visa card travel medical insurance

Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Editor's Note

Some credit cards offer built-in travel insurance as a cardholder benefit. And it may be tempting to rely on credit card travel protections instead of buying travel insurance. But, the entire point of travel insurance is to be covered if something goes wrong. So, you may be wondering whether you should buy travel insurance even if your credit card offers travel protection.

There isn't one answer that fits every traveler or situation. So in this guide, we'll explore some aspects you should consider, and I'll discuss my take on this topic. Let's dive in so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Travel insurance you can buy

At a high level, you can pay a relatively small premium (compared to the total cost of your trip) to buy a travel insurance policy that may provide reimbursement or coverage for unexpected issues that affect your trip.

Many different types of protections fall under the term "travel insurance." Standard, comprehensive insurance policies typically include broad coverage across various potential issues.

But there are also policies that offer specific coverage. For example, it's possible to purchase travel insurance that only provides medical protection for international travel (such as GeoBlue ). Likewise, you can also purchase policies that allow you to select the protections you need (such as the build-your-own option with American Express Travel Insurance ).

We've previously compared the best travel insurance policies and providers . So, check out that guide to find the provider and policy that fits your needs best. You can also check a travel insurance aggregator to compare different policies quickly.

Most travel insurance policies exclude any loss incurred due to a preexisting medical condition. However, many policies include a process to obtain a waiver of the preexisting condition exclusion if you meet specific requirements. These requirements typically include purchasing the policy shortly after the first nonrefundable trip payment or deposit and being medically able to travel when you buy the policy. Some companies also require you to insure your trip's full, prepaid, nonrefundable cost to be eligible.

Likewise, all travel insurance policies have several exclusions. For example, most plans exclude medical benefits for injuries during adventure activities such as skydiving or skiing outside maintained trails.

Related: 7 things to look out for when buying travel insurance, according to an expert

Credit card travel protections

Some cards don't provide any special travel protections. But, many of the best travel rewards cards offer travel protections. Here's a look at our guides about some of the most common credit card travel protections:

• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay reimbursement
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Travel accident and emergency evacuation insurance

Check out our guide to the best cards that offer travel protections for more details on what card might be best for you. I also recommend reading the guide to benefits for your specific cards, as these documents will detail exactly what protections you can expect when you purchase travel with your card.

Note that some benefits require you to enroll — and virtually all require a formal claim process, with no reimbursement guarantee.

Related: Getting credit card travel insurance to cover the change fee on my Disney cruise

When to purchase travel insurance

Even if you have a credit card that offers travel protections, you may still want to purchase travel insurance for some trips. Here are some scenarios and trips for which it may make sense to purchase travel insurance.

Travel protections aren't offered

As discussed above, not all travel credit cards provide extensive travel protections when you book travel using the card. So, if you're using a card without travel protections or a card that only offers limited travel protections, you may want to purchase travel insurance .

Related: The best credit cards for booking flights

Some travelers aren't covered

Just because a card offers travel protections doesn't mean everyone traveling with you will be covered. In particular, travel protections usually only extend to select relatives of the cardholder. Your credit card's travel insurance may not cover friends, employees and relatives.

Related: Who is covered by your credit card travel insurance?

Adventure activities

If you plan to partake in an activity that most insurance policies exclude, you may want to purchase a travel insurance policy that explicitly includes your activity of choice.

For example, many policies exclude adventure sports like base jumping, sky diving, free soloing, diving, mountaineering and paragliding. You may want to consider purchasing insurance from an association involved in your adventure activity, such as Divers Alert Network (DAN) if you're a diver or German Alpine Group (DAV) if you partake in alpine sports.

You're concerned about preexisting conditions

Most credit card trip interruption and cancellation insurance benefits exclude cancellations or interruptions caused by a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition. So, you'll want to purchase travel insurance — and ensure you satisfy the provider's preexisting condition exclusion waiver conditions — if you want trip cancellation and interruption insurance that covers preexisting conditions.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Nonmedical evacuation insurance

If you want evacuation insurance for nonmedical reasons, you should purchase travel insurance that offers this coverage even if you have a credit card with evacuation insurance .

Read the benefits guide closely, as evacuation benefits may not cover every evacuation you might need. For example, some policies don't cover evacuation from an area with a travel warning when you booked your trip or evacuation from a place suddenly inaccessible due to a landslide or other environmental incident.

Related: A Medjet medical transport membership is different from travel insurance

Cancel for any reason

Suppose you are uncertain whether you'll be able to take your trip, and you're worried that applicable credit card trip protections won't reimburse you if you decide to cancel or interrupt for a reason that isn't covered. In that case, you may want to purchase cancel for any reason trip insurance .

Related: 6 truths and myths about cancel for any reason travel insurance

You want peace of mind

Some travelers prefer to buy travel insurance — for each trip or via an annual travel insurance plan — for the peace of mind that having a travel insurance policy brings. Especially given the issues travelers have faced with a specific credit card insurance provider , it may be worth buying a travel insurance plan if you don't feel confident your credit card travel insurance and individual health insurance will combine to provide enough coverage during your trip.

Related: Here's why I buy an annual travel insurance policy, even though my credit cards offer travel protections

When credit card travel protections may be enough

Suppose you don't fall into any of the categories above and use one of the best credit cards with travel insurance when making travel purchases. In that case, you may determine that credit card protections are enough for some (or all) of your trips. However, I only recommend relying on credit card protections if you also have health insurance that will provide adequate coverage at your destination.

Below is a collection of reasons you can rely on credit card protections instead of purchasing independent travel insurance. If some (or most) of these reasons apply to your trip, it may be reasonable for you to rely on credit card protections instead of buying travel insurance:

• You have personal health insurance that will cover you on your trip, even if treatment is out of network at your destination
• You book your trip with a credit card that provides travel insurance
• You have a credit card that provides medical evacuation benefits during your trip
• You make refundable travel plans that you can cancel for little or no fee
• You tend to change your plans frequently or book travel at the last minute
• You have an emergency fund that can cover unexpected expenses if needed
• You have airline miles or transferable points you can use to leave the area or return home if needed.
• You avoid especially high-risk activities and destinations

The decision of whether to buy travel insurance is complex and personal. If you don't feel confident that your credit card protections and individual health insurance will provide adequate coverage, it's likely worth buying travel insurance.

Related: Why you might want to get a premium credit card instead of purchasing travel insurance

Why credit card travel insurance is usually enough for me

After researching the best travel insurance policies and providers , I purchased travel insurance for one specific trip because I wanted political evacuation coverage. I also purchased travel insurance for two trips when the destination required travelers to carry insurance for COVID-19 treatment and quarantine.

But for most of my trips, credit card protections and individual health insurance provide enough coverage for me. After all, my travel usually looks like the following:

• My flights are often award flights that I can cancel and redeposit free of charge — or ones that carry minimal change and cancellation fees
• My lodging can almost always be canceled without a penalty until shortly before my stay
• If I book a tour or activity, it's usually within a few days of said tour or activity (or offers free cancellation)
• My health insurance provides out-of-network coverage outside the U.S., so travel insurance would only pay for my deductible. In addition, my out-of-pocket maximum for out-of-network care is low enough to cover using my emergency fund
• I book flights and pay for the taxes and fees for award flights using the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card , which provides excellent travel protections for a $95 annual fee card
• I have ample airline miles and transferable points that I can use to cover last-minute one-way flights if needed

As you can see, the benefits of purchasing travel insurance would be minimal for most of my trips. The travel protections I use most are trip delay protection and baggage delay protection , both of which the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card provides when I use it to pay for my flights.

Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred combo is perfect for couples who travel

Bottom line

As you book trips, you may wonder whether you should purchase travel insurance. One way to decide is to consider whether you'd be adequately covered without purchasing travel insurance if the worst happens.

