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Is PC Financial travel Insurance good? Review 2024

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Traveling without travel insurance can have severe financial consequences. Did you know that one night's hospital stay in the U.S. can be over $14,000 CAD? In some countries, you may even be denied medical assistance if you cannot prepay for treatment.

Travel insurance is an absolute necessity when you're away from home, providing coverage for healthcare expenses and ensuring you can access medical services when needed. It also offers assistance for flight disruptions, lost baggage, and other related issues.

One popular provider worth considering is the PC Financial Travel Insurance (from President's Choice). So we've done a comprehensive review outlining the coverage, costs, and the pros and cons of their service.

Additionally, you can also use our comparator to explore the best travel insurances in Canada and get quotes in seconds.

President's Choice Financial Travel Insurance: 5 Key takeaways

• PC Financial Travel Insurance protects against unexpected medical expenses and other issues like delays and cancelations.
• It offers comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, interruption, emergency medical, and baggage loss/delay.
• It is important to review the policy's terms and conditions to understand coverage limitations and exclusions.
• The policy offers flexibility and customisation, allowing travellers to tailor their coverage.
• It is advisable to compare other travel insurances using our comparator, considering factors like coverage, cost, and reviews.

Our 2024 review of PC Financial travel insurance

President's Choice has joined hands with Manulife Travel Insurance to provide Canadians with exceptional plans so they can travel and enjoy their business trips or vacations stress-free.

PC primarily offers 4 travel insurance options: Complete package, Package without medical care, Global medical care, and Unequaled Protection Insurance.

Before we dive into the coverage of each option, here's a quick look at the pros and cons of this insurance overall.

Pros of PC Financial Travel Insurance

• Diverse insurance options
• Partnership with Manulife
• Insurance for seniors
• No-fee master cards with travel insurance
• Quarantine expenses covered in case of COVID

Cons of PC Financial Travel Insurance

• Pre-existing medical condition exclusions
• Limited pricing information on website

You can also compare PC Financial Travel Insurance with other providers in Canada like Allianz Travel Insurance using our comparator below and also get quick quotes based on your unique needs.

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

How is the PC Financial Travel Insurance Coverage?

PC Financial travel insurance offers a wide range of coverage from trip cancellation and medical emergency to flight delays and lost baggage and more to ensure you have the most stress-free travel. However the coverages vary based on the option you choose.

What does PC Financial Travel Insurance cover?

Your PC financial travel insurance may cover medical insurance alone or a combination of travel medical and trip protection, although the specific policy details, including coverage duration and limits, vary across different plans offered.

Generally, the PC Financial Travel covers a few or all of the following based on your plans:

• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage: Reimburses non-refundable expenses if a trip needs to be canceled or cut short due to covered reasons like illness, injury, or severe weather.
• Travel medical insurance: This provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling, including emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and sometimes even medical evacuation back to your home country.
• Lost or delayed baggage coverage: In the unfortunate event of lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, this coverage will provide reimbursement for the replacement of essential items.
• Trip delay coverage: If your flight or other transportation is delayed (for a specific period of time), this coverage can reimburse you for expenses such as meals, accommodations, and transportation during the delay.
• Travel accident insurance: Offers coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs during travel on planes, trains, or buses.
• Rental car insurance: Coverage for collision damage or theft of rental vehicles.
• Covid Travel Insurance : Covers Covid-related medical emergencies, repatriation and booking cancellations.

Here is a table to give you a quick overview of the coverage provided under the PC Financial Travel Insurance:

What does PC Financial Travel Insurance not cover?

PC Financial Travel Insurance, like other insurance policies in the market, has certain exclusions and limitations.

These may include coverage exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities such as extreme sports, and incidents related to intoxication or drug use. Any claims arising from incidents related to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not be covered by the policy.

Additionally, travel to restricted or high-risk destinations may impact coverage eligibility. It's important to thoroughly review the policy's terms and conditions to fully understand the coverage limitations and exclusions that may apply.

If there are any uncertainties or specific concerns, it is advisable to contact PC Financial directly for further clarification.

How much does PC Financial travel insurance cost?

