One of the most popular extras offered on credit cards these days is complimentary travel insurance, which can cover everything from emergency medical expenses to car rental excess to flight delays.
But is it worth it? How much value can credit card insurance actually offer? Let’s take a look at credit card insurance to find out what it can offer you – and what you should look out for as you compare the cards below to choose the right credit card and right credit card insurance for you.
Get up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points. 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% BT fee. Discounted annual fee for the first year. Earn uncapped Qantas points. Complimentary lounge access, travel insurance, and more.
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Earn up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points Get 70k when you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months, plus 30k when you haven’t earned Qantas Points with a credit card in the last 12 months. 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% BT fee. Save 20% on flights for you and 8 friends. Complimentary travel insurance.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Earn 70,000 when you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months, plus 30,000 when you haven’t earned Qantas Points with a credit card in the last 12 months. 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% BT fee. Discounted annual fee for the first year.
Capped at $10,000 per statement, then 0.5 pts per $1
Up to 120,000 bonus Altitude Rewards Points Min spend applies. Reduced annual fee first year, or waived if you're an existing customer. Complimentary overseas travel insurance cover.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Up to 120,000 bonus Altitude Rewards Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of card approval (90,000 pts) and when you keep your account for at least 12 months (30,000 pts). Reduced annual fee first year.
Up to 8,000 bonus Qantas points Big rewards for a tiny annual fee: earn up to 8000 bonus points in the first 4 months plus up to 1 point per $1 on your regular spending (up to $3000 per statement period). Earn 1 bonus point for Qantas products and services. Complimentary overseas travel insurance with rental vehicle excess cover and 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months with 2% BT fee.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Earn 2 bonus Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases within 4 months of card approval, up to 8,000 bonus Qantas Points. 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months, 2% BT fee applies. Low $99 annual fee.
Capped at $3000, then 0.4 pts per $1
150,000 bonus Qantas Points + $200 credit Spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of card approval. No fee for Employee Cards (up to 99).
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of card approval. No fee for Employee Cards (up to 99).
50,000 bonus Qantas Points Spend $3,000 within the first 3 months. $450 Qantas Travel Credit to use on eligible domestic or international Qantas flights each year. Two complimentary The Centurion® Lounge entries each year plus travel insurance covers. T&Cs apply.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Spend $3,000 within the first 3 months. $450 Annual Qantas Travel Credit. Two complimentary The Centurion® Lounge entries each year plus travel insurance covers. Add 4 additional cardholders for free.
100,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points Min. spend applies. $400 Travel Credit every year. Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases. Up to $500 Smartphone Screen Cover
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
100,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points, minimum spend applies. $400 Travel Credit every year. Up to $500 Smartphone Screen Cover. Earn up to 2 points for every $1 spent
60,000 bonus Velocity Points Bonus points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months. Earn 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases. Complimentary annual domestic flight, lounge passes, 100 Velocity Frequent Flyer Status Credits.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months. Earn 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases. Complimentary annual domestic flight, lounge passes, 100 Velocity Frequent Flyer Status Credits.
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Velocity Frequent Flyer
over 12 months spend 50% Complete (success)
200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points Minimum spend applies. New American Express Card Members only. Enjoy $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year. Access to over 1,400 airport lounges.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Receive 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points, minimum spend applies. New American Express Card Members only. Enjoy $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year. Access to over 1,400 airport lounges.
350,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points Min. spend applies. Up to 55 cash flow days. Transfer points to 12 Airline programs including Qantas. Complimentary domestic and international Travel Insurance. Up to 99 Employee Card Members at no cost.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Minimum spend applies. Up to 55 cash flow days. Transfer points to 12 Airline programs including Qantas. Complimentary domestic and international Travel Insurance. Up to 99 Employee Card Members at no cost.
20,000 Bonus Qantas points Min. spend applies. Earn 1 Qantas Points for every $1 spent on everyday purchases and 2 Qantas Club lounge passes per year, domestic & overseas Travel Insurance.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Min. spend applies. Earn 1 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases. 2 Qantas Club lounge passes per year, domestic & overseas Travel Insurance covers.
Waived annual fee + travel perks Get an annual $200 travel credit and free travel insurance. No annual fee the first year (saving $195) and earn up to 3 points per $1. Use a range of protective insurances, including smartphone screen cover.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Get an annual $200 travel credit and free travel insurance. No annual fee the first year (saving $195) and earn up to 3 points per $1. Use a range of protective insurances, including smartphone screen cover.
