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases
  • 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent with government bodies in Australia
 $375 p.a. You must pay the full fare for your return trip with the Amex Velocity Platinum or with Velocity Points.
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black
  • 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $7,500 per statement period
  • 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases above $7,500 per statement period
 $425 p.a. You must use your ANZ Frequent Flyer Black card to pay for at least $250 of your return travel costs.
ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum
  • 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $2,250 per statement period
  • 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases above $2,250 per statement period
 $295 p.a. You must use your ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum card to pay for at least $250 of your return travel costs.
ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card
  • 2 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $10,000 per statement period
  • 1 point per $1 spent above $10,000 per statement period
 $375 p.a. You must use your ANZ Rewards Black card to pay for at least $250 of your return travel costs.
ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures card
  • 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $2,000 per statement period
  • 0.5 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases above $2,000 per statement period
 $225 p.a. Use your credit card to pay for at least $250 of your pre-booked trip.
Bankwest More Platinum Mastercard
  • 2 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
 $160 p.a. Purchase a return overseas travel ticket and use your card to pay for at least $500 of your trip before you leave Australia. You can also use Bankwest More Rewards Points to meet this requirement.
Bankwest More World Mastercard
  • 2.5 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
 $270 p.a. Purchase a return overseas travel ticket and use your card to pay for at least $500 of your trip before you leave Australia. You can also use Bankwest More Rewards Points to meet this requirement.
Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard
  • 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
 $160 p.a. Purchase a return overseas travel ticket and use your card to pay for at least $500 of your trip before you leave Australia. You can also use Bankwest More Rewards Points to meet this requirement.
Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard
  • 1 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
 $270 p.a. Purchase a return overseas travel ticket and use your card to pay for at least $500 of your trip before you leave Australia. You can also use Bankwest More Rewards Points to meet this requirement.
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum
  • 1 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made overseas
  • 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases made in Australia
 $99 p.a. You must have a return overseas travel ticket and use your card to pay for at least $500 of your travel costs before you leave Australia.
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature
  • 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made overseas
  • 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made in Australia
 $279 p.a. You must have a return overseas travel ticket and use your card to pay for at least $500 of your travel costs before you leave Australia.
Citi Rewards Platinum
  • 1 point per $1 for eligible domestic and international spending
    Points cap: $10,000 per statement period for domestic spending
$49 for the first year ($149 p.a. thereafter) Use your Citi Rewards Platinum card to pay for your overseas travel ticket.
Citi Rewards Signature
  • 2 points per $1 spent overseas and for selected domestic purchases made and booked directly from major restaurants, hotel chains and airlines (flights only)
  • 1.5 points per $1 for selected domestic purchases made at major petrol outlets, supermarkets and national retailers
  • 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible transactions made in Australia
 $199 in the first year (reverts to $395 p.a.) Use your Citi Rewards Signature card to pay for your overseas travel ticket.
Citi Prestige
  • 3 points per $1 spent overseas and for selected domestic purchases made and booked directly from major restaurants, hotel chains and airlines (flights only)
  • 2 points per $1 for selected domestic purchases made at major petrol outlets, supermarkets and national retailers
  • 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible transactions made in Australia
 $700 p.a. Use your Citi Prestige card to pay for your overseas travel ticket.
Citi Qantas Signature Credit Card
  • 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent overseas and for selected domestic purchases made and booked directly from major restaurants, hotel chains and airlines (flights only)
  • 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 for selected domestic purchases made at major petrol outlets, supermarkets and national retailers
  • 0.5 Qantas points per $1 spent on other eligible transactions made in Australia
 $49 annual fee for the first year ($444 p.a. thereafter) Use your Citi Qantas Signature card to pay for your overseas travel ticket.
Commonwealth Bank Platinum Awards
  • 1 point per $1 on eligible spending
    Points cap: 150,000 points per year for all card spending
$249 p.a. Before your trip starts you must activate your cover through NetBank, the CommBank app or by calling Cover-More on 1300 467 951.
Commonwealth Bank Diamond Awards
  • 1.25 points per $1 on eligible spending
    Points cap: 1,000,000 points per year for all card spending
$349 p.a. Before your trip starts you must activate your cover through NetBank, the CommBank app or by calling Cover-More 1300 467 951.
Emirates Citi World Mastercard
  • 1.5 Skywards Miles per $1 spent on airline tickets purchased via emirates.com
  • 1.25 Skywards Miles per $1 on eligible international spending
  • 1 Skywards Mile per $1 on eligible domestic spending up to $3,000 per statement period
  • 0.5 Skywards Miles per $1 on eligible domestic spending above $3,000 per statement period (up to $6,500 per statement period)
 $149 for the first year ($299 p.a. thereafter) Use your Emirates Citi World card to pay for your overseas travel ticket.
HSBC Platinum Credit Card
  • 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases
 $129 p.a. Use your card to pay for your return overseas travel tickets.
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card
  • 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases made in Australia and overseas, up to $2,500 per statement period
  • 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent above $2,500 per statement period
 $79 p.a. Use your card to pay for your return overseas travel tickets.
NAB Rewards Platinum
  • 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases
 $195 p.a. Purchase at least $500 of your prepaid travel expenses with your NAB Rewards Platinum.
NAB Rewards Signature
  • 1.25 points per dollar spent on everyday purchases
 $295 p.a. Purchase at least $500 of your prepaid travel expenses with your NAB Rewards Signature.
NAB Qantas Rewards Premium
  • 0.66 points per $1 spent on the Visa
  • Points cap: $6,000 spending per statement period
 $250 p.a. Purchase at least $500 of your prepaid travel expenses with your NAB Qantas Rewards Premium.
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature
  • 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent up to $5,000 per statement period
  • 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent between $5,000 and $20,000 per statement period
 $395 p.a. Purchase at least $500 of your prepaid travel expenses with your NAB Qantas Rewards Signature.
Qantas American Express Premium Card
  • 1 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • 1 additional Qantas Point per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia
  • 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on government charges
 $249 p.a. You must pay for your trip with your Qantas American Express Premium or Qantas Points.
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
  • 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on most everyday purchases
  • 1 additional Qantas Point per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia
  • 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent with government bodies
 $450 p.a. You must pay for your trip with your Qantas American Express Ultimate or Qantas Points.
Qantas Premier Platinum Mastercard
  • Up to 2 points per $1 spent on Qantas fares, Qantas Club membership and purchases made on the Qantas Store
  • 1.5 points per $1 on international spending
  • 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent in Australia, up to $10,000 per month and 0.5 points per $1 after that
 $299 p.a. All eligible travellers’ airfares must be paid for with your Qantas Premier credit card. Travel must begin and end in Australia. Eligible travellers must be under 80 years old.
St.George Amplify Platinum
  • 1 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made overseas
  • 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases made in Australia
 $99 p.a. You must charge at least $500 of your prepaid travel expenses to your eligible St.George credit card and you must hold a return ticket to Australia.
St.George Amplify Signature
  • 1.5 points per $1 spent at eligible Australian merchants
  • 1.5 points per $1 spent at merchants overseas
 $279 p.a. You must charge at least $500 of your prepaid travel expenses to your eligible St.George credit card and you must hold a return ticket to Australia.
Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer
  • 1 Velocity Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $8,000 per month
  • 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent for the rest of the statement period
 $289 p.a. You must pay for your overseas travel tickets with your Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer card.