If you're willing and able to cover the costs in this situation — or you feel confident you'd be adequately covered by your credit card's travel protections and health insurance — then you may want to proceed without buying travel insurance. Otherwise, I recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy shortly after you make the initial payment for your trip.

Please turn on JavaScript in your browser It appears your web browser is not using JavaScript. Without it, some pages won't work properly. Please adjust the settings in your browser to make sure JavaScript is turned on.

How does travel insurance work on a credit card.

Credit card travel insurance protects you from some unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt your travel plans. If your credit card includes travel insurance, you may be reimbursed if your travel is affected by weather, health issues or certain kinds of emergencies outside your control.

Typically, credit card travel insurance only covers the expenses that you charge to that specific card. And because different cards have different travel insurance policies, it's important to read the fine print in your card's terms and conditions to understand your coverage levels.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance provides protection for expenses associated with travel, both domestic and international. Travel insurance may reimburse you if your trip gets cancelled, delayed or interrupted--or if you have to pay medical costs that your primary health insurance can't cover.

Travel insurance benefits can be broken down into a few different categories:

• Trip cancellation insurance may reimburse you if your pre-booked, non-refundable flight (that was booked with the same credit card) is cancelled under unforeseen circumstances, such as injury or if your flight is cancelled due to weather conditions or other.
• Your credit card's trip cancellation insurance may reimburse you for prepaid flights and hotel stays booked with your credit card. 
• Trip interruption insurance (for trips that end earlier than planned) may cover expenses like the cost of a last-minute flight home. In most cases, only the part of your trip that was interrupted will be eligible for reimbursement.
• Travel delay insurance may reimburse expenses, such as a hotel stay, that arise from severe delays.
• Medical insurance works like a supplement to your existing health insurance, which may not cover medical costs that you incur abroad. Evacuation insurance covers the costs associated with an evacuation following a weather event or other disruption.
• Baggage insurance is supplemental to coverage provided by your airline or via your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Baggage coverage may reimburse you for the actual or replacement cost of your possessions, should they go missing as you travel.

What are the benefits of credit card travel insurance?

Many airlines and tour operators offer travel insurance as an add-on at point of purchase. Credit card travel insurance, on the other hand, is a feature offered on certain credit cards.

Credit card travel insurance provides the following benefits:

• Financial protection : Comprehensive credit card travel insurance can provide full coverage should a covered event--such as severe weather, a medical emergency affecting you or a loved one, or loss of employment--occur. In many cases, travel insurance may require you to pay any expenses out of pocket, then file a claim later for reimbursement.
• Evacuation assistance : If your credit card travel insurance includes evacuation coverage, you can get help securing transport when a covered event (like weather or a political incident) disrupts your travels. Depending on the coverage provided by your credit card travel insurance plan, even emergency medical evacuations such as those on a private jet-may be covered.
• Supplemental medical coverage : Many health insurance plans don't cover medical costs incurred outside the country. Even those that do are likely to charge a deductible. Credit card travel insurance that includes medical coverage may pay for some medical costs, including your primary plan's deductible.
• Peace of mind : Having credit card travel insurance can give you the confidence to make bold travel plans--or jet somewhere sunny in the dead of winter. A major storm might snarl your vacation plans, but with travel insurance you may get fully reimbursed.

What questions should I ask about credit card travel insurance?

Credit card travel insurance provides many benefits, but be sure to understand what coverage your card provides before you book a trip. Do your research and ask questions to maximize the value of your credit card's travel insurance program:

• What coverage levels does my card offer? Get a copy of your card's full terms and conditions to learn exactly what kinds of travel coverage are included.
• Are my family members covered by my credit card travel insurance? Travel insurance typically covers events that affect your immediate family: for example, if your child gets sick before you embark on a flight. Your more distant relatives--and pets--may not be covered, however.
• What specific events are covered? Understanding the events that can trigger a claim is crucial to getting the most out of travel insurance. For instance, involuntary unemployment may qualify you for cancellation protection--but leaving your job voluntarily may not.

Relying on credit card travel insurance

Credit card travel insurance can offer financial protection and peace of mind when you travel. Take the time to understand how your card's travel insurance works-and be aware that only expenses charged to your card are likely to be covered.

Chase Sapphire is an official partner of the PGA Championship .

• card travel tips
• credit card benefits

What to read next

Credit card basics how to find your frequent flyer number.

How do you find your frequent flyer number? Learn several ways you may be able to track down your number so you can use it when booking that flight.

credit card basics Guide to Chase Sapphire® travel insurance

Learn all about the travel insurance benefit that comes with Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards.

credit card basics The Chase Sapphire Lounge at the Sundance Film Festival

Discover the perks and benefits of being a Sapphire Reserve cardmember at Sundance Film Festival.

credit card basics Priority Pass San Diego: What to know

There is one lounge in the San Diego airport that is in the Priority Pass network, plus two spa locations and a restaurant.

martin-dm/ Getty Images

Advertiser Disclosure

Best credit cards for travel insurance

From trip cancellation to baggage delay and rental car protection, these cards have you covered

Published: August 17, 2022

Author: Aaron Broverman

Author: Lee Huffman

Editor: Brady Porche

How we Choose

The best credit cards for travel insurance offer valuable travel benefits that protect you when problems happen on your trip. Your ideal card should include a generous welcome bonus, strong earning power and attractive benefits that you’ll actually use.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Please review our list of best credit cards , or use our CardMatch™ tool to find cards matched to your needs.

Over the last year, travel has had its share of challenges. And, that’s especially true for airline travel, which has been plagued with delays and cancellations due to a perfect storm of increased demand, problems with staffing and other challenges.

When you fly, these types of interruptions can derail your entire vacation, making for a frustrating experience. But the good news is that there are credit cards that offer travel protections to cover expenses when your flight is delayed, interrupted or canceled. They may even cover certain expenses if your checked bag is lost or damaged. These perks can be pretty useful if you’re a regular traveler.

To help you get started, here’s a look at the best credit cards for travel insurance based on the features that are most important to you, as well as tips on how to choose the perfect option for your travel and spending style.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best travel insurance coverage amounts

Travel benefits rundown : Auto rental collision damage waiver; baggage delay insurance; emergency evacuation and transportation services; lost luggage reimbursement; roadside assistance; travel accident insurance; travel and emergency assistance services; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement

Why we picked it : The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers some of the top coverage amounts among travel credit cards. Your trip is covered against cancellation or interruption up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip, and when your trip is delayed more than six hours, you and your family are covered up to $500 per ticket. And in terms of baggage, you’ll receive lost baggage reimbursement of up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, even when your luggage is damaged, and baggage delay insurance for delays of more than six hours (up to $100 a day for five days).

The Reserve also offers emergency evacuation and transportation services for up to $100,000 if you or a member of your immediate family becomes sick or injured, as well as travel accident insurance of up to $1,000,000. And when you rent a car, you’ll receive primary rental car insurance for up to $75,000 against theft or damage to the vehicle.

• Generous travel protections
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge access
• Up to $100 in credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• $550 annual fee
• Lower sign-up bonus compared to similar premium cards (60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in your first three months)

Who should apply : If you’re a frequent traveler, can deal with the $550 annual fee and want access to a variety of solid travel insurances, this card is hard to beat. Plus, you’ll get stellar rewards rates on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards as well as on general travel purchases. For a full list of perks, be sure to read through our Chase Sapphire Reserve card benefits guide .

Who should skip : There are similar travel cards with slightly fewer offerings but much lower annual fees, such as the Sapphire Reserve’s sister card — the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, highlighted below. If you don’t anticipate spending enough to offset the Reserve’s annual fee (or use enough of its added statement credits), you might look elsewhere.