150,000 bonus Velocity Points + $250 Travel Credit Spend $5,000 within the first 2 months of your approval date. Receive complimentary international and domestic travel insurance. T&Cs apply. 2 single entry passes to the Virgin Australia lounges per year. No pre-set spending limit.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Spend $5,000 within the first 2 months of your approval date. Receive complimentary international and domestic travel insurance. T&Cs apply. 2 single entry passes to the Virgin Australia lounges per year. No pre-set spending limit.
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Velocity Frequent Flyer
over 12 months spend 50% Complete (success)
Up to 150,000 bonus Altitude points Min spend and offer T&Cs apply. Reduced annual fee in the first year. Complimentary insurance covers plus, 2 lounge passes each year with Priority Pass.
• 30 days is indicative of 1 month • Point caps are reset every statement period, which we have also assumed to be 1 month • There is a fixed monthly spend for 365 day. • Your monthly spend is multiplied by the earn rate for that 12 months. • You’ll be getting the highest earn rate for spending (if the card has tiered earn rates). • Points capping is factored in, if applicable, as is any sign-up bonus. Bear in mind though, terms and conditions always apply to points earning and sign-up bonus points.'> points earned over 12 months
Up to 150,000 bonus Altitude points - get 100k points when you spend $6,000 within the first 120 days in year 1 plus 50k points after first eligible purchase in year 2. Complimentary overseas travel insurance. T&Cs apply.
Credit card travel insurance is an added feature on many premium and rewards credit cards. It offers free travel cover overseas or domestically (or both), which helps you save money when you travel.
Credit card travel insurance covers the cardholder and often additional cardholders, spouses and dependents as well. You'll usually need to pay for your travel on the card to activate the insurance, so it's important to read the PDS to make sure you're covered for your trip. Let's look at how credit card travel insurance works.
| COVID-19 Cover: for more information about COVID-19 cover on credit card travel insurance, click here. |
Technically, yes, the insurance is free. However, these kinds of extras are usually found on credit cards with higher annual fees or higher interest rates. You might also need to spend a certain amount on your travel for the insurance to activate. For instance, it's typical to need to spend at least $500 on your card on flights, car hire or accommodation. If you meet all the eligibility criteria, travel insurance is a great perk that can save you money every time you travel.
If you're a frequent traveller then complimentary travel insurance can help offset costs on your trips. Since travel insurance is usually found on cards with other travel extras, it could be a good 'package deal' that saves money on insurances, foreign fees, and gives flight discounts or earns rewards points. It's important to read the terms if you know you're going to be using the complimentary insurance. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for age (most insurances don't cover you if you're over 80 years old) and that it covers any family members who travel with you.
Double-check these factors before applying for a card, especially if you're expecting to use the travel insurance for a trip.
There's a wide range of credit cards that offer travel insurance, including low-cost cards. It's more common to find it as a perk on premium cards, specifically ones that focus on travel. That includes frequent flyer cards, rewards cards and platinum cards.
Credit card travel insurance is backed by an underwriter, not the credit card provider. For instance, Allianz is the underwriter for NAB and Westpac insurance cover.
You'll find details on making a claim in the credit card insurance PDS. It's a good idea to know how to make a claim before you travel, just in case.
That's a very big question! Firstly, think about what you need from the card, and how you will use it. If you're looking for travel rewards, look for frequent flyer credit cards. Then compare the different features: travel insurance, lounge access, flight vouchers, flight delay cover and rewards points.
Another factor to consider is currency conversion fees and rates, if you plan to use the card while overseas. Some cards waive conversion fees altogether.
We get asked this one a lot. Travel insurance on a credit card is underwritten by the same insurers that you would take out a standalone policy with (for example, Allianz, Zurich or Chubb Insurance). So, there isn't a whole lot of difference.
You'll likely be covered for the same medical, emergency, transport and death cover that a standalone policy would. Just remember that some high-risk activities aren't covered by any insurers, such as skiing. You'll need add-on cover for that.
If you're comparing credit card insurance to standalone insurance, just make sure to consider:
Always check the PDS to make sure you're fully covered and your insurance is activated before you travel. I know I've repeated that over and over again, but it's really important with insurance cover.
These banks have released updates to include limited cover for pandemics and epidemics. Click to see the details of cover for each brand:
Until early this year, no credit card travel insurance covered events caused by COVID-19, meaning you had to cross your fingers and hope borders stayed open and you stayed well.
Now, most major credit card providers have jumped on the COVID-19 bandwagon, which is great to see since it gives a little more peace of mind around travelling. We've put together a rundown of each credit card and its coronavirus policy, but always check the card's PDS since it can change quickly.
