Best Credit Cards With Free Travel Insurance
- Compare 80 credit cards that come with complimentary travel insurance.
- See how our Editor compared credit card travel insurance to standalone cover for an upcoming trip.
Compare the best credit cards with international travel insurance
This table shows credit cards in Australia that offer complimentary travel insurance to cardholders. The table is sorted by lowest annual fee then by lowest purchase rate.
P&N Bank & Visa Platinum | |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 7.02% with up to 45 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard | |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 14.99% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
BankVic Qantas Visa | |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 18.95 with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | No |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
HSBC Premier World Mastercard | |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
HSBC Premier World Mastercard Qantas Rewards | |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 in first year, then 1 point |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Qantas Premier Everyday | |
| Annual fee | $49 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard | |
| Annual fee | $69 ($0 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 0% for 15 months, then 12.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
ANZ Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $87 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.49% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bendigo Bank Platinum Rewards Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $89 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
NAB Low Fee Platinum Card | |
| Annual fee | $90 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.74% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bank First Visa Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $99 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 9.59% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | No |
| Insurance provider | CGU Insurance |
| Visit provider | |
P&N Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $99 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 11.99% with up to 45 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Macquarie Platinum Card | |
| Annual fee | $99 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.70% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.25 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum | |
| Annual fee | $124 ($49 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
BankSA Amplify Platinum | |
| Annual fee | $124 ($49 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
St.George Amplify Platinum | |
| Annual fee | $124 ($49 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Heritage Bank Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $125 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 17.99% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bank of Sydney Platinum Mastercard | |
| Annual fee | $129 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 6.99% for 6 months, then 18.49% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
BOQ Platinum Visa Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $129 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.74% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 2 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Suncorp Clear Options Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $129 ($99 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.74% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.25 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Rewards Card Bonus Points Offer | |
| Annual fee | $149 ($49 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 0% for 6 months, then 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
ING Orange One Rewards Platinum | |
| Annual fee | $149 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 16.99% with up to 45 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | n/a |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | No |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bendigo Bank Qantas Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $149 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.6 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Great Southern Bank Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $149 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | No |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
HSBC Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $149 ($0 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
ANZ Rewards Platinum | |
| Annual fee | $149 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Macquarie Black Card | |
| Annual fee | $149 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.70% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 2 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
BOQ Specialist Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $150 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.50% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bankwest More Platinum Mastercard | |
| Annual fee | $160 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 2 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard | |
| Annual fee | $160 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.6 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card | |
| Annual fee | $175 ($49 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest-fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Suncorp Clear Options Platinum Credit Card with Qantas Points | |
| Annual fee | $178 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.74% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bank Australia Platinum Rewards Visa Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $189 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 18.24% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | No |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
NAB Rewards Platinum Card | |
| Annual fee | $195 ($95 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $195 (waived in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 23.99% p.a with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum - Qantas | |
| Annual fee | $199 ($174 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
BankSA Amplify Platinum Qantas | |
| Annual fee | $199 ($174 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
St.George Amplify Platinum Qantas | |
| Annual fee | $199 ($174 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Qudos Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $199 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 4.99% for 5 months, then 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | No |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Rewards Card - Purchase and Balance Transfer Offer | |
| Annual fee | $199 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 0% for 12 months, then 21.49% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Rewards Card - Velocity Points Offer | |
| Annual fee | $199 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 55 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
CommBank Smart Awards Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $228 ($19 monthly, waived if you spend at least $2k in that statement period) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.24% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card | |
| Annual fee | $249 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 23.99% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.25 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card | |
| Annual fee | $250 ($150 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 44 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.66 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Platinum Qantas | |
| Annual fee | $250 ($174 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Platinum Velocity | |
| Annual fee | $250 ($174 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bankwest More World Mastercard | |
