Travel insurance is a crucial benefit for frequent travelers, offering peace of mind by covering unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and more. Many credit cards come with built-in travel insurance, providing cardholders with comprehensive coverage as a perk. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best credit cards that include travel insurance, covering their benefits, coverage details, and how they can enhance your travel experience.
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Overview
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is renowned for its exceptional travel benefits, including a robust travel insurance package. This card is ideal for frequent travelers looking for comprehensive coverage and a premium experience.
Key Benefits
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 for accidental death or dismemberment.
- Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage: Up to $2,500 for emergency medical and dental expenses.
- Emergency Evacuation and Transportation: Up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation and transportation.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per passenger for checked and carry-on luggage.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Up to $500 per ticket for delays of more than six hours or requiring an overnight stay.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $100 per day for five days for delays over six hours.
Annual Fee
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550. However, the extensive travel benefits, including the travel insurance, often justify the cost for frequent travelers.
Additional Perks
- $300 Annual Travel Credit: Automatically applied to travel purchases.
- Priority Pass Select Membership: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- 3X Points on Travel and Dining: Earn valuable rewards on travel-related expenses.
2. The Platinum Card from American Express
Overview
The Platinum Card from American Express is synonymous with luxury and premium travel benefits. Its comprehensive travel insurance package is one of the key attractions for globetrotters.
Key Benefits
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12-month period.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $500,000 for accidental death and dismemberment.
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance: Coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation, including medical transport.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: Up to $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Up to $500 for delays exceeding six hours.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $100 per day for three days for delays over six hours.
Annual Fee
The Platinum Card from American Express has an annual fee of $695, reflecting its premium status and extensive benefits.
Additional Perks
- 5X Membership Rewards Points: On flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Annually for incidental fees with a selected airline.
- Global Lounge Collection: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges.
- Fine Hotels & Resorts Program: Complimentary benefits such as room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and late check-out.
3. Citi Prestige Card
Overview
The Citi Prestige Card is another excellent option for travelers seeking comprehensive travel insurance and premium benefits.
Key Benefits
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection: Up to $5,000 per traveler per trip for non-refundable expenses.
- Worldwide Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 for accidental death and dismemberment.
- Trip Delay Protection: Up to $500 per traveler for delays of more than six hours.
- Baggage Delay Protection: Up to $100 per day for three days for delays over six hours.
- Lost Baggage Protection: Up to $3,000 per traveler for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage.
- Emergency Evacuation and Transportation: Up to $100,000 for medical evacuation and transportation.
Annual Fee
The Citi Prestige Card has an annual fee of $495, which is competitive given its extensive travel insurance and benefits.
Additional Perks
- 4th Night Free Benefit: Get the fourth night free on any hotel stay booked through Citi ThankYou Rewards.
- Priority Pass Select Membership: Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges.
- 3X Points on Air Travel and Hotels: Earn valuable rewards on travel-related expenses.
4. United Club Infinite Card
Overview
The United Club Infinite Card, offered by Chase, is tailored for United Airlines frequent flyers, providing excellent travel insurance coverage and premium airline-specific benefits.
Key Benefits
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 for accidental death or dismemberment.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $100 per day for three days for delays over six hours.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per passenger for checked and carry-on luggage.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Up to $500 per ticket for delays of more than six hours or requiring an overnight stay.
- Emergency Evacuation and Transportation: Up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation and transportation.
Annual Fee
The United Club Infinite Card has an annual fee of $525, justified by the extensive travel benefits and United Club membership.
Additional Perks
- United Club Membership: Access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges.
- 2X Miles on United Purchases: Earn extra miles on United Airlines purchases.
- Free First and Second Checked Bag: For the primary cardholder and one companion on United-operated flights.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Overview
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a popular travel card offering solid travel insurance benefits and a straightforward rewards program.
Key Benefits
- Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment when traveling on a common carrier.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage.
- Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Access to a wide range of emergency assistance services when traveling.
Annual Fee
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of $95, making it an affordable option for many travelers.
Additional Perks
- 2X Miles on Every Purchase: Earn unlimited 2X miles on all purchases.
- Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® Credit: Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® application fee.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Enjoy no fees on purchases made outside the United States.
6. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Overview
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a premium hotel rewards card with comprehensive travel insurance and valuable Hilton-specific perks.
Key Benefits
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per trip.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $500,000 for accidental death and dismemberment.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: Up to $3,000 for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage.
- Trip Delay Insurance: Up to $500 per trip for delays exceeding six hours.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $100 per day for up to five days for delays over six hours.
Annual Fee
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has an annual fee of $450, justified by its extensive benefits and Hilton-specific rewards.
Additional Perks
- Hilton Honors Diamond Status: Complimentary Diamond status with Hilton Honors.
- $250 Hilton Resort Statement Credit: Annually for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts.
- Weekend Night Reward: One free weekend night reward annually.
Conclusion
Choosing a credit card with comprehensive travel insurance can significantly enhance your travel experience, providing financial protection and peace of mind. The best card for you depends on your travel habits, preferred airlines or hotels, and the specific benefits you value most. Here’s a quick recap of the standout features of the cards discussed:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Extensive travel insurance, $300 travel credit, and 3X points on travel and dining.
- The Platinum Card from American Express: Comprehensive insurance, 5X points on flights, and Global Lounge Collection access.
- Citi Prestige Card: 4th Night Free benefit, 3X points on air travel and hotels, and strong travel insurance.
- United Club Infinite Card: United Club membership, 2X miles on United purchases, and free checked bags.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Affordable annual fee, 2X miles on every purchase, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Hilton-specific perks, Diamond status, and strong travel insurance.
When selecting a card, consider the annual fee, the coverage limits, and any additional perks that align with your travel needs. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a hotel loyalist, or an occasional traveler, there’s a card with the right combination of travel insurance and rewards to suit your lifestyle. Safe travels
