Question: Is travel insurance worthwhile when you already have credit card trip coverage?
Hopping on a plane or embarking on an epic road trip guarantees a rush of adventure, not worries. Comprehensive travel coverage is what'll take the edge off, but does your trusty credit card offer enough protection?
Travel insurance and credit card travel protection vary wildly when it comes to coverage, so let's dive into their differences and benefits.
Ins and Outs of Travel Coverage
First things first - understanding what you're signing up for is key. It's essential to know if your insurance covers medical emergencies, COVID-19-related trip delays, lost luggage, flight delays, or missed connections.
Compare the travel insurance you're eying with your credit card's offerings to make an informed decision. For example, if you've got a pre-existing medical condition, securing coverage while traveling overseas is a no-brainer.
The Pros and Cons of Credit Card Travel Protection Plans
Many credit cards provide travel protection, but it's often attached to an annual fee. The silver lining? You typically won't pay extra for the perks, with activation usually happening automatically - simply use your card to book your trip.
However, credit card protections usually can't match the comprehensive coverage offered by dedicated travel insurance. Emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation are two areas where credit card plans often fall short. They may cover inconveniences like lost baggage or roadside assistance, but it's vital to be aware of potential reimbursement delays.
Popular Credit Cards with Travel Protection
Based on research and reviews, the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and The Platinum Card® from American Express are notable cards that come with trip protection. Annual fees on these cards range from $95 to $695. While these protections are valuable, they may not cover every eventuality, especially for domestic or international flights, rental stays, or extreme sports enthusiasts who want to fully customize their trip.
The Verdict on Travel Insurance
Just like credit card coverage, not all travel insurance is the same. Key benefits to look for when shopping for a plan include emergency medical expenses, medical and non-medical evacuation, lost luggage, flight delays, and cancellations. A good travel insurance policy goes beyond credit card coverage, offering protection for COVID-19-related issues. You'll have to pay for the policy upfront, but it'll save you significant costs and stress if things go south.
Keep in mind that not all travel insurance policies cover pre-existing medical conditions or offer Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. However, our website guarantees coverage for both as long as you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and are physically capable of traveling.
The Whole Shebang - What our Website Covers
Our website provides whole-trip travel insurance covering your health, your trip, and your belongings. Check out our What's covered page to see the full scope of our protection plans, or review our comprehensive policy before making a purchase.
Unlike credit card companies, we pride ourselves on supplying round-the-clock support. Our team is standing by to help with everything from trip planning and activity recommendations to locating urgent care or a nearby ATM while you're on the go - even before you buy a plan.
Choosing the Right Path
With adventure on the horizon, planning is crucial. Don't leave travel coverage for last. Prioritize it to ensure your trip runs smoothly. If you've already got a travel credit card, review its coverage before making any decisions. If it's not up to par, our website has got your back 24/7 with comprehensive protection and real human support wherever you are.
Secure My Trip
- To ensure a smooth vacation, it is important to understand the coverage provided by travel insurance, particularly for medical emergencies, COVID-19-related trip delays, lost luggage, flight delays, and missed connections.
- While many credit cards offer travel protection, it's often attached to an annual fee. However, these plans may not provide comprehensive coverage for emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, or COVID-19-related issues.
- Some notable credit cards with travel protection include the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and The Platinum Card® from American Express, but their protections may not cover every eventuality, especially for domestic or international flights, rental stays, or extreme sports enthusiasts.
- For better protection, consider purchasing travel insurance that offers coverage for all these situations, including lost luggage, flight delays, and cancellations, and also provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. Our website offers such comprehensive protection, round-the-clock support, and human assistance in travel planning and emergencies.