| Annual fee | $270 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 2.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard | |
| Annual fee | $270 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card | |
| Annual fee | $289 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.74% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature | |
| Annual fee | $295 ($199 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
BankSA Amplify Signature | |
| Annual fee | $295 ($199 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
St.George Amplify Signature | |
| Annual fee | $295 ($199 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
NAB Rewards Signature Card | |
| Annual fee | $295 ($195 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.25 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Black | |
| Annual fee | $295 ($150 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 45 days interest-free |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.25 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum | |
| Annual fee | $295 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $299 ($0 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.5 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Premier Card | |
| Annual fee | $300 ($150 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Premier Card - Luxury Escapes Offer | |
| Annual fee | $300 ($150 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Premier Card - Cashback Offer | |
| Annual fee | $300 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Premier Card - Velocity Points Offer | |
| Annual fee | $300 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Premier Qantas Card | |
| Annual fee | $350 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Qantas | |
| Annual fee | $370 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
BankSA Amplify Signature Qantas | |
| Annual fee | $370 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
St.George Amplify Signature Qantas | |
| Annual fee | $370 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Black Qantas | |
| Annual fee | $370 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Black Velocity | |
| Annual fee | $370 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $375 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 2 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
American Express Velocity Platinum Card | |
| Annual fee | $375 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 23.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.75 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card | |
| Annual fee | $395 ($295 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
American Express Explorer Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $395 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 23.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 2 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Qantas Premier Platinum | |
| Annual fee | $399 ($349 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $400 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.50% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $420 ($35/month, waived if you spend at least $4k in statement period) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.24% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card with Qantas Points | |
| Annual fee | $420 ($35/month, waived if you spend at least $4k in statement period) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.8 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black | |
| Annual fee | $425 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 20.49% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card | |
| Annual fee | $450 ($0 in first year) |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
American Express Qantas Premium Card | |
| Annual fee | $450 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 23.99% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Prestige Card | |
| Annual fee | $700 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1 (higher earn rate applies for eligible purchases) |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Prestige Qantas Card | |
| Annual fee | $749 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 21.49% with up to 44 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 0.5 (higher earn rate applies for eligible purchases) |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited |
| Visit provider | |
Qantas Premier Titanium | |
| Annual fee | $1,200 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 1.25 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider | |
American Express Platinum | |
| Annual fee | $1,450 |
| Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | n/a (up to 44 days cash flow days) |
| Rewards points per $1 spent | 2.25 |
| Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Yes |
| Insurance provider | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
| Visit provider |
| Annual fee | Interest rate on purchases (p.a.) | Rewards points per $1 spent | Interstate flight inconvenience cover | Insurance provider | Visit provider | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P&N Bank & Visa Platinum | $0 | 7.02% with up to 45 days interest-free | n/a | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard | $0 | 14.99% with up to 55 days interest-free | n/a | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
BankVic Qantas Visa | $0 | 18.95 with up to 55 days interest-free | 0.5 | No | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card | $0 | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free | n/a | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
HSBC Premier World Mastercard | $0 | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free | 1.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
HSBC Premier World Mastercard Qantas Rewards | $0 | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free | 1.5 in first year, then 1 point | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Qantas Premier Everyday | $49 | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.75 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard | $69 ($0 in first year) | 0% for 15 months, then 12.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | n/a | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
ANZ Platinum Credit Card | $87 | 20.49% with up to 55 days interest-free | n/a | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bendigo Bank Platinum Rewards Credit Card | $89 | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
NAB Low Fee Platinum Card | $90 | 19.74% with up to 44 interest fee days | n/a | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bank First Visa Platinum Credit Card | $99 | 9.59% with up to 55 interest fee days | n/a | No | CGU Insurance | |
P&N Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card | $99 | 11.99% with up to 45 days interest-free | n/a | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
Macquarie Platinum Card | $99 | 20.70% with up to 55 days interest-free | 1.25 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum | $124 ($49 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
BankSA Amplify Platinum | $124 ($49 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
St.George Amplify Platinum | $124 ($49 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Heritage Bank Platinum Credit Card | $125 | 17.99% with up to 55 days interest-free | n/a | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bank of Sydney Platinum Mastercard | $129 | 6.99% for 6 months, then 18.49% with up to 55 days interest-free | n/a | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
BOQ Platinum Visa Credit Card | $129 | 20.74% with up to 55 days interest-free | 2 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Suncorp Clear Options Platinum Credit Card | $129 ($99 in first year) | 20.74% with up to 55 days interest-free | 1.25 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Rewards Card Bonus Points Offer | $149 ($49 in first year) | 0% for 6 months, then 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
