Westpac credit card complimentary travel insurance

Westpac offers complimentary travel insurance on its platinum and black credit cards, with policies that cover domestic and international trips. Some Westpac cards also offer complimentary insurance for eligible items you buy.

These insurance policies are underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Allianz). Just like any insurance, there are conditions you need to meet to get cover and make a claim. That's why it's always best to read the policy document. But if you're after a snapshot, we cover some of the key details about Westpac cards that offer cover, the type of cover available and when you'll get it.

Which Westpac credit cards have complimentary travel insurance?

If you don't have a Westpac credit card yet, you can get complimentary travel insurance with a new platinum or black credit card. The length of cover you get depends on the card, as we’ve shown in the table.

What this shows is that Westpac’s complimentary international travel insurance for Altitude Platinum and Black cards is separated into Level 1 and Level 2 categories. The key difference between these levels is the length of cover: you get up to 3 months with an Altitude Platinum card and up to 6 months with an Altitude Black card.

If you have a Westpac business credit card, check the complimentary insurance details here.

What’s covered by Westpac complimentary international travel insurance?

The cover you get is broken down into “benefits” based on what you can and can’t claim. Some claims also have an excess charge if your claim is approved, which you need to pay before you’ll get any money back.

To help you understand the cover available, we’ve put the key options for different types of claims into tables, with basic examples of 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 a Westpac credit card

Westpac complimentary international travel insurance for cancellation, delays and transport

Luggage and personal items cover offered with Westpac credit card complimentary insurance

Hijacking, kidnap and personal liability cover offered with Westpac complimentary credit card travel insurance

Westpac credit card complimentary international travel insurance for death and funerals

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 Westpac credit card complimentary international travel insurance:

Keep in mind that countries and regions around the world currently have different restrictions and guidelines around the coronavirus pandemic. These can change, so it’s worth checking where you can travel before booking anything.

What do I need to do to use Westpac’s credit card international travel insurance?

To get international travel insurance cover through your Westpac Altitude Platinum or Black credit card, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Travel bookings. You need to use your eligible Westpac credit card to pay for at least $500 of your travel expenses before the start of the trip. You also need a return ticket. An easy way to meet these requirements is to use your card to pay for your overseas flights.
• Australian residency. You must live in Australia and start and end your trip in Australia.
• Age. You’ll be covered if you’re under 81 years of age. If you’re over 81 and want overseas travel insurance, there are some policies you can buy that give you cover up to the age of 100.

Does Westpac credit card travel insurance cover family members?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for cover on an upcoming trip, your spouse and dependants (i.e. 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 live in Australia and start and end their journey in Australia
• They need to have a return travel booking before they leave
• At least $500 of their travel costs need to be paid for with your Westpac credit card before the start of the trip
• They need to be under 81 years of age at the time they become eligible for the insurance

They also need to meet the same age requirements and other conditions of the insurance policy.

Pre-existing medical conditions

This complimentary international travel insurance only covers a few pre-existing medical conditions, with very specific requirements.

Here, we’ve summarised the key details for conditions that are covered. If you have any pre-existing condition, you should also look at the insurance document for full details or call Allianz on 1800 091 710.

What if I don’t meet the requirements or have a different pre-existing condition?

If you’re not sure whether your pre-existing medical condition will be covered, call Allianz on 1800 091 710 to check if you can get cover.

You can then apply to have an assessment of the condition over the phone or online at www.checkyourcover.com.au/westpac. The assessment costs $75 over the phone and $45 online. If you’re successful, you’ll get written confirmation from Allianz that your condition is covered.

But if you have pre-existing conditions that aren’t covered, you won’t be able to make a related claim if you've previously seen a doctor or other qualified professional about a condition that ends up causing issues overseas. It's the same for any physical, medical, mental or dental condition that you’re aware of before you travel.

• Pre-existing medical condition definition for Westpac credit card insurance

  Travel insurance policies all have specific ways of looking at pre-existing medical conditions, so it’s really important you’re aware of the actual definition they use.