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best travel insurance coverage for a low annual fee

Travel benefits rundown : Auto rental collision damage waiver; baggage delay insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; roadside dispatch; travel accident insurance; travel and emergency assistance services; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement

Why we picked it : At first glance, it appears that the Sapphire Reserve and Preferred offer the same travel insurance coverages (minus emergency evacuation and transportation, which is only offered by the Reserve). But where they differ is in timing and coverage amounts — through which the Reserve offers better coverage.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card  charges one of the lowest annual fees ($95) of all the cards on this list, but you still receive some stellar travel insurance perks. The collision damage waiver for rental cars carries no country exclusion like many other credit cards (though you’ll receive coverage for up to the cash value of the vehicle), and you get many of the same benefits as the Sapphire Reserve.

Here’s a look at other travel insurance differences between the Preferred and Reserve:

• Travel accident insurance goes up $1,000,000 for the Reserve and up to $500,000 for the Preferred.
• Trip delay reimbursement starts at delays of six hours or more for the Reserve and 12 hours or more for the Preferred (or if an overnight stay is required). Both cards cover you and your family up to $500 per ticket for unreimbursed expenses.
• Roadside assistance with the Reserve covers you for up to $50 per incident four times a year, whereas you’ll need to pay for any services when using the Preferred’s Roadside Dispatch perk.
• Comparable travel insurance benefits without a large annual fee
• 80,000-point welcome bonus when you spend $4,000 in three months (for a reasonable annual fee)
• $50 annual statement credit when booking hotels through Chase
• 10 percent anniversary points bonus
• No airport lounge access or access to multiple travel-related statement credits
• Less elevated travel insurance perks compared to the Reserve

Who should apply : If you’re interested in a travel card with solid travel insurance benefits but can’t quite justify the Reserve’s high annual fee, you’ll do well with the Sapphire Preferred. Similarly, the card offers ongoing rewards on general travel and travel through Chase. For more information, you can read through our Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits guide .

Who should skip : The Sapphire Preferred is really only worth skipping if you’re looking for more elevated travel insurance perks, ongoing rewards or statement credits . Otherwise, it’s a great option.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Best range of travel insurance benefits

Travel benefits rundown : Travel assistance (including lost luggage reimbursement and legal assistance); travel inconvenience or delay insurance (including missed flights and luggage delays); trip cancellation and interruption insurance; travel accident insurance; car rental loss and damage insurance; various travel medical coverages (including emergency medical transportation, emergency medical services, emergency dental treatment and prescription expenses)

Why we picked it : The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a pretty comprehensive travel insurance package if you can handle its hefty $695 annual fee. It also comes with many of the same travel insurance benefits as the rest of the American Express travel card slate, but its benefits , in particular, are so significant that they’re worth a spot on this list.

Enjoy travel assistance that includes help tracking down lost luggage and, in the event it’s not found, get reimbursed for up to $1,200 per trip. This coverage also includes up to $10,000 per trip for legal assistance. With travel inconvenience insurance — including missed departures, connections and luggage delays — get up to $250 per person for additional travel and food and up to $1,000 for baggage delays of four hours or more. Further, secondary trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year, travel accident insurance covers up to $500,000 and car rental loss and damage insurance covers up to the repair cost or value of the car.

To round out the Amex’s Platinum’s premium travel insurance benefits, in the event of an emergency, you’ll receive: $100,000 for medical transportation, $250,000 for medical services, $1,000 for dental treatment and $1,000 for prescriptions.

• Extensive list of travel insurance benefits and annual statement credits
• Global Lounge Collection access, including the Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass Select lounges and more
• Exceptional 80,000-point welcome bonus when you spend $6,000 in your first six months
• Automatic hotel elite status
• Limited ongoing rewards categories if you spend quite a bit outside of travel
• Very high $695 annual fee

Who should apply : If you’re looking for the best of the best in terms of a travel rewards card, the Amex Platinum is hard to beat. Be sure, of course, that you can either afford to pay its high annual fee or would spend enough and use enough of its statement credits to offset the yearly cost. For more information on all that this premium American Express card has to offer, read our Amex Platinum benefits guide .

Who should skip : The Amex Platinum has a lot going on, and if you’re not interested in taking advantage of its many, many benefits (Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, Clear credit, hotel and airline credits, Uber, Walmart+, digital entertainment credits and more), you may be better off with a lower-fee travel card with slightly less robust travel insurance perks.

Capital One Venture X: Best for adding authorized users

Travel benefits rundown : Auto rental collision damage waiver; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; travel and emergency assistance services; trip delay reimbursement; travel accident insurance; lost luggage reimbursement

Why we picked it : With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , you can add up to four authorized users at no additional charge. These authorized users have access to the same trip protections, lounge access and other benefits as the primary cardholder — making it our pick for the best option for authorized user access.

The Venture X offers numerous travel protections, including an auto rental collision damage waiver of up to the cash value of the car (or up to $75,000 for new cars), trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $2,000 per person, travel accident insurance of up to $1,000,000, lost luggage reimbursement of up to $3,000 per trip for common carrier tickets, trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket when a trip is delayed for six hours or more (or requires an overnight stay), and travel and emergency assistance services (though you’ll need to pay any associated fees out of pocket).

• Reasonable annual fee given its ongoing rewards, welcome bonus and statement credit opportunities
• Ability to add up to four authorized users at no cost
• 75,000-mile welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in your first three months
• Cellphone protection
• Travel bonus categories limited to the Capital One Travel portal
• Not as many travel-related statement credits compared to other premium travel cards

Who should apply : If you’re looking for a premium travel card with quality travel insurance benefits and a few statement credits, but without an incredibly high annual fee, the Venture X could be the right choice for you. Other Capital One Venture X benefits include an annual travel statement credit, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges.

Who should skip : If you aren’t keen on booking a majority of your travel through the Capital One portal, you may look elsewhere. This card offers 10X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through the portal, 5X miles on flights booked through the portal and just 2X miles on all other purchases.

Bank of America Premium Rewards: Best for large bank balances

Travel benefits rundown : Trip delay reimbursement; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; baggage delay insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; travel and emergency assistance services; emergency evacuation and transportation coverage; auto rental collision damage waiver; roadside dispatch

Why we picked it : Travelers who maintain large bank balances can earn up to 75 percent more rewards with the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card thanks to Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program. In addition to travel insurance protections, you’ll earn 2X points on travel and dining and 1.5X points on everything else. With the 75 percent maximum bonus, your earning power grows up to 3.5X and 2.625X, respectively.

In terms of travel insurance benefits, you’ll receive trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket when a trip is delayed for more than 12 hours, trip cancellation/interruption insurance of up to $2,500 for non-refundable tickets and baggage delay insurance of up to $100 per day for five days when baggage has been delayed for six or more hours. You’ll also get lost luggage reimbursement, travel and emergency assistance services, emergency evacuation and transportation coverage, an auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside dispatch, as noted above.

• Monthly bonus for large banking balances via the Preferred Rewards program
• Airline incidental and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits
• 50,000-point welcome bonus when you spend $3,000 in your first 90 days
• Relatively low $95 annual fee
• Requires larger deposit balances to get maximum value from Preferred Rewards program
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Lack of more premium travel benefits

Who should apply : If you’re already a Bank of America banking customer and are looking to boost your card’s rewards rates, owning the Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a great way to do so. Plus, you’ll get access to some pretty valuable travel insurance benefits. For more information, consider reading through our Bank of America Premium Rewards card benefits guide .

Who should skip : If you don’t carry at least a $20,000 balance within a Bank of America account, getting this card for the Preferred Rewards program points boost really isn’t worth it. Instead, consider looking toward the Sapphire Preferred, as it offers comparable travel insurance benefits, but with higher ongoing rewards rates and a bigger first-year bonus.