The price of PC Financial travel insurance depends on the following factors:

• Your desired coverage and respective policy
• Your deductible
• Your waiting period
• Your destination(s)
• The duration of your trip

You can compare coverages and prices of the best travel insurances in Canada using our comparator below and also get quick quotes based on your unique needs.

Is there a PC financial Mastercard travel insurance?

Yes, like other popular credit cards with travel insurance (to hyperlink later), President's Choice also offers this option. However, the extent of coverage and fee involved vary based on the type of credit card you choose.

PC has three primary credit cards. They are World Elite MasterCard MD , World MasterCard MD , and MasterCard MD .

PC Financial World Elite MasterCard travel insurance

PC World Elite MasterCard travel insurance provides up to $1,000,000 coverage for various emergency medical expenses during your travel including doctor charges, accidental dental care, return airfare, and more.

It also has car rental loss/damage and baggage coverage among others. It is important to read the offer documents of your card carefully.

To make insurance claims, it is highly important to ensure that your PC World Elite Mastercard account is in good standing at the time of the occurrence and the claim.

PC Financial World MasterCard travel insurance

The PC Financial World Mastercard does not offer any travel benefits, however, it does offer reward points for purchases made with respect to travel. It's best to check with your card provider to get accurate and up-to-date information.

PC Financial MasterCard travel insurance

The PC Financial MasterCard does not provide travel benefits by default. However, it might give you rewards and redeemable points that could prove beneficial for your trips and vacations. It would be best to get in touch with your provider for more information on this.

Good to know

In order to get these credit cards, you must satisfy certain eligibility criteria that also include a minimum yearly personal income or household income, apart from other credit approval criteria. Also, it's important that your travel purchases are made on your specific credit card to be eligible for claims after.

How do I contact PC travel insurance?

You can get in touch with the PC Financial travel insurance phone number: 1-844-862-8466 or 1-866-246-7262 . They are both toll-free numbers. You may have to wait a few seconds to minutes in queue when the lines are facing an unexpectedly high volume of enquiries.

The numbers are available only between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (ET) from Monday to Friday. Weekends are closed for in-phone enquiries.

You could also fill up and submit a form on their website that is available under the contact us category and an agent will get in touch with you shortly after.

If you're an insurance holder, however, in the event of an emergency, however, you can call the toll free at 1-855-856-7569.

How do I file a claim for PC financial travel insurance?

To file a claim, you can get in touch with your provider directly on the phone and a customer service agent will guide you through the process.

You could also login on the PC Financial website to fill the claim form. It is extremely important to make sure you have all the supporting documents like invoices for purchases, bills, etc, at the time of claims process.

How do I cancel my PC financial travel insurance?

If you are looking for information and instructions to cancel PC Financial travel insurance at any time, please call 1-866-246-7262 to speak with a representative.

But canceling your travel insurance might mean putting yourself at the risk of financial stress should you be faced with unforeseen medical and other related issues during your travel. So, it's strongly recommended that you opt for a travel insurance that best suits your needs.

Now that you have a good idea about PC Financial Travel Insurance, you can compare it with the best travel insurances in Canada using our comparator below and also get quick quotes .

Save up to 25% on your travel insurance with our partner soNomad

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Nishadh Mohammed, an experienced news editor and writer, has been a member of the HelloSafe team since May 2023. With a robust nine-year background in journalism and content creation, he has transitioned from impactful roles at major Indian newspapers to steering the course of online content as the managing editor of The Daily Net. Possessing a proficiency in crafting content for diverse audiences, Nishadh also brings a deep understanding of data analytics tools such as SQL, Tableau, and Knime. His commitment goes beyond crafting engaging financial content for HelloSafe; he navigates the ever-changing SEO landscape, leveraging data-driven insights to make informed decisions. When he's not wrestling with SEO algorithms, Nishadh indulges in reading and passionately explores narratives on human rights, intersectionality, race, caste, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

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PC Financial Mastercard world elite travel insurance

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Topping up travel insurance offered by credit card

Here’s a start. https://assets.ctfassets.net/xqp30uh3quox/5bjnPXwVaaD7dwD792v0TY/917c718b945ffc1051abcccbaf5598c4/pcf_worldelite_coi_en.pdf i believe the answers are: 1. Yes, automatic, subject to conditions such as pre-existing conditions 2. that’s up to you. You may consider the coverage from PC MC isn’t enough. It doesn’t need to be one or the other. What I’m not clear about is how these credit card medical coverages work if you are driving out of country. You don’t have any airline tickets to prove entry/exit dates….how would you prove when you left rhe country? I assume you would need to prove it.  

