12 questions to ask about your credit card travel insurance
Relying on your credit card for travel cover? Ask these 12 questions first, so you know exactly where you stand before you go.
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Most of us have a friend who’s said it. ‘Don't worry, my credit card covers me.’ And that may have worked out fine before. But complimentary travel insurance is one of those benefits that's easy to set and forget. Across Australia, many banks and card providers have been reviewing and updating what's included with their credit and debit cards. If you do have a credit card, it’s worth knowing what yours still covers before you travel.
It's not a reason to stress, it's a reason to check. Knowing what your card covers before you travel is simply good preparation. Run through these 12 questions to help you head off with a clear picture of where you stand. More clarity now. Less to figure out later.
1: Does your credit card still include travel insurance?
Start here. It's the benefit that's seen the most change lately. Many Australian banks and card providers have been updating or scaling back complimentary travel insurance on some cards — so it's worth confirming yours is still there, rather than assuming it is because it once was. Sort it out with a quick check on your provider's app, website, or a short phone call.
2: What do you need to do to activate your cover?
You may need to activate your complimentary travel insurance somehow. This could involve spending on flights or accommodation using the eligible card. Find out exactly what yours requires and make sure you've met it before you leave.
3: Will the cancellation benefit actually cover your costs?
Think about what you've paid that you can't get back — deposits, flights, tours, accommodation. That's the number that matters. Check it against your cancellation benefit limit and get clear on what counts as a valid reason to cancel. Then decide if you want to opt for cancellation cover, and how much works for you.
4: What does the policy say about rental vehicle excess?
Picking up a hire car? Rental vehicle excess cover can vary between plans, so make sure you know the specifics before you pick up the keys. Ask whether it applies at home, abroad, or both, and look at the fine print around things like road conditions or leaving belongings in the vehicle.
5: How does overseas medical cover work?
This one's important. Medical costs overseas can climb fast, and you’ll want to know the details before you need them — not during. Find out what's included, what the limit is, what excess applies, and how emergency assistance works. Knowing who to call before something goes wrong is half the job.
6: What's the maximum trip duration?
Some credit card policies only cover trips up to a set number of consecutive days, and that number can vary depending on your provider. Extended leave, a slow travel adventure, or a long family visit could go beyond what some policies allow. You may need to confirm the limit before you lock in your dates.
7. Are you covered for cruising?
Cruises don't always work the same way as land-based travel when it comes to cover. Check whether cruising is included at all, and whether there are limits on consecutive days at sea. It's also worth asking how onboard medical situations are handled. At sea, things can look very different to being on shore.
8: Who else is covered on your policy?
Your credit card travel insurance might not automatically cover your partner or family. Some policies may only extend to a spouse or dependants under specific conditions, for example when their travel costs were also charged to the same eligible card. Confirm exactly who's covered and what you need to do to include the people travelling with you.
9: Is there an age limit?
Age limits can vary from card to card. Some policies may have set a cut-off for the primary cardholder. Ask whether an age limit applies to you or to anyone covered under your policy and check whether it affects any of the benefits you're counting on.
10. How are pre-existing medical conditions handled?
The way pre-existing conditions are treated can differ significantly from one insurance provider to the next. Check or ask whether yours are covered, and if not, whether there's a process to apply for additional cover. Better to know now than to find a gap at claim time.
11. What happens if a non-travelling relative gets ill at home?
Sometimes it's not what happens on your trip — it's what happens back home. Check whether your policy covers cancellation or amendment costs if a non-travelling relative becomes seriously ill and ask whether any age limits or conditions apply to that relative too.
12. How does making a claim actually work?
Find out who to contact, what you'll need to provide, and roughly how long the process takes. It’s important to know those details ahead of time, not in the middle of a stressful moment on the other side of the world.
Source: Getty
Check more. Worry less.
Running through these 12 questions won't take long. But knowing the answers before you go? That's what lets you get on with actually enjoying the trip. More time in the moment, less time wondering what you're covered for. Check with your bank or card provider, note down what you find, and head off with a clear picture of what you're travelling with.
Spotted a gap in the cover you need?
It's worth knowing your options. A dedicated travel insurance policy might cover more than you'd expect — and we're always here to help you figure out what's right for your next trip.
Travel more, worry less.
Get a quote to learn more about Cover-More travel insurance plans.