Comparing the best credit cards for travel insurance

Types of travel insurance coverage on credit cards.

Rewards credit cards  offer valuable travel insurance protections that can help you save money and protect your travel plans. Benefits vary by card, but the most common types of credit card travel insurance benefits include:

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance : This coverage reimburses travelers for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses when a trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather or other covered situations.
• Trip delay reimbursement : When travel is delayed by a set number of hours or requires an overnight stay, trip delay reimbursement covers unreimbursed expenses. Qualifying expenses can include meals and lodging, for example.
• Lost luggage reimbursement : When your checked or carry-on luggage is damaged or lost by the airline, this coverage reimburses travelers for replacing clothing, toiletries, luggage and more.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver : This waiver protects the cardholder when the rental car is damaged or stolen. Coverage is primary or secondary, and it does not cover damage to other property or injuries to people inside or outside the vehicle.
• Emergency evacuation and transportation : If you or an immediate family member becomes injured or sick during a trip and requires emergency evacuation, this benefit covers medical expenses and transportation.

How to choose a credit card for travel insurance

With so many travel credit cards offering travel insurance benefits, some consumers may have difficulty picking the right one. Here are a few factors you should consider before applying:

• Travel protection limits. How much does the card reimburse or cover in case your travel plans are affected? And how many people are included?
• Travel protection exclusions. How long do you have to wait before the card’s benefits can be used?
• Welcome bonus. Does the card offer an attractive welcome bonus, and can you meet the minimum spending requirements within the allotted time frame?
• Earning power. Review the card’s ongoing rewards rates to determine if they align with how you spend.
• Other card perks. What other perks does the card offer beyond travel protections? If it offers statement credits or discounts that you likely won’t use, there’s likely a cheaper option for you.
• Annual fee. Are the card’s features, benefits and earning power worth the annual fee?
• Authorized users. Does the card allow authorized users — and if it does, how much does it cost to add them?

Bottom line

There are many credit cards that can cover you in the event your next trip gets pushed back or ruined altogether. While the best travel credit cards with travel insurance all offer similar protections, the benefits or terms vary by card.

Besides the travel protections offered, be sure to compare benefits, earning power and annual fees to find the card that best fits your lifestyle and travel plans.

Editorial Disclaimer

The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

Aaron Broverman has been covering personal finance for over a decade for Creditcards.com starting with its former sister site Creditcards.com Canada. His personal finance work has also appeared on Yahoo, Money Under 30 and Bankrate.

Lee Huffman spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager before quitting his corporate job to write full time. He contributes to CreditCards.com and has been writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance and other personal finance topics since 2012. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less and live better through the power of travel rewards.

On this page

• Types of travel insurance coverage
• Best travel insurance coverage amounts
• Best travel insurance coverage for a low annual fee
• Best range of travel insurance benefits
• Best for adding authorized users
• Best for large bank balances
• Comparing cards for travel insurance
• How to choose a card

Essential reads, delivered straight to your inbox

Stay up-to-date on the latest credit card news 一 from product reviews to credit advice 一 with our newsletter in your inbox twice a week.

By providing my email address, I agree to CreditCards.com’s Privacy Policy

Your credit cards journey is officially underway.

Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll be sending over your first message soon.

Learn more about Card advice

Best business credit cards with a 0% intro APR

Plenty of business cards offer generous introductory APRs on new purchases, offering increased payment flexibility for small business owners. Here are some of our favorites.

Best travel credit cards for beginners

It’s a great time to plan your post-pandemic vacation and get your first travel credit card. But which card should it be?

Best credit cards for expedited airport security screening

Best flat-rate cash back credit cards

Best credit card combinations for everyday spending

Best credit cards for restaurants in 2023

Explore more categories

• Credit management
• To Her Credit

Questions or comments?

Editorial corrections policies

CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Since 2004, CreditCards.com has worked to break down the barriers that stand between you and your perfect credit card. Our team is made up of diverse individuals with a wide range of expertise and complementary backgrounds. From industry experts to data analysts and, of course, credit card users, we’re well-positioned to give you the best advice and up-to-date information about the credit card universe.

Let’s face it — there’s a lot of jargon and high-level talk in the credit card industry. Our experts have learned the ins and outs of credit card applications and policies so you don’t have to. With tools like CardMatch™ and in-depth advice from our editors, we present you with digestible information so you can make informed financial decisions.

Our top goal is simple: We want to help you narrow down your search so you don’t have to stress about finding your next credit card. Every day, we strive to bring you peace-of-mind as you work toward your financial goals.

A dedicated team of CreditCards.com editors oversees the automated content production process — from ideation to publication. These editors thoroughly edit and fact-check the content, ensuring that the information is accurate, authoritative and helpful to our audience.

Editorial integrity is central to every article we publish. Accuracy, independence and authority remain as key principles of our editorial guidelines. For further information about automated content on CreditCards.com , email Lance Davis, VP of Content, at [email protected] .

Which Credit Cards Offer Medical Evacuation Insurance?

This credit card benefit could save your life – and thousands of dollars.

Which Cards Have Medevac Coverage?

Getty Images

Medical evacuation credit card coverage is typically most helpful for those who travel frequently.

Some of the links on this site contain offers from our partners .

If you become seriously ill while you're on vacation, your credit card might be able to help you get the treatment you need.

Medical evacuation coverage is a rare but potentially life-saving benefit offered by some high-end credit cards. And if you're visiting an area hit particularly hard by the coronavirus disease pandemic , you might be wondering how this coverage applies. Here's what you need to know about credit card medical evacuation coverage.

What Is Medical Evacuation Insurance?

Medical evacuation coverage , also known as medical evacuation insurance or medevac insurance, helps cover the costs to transport you to the nearest medical facility if you become injured or seriously ill during a trip, says Steven Dashiell, credit cards writer for consumer advice resource Finder.

"The exact policies and requirements of each card's coverage differ enough that you'll want to spend a little time reading your guide to benefits before taking that trip," says Dashiell. If the full details aren't listed in your guide to benefits, you may need to request the full terms from your benefits administrator.

Typically, you must call the benefits administrator before you request a medical evacuation. "You can't just incur expenses related to a medical evacuation and assume they'll be covered," says David Bakke, credit card expert at personal finance blog DollarSanity.

In general, the benefits administrator gets a physician on the phone to determine whether and where you need to be evacuated. Typically, you're taken to the nearest location that can treat your medical issues.

What Are the Limitations of Medical Evacuation Coverage?

You'll need to read the fine print to understand when your medical evacuation coverage applies. Your insurance might limit:

• Who the benefit covers
• When coverage is available
• The dollar amount covered
• Time periods of travel allowed
• Coverage of preexisting conditions
• Coverage of certain activities
• What services are offered

Does Medical Evacuation Coverage Apply to the Coronavirus?

It's possible, but not likely, you can use credit card medevac coverage if you've been affected by the coronavirus. The coverage applies if you need to be evacuated for treatment, so it could help if you become ill while traveling to an area with inadequate medical care. But don't count on using it to get home if you're healthy and concerned about catching the virus.

"If you were hoping for a covered ride to escape a quarantined cruise ship, you're out of luck, unless you're demonstrably ill," says Dashiell.

Even if you're sick and need care that isn't available where you are, there may be additional limitations. Bakke points out that some credit card medevac coverage excludes countries with travel warnings. Since the State Department recently advised avoiding international travel , "that would probably bolster the claim that medical evacuation insurance is not covered regarding the coronavirus," he said.

He adds that cardholders can reach out directly to their credit card company to inquire whether they would be covered.

Which Credit Cards Offer Medical Evacuation Coverage?