But already that's not good, if they aren't even internally coordinated to answer public's basic answer.  

Did you try this number: 1-866-892-8683  

This thread opened is just in a nick of time. Not trying to break your estatic balloon in getting covered/iinsured even with the top up ... try getting your claim paid or deemed approved is a nightmare. Just read yesterday from G&M(?) that a gentleman broke his back from sleep-walking off his hotel's balcony (weird or what?) whilst vacationing down south (somewhere). Boy did he get his money's worth ... of hassles. He was so closed to being a paralyzed from the waist down before he got approval for the emergency surgery from his "out of country cc covered insurer" some days later ... after calling like not hanging up at all. The insurer's 1800 # wasn't being picked up ... the usual "normal than higher volulme BS" so be prepared to wait ... hours ... if not days ... if not never. Holy jesus. Only if you're interested, I'll look for the link and p ost o/w it's not all that uncommon or unheard of ... these days. You pay and you take your chances.  

From past experience, what matters is the terms of the insurance contract in effect when you enter into the contract. Suggest you download and read carefully to assess you are covered for the specific risks you are concerned about. Or post a link to it here and we can chime in. What the website or an agent say are at best only useful if you keep records and go to court months after the fact. In other words, if you have a claim someone will read the Terms in the Contract and pay based on that. Or not.  

Tostig said: The benefits detail from the PC Financial website says includes "airfare". So I think it that means trip interruption. Click to expand...

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• pcf_worldelite_coi_en.pdf 537.2 KB Views: 63

I just found out that TD’s US dollar Visa offers some trip interruption coverage. Up to $5,000 of coverage per insured person, to a maximum of $25,000 for all insured persons on the same trip. To be eligible for this insurance, you must pay at least 75% of the entire cost of your trip, including taxes and fees of the Common Carrier fare, and any hotel or similar accommodations with your TD Credit Card.  

• you must be under age 65
• you must be permanent residents of Canada with active provincial health insurance
• pre-existing conditions are excluded
• only the first 10 consecutive days of a trip are covered

James has provided a pretty good synopsis of how these plans work (as I understand it as well). Medical vs Trip Interruption & Cancellation are two very different things. Be sure to understand the difference and the one (or both) that you require. Be sure to fully understand the limited coverage of credit card plans and recognize it cannot be all that good considering how expensive such insurance coverages actually are. On a personal basis, I have ex-country health/medical coverage as a part of my annuitant heath benefit plans via Global Allianz which is ultimately the largest provider of this type of insurance. It is the same ex-country insurance active employees of the corporation have when they are traveling on company business. The part I have to cover on my own is Trip Interruption and Cancellation if I choose to do so. I bought this coverage back in 2015 when we were going for a Peru trip and I still had a very elderly parent alive. As it turned out, she died 5 days before we were to leave.We obviously had to cancel the trip. It took a lot of work but we were compensated for our non-refundable sunk costs because of that situation. We no longer buy TI&C because now that we are in our mid-70s, we have become higher risk of not being able to travel when scheduled and premiums have increased to about 10% of the value of the trip. We now self-insure on the premise that failure to follow through on 1 of 10 trips will pay for itself (like windshield coverage). We didn't buy TI&C for our recent trip to Costa Rica and we have not done so for our upcoming trip to Maui. Somewhere along the line, we may get caught exposed but we will take our chances.  

AltaRed said: We no longer buy TI&C because now that we are in our mid-70s, we have become higher risk of not being able to travel when scheduled and premiums have increased to about 10% of the value of the trip. We now self-insure on the premise that failure to follow through on 1 of 10 trips will pay for itself (like windshield coverage). We didn't buy TI&C for our recent trip to Costa Rica and we have not done so for our upcoming trip to Maui. Somewhere along the line, we may get caught exposed but we will take our chances. Click to expand...