Why do I need to compare complimentary insurance policies?

While all of these rewards credit cards offer international travel insurance, the requirements of each policy do vary. This makes it important to consider the full details of each policy, which are available on every credit card issuer’s website.

How can I use a rewards credit card's complimentary travel insurance?

This varies depending on the card and specific policy. But some of the most common requirements include:

  • Paying for your trip with the card. Usually, you’ll need to use your card to pay for some or all of your overseas trip before you leave. In most cases, paying for your flights with the card will activate the cover but some may require a minimum dollar amount. For example, if you have the ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures card you’ll get cover by using it to pay for at least $250 worth of your return overseas trip.
  • Other travellers. Most rewards credit cards offering international travel insurance also provide cover for your spouse and/or dependent children when they’re travelling with you and meet the other eligibility requirements. For example, you may need to pay for their travel tickets using your card to activate the insurance. You can learn more in our guide on getting travel insurance for partners and children.
  • Account status. Your credit card account must be in good standing for you to use complimentary travel insurance. This means you have to pay at least the minimum amount that’s listed on your statement by the due date.
  • Travel plans. You may need to notify your credit card provider or the issuer of the insurance that you’re planning to go overseas. You may also want to call the insurance provider directly and request a certificate of cover, or take your travel insurance policy booklet with you when you go away.
  • Making a claim. Most credit card travel insurance is provided by a third-party insurance company such as Allianz or QBE. When you need to make a claim, you’ll have to contact the relevant insurance company directly and follow their claims process.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions. You might not be eligible for travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as high blood pressure.
  • Age requirements. Most travel insurance policies have a maximum age limit for offering full coverage, usually between 65-80 years of age.

Credit card travel insurance for people aged 65 or over

What else do I need to know about rewards credit cards with travel insurance?