If you want a premium travel credit card that offers this coverage, expect to pay above-average annual fees to match the above-average benefits. Credit cards with medical evacuation coverage include:

Chase Sapphire Reserve . Chase Sapphire Reserve's emergency evacuation and transportation benefit offers up to $100,000 of necessary emergency evacuation and transportation expenses as well as repatriation of remains coverage of up to $1,000. This coverage is for you, your spouse and eligible children under age 19, or under age 26 if they are enrolled as full-time students at an accredited university.

The coverage kicks in if covered people are injured or become ill while traveling and the situation results in an emergency evacuation. You must charge any part of your covered trip to your card or rewards program associated with your account to qualify for this coverage.

The Platinum Card from American Express . The Platinum Card from American Express offers emergency medical transportation assistance through its Premium Global Assist Hotline. It covers cardholders or another covered family members, which includes your spouse or domestic partner and dependents up to age 23, or 26 if they are full-time students. Coverage applies to those traveling on the same trip itinerary as the cardholder.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card. The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers emergency evacuation and transportation services when you use your covered card to buy travel tickets. This coverage is secondary to any other coverage you have, including medical insurance.

Do You Need Medical Evacuation Credit Card Coverage?

If you don't travel, it isn't worth it for you to choose a card solely for medical evacuation coverage. Medical evacuation credit card coverage usually only kicks in if you're traveling. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card specifically excludes coverage within 100 miles of your residence. But if you plan to travel , this coverage could help you avoid a massive bill.

Medical evacuation costs can vary dramatically depending on evacuation type and medical severity. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a 52-mile air ambulance trip could cost between $12,000 and $25,000 per flight. Evacuation to the United States from a foreign country could be in the six-figure range.

Ultimately, you need a level of medevac coverage you feel comfortable with. If your card doesn't provide enough coverage for a trip you're planning, you could purchase a travel insurance policy that includes medical evacuation coverage outside what your credit cards offer. As with credit card benefits, make sure you read the policy details to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Tags: credit cards , Coronavirus

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Guide to Citi Credit Card Travel Insurance

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Do Citi cards have travel insurance?

Car rental insurance, costco anywhere visa® card by citi travel insurance benefits, citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard® travel insurance coverage, does citibank offer travel insurance.

Citi credit cards provide a host of benefits, including some generous points and miles earning opportunities (depending on the card you have).

But, when it comes to travel insurance, let’s just say it’s not necessarily Citi cards' strong suit.

Still, there are Citibank travel insurance benefits you should know about to ensure you use the right card when paying for your next trip. Here are the primary benefits associated with Citi card travel insurance.

Only two Citi cards have travel insurance, and each one has a different set of benefits: The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

on Citibank's application

Both cards provide rental car insurance.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi also offers roadside assistance, worldwide travel accident insurance and a 24/7 concierge for travel and emergency assistance. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , on the other hand, offers baggage protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay protections.

» Learn more: Best Citi credit cards right now

If you use either of the two Citi credit cards listed above to pay for a car rental, Citi travel insurance will protect any damages to a rental car up to $50,000.

This amount will cover the cost of repairs or the cash value of the car, whichever is lower. It applies anywhere you rent a car — there are no geographic limitations — as long as the rental period is no longer than 31 days. Citibank travel insurance covers accidental damage, theft, vandalism or a natural disaster, and any necessary towing costs.

Citi's rental car insurance is secondary when renting a car within the U.S., but if you're renting outside of the country, it switches to primary coverage.

With secondary insurance, you need to rely on any other insurance coverage you have before Citi’s car rental insurance kicks in. Primary insurance, alternatively, will be the first line of coverage you have.

Coverage wouldn't apply if you rent the car to someone else or operate a rental car as a rideshare vehicle. It also only covers the car, not any personal injuries that might result from an accident.

There are several types of vehicles that are excluded from coverage. These include:

Trucks, pickup trucks, trailers, full-size vans on a truck chassis or recreational vehicles like campers and off-road vehicles.

Motorcycles or motorized bikes.

Commercial vehicles or cargo vans.

Any vehicle with fewer than four wheels.

Antique vehicles older than 20 years or that have not been made in the past decade.

Limousines.

Sport-utility trucks or open, flat-bed trucks.

Any vehicle that retails for over $50,000.

» Learn more: Rental car insurance explained

Roadside assistance

When driving in the U.S., roadside assistance is available for Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders by calling 866-918-4670.

Roadside assistance is valuable in the event of an accident, loss of fuel or other vehicle malfunction. Keep in mind that you would still have to pay for the assistance (like a tow truck, for example), but this benefit makes it easy to reach someone with one phone call.

Citi card provides access to similar assistance as a membership program like AAA . The difference is that AAA’s annual fee covers roadside assistance fees while Citi's coverage doesn't; it solely provides access to someone who can help you for a reduced rate.

Several credit cards provide some type of roadside assistance and are worth considering before paying the annual fee for AAA.

Worldwide travel accident insurance

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi includes accident insurance, which covers the cardholder or family members if they are injured or killed when traveling on a common carrier (any vehicle that is licensed to carry passengers like a bus, plane, cruise ship or train).

You will need to have used the Citi card to cover the entire cost of the travel on that common carrier for the benefit to apply. The maximum coverage is $250,000.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

Travel and emergency assistance

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi card provides access to a 24/7 concierge to help you with a disruption to your trip. This can include medical assistance, referrals to a doctor or legal help. It can also help if you need to adjust travel plans.

Just remember, you’ll be responsible for paying for any services used, but the call is toll-free.

Baggage protection

Only available for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , this luggage protection provides coverage if your checked bag is stolen, lost or damaged.

The insurance covers as much as $3,000 per person ($2,000 for New York residents), but only kicks in if you use the card or American AAdvantage miles to pay for the trip.

» Learn more: The guide to baggage insurance

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

If a covered traveler has a medical emergency or dies, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® coverage can provide reimbursement for up to $5,000 in eligible nonrefundable expenses.

You would need to use the card or American AAdvantage miles to pay for the trip.

Trip delay protection

Another benefit that’s reserved only for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is trip delay protection . This coverage kicks in if your trip is delayed by at least six hours, and offers reimbursement for expenses incurred during the delay, up to $500 per trip.

This would include reasonable purchases like hotel stays, rental cars and meals.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Citibank travel insurance is available, but limited. It is only offered on two cards and isn't as comprehensive as other credit cards with travel insurance .

Both cards include rental car coverage, but beyond this, each has its own set of benefits. Depending on which one you hold, it may include coverage like trip delay protection or roadside assistance.

People hold Citi cards for many reasons, including the ability to earn transferable Citi ThankYou Points . But, the travel insurance benefits are somewhat limited. If you have a Citi card, review the travel insurance perks before you take off to understand your coverage.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Capital One Main Navigation

• Learn & Grow
• Life Events
• Money Management
• More Than Money
• Privacy & Security
• Business Resources

How does travel insurance through Capital One cards work?

December 14, 2023 | 6 min read

Ever found yourself scrambling for lost luggage when you’re traveling? Or trying to book alternate flights due to bad weather? These kinds of events can be stressful—and costly. When the unexpected happens, travel insurance through your card could help protect you from travel expenses beyond your control.

Many cardholders have travel insurance as part of their card benefits. Coverage varies by card, issuer and the network that provides the benefits. To prepare for your next trip, you might want to check out whether your card offers travel insurance and what benefits come with it. 

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance through your card could help protect you from paying for unexpected expenses if something goes wrong when you travel.
• Card travel insurance may offer coverage for both domestic and international travel.
• Your coverage depends on your card. Check your card’s benefits guide for details.
• Travel insurance is offered to Capital One cardholders through the Visa® and Mastercard® networks.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Redeem your miles for flights, vacation rentals and more. Terms apply.

What is credit card travel insurance?

