Should travel insurance be obtained even if you already have credit card trip coverage?
Ready for an exciting adventure, far from worries? The right travel coverage is key to having a stress-free journey. But does your credit card offer enough protection when you're hopping on a plane to the Caribbean or road-tripping across the Australian outback? Learn the difference between travel insurance and credit card travel protections to make an informed decision.
Travel Insurance vs. Credit Card Travel Coverage: What You Need to Know
First things first: Understand what you're getting. Travel coverage should cover emergency medical care, COVID-19-related trip delays, lost bags, flight delays, or missed connections. Comprehend the travel coverage your credit card offers, compare it with the travel insurance policy you're considering, and make the right choice based on your travel needs.
For instance, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, comprehensive coverage abroad is a must.
Pros and Cons of Credit Card Travel Protection Plans
Many credit cards offer travel protection, but with an annual fee. The upside? You get coverage without paying extra for activation (just use your card to book your trip). However, credit card coverage usually doesn't match the comprehensive protection of dedicated travel insurance, and reimbursements can take time. Emergency medical expenses and medical evacuations are commonly excluded from credit card plans. Some coverage may include lost baggage, roadside assistance, or car rental insurance, though.
Example of Credit Cards with Travel Protection
Leading credit cards with trip protection, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and The Platinum Card® from American Express, often come with annual fees ranging from $95 to $695. Though valuable, these protections may not cover all scenarios, especially when traveling domestically or internationally, renting a vacation home, or participating in extreme sports.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Travel Insurance
When shopping for travel insurance, look for benefits like emergency medical expenses, medical and non-medical evacuation, lost luggage, flight delays, and trip cancellations. A strong travel insurance policy should offer coverage for COVID-19-related issues as well. While you have to pay for the policy upfront, it can save you significant costs and stress if things go wrong.
Not all travel insurance policies cover pre-existing medical conditions or offer "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage. However, our website covers both, as long as you purchase the travel insurance within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and are physically able to travel.
Our Website Coverage
Our website offers whole-trip travel insurance that covers your health, trip, and belongings. Review our What's covered page for more details on our coverage and check out the full policy before purchasing a plan. We also provide 24/7 support, setting us apart from credit card companies, offering real human support for trip planning, activity recommendations, and assistance during your adventure.
Making the Right Choice
When planning your adventure, don't overlook travel coverage. Prioritize it to ensure a stress-free journey. If you have a travel credit card, check its coverage ahead of time to see if it's enough for your trip. If it falls short, our website offers comprehensive protection and human support wherever you need it.
Protect your trip with us: Protect my trip.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is necessary if you have a pre-existing medical condition, as some credit card travel protections may not offer sufficient coverage.
- Credit card travel coverage usually doesn't match the comprehensive protection of dedicated travel insurance, and reimbursements can take time, especially for emergency medical expenses and medical evacuations.
- When shopping for travel insurance, look for benefits like emergency medical expenses, medical and non-medical evacuation, lost luggage, flight delays, and trip cancellations, and ensure it covers COVID-19-related issues.
- If your travel credit card doesn't provide enough coverage for your trip, consider comprehensive travel insurance from our website, which offers coverage for your health, trip, and belongings, and provides 24/7 support.