We also look for opportunities for refundable bookings, or relatively short lock-ins. Easy to do with airfare but more difficult with bookings in resort places, and even less easily with 'vacation packages'. Our Costa Rica package was not refundable at all about 30 days out from commencement. It is a calculated risk we take.  

For packages, most tour operators sell a cancellation insurance that is not age-dependent. Runs usually $50 pp for the cheap coverage (gives you future vacation credit rather than your money back) or $100 pp for the better coverage (cancel for any reason, full refund, up to 24 hours before travel).  

Lots of good advice given here. I will check the other thread again and call PC Financial about the possibility of topping up the insurance for an extra two days and trip cancellation and interruption.  

Well my call to PC Financial's insurance administrator at the number on post #4, didn't get any results. No top ups are available. So I called CAA and got a quote for 2 extra days and for trip cancelation and interruption. It's over $500 for a $7000 trip for two people. Then my wife comes home and gets on the phone to talk to her pension administrator. It turns out we can register and pay an annual fee of something like $250 for the both of us to have trip cancellation and interruption as well as travel medical for all our trips. And for the trip we are booking, $35 per person. So, for us, problem solved.  

Thank you. I was remiss in not saying that actually. In the case of WestJet vacations (our Costa Rica trip) it only covers up to 3? 5? days before travel, so there is a short window of real exposure. Anyways, your point is well taken.  

We had/have Capital One world elite Mastercard. When we called to make a cancellation claim the C1 CSR had no information other than contact their insurer at this 1 800 number. We did, and had good service/good experience. The claim paid for more than 10 years of card fees. Our experience is that the credit card CSR’s only seem to have a data sheet with very general talking points. Anything else…call their insurance carrier. No surprise.  

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Mastercard announces new cardholder benefits to enhance health & wellness, travel and lifestyle rewards for consumers, small businesses 

Alo Moves and HealthLock can help provide cardholders peace of mind and elevate their well-being  

Booking.com, Lyft and ResortPass can help cardholders streamline and make most of their travel experience  

Instacart Business and MoviePass can help bring added value to cardholders’ lifestyle choices

Today, Mastercard announced new credit card benefits, working with leading health & wellness, travel, and lifestyle brands to help bridge the gap between everyday essentials and enriching experiences. New offerings with Alo Moves , Booking.com , HealthLock , Instacart Business , Lyft , MoviePass , and ResortPass bring value in areas where consumers and small businesses frequently spend, adding to the existing portfolio of meaningful rewards and benefits that Mastercard cardholders already enjoy.  

According to Mastercard research, 87% of American consumers say they look forward to redeeming their credit card rewards [1] and in fact, the prospect of rewards influences most consumers’ purchasing decisions [2]. Mastercard’s new benefits for consumers and small businesses, combined with zero liability protection, a secure global network, multiple payment options and easy transactions with millions of merchants worldwide, enhance the overall value provided to its cardholders. 

To address the demand for meaningful rewards and benefits, Mastercard has partnered with Booking.com, Lyft and ResortPass to provide unique benefits that support peace of mind and maximum value across all aspects of a trip, from where you stay, to how you get there and the experiences to enjoy while at your destination, whether you are there for work or play. Meanwhile, other new partnerships with Alo Moves, HealthLock, Instacart Business, and MoviePass can help cardholders save money and time across wellness memberships, healthcare, online shopping grocery delivery at home and work, as well as movie theater subscriptions.  

“From savvy shoppers to ambitious entrepreneurs, Mastercard provides a full complement of valuable benefits to help cardholders simplify their daily routines, fuel their passions, and enhance their lifestyles,” said Seema Chibber, executive vice president of North America Product and Engineering at Mastercard. “In today’s dynamic market, credit card rewards and benefits remain pivotal for consumers and small businesses, offering unparalleled value and financial flexibility, while driving loyalty and responsible spending.” 