Card travel insurance can help protect you financially when you incur unexpected expenses during travel. Whether you’re visiting family, flying abroad or driving across the country, card travel insurance can be a kind of safety net.

By booking and paying for a trip with a card that offers travel insurance benefits, you could get compensation up to a set limit for your unexpected expenses. For example, some Capital One rewards credit cards offer benefits like travel accident insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.* 

What types of coverage does card travel insurance provide?

Imagine traveling with peace of mind, knowing that a potential accident or expensive mishap could be reimbursed. With travel insurance through your card, you could be covered in a number of scenarios. 

Every card is different, so be sure to check your card’s terms and conditions to see what types of travel insurance you might receive. Here are a few of the most common types of coverage you may have access to:

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Canceling a trip at the last minute or cutting it short can be disappointing. But getting your money back for flights and reservations you didn’t end up using might help relieve your stress. 

If you booked and paid for your trip with a card that offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, you may qualify for reimbursement in certain situations, like these:

• Severe weather at the beginning of a trip
• Unexpected health issues or accidental injuries 
• Death of someone in your travel party or an immediate family member

You may want to make sure you’re aware of situations that aren’t typically covered by this type of insurance. For example, exclusions can include preexisting medical conditions or when a travel agency, hotel or airline goes out of business. Check the terms of your card to learn more about trip cancellation insurance.

Maximum reimbursement depends on your card and can vary significantly. Some cards might offer up to $2,000 per trip. (For others, it could be less.)

Trip delay insurance

Travel schedules don’t always go as planned. Flights may get delayed or severe weather may affect your travels. Or you may need to pay for a meal or last-minute hotel room while you wait. If you paid for your trip with a card that has trip delay insurance, certain reasonable costs you incur during the delay might be covered.

Cards may vary in how long the delay must be before coverage kicks in. But having travel delay insurance could help take care of your most urgent needs.

Rental car insurance

If you pay for a rental car with your card, you might be able to skip the added cost of buying insurance through the rental company. Credit card rental car insurance could cover collisions, theft and towing if your car breaks down while you’re traveling.

This type of insurance usually goes into effect after your regular auto insurance policy does. Whether you’re renting a car in the U.S. or abroad may affect whether you’ll need additional coverage and how much. Remember, rental car insurance usually only covers the vehicle. You may need to buy liability coverage when traveling internationally if your personal auto policy is limited to the U.S.

Lost or delayed baggage insurance

Imagine that you’re waiting in the baggage claim area after a flight, confident that you packed everything you need for your trip. But your luggage never rolls by on the carousel. 

Lost, delayed or even stolen baggage can interrupt your trip. If you need to buy replacement items, you could be reimbursed.

Travel accident insurance

While travel often goes smoothly, sometimes it doesn’t. Accidents happen. Travel accident insurance could provide an added layer of support. In cases of severe injury or death, you or your family members could receive benefits if you booked and paid for your trip with a card that offers travel accident insurance.

Where will Venture X take you?

Earn 75,000 bonus miles and other exclusive perks with the Venture X card.

How do you file a travel insurance claim?

If you need to file a travel insurance claim, you can start by reading your card’s benefits guide to get the specifics on your travel insurance. That way, you can know which travel events are covered and for how much.

It can be a good idea to save your purchase receipts while you’re traveling. Then you’ll have a paper trail if you want to be reimbursed for things like replacement articles of clothing, a last-minute hotel booking or a trip to the emergency room.

Finally, you can file a claim by contacting the administrator listed in your card’s benefits guide. Check if there’s a time limit on how long you have to file a claim after the travel incident. You may have to answer a few questions, complete a form and submit your receipts to complete the claim. If your claim is accepted, you may be compensated for the covered expenses you paid for with your personal funds. 

Capital One card travel insurance FAQ

Here are a few frequently asked questions about travel insurance in general and travel insurance through a Capital One card  in particular: 

Do cards automatically have travel insurance?

Not necessarily. Some cards, like the Capital One Venture card , offer travel insurance. But some may not. If you’re not sure about your card, check its benefits guide for more information.

Do I have to pay extra for travel insurance?

That may depend on your card. Some cards may include travel insurance at no charge. Others may allow you to purchase additional travel protection benefits for a fee. And some might charge an annual fee that may be balanced out by premium travel benefits and enhanced travel insurance protection. 

Is my family covered under my Capital One card’s travel insurance?

Coverage for family members generally depends on your card issuer and network. For example, if you’re a Mastercard or Visa cardholder, your spouse is typically covered. Depending on their ages, your kids may be covered as well. Capital One cardholders can learn about their travel insurance benefits by reading their benefits guide.

Does travel insurance through my Capital One card cover flight cancellation?

Some Capital One cards may offer flight cancellation insurance as part of their travel insurance coverage. Check your benefits guide to see whether your card provides this type of protection. Your guide will also detail the process of filing a claim if your flight gets canceled unexpectedly. If you want the freedom to cancel your flight for any reason, consider booking your flight through Capital One Travel . 

Capital One card travel insurance in a nutshell

Capital One’s card travel insurance can help protect you when things go wrong while you’re traveling, whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad. If you’re interested in learning whether your card comes with travel insurance, be sure to check its benefits guide to learn more.

If you’re ready to take advantage of this travel protection, apply for a Capital One travel and miles rewards card today. If you’re approved for either Venture or Venture X , you’ll have the opportunity to earn 75,000 bonus miles that you can redeem for flights, hotels, vacation rentals and more.

Other ways to maximize your travel benefits

Who wouldn’t want to get the most out of their credit card? Here are some things to know about Capital One travel rewards credit cards: 

Get a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Capital One Venture X card and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary. ( View important rates and disclosures .)

Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and get 75,000 bonus miles upon signup with the Capital One Venture card . ( View important rates and disclosures .)

Earn unlimited 1.25X miles with no annual fee with the Venture One card from Capital One . ( View important rates and disclosures .) 

Explore travel rewards card options by comparing Capital One Venture cards . 

Learn how Venture X cardholders can get access to a worldwide network of airport lounges thanks to a complimentary Priority Pass membership .

Related Content

Capital one rewards credit card benefits.

article | April 30, 2024 | 8 min read

How does rental car insurance through credit cards work?

article | April 23, 2024 | 6 min read

16 travel packing tips for your next adventure

article | June 1, 2023 | 9 min read

• Find a Branch
• Call 1-800-769-2511

Travel Medical Insurance for RBC Clients 1

Emergency medical treatment can cost thousands.

Protect yourself with unlimited coverage for eligible emergency medical expenses 2 and 24/7 assistance.

Get a Quote

Essential coverage for canadian travellers, classic medical plan.

Single Trip: Ages 0-64 Multi-Trip: Ages 0-64

For travellers who need emergency medical coverage for trips outside their home province or territory.

• Unlimited emergency medical 2
• Direct payment of emergency medical bills 4
• 24-hour worldwide emergency medical assistance
• No deductible payment required

See More See Less

• No health questions required
• Stable Definition opens in new window pre-existing medical conditions are covered 3
• Single trip and multi-trip annual plan options opens in new window
• 9-, 16-, 30- and 60-day trip duration options available for multi-trip annual plans (call for 30- and 60-day options)
• Family plan pricing available

Insurance Documents:

For complete coverage details, limitations and exclusions, see:

• Classic Medical (Single Trip) Quebec Documents Opens PDF in a new window
• Classic Medical (Multi-Trip Annual) Quebec Documents Opens PDF in a new window

TravelCare ® Medical Plan

Single Trip: Ages 65+ Multi-Trip: Ages 65+

For travellers age 65 and up who need emergency medical coverage for trips outside their home province or territory.