ING Orange One Rewards Platinum | $149 | 16.99% with up to 45 days interest-free | n/a | No | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bendigo Bank Qantas Platinum Credit Card | $149 | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free | 0.6 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Great Southern Bank Platinum Credit Card | $149 | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free | 1 | No | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
HSBC Platinum Credit Card | $149 ($0 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 55 days interest-free | 1.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
ANZ Rewards Platinum | $149 | 20.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Macquarie Black Card | $149 | 20.70% with up to 55 days interest-free | 2 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
BOQ Specialist Platinum Credit Card | $150 | 20.50% with up to 55 days interest-free | 0.5 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
Bankwest More Platinum Mastercard | $160 | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days | 2 | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard | $160 | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days | 0.6 | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card | $175 ($49 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest-fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Suncorp Clear Options Platinum Credit Card with Qantas Points | $178 | 20.74% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bank Australia Platinum Rewards Visa Credit Card | $189 | 18.24% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.75 | No | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
NAB Rewards Platinum Card | $195 ($95 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card | $195 (waived in first year) | 23.99% p.a with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum - Qantas | $199 ($174 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
BankSA Amplify Platinum Qantas | $199 ($174 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
St.George Amplify Platinum Qantas | $199 ($174 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Qudos Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card | $199 | 4.99% for 5 months, then 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | No | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Rewards Card - Purchase and Balance Transfer Offer | $199 | 0% for 12 months, then 21.49% with up to 55 days interest-free | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Rewards Card - Velocity Points Offer | $199 | 21.49% with up to 55 days interest-free | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
CommBank Smart Awards Credit Card | $228 ($19 monthly, waived if you spend at least $2k in that statement period) | 20.24% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1.5 | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card | $249 | 23.99% with up to 44 interest fee days | 1.25 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card | $250 ($150 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 44 days interest-free | 0.66 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Westpac Altitude Platinum Qantas | $250 ($174 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days | 0.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Westpac Altitude Platinum Velocity | $250 ($174 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days | 0.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bankwest More World Mastercard | $270 | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days | 2.5 | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard | $270 | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card | $289 | 20.74% with up to 44 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature | $295 ($199 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
BankSA Amplify Signature | $295 ($199 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
St.George Amplify Signature | $295 ($199 in first year) | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
NAB Rewards Signature Card | $295 ($195 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days | 1.25 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Westpac Altitude Black | $295 ($150 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 45 days interest-free | 1.25 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum | $295 | 20.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.75 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card | $299 ($0 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1.5 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Premier Card | $300 ($150 in first year) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Premier Card - Luxury Escapes Offer | $300 ($150 in first year) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Premier Card - Cashback Offer | $300 | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Premier Card - Velocity Points Offer | $300 | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Premier Qantas Card | $350 | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Qantas | $370 | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.75 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
BankSA Amplify Signature Qantas | $370 | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.75 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
St.George Amplify Signature Qantas | $370 | 19.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.75 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Westpac Altitude Black Qantas | $370 | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days | 0.75 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Westpac Altitude Black Velocity | $370 | 19.99% with up to 45 interest fee days | 0.75 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card | $375 | 20.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 2 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
American Express Velocity Platinum Card | $375 | 23.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.75 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card | $395 ($295 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 44 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
American Express Explorer Credit Card | $395 | 23.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | 2 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
Qantas Premier Platinum | $399 ($349 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card | $400 | 20.50% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card | $420 ($35/month, waived if you spend at least $4k in statement period) | 20.24% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card with Qantas Points | $420 ($35/month, waived if you spend at least $4k in statement period) | 21.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 0.8 | Yes | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | |
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black | $425 | 20.49% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card | $450 ($0 in first year) | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
American Express Qantas Premium Card | $450 | 23.99% with up to 44 interest fee days | 1 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
Citi Prestige Card | $700 | 21.49% with up to 44 interest fee days | 1 (higher earn rate applies for eligible purchases) | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Citi Prestige Qantas Card | $749 | 21.49% with up to 44 interest fee days | 0.5 (higher earn rate applies for eligible purchases) | Yes | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | |
Qantas Premier Titanium | $1,200 | 19.99% with up to 55 interest fee days | 1.25 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | |
American Express Platinum | $1,450 | n/a (up to 44 days cash flow days) | 2.25 | Yes | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited |
In our credit cards with travel insurance guide:
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How to choose the best credit card with travel insurance included
Complimentary travel insurance is one of the most common perks offered with credit cards, particularly the more premium rewards credit cards.
