Best credit cards that include travel insurance coverage?

Hi there,

My name is Alex from New Jersey, currently planning a six months trip around the world that should take me to Asia, Europe and South America. I am going through a number of administrative details, one of them being: which credit card should I choose for my trip? I recently figured out -snip- that many credit cards do include free travel insurance coverage - and I feel like that is a major to criteria to take into account in my decision.

I therefore wanted to ask if you guys have recommendations for me? Particularly if someone has been on a long trip and have a feedback of a health problem that could have been solved thanks to a credit card, I'd be glad to hear the story!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Alex

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"I am going through a number of administrative details, one of them being: which credit card should I choose for my trip?"

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Never rely only on a single credit or debit card! Definitely have more than one card! Sometimes credit/debit cards can be stolen, lost or simply damaged and end up almost useless.

• You will need cash in some locations because some small store owners may not want to accept a credit card for cheap purchases.

You should investigate purchasing your own medical/hospital travel insurance. Better safe than sorry!

• Before your great "around the world odyssey" investigate your entry requirements and perhaps prevailing weather during your visit.

• None of my bank - credit union debit cards have any monthly fees.

Good luck.

[ Edit: Edited on 22 Aug 2024, 10:11 GMT by karazyal ]

While I have several credit cards (with annual fees) that provide travel benefits, I always purchase additional medical and evacuation coverage with an insurer. I travel at least six months overseas each year and have, after more than 50 years on the road, happily never have had to file a claim. The cost of that additional primary medical and evacuation coverage need not be expensive and I recommend that you check the options with perhaps a good travel insurance broker. Primary means the insurer will process and pay claims upfront as the primary payor. Submit any claims with documentation.

Hi Alex!

Your trip sounds amazing, hope you will have a great time!

About credit cards, mine is from my local bank and it has a travel insurance, BUT it doesn't cover travel over 3 months..So if I were you, I would check from where your card is from that how long travelling it covers

Always check the exceptions to paying off a claim.

There may be restrictions for riding motorbikes or scooters. Perhaps certain countries may be exempt from coverage. Or, the insurance may be secondary to a travel insurance you purchase.

Google type search gives you some more information.

Stay safe.

Karazyal, definitely agree with your comment regarding reading the policy carefully.

There was a news item last week about an NZ couple whose travel insurance refused to cover them for medical expenses after an accident. Their policy only allowed them to ride a motor bike up to 50cc. They were on a 125cc bike and had an accident. They are now on the hook for lots of hospital bills.

(7...

"...Their policy only allowed them to ride a motor bike up to 50cc. They were on a 125cc bike and had an accident. They are now on the hook for lots of hospital bills...."

I saw this in Thailand where tourists were injured in bike accidents and the insurance company not paying for it.

Google type search will give several links for tourists needing money for accidents not paid by insurance companies.

• Always read the small print!!

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Chase Sapphire Reserve has travel protection (delayed/ cancelled trip, lost luggage etc.) as well as emergency medical, dental, evacuation and transportation (up to $100K).

Amex Platinum also has travel insurance.

These 2 cards are all you need if you are a traveler.

Both cards have lot's of perks like lounge access, rental car discount and insurance, hotels etc. etc.

High annual fees but well worth it.

Hi

Credit cards always have more and better insurance than debit cards. Anyway, you can check the conditions of your card before leaving. Additional insurance may be hired. Don´t forget to take more than one card!