Now available across eligible Mastercard consumer and small business rewards credit cards, cardholders can access, and earn new meaningful rewards and savings on their purchases, specifics include:  

• Booking.com: Eligible Standard, World and World Elite Mastercard® consumer credit card cardholders and Mastercard BusinessCard® and World Elite Mastercard for Business® credit cardholders will receive up to 7% off pre-paid bookings of accommodations made through https://www.booking.com/mastercardUS [3]. 
• HealthLock: All eligible consumer credit and small business Mastercard cardholders will receive complimentary access to HealthLock's Medical Claim Monitor service and a 90-day premium upgrade to HealthLock's Medical Claim Saver. After the 90- day free trial, cardholders can continue with the Medical Claim Monitor at no cost or opt-in to the premium services [4]. 
• Lyft: Eligible World Elite Mastercard® consumer credit cardholders and World Elite Mastercard for Business® small business credit cardholders will receive 10% off all scheduled rides to the airport. Lyft will automatically apply the credit to the eligible ride [5]. 

Other new offers available to Mastercard consumer cardholders also include: 

• Alo Moves: Eligible World Elite Mastercard® cardholders will receive 50% off Alo Moves, the award-winning, on-demand holistic wellness platform. Cardholders enrolled in the offer for Alo Moves will be eligible to receive 300 bonus points to Alo Access, Alo’s Loyalty Program [6]. 
• MoviePass: Eligible Standard Mastercard® cardholders who are new to MoviePass will receive a 50 % discount off the first two months of a Standard or Premium MoviePass subscription plan [7].  
• ResortPass: Eligible World Elite Mastercard® consumer credit cardholders will receive a $30 statement credit, and eligible World Mastercard consumer credit cardholders will receive a $20 statement credit, on all ResortPass bookings of $200 or more for pool, spa, and amenity access at hotels and resorts [8].  

In addition to Mastercard’s existing consumer Instacart cardholder benefit , Instacart Business is now added to the suite of benefits for small business owners. Eligible Mastercard BusinessCard® and World Elite Mastercard for Business® credit cardholders who are new to Instacart will receive a two-month free trial to Instacart+ , its premium membership service which gives customers benefits like free same-day delivery on orders over $35. Qualifying Mastercard cardholders will also get a $20 discount on their second qualifying monthly order after completing their first qualifying monthly order [9]. 

Mastercard consumer and small business cardholders will receive benefits from Mastercard’s new partnership, and continued partnerships with Instacart , Lyft , Peacock , ShopRunner and others, to help deliver the highest value from their everyday spend and protection as they shop and run their business.  

For additional information and the full terms and conditions associated with the suite of valuable offerings across the Standard Mastercard®, World Mastercard®, World Elite Mastercard®, Mastercard BusinessCard® and World Elite Mastercard for Business®, cardholders can visit www.mastercard.com/standard , www.mastercard.com/world ,  www.mastercard.com/worldelite , mastercard.us/businessoffers or call 1-800-MASTERCARD. 

Hear from our partners 

“At Alo Moves, we’re passionate about inspiring mindful movement and meditation and making these practices accessible to everyone,” said Natasha Trindall, general manager of Alo Moves. “Our exciting new partnership with Mastercard perfectly aligns with this mission by providing cardholders with exclusive benefits, like discounted Alo Moves memberships and additional loyalty program points, allowing us to empower a wider audience to embrace a holistic approach to well-being.” 

“The healthcare landscape is more complex and costly than ever, and in today's challenging economic environment, one of the most important things a person can do to protect their wallet is proactively managing their medical bills,” said Scott Speranza, CEO of HealthLock. “Even so, managing medical bills is often easier said than done, and most folks simply don't have the time or resources to play phone tag with providers or sit on hold for hours. That's why we created HealthLock, which continuously monitors members' medical claims for potential medical overbilling, errors and fraud. Through our partnership with Mastercard, consumer and small business cardholders will have access to increased privacy, control and savings when it comes to their healthcare, ultimately freeing them to focus on what matters most: their well-being.” 

