Is it essential to purchase travel insurance when you already have credit card trip coverage?
Whether you're planning a long-awaited international trip or a quick domestic getaway, understanding your travel coverage options is crucial. Here's a breakdown of travel insurance and credit card coverage to help you make an informed decision.
Travel insurance offers more comprehensive protection for travelers compared to credit card travel coverage. It includes robust medical coverage, emergency evacuation, flexibility in coverage customization, and dedicated claim support. Travel insurance is suitable for international, long, expensive, or high-risk trips, providing coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost luggage, and even adventure activities [1][3].
On the other hand, credit card travel protection is often best for short, domestic trips or budget travel with minimal prepaid costs. It usually covers trip cancellation, interruptions, delays, and baggage loss but often lacks sufficient emergency medical or evacuation coverage [1][3]. Coverage may also vary by issuer, and benefits may be contingent on booking travel with the card.
For those with pre-existing medical conditions, travel insurance may be necessary. Credit card protections rarely match the comprehensive coverage of dedicated travel insurance [1]. Additionally, travel insurance should offer protection for COVID-19-related issues.
When it comes to activation, credit card travel protections are usually automatic when booking a trip with the card. However, reimbursements from credit card protections can take time.
Some credit card protections cover inconveniences like lost baggage or roadside assistance. However, they may not cover all scenarios, especially for domestic flights, vacation rentals, extreme sports, or customized trips [1].
If you're considering a travel credit card, remember that putting travel coverage at the top of your list is important, especially if a travel credit card's coverage falls short. Travel insurance policies should be compared to credit card travel protections to make the right choice.
For comprehensive travel insurance and real human support, consider "Protect my trip". Our website requires booking travel coverage within 14 days of the initial trip deposit and physical ability to travel for pre-existing medical conditions and Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. We offer whole-trip travel insurance that covers health, trip, and stuff [1].
Remember, travel coverage is important for peace of mind during travel. Don't forget to prioritise it in your travel plans.
[1] Source: Protect my trip website [3] Source: Forbes article on travel insurance vs credit card coverage
- For long-distance or high-risk travel, travel insurance with extensive medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and coverage for lost luggage is more suitable.
- In contrast, credit card travel protection often works best for short, affordable trips within the country, offering basic coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and luggage loss.
- Travel insurance is particularly important for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions and for trips involving COVID-19-related issues or activities such as vacation rentals, extreme sports, or customized trips.
- Taking out travel insurance like "Protect my trip" within 14 days of your trip deposit and ensuring you have the physical ability to travel for pre-existing medical conditions provides comprehensive coverage that includes trip, health, and belongings insurance.