Make sure you also keep the following factors in mind when you’re looking at this type of rewards card:

  • Annual fee. The annual fees for rewards cards that include international travel insurance range from $99 up to $700. Make sure you weigh the benefits of the card against this cost to decide if it’s worth it for you.
  • Interest rates. Because most cards only offer insurance when you have used them to pay for some or all of your trip, make sure you check the purchase rate before you apply. This will help you be aware of any costs if you carry a balance.
  • Rewards. Remember to consider the earn rate for these cards, as well as the rewards you can redeem. This will help you find the card that offers you the most value based on your spending habits and your travel plans.
  • Complimentary extras. Some of these rewards credit cards may offer other benefits such as flight vouchers, airport lounge access or concierge services. If you’re able to use these features, they could help you get more value from your chosen card.
  • Foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards charge a fee worth 2-4% of each overseas transaction you make. So there can be additional costs if you make payments online that have been processed in another country, or if you use the card while you are overseas. You can compare cards with no foreign transaction fees to avoid this cost.

Other types of credit card travel insurance

feet_luggages_Shutterstock
As well as international insurance, a rewards credit card may offer you travel insurance cover for specific situations. The most common include:

  • Interstate flight inconvenience cover. This insurance covers you for issues such as flight delays, cancellations and lost baggage when you’re travelling between states in Australia.
  • Transit accident insurance. This insurance covers costs that may come from injuries or major accidents that you may have to deal with when you’re travelling, boarding or leaving a plane, train, ship, bus or other major commercial carrier. Usually this cover only applies for international trips.
  • Rental vehicle excess. This insurance covers the cost of any excess you may have to pay for a car or other vehicle you’ve rented for your trip.
  • Domestic burglary insurance. This covers you against losses you may experience if your belongings are stolen or damaged when you’re staying in a hotel or motel in Australia.

Credit cards that offer both points and travel insurance give you a way to maximise your travel benefits when you pay with plastic. Each card offers different insurance options, point earn rates, annual fees and other extras, so comparing these features based on your own circumstances will help you choose the right card.

Pictures: Shutterstock

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Comparison of rewards credit cards with international travel insurance

Rates last updated September 20th, 2019
Name Product Bonus Points Rewards Program Rewards Points per $ spent Purchase rate (p.a.) Annual fee Product Description
HSBC Platinum Credit Card
HSBC Platinum Credit Card
HSBC Rewards Plus
1
0% for 12 months, reverts to 19.99% p.a.
$129 p.a.
0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers with no BT fee. Plus, a yearly annual fee refund when you spend $6,000 and 2 lounge passes per year.
Go to site More info
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card
120,000 bonus points
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1
19.99% p.a.
$295 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($395 p.a. thereafter)
Collect up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points. Get 90,000 when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 60 days and 30,000 after 12 months.
Go to site More info
St.George Amplify Signature - Qantas
St.George Amplify Signature - Qantas
90,000 bonus points
Qantas Frequent Flyer
0.75
19.74% p.a.
$179 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($279 p.a. thereafter)
Get 90,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $4,000 in 90 days and 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations per year.
Go to site More info
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1
19.99% p.a.
$0 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($79 p.a. thereafter)
Save with a $0 first year annual fee and a long-term balance transfer offer. Plus, complimentary travel insurance.
Go to site More info
American Express Westpac Altitude Platinum Bundle
2019 Winner
American Express Westpac Altitude Platinum Bundle
75,000 bonus points
Westpac Altitude Rewards
2
1
20.24% p.a. (AMEX)

20.49% p.a. (Visa/MC)
$199 p.a.
Collect up to 75,000 bonus Altitude Points when you meet T&Cs with Mastercard (issued by Westpac) & Amex (issued by Amex).
Go to site More info
St.George Amplify Platinum
St.George Amplify Platinum
100,000 bonus points
Amplify Rewards
1
19.74% p.a.
$99 p.a.
Get up to 100,000 bonus Amplify Points (50,000 each year) when you meet the spend requirement over 2 years.
Go to site More info
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
100,000 bonus points
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1.25
20.74% p.a.
$450 p.a.
Get 100,000 bonus Qantas Points. Plus, a $450 Qantas Travel Credit and 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations per year.
Go to site More info
Citi Rewards Platinum Credit Card - Exclusive Offer
Exclusive
Citi Rewards Platinum Credit Card - Exclusive Offer
Citi Rewards Program
1
0% for 13 months, reverts to 20.99% p.a.
$49 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($149 p.a. thereafter)
Finder Exclusive:
Save with 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for 13 months (with no BT fee). Plus, a discounted $49 annual fee for the first year.
Go to site More info
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
50,000 bonus points
Velocity Frequent Flyer
1.25
20.74% p.a.
$375 p.a.
Get 50,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 for the first 3 months. Plus, 100 Status Credits and luxury travel perks.
Go to site More info
American Express Westpac Altitude Platinum Bundle - Velocity
American Express Westpac Altitude Platinum Bundle - Velocity
75,000 bonus points
Velocity Frequent Flyer
1
0.5
20.24% p.a. (AMEX)

20.49% p.a. (Visa/MC)
$249 p.a.
Earn up to 75,000 bonus Velocity Points when you meet the criteria with this dual Mastercard (issued by Westpac) & Amex (issued by Amex).
Go to site More info

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