“As any business owner knows, unplanned needs are inevitable. Instacart Business can give businesses that shop on Instacart a more flexible way to get the last-minute– and often, unexpected– items they need to keep things running,” said Andrew Nodes, vice president and general manager of Instacart Business and Supply Chain at Instacart. “We’re thrilled to offer eligible Mastercard business cardholders exclusive discounts on their next Instacart Business order–so if you're a coffee shop owner that runs out of oat milk halfway through the morning rush, an office manager that needs to stock up snacks and beverages when there’s an unexpected spike in office attendance or a restaurant owner and whose weekly avocado delivery from your supplier has been delayed– Mastercard and Instacart Business can help.” 

“We are excited to make it even more rewarding for riders who use eligible Mastercard cardholders to unlock the best value for all their transportation needs,” said Zach Greenberger, executive vice president, Partner Ecosystem at Lyft. “Partnerships like this one give riders one more reason to choose Lyft when getting to the airport - making the whole travel experience even more seamless than ever before.” 

“As the nation’s first theater subscription platform, we’re proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Mastercard and MoviePass by offering Mastercard customers exclusive access and substantial savings to all major movies, spanning across 99% of theaters nationwide,” said Stacy Spikes, CEO of MoviePass. “In North America alone, more than 200 million people go to the movies over one billion times a year, making movie-going the number one out-of-home entertainment activity. The partnership reinforces how much both brands understand the importance of spending time together with friends and family, and that special something that can only be experienced at the movies.” 

"Day-guesting at hotel pools and amenities is a growing way that consumers are carving out more time for wellness in their hometowns and while they travel - we salute Mastercard’s commitment to helping cardholders live better lives,” said Michael Wolf, CEO of ResortPass. 

"The collaboration with Mastercard is a great opportunity to further enhance the travel experiences of Mastercard cardholders,” said Cintia O Tavella Gomez, head of Partnerships at Booking.com. “At Booking.com, we are committed to providing seamless and memorable travel experiences and this partnership allows us to continue making it easier for everyone to experience the world in an easy and affordable way." 

[1] NAM Mastercard Insights, Consumer Benefits Study, Sept. 2023  

[2] Law Econ Center. (2023, November 17). The Credit Card Competition Act's Potential Effects on Airline Co-Branded Cards, Airlines, and Consumers. Retrieved from https://laweconcenter.org/resources/the-credit-card-competition-acts-potential-effects-on-airline-co-branded-cards-airlines-and-consumers/  

[3] Booking.com: Valid until 9/30/2025. Bookings must be prepaid and made through booking.com/mastercardUS to be eligible for this offer. To redeem, visit booking.com/mastercardUS, choose a property marked with a "Save when you pay now with your eligible Mastercard" tag, and then select "Pay Now" using an eligible Mastercard credit card at checkout. The discount will be applied automatically at the time of prepayment and will vary based on the property and dates selected. The discount applies to the accommodation cost only and does not include any additional fees or taxes. All bookings are subject to availability and Booking.com's terms and conditions. Additional eligibility restrictions, exclusions, and terms apply. 

[4] HealthLock: HealthLock is an end‑to‑end analytics‑driven platform that helps protect cardholders’ medical identities and data and monitors their medical claims for errors, fraud and overbilling. HealthLock provides three plan levels: 

• Medical Claim Monitor: Helps guard against medical fraud and privacy intrusions by monitoring medical data breaches, providing alerts and helping remediate medical fraud issues.
• Medical Claim Auditor: Organizes, tracks and audits all healthcare bills (24‑month retroactive audit and ongoing auditing) in one place, verifying that all bills are accurate and identifying potential overcharges and insurance errors. This level includes everything from the previous plan.
• Medical Claim Saver: Provides access to medical bill negotiation with providers and insurance companies to potentially help reduce bills and reverse claim rejections. This level includes everything from the previous plan.

Enrolled users receive, at no cost, Medical Claim Monitor, plus a premium upgrade to Medical Claim Saver for the first 90 days. After 90 days, users will continue to receive Medical Claim Monitor at no monthly cost and have the option to continue with Medical Claim Auditor for $4.99 per month or Medical Claim Saver for $19.99 per month. See full terms here . 

All third‑party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. 

