Credit card travel insurance policies can be an economical and convenient alternative to standalone policies, but it’s essential to understand what exactly is covered and its terms and conditions. Most policies require certain spending amounts or bookings in order to activate, while preexisting conditions might be excluded from coverage.
American Express Platinum Card provides medical evacuation coverage of up to $100,000 and comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption protection, making it the superior travel credit card with travel insurance.
1. American Express Platinum Card
The Platinum Card provides travelers with comprehensive travel protections, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance (which reimburses nonrefundable expenses incurred due to delays, interruptions, cancellations or interruptions due to covered reasons), medical evacuation coverage and baggage loss and delay protection.
This card comes equipped with primary rental car coverage – most credit cards only provide secondary coverage – while its concierge service can arrange transportation, medical referrals and other services while you’re traveling abroad.
This card’s annual fee may be among the highest, but its premium perks and rewards make up for it, including access to airport lounges, 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and hotels, and a $200 Uber credit. These perks and benefits make this an excellent choice for frequent travelers looking to maximize rewards and benefits; its medical emergency evacuation coverage goes further than what most cards provide and provides real peace of mind when traveling abroad.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out among travel credit cards due to its competitive earning rates in popular spending categories, and robust travel and purchase protections. Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned can be transferred 1:1 into airline and hotel loyalty programs as well as trip cancellation/interruption coverage, primary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage and baggage insurance for added peace of mind.
It also offers a $50 hotel credit annually and no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travelers. Unfortunately, its annual fee of $95 may deter cardholders who prefer cash back over travel rewards cards. Also like many premium travel cards, Chase’s unofficial 5/24 rule could disqualify cardholders if they open more than five cards in 24 months from any issuer – something many premium travel cards do require excellent credit to qualify for approval and is subject to.
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the leading credit cards with travel insurance benefits, such as primary car rental coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, an annual travel credit of $300 USD, global emergency medical evacuation coverage and lost luggage reimbursement. It also provides primary car rental coverage.
This card provides a substantial sign-up bonus, lounge access and benefits such as eligibility for NEXUS and Global Entry membership eligibility. Cardmembers can earn triple points on travel-related purchases and dining out (including fast food and fast casual) until March 2025; additionally the card covers any associated application fees such as for NEXUS Global Entry TSA Precheck with statement credits.
Some protections of this card may be more limited than others, including limited rental collision damage waiver and trip delay/baggage delay insurance that kicks in after only six hours; but overall its travel coverages more than justify its $550 annual fee. If this option exceeds your budget, try the less costly Chase Sapphire Preferred.
4. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card stands out among no-annual-fee travel cards as an excellent no annual-fee option. Ideal for existing Bank of America or Merrill account holders looking to capitalize on their relationship, as this card comes with an impressive welcome bonus and potential other perks such as higher savings account interest rates or lower auto loan interest rates.
With an easy earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, this card could make it easy for some to maximize rewards. Furthermore, unlike many cards with higher annual fees that charge foreign transaction fees – this card doesn’t impose them.
Travelers can redeem rewards for statement credits to offset eligible travel and dining purchases; one point being worth one cent. As with many top travel cards, this card also provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage as well as medical evacuation and rental car coverage.