But it’s rarely the only reason for choosing to apply for a credit card. Here's what to consider if you're looking for a suitable credit card overall:
- Travel insurance inclusions: Assess the policy's suitability for you. The Australian government's Smartraveller travel insurance guide says you should consider your travel habits (destination, trip duration, activities and trip cost), plus your age, health and what valuables you'll be travelling with.
- Interest rate: If you will ever carry a balance on the credit card beyond the interest-free period, opting for a low rate credit card will save you money.
- Interest free days: The higher the number of days you get interest-free on your credit card, the less likely it is you’ll need to pay interest on your purchases. 55 days is usually the maximum but there are cards out there offering up to 110 interest free days.
- Annual fee: This is often the biggest cost of having a credit card. Ideally aim for a low fee (e.g. under $100) or better yet, no fee at all.
- International fees: If you will be using it while you’re travelling (or paying for overseas purchases while at home), opting for one of the credit cards with no international fees could save you money.
- Rewards: If rewards are important to you, look at both the number of points you’ll earn per $1 spend as well as any sign up bonuses. If it's a cashback credit card, look at the percentage of spending you get back. And make sure you will actually use the points (many people don't!). Some cards offer other rewards perks, including some cards that come with airport lounge access.
What cover do you get with credit card travel insurance?
The travel insurance that’s included with some credit cards covers most of the same risks as the standalone travel insurance available directly from insurance companies.
The main difference with credit card travel insurance is the cover is standardised for all cardholders. With some limited exceptions, you're not able to tailor the cover to your specific trip or needs, like you can with most standalone policies.
Each credit card’s travel insurance inclusions will be different (the same is true of standalone policies) but there are four main types of travel cover that may be included:
- Overseas travel insurance: Covers a range of risks related to an overseas trip, including medical costs, travel cancellations and loss/damage of luggage.
- Interstate flight inconvenience cover: Covers domestic travel for risks like cancellation, delay and loss of luggage. Around 94% of cards offering international travel insurance also offer this kind of domestic cover, Money.com.au’s analysis shows.
- Transit accident insurance: Pays a benefit if someone covered by the policy is killed or injured in an accident while travelling. This may cover international trips, domestic or both.
- Rental vehicle excess cover: Covers the policyholder for part or all of the costs they otherwise would need to pay if a car they are renting is damaged. This could apply to cars hired in Australia, internationally or both depending on the policy.
Credit card travel insurance explained in more detail
Who is covered by credit card travel insurance?
Credit card travel insurance generally covers the cardholder(s), plus their spouse(s) and any dependents travelling with them.
To be eligible, you generally also need to be living in Australia and making a return trip. An upper age limit typically applies too. This tends to be around 80 years of age on policies analysed by Money.com.au. NAB is one provider that extends a level of cover – excluding medical – to eligible travellers aged under 91 years.
Make sure to double check the eligibility criteria for who is covered as it can vary from card to card.
Remember too that you are not automatically covered by your credit card’s travel insurance. You generally need to ‘activate’ the cover. This usually means you need to pay for all or part of the trip using the credit card offering the cover. More on that to come.
