Complimentary credit card travel insurance

If you’re planning a holiday, you’re probably busy sorting out the details and thinking about your itinerary. It’s an exciting time, but it’s important to consider unexpected events too. Sometimes things don’t always go to plan. Hiccups such as delays in flights, lost bags, medical emergencies or a bingle in the rental car may never happen, but how would you cover the cost if they did?

This is where travel insurance often comes in. Here, we’ll explore the potential benefits of complimentary travel insurance that comes with some credit cards, find out what’s generally covered, and when it might be necessary to take out additional coverage.

What is complimentary credit card travel insurance?

Credit card complimentary travel insurance is a type of insurance provided by certain credit cards at no additional cost.

For eligible Westpac credit card holders, this insurance is automatically activated when you meet specific eligibility requirements, such as using your credit card to pay for a portion of your travel expenses⁴.

The coverage may include protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel-related incidents and unexpected occurrences.

What does complimentary travel insurance typically cover?

Credit card international travel insurance generally covers a few key areas:

• Overseas medical expenses: If you injure yourself or become sick while overseas, hospital expenses, medical evacuations, and dental emergencies may be reimbursed if the relevant injury is covered.
• Trip interruption and cancellation fees: You may be covered for specific non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short, which can include natural disasters or missed connecting flights.
• Lost or delayed baggage: Reimbursement for personal items and essentials if they’re stolen, accidentally damaged or permanently lost.
• Travel delays: These may encompass compensation for accommodation and meals during delays.
• Accidental death and dismemberment: This may include lump-sum payments in the event of serious injury or death.
• Rental vehicle excess insurance: This may include cover of the excess if your rental car is damaged or stolen.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your card to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. You can also check your eligibility for cover online.

Limitations and exclusions of credit card insurance policies

Credit card insurance has some common general exclusions, which means if an incident occurs you won’t be covered for it. Some of these may include:

• Pre-existing conditions: generally, no cover is available for any claims arising from or related to any pre-existing medical conditions, including pregnancy and ante-natal care.
• High-risk activities such as scuba diving, mountaineering, water skiing, running with the bulls, off-piste skiing, white water rafting, canyoning and quad biking
• Travel to countries with certain government travel advisories, including “reconsider your need to travel” or “do not travel” alerts on Smart Traveller
• Age limits and trip length limitations: depending on your card, age limits may apply to complementary benefits, and the length of complimentary insurance cover you can access for your trip may also vary.

It’s important to understand what is not covered in your policy, and depending on the type of holiday you’re planning, you might want to consider supplementary insurance. An adventurous holiday with some extreme sports might call for extra coverage.

It’s also important to know that travel insurance coverage isn’t unlimited; sub-limits (or pre-determined caps) are often in place on specific expenses, which limit how much you can claim.

Comparing credit card travel insurance to standalone policies

There are differences between travel insurance offered through credit cards and what a separate, standalone travel insurance policy offers. Advantages of credit card insurance may include no additional cost and the convenience of having coverage linked to your credit card. Eligible Westpac credit cards also come with automatic activation for complimentary travel insurance⁴.

However, it’s important to note that credit card travel insurance may offer less comprehensive coverage than standalone insurance, with fewer customisation options. If you plan on participating in high-risk activities, have specific coverage needs, your trip duration is longer than the period covered by your credit card insurance, or have a pre-existing medical condition, you might want to consider purchasing additional insurance.

How to make a claim on your travel insurance

To make a claim on Westpac credit card travel insurance, contact Allianz Global Assistance, as soon as possible after an incident and have any relevant supporting documentation ready to help the claims process.

Tips for maximising your credit card travel insurance

To get the most out of your complimentary international travel insurance, here are a few tips you may want to consider:

• Before your trip: Register your trip with your insurance provider, confirm your coverage and be sure to understand any exclusions in your policy.
• During your trip: Keep records and receipts, and maintain contact with your insurer if needed.
• After your trip: Review your policy and submit any claims promptly.

To sum up

There are many uncertainties when travelling and insurance may help you be prepared for your travels. Understanding which eligible credit cards offer travel insurance, what’s included, and how to claim will help you feel informed about how you are covered and give you peace of mind should anything unexpected happen while you are away.