• A few health questions are required
• Stable Definition opens in new window pre-existing conditions may be covered depending on the TravelCare Category opens in new window for which you qualify
• TravelCare Medical (Single Trip) Quebec Documents Opens PDF in a new window
• TravelCare Medical (Multi-Trip Annual) Quebec Documents Opens PDF in a new window

4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip Annual Medical Plan

For travellers who want the ability to take unlimited quick trips outside their home province or territory in the next year for one low price.

• No medical questions and no health exam
• Stable Definition opens in new window pre-existing conditions are covered
• Family plan pricing available (to age 59)
• 4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip Annual Medical Plan Opens PDF in a new window
• 4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip Annual Medical Plan Quebec Documents Opens PDF in a new window

Make sure you have the right travel insurance—get an online quote or call the Enrollment Centre.

Have an RBC Royal Bank credit card with travel coverage?

If you’re using an RBC Royal Bank credit card to pay for your trip in full, see if your card provides enough coverage for your trip.

See If My Card Covers Me

View Legal Disclaimers Hide Legal Disclaimers

Travel HealthProtector Has Been Replaced with New and Improved Coverage!

On May 1, 2020, we replaced Travel HealthProtector insurance with a new travel insurance product lineup.

RBC clients 1 can now enjoy:

• More choice, including robust travel insurance packages and travel medical plans
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance as part of a package or stand-alone plan
• A shorter and simpler medical questionnaire (for clients age 65 and older vs. age 60 and older)

1) RBC client is defined as a client of the RBC Companies or a spouse or child(ren) of a client.

• Book Travel
• Credit Cards

Which Credit Cards Have the Best Insurance for Seniors?

Insurance coverage offered by credit cards often doesn’t get the same attention as a card’s other benefits. However, it’s an important element to be aware of, particularly for travellers over the age of 65.

While some insurance coverage is fairly comparable among credit cards within the same tier, this isn’t the case when it comes to emergency medical coverage, which can differ dramatically between the cards.

In this guide, we’ll outline the best options for securing coverage for you or your loved ones.

Emergency Medical Care Outside of Your Province of Residence

Before delving into the cards themselves, it’s important to go over what this insurance covers, and to establish a baseline of the lower-end of what you can expect in terms of coverage.

Emergency medical care insurance coverage is designed to reimburse you for a certain dollar amount in the event that you’re injured or experience a medical emergency while travelling outside your home province.

This coverage becomes even more relevant if you’re travelling internationally, where it may be more difficult to navigate and understand the local medical system and its costs.

With coverage, not only do you have peace of mind when you travel, but you can also prioritize getting care without worry, should you run into some bad luck.

As we mentioned above, the emergency medical care coverage can vary considerably across different credit cards; therefore, to establish a baseline from which to compare, let’s first look at the coverage offered by two popular cards.

Our first example, the American Express Cobalt Card, offers emergency medical coverage for the first 15 consecutive days of your trip if you’re 64 years old or under; however, once the cardholder turns 65, there’s no coverage at all.

Looking at higher-end cards, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card offers emergency medical coverage for an incrementally better four days if you’re 65 or older.

As we can see, neither of these cards offers much in the way of emergency medical coverage for travellers over 65.

Therefore, you’ll want to consider a credit card that provides the best insurance for anyone travelling in their golden years.

As always, be sure to read the card’s insurance booklet to understand what’s covered in your specific situation. If you ever have any questions, reach out to the card issuer to confirm what’s included.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

In Canada, the gold standard of insurance coverage is set by the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. Travellers over 65 years old are covered for up to 15 days when travelling out of province. The coverage lasts until you turn 76, at which point you’re no longer covered.

It’s also important to note that if you have a pre-existing illness or injury or if there have been changes to your health within six months of your departure date, you won’t be covered if you suffer an accident directly or indirectly related to the pre-existing condition.

If you qualify for coverage, National Bank will cover you up to $5,000,000 for emergency medical care if you end up needing it.

We consider the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the best credit card for insurance in Canada. If you make a booking with points, you’ll also be covered, which is another one of the card’s mainstay features.

• Earn 5 x rewards points on grocery and restaurant spend
• Get travel insurance on award travel, as well as medical coverage on longer trips for ages up to 75.
• Receive $150 in annual credits for airport parking, baggage fees, seat selection fees, lounge access, and airline ticket upgrades
• Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Annual fee: $150

HSBC World Elite Mastercard

The HSBC World Elite Mastercard has historically been another staple in Canadians’ wallets, due to its lack of foreign exchange fees. However, following the announcement that RBC would acquire HSBC, the card has subsequently been closed to new applications as of October 2023.

It’s unclear what the future holds for this and other HSBC cards, but if you’re currently a cardholder, then it’s business as usual until we hear otherwise.

This is good news, as the HSBC World Elite Mastercard also has quite a generous policy when it comes to emergency medical coverage for seniors.

For people 65 years of age or older, you receive emergency medical coverage for up to 21 consecutive days after you leave your province of residence. This is an improvement over the length of coverage from the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, and there’s no upper limit specified for age, which is outstanding.

While HSBC has a more favourable inclusion list, the insurance coverage is less, at $2,000,000 instead of the $5,000,000 offered by National Bank.

Combined with no foreign transaction fees, competitive earning rates, and generous insurance policy for seniors, it’s no wonder the HSBC World Elite Mastercard was such a popular choice among Canadians.

Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege

A less talked about card that deserves a spot on this list is the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card, which has a similar insurance structure to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard.

If you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible for emergency medical coverage for up to 15 days from when you leave the province in which you reside. However, once you turn 76, you would no longer be eligible for any coverage.

You’ll be covered up to a maximum of $5,000,000 per person, excluding situations where you have a pre-existing condition, in which case, you won’t be covered if your accident while travelling is related to said condition.

Note that your pre-existing condition window goes back 182 days from date of departure.

Unlike the other cards on this list, the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege is a cash back card, rather than a travel-focused card. It has an annual fee of $295 (CAD) for members, or $395 (CAD) for non-members, which is a fairly steep fee to pay.

• Earn  4% cash back  on restaurant purchases
• Earn  3% cash back  on grocery and travel purchases
• Earn  1.75%   cash back  on everything else
• Access DragonPass airport lounges with six complimentary visits
• Best in-class medical and travel insurance coverage
• Minimum income: $200,000 household
• Annual fee: $395

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

When it comes to emergency medical coverage, especially for those older than 65, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card comes out ahead of its premium Aeroplan co-branded credit card counterparts.

The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card offers 10 consecutive days of coverage for people 65 or older, which is more than its TD counterpart’s four days of coverage.

As usual, pre-existing conditions exclude you from coverage if your emergency is related or indirectly related to your existing condition.

However, keep in mind that unlike the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card, there’s no specified age maximum for coverage. Therefore, you’ll still be eligible for insurance, even if you’re over the age of 76.

This card is a great addition to your wallet if you tend to make shorter trips away from home, and want to remain in the Aeroplan ecosystem.

You’ll also enjoy benefits like lounge access, priority services, and a free checked bag when travelling with Air Canada.

• Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase †
• Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $15,000 in the first four months †
• Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of  30,000 Aeroplan points upon renewing the card for a second year, after having spent at least $25,000 in the first year †
• Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases †
• Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, dining, food delivery, electric vehicle charging, and other travel purchases †
• Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights †
• Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access †
• DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year †
• NEXUS application credit †
• Minimum income: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
• Annual fee: $599

While most credit cards don’t offer travel insurance coverage for travellers over the age of 65, and even fewer cover those who are 76 and older, there are still a few standout cards that extend emergency medical protection to travellers in their golden years.

Having emergency medical coverage while you’re travelling is an important way to stay safe and healthy, and to provide yourself and your loved ones with peace of mind.

No matter your age, there’s a card out there that will extend some sort of coverage to you, so make sure to keep that in mind before embarking on your next adventure.