[5] Lyft : Beginning 4/1/2024 and running through 9/30/2025, subject to early termination. Lyft users who book a ride to an airport in the United States using the "Schedule a Ride" feature using their US-issued World Elite Mastercard consumer credit, World Mastercard for Business credit, or World Elite Mastercard for Business credit card will get ten percent (10%) off the Scheduled Ride’s upfront pricing as reflected at the time of booking the Scheduled Ride. Lyft Business Profiles and accounts are not eligible; only Scheduled Rides ordered in personal mode are eligible. Tips on Scheduled Rides are not included within the ten percent (10%) discount and the full ride cost must be paid for using an eligible card. Payments made using digital wallets are not eligible for this promotion. Valid only in the United States. By participating in the program, you agree to Lyft's terms. Additional terms apply, please visit https://www.lyft.com/mastercard#airports . 

[6] Alo Moves: Ends 9/30/2025, subject to early termination. Receive a 50% discount on a monthly or annual Alo Moves subscription purchased at www.alomoves.com/mastercard (the "Offer Page") using an eligible U.S. World Elite Mastercard consumer credit card. Must have or create an Alo Moves account to qualify. Offer is only valid via the Offer Page, and cannot be redeemed elsewhere including but not limited to iOS or Android applications. Alo Moves subscriptions are subject to Alo Moves’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy each available at www.alomoves.com. To cancel your Alo Moves subscription at any time, see www.alomoves.com/settings/membership. Eligible Mastercard cardholders who redeem this discounted subscription offer will receive 300 points to Alo Access, Alo Yoga’s loyalty and rewards program, if they enroll in an Alo Yoga membership account with the same email address used for their Alo Moves subscription account. Additional eligibility restrictions, exclusions, and terms apply. For full terms, see www.alomoves.com/mastercard. 

[7] MoviePass: This offer is valid from April 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, subject to early termination. MoviePass customers who use an eligible U.S. Standard Mastercard credit card to purchase a new MoviePass Standard Subscription Plan or a new MoviePass Premium Subscription Plan at moviepass.com/mastercard will receive a 50% discount on the first two months of the applicable monthly subscription price. 

To subscribe to a MoviePass plan, you must create a MoviePass account and be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older and reside in the United States. By redeeming this offer, you agree to adhere to the subscription pricing and terms, cancellation procedures, and the other terms and conditions outlined in MoviePass's General Terms and Subscription Terms. This offer may be modified or terminated by MoviePass at any time. Mastercard is not the sponsor of this offer and is not responsible for providing the service. For full terms and conditions, visit [www.moviepass.com/mastercard]. 

[https://www.moviepass.com/terms] 

[https://www.moviepass.com/subscription-terms-and-conditions] 

[8] ResortPass: Ends 9/30/2025, subject to early termination. Make a booking or purchase of a gift card of $200 or more on ResortPass using your eligible World Elite Mastercard and receive a $30 statement credit. Make a booking or purchase of a gift card of $200 or more on ResortPass using your eligible World Mastercard and receive a $20 statement credit. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Statement credits may take up to 60 days to appear on your statement. Additional eligibility restrictions, exclusions, and terms apply. For full terms, see [www.resortpass.com/mastercard]. 

[9] Instacart Business: Ends 9/30/2025, subject to early termination. Add an eligible US Mastercard® small business credit card and subscribe as a new Instacart+ member to receive a free 2-month trial and a $20 Instacart coupon on your second qualifying order each month. Must have an active Instacart+ membership paid for with an eligible card and complete one qualifying Instacart order each month. By redeeming this offer, you agree to the Instacart+ terms, and if you select a paid plan, your Instacart+ membership will auto-renew and the applicable membership fee will be billed automatically to any payment method on file until you cancel. Additional terms apply, please visit instacart.com/mastercard-business.  

Instacart Business Terms: Credit back terms apply. Must be an Instacart+ member and registered business entity to receive the offer. Instacart reserves the right to request additional information for verification, and to modify or cancel this offer at any time. Offer may not be combined with other offers. 

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How Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Work?

Whenever you travel outside your home province or territory, it’s recommended that you have travel insurance. It’ll protect you if you ever need to seek medical attention. This is especially important since the cost of health care in some countries can be astronomical.

Unfortunately, many people don’t use travel insurance for various reasons, like they may not realize they’re not covered or may not want to pay the premiums.