What is covered by credit card overseas travel insurance?
Credit cards with travel insurance tend to cover a wide range of risks and events. But what you’re covered for will vary from provider to provider. It can also differ from one card to another among cards from the same provider.
As a rule of thumb, the more premium the credit card, the more comprehensive the travel insurance it offers is likely to be. But check the insurance documents and list of benefits available to be sure.
Here are some of the risks that credit card travel insurance may cover. Cover provided is usually up to a certain dollar amount per type of cover for each trip, but for some risks, cover may be unlimited.
- Trip cancellation/amendment: Will cover pre-paid costs if you need to cancel or change your travel plans for certain reasons (e.g. you become sick).
- Personal accident cover: Makes a payout if you die or are injured in an accident while travelling.
- Card account balance waiver cover: Pays off your credit card balance if you have an accident.
- Travel inconvenience cover: Covers your costs if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, or you miss a connecting flight.
- Medical emergency cover: Covers your costs if you experience a medical/dental emergency while travelling or need to be flown back to Australia due to a medical emergency.
- Emergency travel and accommodation cover: Covers the cost of additional transport and/or accommodation required if you are incapacitated. E.g. with some policies, the cost of flying your dependents home may be covered if you are hospitalised.
- Resumption of trip cover: Pays for the cost of resuming your international trip if it is unexpectedly interrupted because a close relative dies or becomes seriously ill.
- Cover for luggage and travel documents: Covers the cost of your luggage and travel documents if they are lost, damaged or stolen. Usually there is a limit on how much you can claim back per item and in total.
- Personal liability cover: Covers your costs if you accidentally injure someone or their property.
- Loss of income cover: Covers you for lost income if you are injured or suffer an illness while travelling. The loss of income generally needs to be above a certain limit (e.g. 30 days or more).
- Kidnap/hijack cover: Enables your close relatives to travel to the place where you have been kidnapped or where the hijacking has happened.
- Domestic pet boarding cost cover: Covers additional costs you incur for boarding your dog(s) or cat(s) if your return home is unexpectedly delayed.
How long are you covered for?
Your credit card’s travel insurance terms and conditions will specify how long you will be covered for. It's often either three or six consecutive months from when you begin your travel.
This is different to how a standalone travel insurance works. With standalone cover, you tell the insurer your travel dates and the cover applies to those dates if you’re approved. You can also get annual cover.
If you are undertaking a long trip, bear in mind that credit card travel insurance may not cover its full duration.
What’s excluded with credit card travel insurance?
With credit card travel insurance, there are two types of exclusions to watch out for: those that apply to specific named events or risks and general exclusions that apply across the policy. Here’s an overview of each.
General exclusions
These are exclusions that apply across any kind of risk, and include:
- Travelling against medical advice or after you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- Travel for the purpose of getting medical treatment may also be excluded.
- Claims relating to excluded pre-existing medical conditions.
- Claims relating to you losing your income or employment.
- Intentional self-harm or suicide. Claims relating to your use of alcohol or drugs.
- Many pregnancy-related claims.
- Participating in dangerous activities (e.g. travelling in an unlicensed air plane or other form air travel, or scuba diving unless you are properly qualified and certified) Illegal activity by you, your spouse or dependents under your supervision.
- Travel costs lost because you or your spouse failed to obtain a visa/passport for travel.
- Claims relating to acts of war.
- Claims that were caused by you not taking reasonable care.
- Interference with your travel plans by any government or local authority.
- Travelling against a government warning (e.g. ‘do not travel’ or ‘reconsider your need to travel’ warning)
Risk-level exclusions
These are more specific and relate to particular types of risks listed in a credit card’s travel insurance policy documents.
As an example, many policies cover your costs if you need to cancel your trip for unforeseen reasons. But depending on the policy, you might not be covered if:
- Before you booked the trip, you were aware your plans might need to change for that reason.
- Your travel partner changed their plans.