Interestingly, some providers like ANZ and St. George have changed their terms to include all pandemic/epidemic disruptions from now on. Let's hope we don't need that anytime soon.
Remember, terms, conditions and exclusions apply to travel insurance. Check the PDS for more information.
Amex has included a clause in its credit card travel insurance PDS that provides limited cover related to COVID-19:
ANZ credit cards with complimentary travel insurance now include coverage for pandemic and epidemic disruptions and illnesses, including COVID-19.
NAB has updated its complimentary travel insurance to include some coverage for COVID-19, effective as of September 01, 2024.
Latitude 28° had a limited-time travel insurance offer that included COVID-19 cover for its Global Platinum card. The offer ended 31 July 2022, and we've kept the information here for customers.
Bendigo Bank credit cards with complimentary travel insurance now include coverage for pandemic and epidemic disruptions and illnesses in its PDS, including COVID-19.
St. George has updated its complimentary travel insurance to include some coverage for COVID-19, effective as of September 01, 2024.
Westpac has updated its complimentary travel insurance to include some coverage for current and future pandemics and epidemics, including COVID-19, effective as of September 01, 2024.
Bank of Melbourne has updated its complimentary travel insurance to include some coverage for current and future pandemics and epidemics, including COVID-19, effective as of September 01, 2024.
BankSA has updated its complimentary travel insurance to include some coverage for current and future pandemics and epidemics, including COVID-19, effective as of September 01, 2024.
Bankwest has now updated its credit card travel insurance PDS to provide limited cover related to COVID-19. Take note, this cover only includes limited medical cover:
credit card travel insurance PDS that provides limited cover related to COVID-19:
CommBank has included a clause in its credit card travel insurance PDS that provides limited cover related to COVID-19:
BOQ has updated its credit card travel insurance PDS to cover COVID-19 in a limited capacity:
Qantas was one of the last to come to the Covid party. Its updated travel insurance policy now has limited COVID-19 coverage:
Almost all banks and insurance companies have updated their insurance terms to include COVID-19 since 2020. You can find and compare credit cards with free travel insurance here, but always check the terms and conditions to see what you're covered for.
First, always read the PDS carefully. I know, it's like a broken record, but insurances come with a lot of 'but's and 'only if's that could leave you high and dry - and out of pocket - if things go awry. Clauses regarding COVID-19 are still new, so make sure you understand what you're covered for.
Second, make sure you activate your credit card's travel insurance. You'll usually be able to check that it's active via the card's website or by calling customer service.
💡 TIP: Accommodations, airlines and tour operators may have their own COVID-19 policies that are worth checking before you book, too.
Pauline Hatch is a personal finance expert at Creditcard.com.au with 8 years of finance writing under her belt. She loves turning complex money concepts into simple, practical actions so you can win financially. You can ask Pauline any questions by submitting a comment below and get a personal reply.
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Hi, I’m a personal finance expert who loves to help you out! I’ll answer your question within a business day. Pinky swear.
Hi John! Most credit card travel insurances cover up to and including 79 or 80, but some do have limited cover for over-80s. Cards that use CoverMore as its insurer seem to have more chance of getting limited cover, so you could look at Bankwest and Commbank cards. NAB may also have limited cover up to 90 years old. Just read the travel insurance PDS carefully and give the bank a call to find out the type of cover available before you travel. All the best!
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General Disclaimer: We compare over 250 credit cards in the Australian market. While we don’t compare all credit cards available, we do compare a large number of credit cards generally available to consumers. Please understand that the product information we include in our comparison is not comprehensive and may not address all the features relevant to you. Even though we provide information and assistance on credit cards in Australia, we are neither recommending that you apply for any particular product nor suggesting that any particular product is appropriate for you. We recommend that you consider your own personal circumstances, read the provider's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD), or obtain independent advice, before transacting on the basis of the information on our site. Interest rates, fees and charges are subject to change without notice. Although reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information, product features and fees are subject to change and our information is presented without warranty. On this website, we provide credit assistance and act as an intermediary and we may receive a commission when credit cards are applied for as a result of the outbound links on this site. When you click on the ‘Go to offer’ button you will have an opportunity to review the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card issuer’s web site before applying. For clarity, we’d like to emphasise that the use of terms ‘Best’ or ‘Top’ are not product ratings and, like your use of our website, are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Use.
• The annual fee is charged in the first month.
• You only pay the minimum monthly payment of your overall balance each month.
• You do not spend or withdraw cash on the card until the balance transfer period ends or is paid in full.
• All other fees and charges that may apply are excluded. When there is no interest savings or a negative interest saving after the introductory period, the calculator will display $0.'> Filter your savings
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