Credit card travel accident insurance provides travelers with protection in case of severe injury or death while travelling, covering expenses related to such travel incurred due to severe injury. Coverage varies by card issuer.
Many credit cards provide various travel protections, such as cancellation and interruption coverage and rental car collision damage waivers. Please refer to your card’s guide of benefits for more details.
What is it?
Credit card travel accident insurance is an invaluable complimentary benefit that can cover expenses incurred if someone in your immediate family becomes sick, injured, or dies while traveling on a common carrier. Coverage will depend on both card issuer and issuer; but typically includes emergency evacuation and transportation services, repatriation of remains repatriation waiver rental car collision damage waiver insurance lost luggage insurance as well as trip cancellation/interruption coverage (typically secondary).
Most credit cardholders can qualify for these benefits simply by making purchases with their cards – though some cards require all or a portion of the trip be charged using this card in order to qualify. Please be aware that any existing auto or other types of insurance policies take precedence over any secondary card benefits coverage; most card benefits also do not cover death or injuries caused during high-risk activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding.
Who is covered?
Credit card travel accident insurance provides broad protections, so it’s essential that you understand all the details before applying. Most cards provide a benefits guide that outlines specific coverages and limits that you should know about, along with contact details for the card’s benefit administrator as well as an overview of coverages provided.
Travel accident policies typically offer coverage to both cardholders and anyone traveling with them when all or a portion of a common carrier fare is charged to a covered card; however, some policies may exclude coverage for certain items like hearing aids and artificial teeth, or business samples, cameras, jewelry and recreational equipment.
Some credit cards also provide trip cancellation and interruption coverage, medical evacuation support and rental car collision damage waivers as secondary coverage to other policies such as your auto or homeowners/renters insurance policies. They typically limit how much they’ll cover per person and incident – for instance some cards won’t offer one if you paid with points or vouchers to purchase your vehicle.
What is the maximum benefit?
Credit card travel accident, trip cancellation and interruption coverage and baggage delay insurance often offer maximum payout per person or total expenses covered, with some cards exclusion coverage for certain losses or damage.
Some cards provide auto rental collision damage waivers that cover up to $75,000 of any damage that occurs in a rental car accident; however, these coverage options often serve as secondary coverage, meaning you must first submit a claim with your personal auto or home insurer before initiating this protection plan.
Medical emergency evacuation coverage is another feature commonly included with certain cards, though its maximum benefit varies widely by card and some do not provide coverage for injuries sustained during certain activities like parachute jumping, vehicular races or sports events offering cash prizes. Annual fees associated with cards offering such coverage could also play a factor when making your decision.
How do I file a claim?
Your credit card company should offer an in-depth guide to benefits that outlines all of their insurance perks. If you need further guidance or clarification regarding their process, they may provide a number where you can call to speak directly with their benefits administrator.
Make sure to request a call reference number when calling, in order to record your conversation with the representative and ascertain whether your claim meets policy requirements and how much will be reimbursed for eligible expenses.
To file a travel accident claim with your card provider, typically all expenses must have been paid in full and remain cardholder at the time of incident. Furthermore, an itinerary or receipt detailing expenses to claim should also be available. Some cards also provide emergency travel and evacuation assistance that connects cardholders to professionals abroad who can provide medical and legal referrals, translation services or emergency prescription refills as necessary.