• Earn 80,000 MR points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months
• Plus, earn  40,000 MR points  upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
• And, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
• Also, receive a $200 annual travel credit
• Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
• Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
• Credits and rebates for business expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
• Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
• Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
• Annual fee: $799

Go through the insurance with a highlight marker, and then mark your concerns. Get answers to your questions before you go. For pre-existing conditions, some only allow them to be stable for 3 months beforehand, others 6 months.

Thanks for the article

Speaking as a senior, I would never rely on a credit card for emergency medical travel insurance. Most seniors are on some sort of medication and/or have pre-existing conditions. Most travel insurance, both CC and private, has a long list of conditions and exclusions. You usually only find out about them AFTER you make a claim.

If you’re concerned about emergency medical situations when you travel outside Canada, then find a travel insurer who will cover you without excluding pre-existing conditions or at least make sure they tell you beforehand what you’re actually covered for based on your specific medical conditions. Naturally, expect to pay more, perhaps a lot more, than younger people for coverage that you can actually rely on should you need it.

Otherwise you’re just gambling.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Prince of Travel is Canada’s leading resource for using frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and loyalty programs to travel the world at a fraction of the price.

Join our Sunday newsletter below to get weekly updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Have a question? Just ask.

Business Platinum Card from American Express

120,000 MR points

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

85,000 Aeroplan points

American Express Platinum Card

100,000 MR points

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†

Latest News

Buy Avianca LifeMiles with a Mystery Bonus

Deals May 3, 2024

Marriott Homes & Villas Promotion: Stay Two Nights, Earn 50,000 Points

Deals May 2, 2024

Hilton Honors Summer 2024 Global Promotion: Earn Double Points

Recent discussion, amex upgrade offers: green to cobalt & cobalt to gold, the beginner’s guide to td, air miles® expands earning at wholesale clubs and other retailers, the complete guide to british airways first class, rbc changes earning rates on the rbc® british airways visa infinite†, prince of travel elites.

Points Consulting

• Travel Insurance

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Travel Insurance For Canada: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Updated: Apr 30, 2024, 1:13pm

Table of Contents

Do you need travel insurance for canada, what type of travel insurance do you need, what does travel insurance for canada cover, what does travel insurance exclude, best travel insurance for canada, frequently asked questions (faqs).

From hiking trails in Ontario to traversing the slopes of the famous ski resort town of Whistler, there is no shortage of places to visit in Canada.

The vast North American country is a popular destination for travel-loving Aussies. In addition to a growing share of business travelers, more than 350,000 Australian tourists typically visit Canada each year.

While visitor numbers faded during the Covid-19 pandemic, the multitude of Australians heading to the Great White North has picked up in the last two years, particularly to experience the country’s stunning landscape.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t compulsory, but it’s highly recommended to cover for any lost or stolen baggage, the possibility of your trip getting cancelled due to an emergency, illness such as Covid-19 or bereavement, and to cover medical expenses.

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website recommends that travellers purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip.

As in any foreign country, medical care in Canada can be expensive for visitors, with a visit to a doctor potentially setting you back by hundreds of dollars.

The Australian government won’t cover these costs, and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Canada, so you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare either.

In addition, given the large geography of the country covering a variety of destinations from beaches to mountains to national parks, it is wise to hold insurance cover for a multitude of events and a variety of potential risks including natural disasters, crime or other types of emergencies.

International travel cover for Canada is generally available in the following ways:

Basic travel insurance

This type of policy is broadly focused on cover for unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses, but also includes insurance for luggage, personal liability and other essential benefits. It is usually the cheapest option available and is suitable for those traveling on a budget or for single trips.

Comprehensive travel insurance

This type of insurance typically includes higher amounts of cover for the essentials benefits such as medical expenses, luggage, personal liability, and so on. In addition, it includes cover for travel delays, rental vehicle excess, loss of passports and credit cards, hijacking, disability, accidental death, and more, depending on your policy.

Some insurers offer variations of the comprehensive policy that are suitable for multiple trips within a 12-month period.

Optional add-on policies

Given the growing number of Australians heading to Canada for cruises, road trips or to the ski slopes, some insurers have come up with add-on policies specifically tailored for a variety of adventure sports and transport options available. These include cruise packs, winter sports packs and even higher cover for rental vehicles.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Most international travel insurance policies will cover medical and hospital expenses, ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, as well as personal liability if you injure someone, or damage property while you’re in the country.

Policies will also cover, within limits, lost or delayed luggage and possessions, the costs of trip delays, interruptions or cancellations, and lost or stolen travel documents.

Comprehensive policies usually offer a broader cover to include personal accident cover in case of an injury during your trip that leads to permanent disability or death, and insurance excess payment if your rental car meets with an accident.

If you are planning to take advantage of Canada’s vast offering of adventure sports and activities, make sure these are covered by your policy—or that there is an option to add it on.

Most comprehensive policies will include popular sporting and leisure activities such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, and so on. However, more extreme activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, snow skiing or snowboarding will generally require an additional adventure sports cover at extra cost.

Most travel insurance policies to Canada will not provide cover in the following cases:

• Illegal activities: Insurers will reject any claims arising if you knowingly act illegally or dangerously.
• If you are under the influence: Insurance cover is specifically void if you cause a disturbance through drunken behaviour or under the influence of drugs.
• Unattended luggage: Insurers will ignore any claim for loss if your luggage is stolen while it was left unattended in public.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Insurers can avoid claims for any major medical conditions, if they have not been made aware of these before taking out a policy.
• Extreme sports: International travel insurance policies generally don’t provide automatic coverage for things like extreme sports, snowboarding or surfing. An optional add-on cover is required for these activities.

Most travel insurers in Australia offer insurance policies for travel to Canada. What policy suits you best will depend on your requirements including duration, age, and the type of cover.

It will also be determined by your specific needs, such as whether you are taking part in snow sports or other adventure activities.

An easy way to compare travel insurance policies is to use an online comparison tool, or read through our leading picks of travel insurance policies for Australians . However, always consider whether or not they include the extras you will require for your trip, and any pre-existing medical conditions you would require cover for.

Featured Partners

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Canada?

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t mandatory, but is highly recommended.

The Australian Government urges travellers to purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip, especially for medical cover.

Medical costs can be extremely expensive in a foreign country, especially if you have to visit a doctor, dentist or hospital in an emergency, so travel insurance is very handy.

Does my visa card have travel insurance?

Not every credit card comes with travel insurance. Complimentary travel insurance is typically offered on premium credit or rewards cards that have higher annual fees. In addition, this may not cover all circumstances or emergencies. By comparison, a travel insurance policy will offer more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.

• Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Best Seniors Travel Insurance
• Best Domestic Travel Insurance
• Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Best Family Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance Cost
• Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide
• Travel Insurance Cancellation Cover
• Travel Insurance For Bali
• Travel Insurance For Fiji
• Travel Insurance For The USA
• Travel Insurance For Thailand
• Travel Insurance For New Zealand
• Travel Insurance For Japan
• Travel Insurance For Europe
• Travel Insurance For Singapore
• Travel Insurance For Indonesia
• Travel Insurance For Vietnam
• Travel Insurance For South Africa
• Cover-More Travel Insurance Review
• Fast Cover Travel Insurance Review
• Travel Insurance Saver Review
• Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• 1Cover Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• Australia Post Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• Tick Travel Insurance Review

More from  

Top travel insurance tips for australians, our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers in australia, do frequent flyer points expire, travel insurance for south africa: everything you need to know, travel insurance for vietnam: everything you need to know, tick travel insurance top cover review: features, pros and cons.

Prashant Mehra is a freelance journalist based in Sydney. He has more than 20 years of international experience covering financial news, including with Reuters and the Australian Associated Press (AAP). He writes about business, markets, the economy and investing.