  As well as the summary above, we have included the definition that’s in the current Westpac card insurance policy document, effective from 27 October 2021 (page 23):

  A condition of which a reasonable person in the circumstances, should have been aware at the time eligibility for the cover available was met, including:

  • Any dental condition; or
  • Any physical condition; or
  • Pregnancy; or
  • Any lifelong illness; or
  • Any chronic illness; or
  • Any mental illness; or
  • Any current or previously treated cancer, or

  Any condition which, in the last two (2) years:

  • Was treated by surgery (including day surgery); or
  • Required regular medication; or
  • Required on-going treatment; or
  • Was referred to a specialist medical adviser; or
  • Had regular reviews or check-ups; or
  • Caused admission to hospital; or
  • Was treated at a hospital emergency department or outpatient clinic.

  If you’re not sure whether a pre-existing medical condition will be covered, call Allianz on 1800 091 710 to check if you can use this insurance.

How to make a claim through your Westpac credit card complimentary international travel insurance policy

As soon as you think you’ll need to make a claim, contact Allianz Global Assistance so that they can give you specific information.

You can do this overseas by calling the emergency assistance number on +61 7 3305 7468 or in Australia by calling 1800 091 710. You can also email cardclaims@allianz-assistance.com.au but may have to wait longer for a response.

There are 2 main ways you can submit your claim:

You will hear back about your claim within 10 business days, according to the online claims website.

What to include in your claim

Aim 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 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 the following:

• 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

When you fill in the online claim form, you’ll also be asked for some key personal details, including part of your Westpac credit card number (to confirm you’re eligible for cover).

Other types of Westpac complimentary credit card travel insurance

Overseas 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 Westpac 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, you don't need to pay an excess for any claims but there are limits to how much you can get paid out. For example, the loss of one hand or foot has a maximum benefit of $250,000.

Interstate flight inconvenience insurance

• What is it? Cover for specific issues that come up when you're travelling to a different state or territory in Australia. This can include costs relating to cancelled return flights, flight delays of 4 hours or more, delayed or lost luggage and funeral expenses.
• When can I use it? You’ll get cover for up to 14 days in a row if you have paid for the entire trip with your eligible Westpac credit card. Your spouse and any dependants can also get cover when you have used your Westpac card to pay for their return travel and they will be with you for at least half the trip.
• Is there an excess cost? There is a $300 excess for claims that relate to cancellation or luggage (except for delayed luggage). There are no excess costs for other claims but there are maximum claim amounts, which vary depending on the type of claim.

Rental vehicle excess in Australia insurance

• What is it? Cover for damage or theft of a car or other vehicle you have hired in Australia, up to a maximum of $5,500 (or less if the amount specified in your rental vehicle agreement is lower).
• When can I use it? If you have paid for the vehicle hire with your eligible Westpac credit card and the vehicle hire agreement lists an excess cost.
• Is there an excess cost? There is a $300 excess for each claim you submit.

Westpac credit card complimentary insurance for shopping

Westpac credit cards give you access to other types of insurance, which are 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 Westpac credit card to pay for covered items, this insurance will apply for the first 4 months from when you get them. This cover is available for personal items bought anywhere in the world, including gifts if the person they are given to is a permanent Australian resident.
• 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). Ideally, you should get written confirmation of this report. Then, call Allianz on 1800 091 710 or submit your claim through the Allianz online claim portal.
• Is there an excess cost? An excess of $300 per claim applies. There are also maximum claim amounts, which vary depending on the item, with a yearly maximum of $135,000 for all claims.

Extended warranty insurance

• What is it? Cover that doubles the manufacturer's warranty for items bought in Australia, up to a maximum period of 2 years. 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 Westpac credit card to pay for an item worth up to $20,000 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 091 710 or submit your claim through the Allianz online claim portal at https://claims.agaassistance.com.au/.
• Is there an excess cost? An excess of $300 per claim applies. There are also maximum claim amounts, which vary depending on the item.

Westpac business credit card complimentary insurance options

All Westpac business credit cards offer complimentary unauthorised transaction insurance to help protect you if an additional cardholder uses the account for something that's not allowed.

You can also get complimentary insurance for travel and shopping depending on the Westpac business credit card you choose. Here’s a look at your options:

Frequently asked questions

Does Westpac credit card international travel insurance cover coronavirus?

No. Coronavirus is a pandemic and, like most travel insurance policies, this one does not offer cover for epidemics or pandemics.

We know how confusing the coronavirus situation can be, which is why Finder has a whole guide covering questions about this pandemic and travel insurance.

Can I get proof of my cover?

Yes. If you’re going on a cruise or tour that requires proof of insurance, you can get a letter of eligibility online.