- The company you booked your travel with has a financial collapse.
- The cancellation is caused by an act of terrorism.
Comparing credit card travel insurance to a standalone policy
I recently compared travel insurance options for a two-week family trip to the United States. I was surprised to see that the cover I get through my credit card (inclusions and claim limits) is very similar to the standalone policies I looked at – only much cheaper.
My credit card (Westpac Altitude – Qantas) has an annual cost of $250. Each standalone policy I looked at would have cost considerably more than that.
My credit card also earns me around 25,000 Qantas points per year on average (I’m not a massive credit card spender). That’s worth about $100 if converted to a gift card with most retailers. The table below shows a summary of how I compared the options.
Sean Callery, Editor of Money.com.au
| Credit card travel insurance (issued by Allianz Australia) | Standalone policy 1 (Cover More international comprehensive) | Standalone policy 2 (Allianz Australia comprehensive) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Policy premium quoted | n/a (credit card annual cost is is $250) | $651 | $410 |
Standard claim excess | $300 | $250 | $200 |
Who is covered? | Cardholders, their spouses and/or dependants | 2 adults, 1 child | 2 adults, 1 child |
Cover period | Up to 3 consecutive months | 2 weeks (but can be tailored to your trip) | 2 weeks (but can be tailored to your trip) |
Overseas hospital cover limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Emergency dental | $2,000 per person | $2,000 | Unlimited |
Emergency accommodation | Unlimited | Unlimited | $100,000 |
Rental vehicle excess | $5,500 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
Luggage and travel documents | $20,000/person (up to $30,000 total) with sub-limit of $5,500 per item | $15,000 (sub-limits apply) | $20,000 (luggage), $10,000 (docs) |
Trip cancellation | Unlimited | $10,000 (can be tailored to your trip) | $10,000 (can be tailored to your trip) |
Travel delay expenses | $500 per person, up to $1,100 total | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Is credit card travel insurance worth it?
The travel insurance that comes included with credit cards tends to compare well to standalone travel insurance based on cost. It’s included in your card’s annual fee after all, so there is no additional cost.
The main trade-off is flexibility. Credit card travel insurance falls under what’s known as a 'group policy'. This kind of cover applies in the same way for all policyholders. On other words, there is very little scope to tailor the cover if the standard inclusions don’t suit you.
In my case (outlined above), the generic cover was fine, but that won’t be true of all trips and travellers.
Pros and cons of credit card travel insurance
Pros of credit card travel insurance
- No additional cost beyond the cost of your credit card (the annual fee is the main fee, but there are credit cards with no annual fee that offer complimentary insurance).
- The standard inclusions, exclusions, limits and other policy conditions are typically similar to what you can get with a basic standalone policy.
- Having your travel insurance included means there one less thing to do when booking your trip.
- Your card may offer other travel perks – e.g. frequent flyer points and in some cases no international transaction fees.
Cons of credit card travel insurance
- Nearly all credit cards offering travel insurance have an annual fee. The average among cards analysed by Money.com.au is $244, but can be as high as $1,450.
- The cover is usually generic for all cardholders. For more complex situations where a higher level of cover is required, the cover included may not be suitable. Some card providers (e.g. Commbank) allow you to upgrade your cover for an extra fee.
- The cover usually does not apply automatically. You need to ‘activate’ it. In many cases, that means using your card to book the trip.
Our expert’s view on credit card travel insurance
Many people don't trust card-based travel insurance, but I don't really understand why. Maybe I'm the only person who actually reads product disclosure statements, but when you look into what’s behind these insurance policies, they are issued by the big insurance companies and the inclusions are usually very generous. Just don’t assume it’s going to be right for everyone. Look into the detail and check if it's what you need.
Brad Kelly, Money.com.au's credit card expert
How to trigger your credit card travel insurance
The travel insurance that may come with your credit card usually needs to be activated before you’re eligible to be covered.
If you haven’t activated it, chances are you won’t be covered and any claim you make may be denied.
Money.com.au looked at the rules for dozens of credit card insurance policies and, broadly speaking, to activate your cover you need to do one or both of the following:
- Pay for all or part of your eligible trip using the credit card. Paying for the trip in full using credit card points may not count as a way of activating the insurance, depending on the provider.
- Opt in to activate the cover.
Here are the rules for activating your travel insurance with eligible credit cards with Australia’s major credit card providers.
Activating travel insurance with the major providers
American Express
For return international trips, you must pay the full amount of your outbound ticket for a scheduled flight or cruise leaving Australia using a current American Express credit card account and/or corresponding American Express Membership Rewards/frequent flyer points or travel benefit.
ANZ
Before leaving Australia you must spend at least $250 on your prepaid travel costs and charge these costs to the account holder’s card account.
Commbank
Overseas medical and liability cover applies automatically. But for other aspects of overseas travel cover, you must activate the policy online (no fee or minimum spend applies) before you leave Australia. If you activate the cover after you leave Australia, a three-day no-cover period will apply.
NAB
You must charge at least $500 of your prepaid travel costs to the account holder’s card account.
Westpac
Before leaving Australia you must spend at least $500 on prepaid travel costs and charge these costs (e.g. cost of your return overseas travel ticket or accommodation) to the account holder's card account
What to check before relying on credit card travel insurance
1
Are you eligible to be covered?
Based on your age and other factors.
2
Is your trip eligible?
It usually needs to be a return trip starting in Australia.
3
Will your travel companions be covered?
Usually only the cardholder's spouse and dependents are eligible. A friend you're travelling typically won't be.
4
Is the cover duration long enough?
The max is usually 3/6 consecutive months.
5
Will any pre-existing conditions be covered?
Some policies will still cover specific pre-existing conditions but many conditions will be excluded (check theT&Cs).
6
Have you activated the policy?
If not, you won't be covered. Check the requirements carefully.
7
Will any risky activities be covered?
Many policies exclude 'extreme' activities.
8
Is the policy generally suitable?
Based on your situation and the kind of trip you’re undertaking.
Other questions people ask about credit card travel insurance
How do you make a claim on your credit card’s travel insurance?
You’ll need to make the claim to the travel insurance provider (not the card issuer) but there is usually a link to the claims portal on the card provider’s website. You can typically claim online or over the phone by providing details about the incident and supplying any supporting evidence and cost receipts.
What other insurance can I get with a credit card?
Travel insurance is just one of the types of cover available with some credit cards in Australia. You may also get:
- Purchase protection cover: Covers eligible purchases if the item you bought is lost, damaged or stolen.
- Price protection cover: Covers you for the price difference if the item you purchased drops in price within a specified period after you bought it.
- Refund protection: Reimburses the cardholder for the cost of eligible items if the retailer will not provide a refund.
- Extended warranty insurance: Extends the manufacturer’s standard warranty on eligible items purchased using the card.
- Smartphone screen cover: Like purchase protection cover, but specifically designed to cover the cost of repairing a smartphone screen that’s been damaged.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by credit card travel insurance?
Many credit card travel insurance policies exclude claims relating to pre-existing medical conditions. However, there are some situations where a pre-existing may be covered:
- The condition type is specifically listed as being included for cover in the policy terms and conditions; or
- You have applied to the insurer to have a condition covered by your policy and they have confirmed in writing that it will be.
Is credit card travel insurance enough?
This comes down to the type of trip you’re undertaking and your personal situation (e.g. your health). The travel insurance that comes with a credit card is usually a standardised policy designed to apply to the large numbers of people with that credit card.
For that reason, the insurance covers common risks and situations but it’s not going to be a perfect fit for everyone.
It’s worth closely checking what is and isn’t covered and what limits apply if you need to make a claim, particularly if you are going on a non-standard trip or have complicated health needs. In some cases, the travel insurance your credit card offers may not be enough.
Written by
Editor
Sean Callery
Reviewed by
Credit Cards Expert
Brad Kelly
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