But there’s a simple solution: credit card travel insurance is often free, and it can provide you with strong coverage. That said, every credit card provider and policy is different, so you need to know how credit card travel insurance works.

What is credit card travel insurance?

Credit card travel insurance is nearly identical to regular travel insurance. The only difference would be the terms and conditions, but that would apply to any policy.

There are two different types of policies when discussing travel insurance: travel medical and trip protection.

• Travel medical insurance covers you for expenses related to your health. That would include things from a quick trip to the hospital to medical evacuation.
• Trip protection gives you additional travel insurance, such as trip cancellation, lost luggage, auto rental collision/loss damage and more.

Some credit cards give you both travel medical and trip protection, while others provide just travel medical. How long you’re covered for and how much you get depends on the individual policy.

It’s important to note that there are strict conditions for your travel insurance to apply. Assuming your card has travel medical insurance, you get it no matter what. Whereas your trip protection may require you to charge a certain amount of your trip or hotel to your card for your policy to apply. For example, you may need to charge a percentage of your flight to your credit card to get trip cancellation and lost luggage. In that case, you can pay for the rest by redeeming points from a loyalty program, like Aeroplan, as long as you get a good value for the redemption .

Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada

Compare all different travel credit cards side-by-side and find out the best card that will meet your need with special perks and benefits

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

Credit card travel insurance will cover you for just about every scenario related to your health or trip. Generally speaking, travel insurance is broken down into the following categories:

• Travel medical. You’re covered for a number of days based on your age and up to a set amount.
• Trip cancellation/trip interruption. If you need to cancel your trip or return home for a qualifying reason, you’ll be reimbursed for a set amount.
• Flight/trip delay. You’ll be reimbursed for some expenses if your trip is delayed (usually a minimum of 4 hours).
• Delayed and lost baggage. When your luggage is delayed (usually a minimum of 4 hours) or lost, your insurance will pay you.
• Common carrier travel accident. If you’re seriously injured when travelling, you’ll be paid a set amount based on the accident.
• Auto rental collision/loss damage. Any damage to your rental car will be reimbursed.
• Hotel/motel burglary. Any personal items stolen from your hotel/motel will be reimbursed.

» PREPARE: The best way to use a credit card overseas

Check your policy details

Not to sound like a broken record here, but you really need to pay attention to your policy details.

For example, with your auto rental insurance, most credit card travel insurance policies state that you must charge the entire amount of the rental to your card. You also need to decline the rental car company’s collision insurance. It’s also worth noting that your credit card travel insurance doesn’t include third-party liability insurance. In other words, if you’re in an accident, you could still be liable.

» MORE: Do you need credit card roadside assistance?

Note the length of coverage

You’ll also notice that every policy has defined lengths. For example, you could be covered for up to 14 days if you’re under the age of 65 or 3 days if you’re over 65. That’s not nearly enough coverage for many travellers. If you need additional days, you would need to purchase a supplemental travel insurance policy from your credit card’s travel insurance provider or another insurance company.

» TRAVELLING?: Learn how to get airport lounge access with a credit card

What credit cards come with travel insurance?

Not every credit card comes with travel insurance. Generally speaking, travel rewards credit cards will typically include some travel insurance.

Higher-tier travel credit cards, including some of the best metal credit cards , usually have comprehensive travel insurance that provides both travel medical and trip protection. Even some cash back and rewards cards will offer some basic travel insurance.

» MORE: When is an annual fee worth it?

To find out if your card has travel insurance, look at the website or go through your cardholder benefits guide. Both of these sources will have all the details about any policies included.

Assuming you meet all the conditions and the benefits provided by the policy are acceptable, then credit card travel insurance is good enough. That said, some people still prefer to get a separate travel insurance policy as there are fewer conditions.

How to compare travel insurance benefits and choose the right credit card

First, decide what types of insurance coverage are most important to you. That makes it easier to compare cards, since there are so many kinds of credit card insurance. But most people don’t get credit cards just for the insurance. What other perks does the card offer that you’d enjoy or make use of?

Lastly, how do the annual fees compare between the cards you’re considering? The best insurance tends to come with premium credit cards, and if you don’t optimize those cards’ perks, it’s probably cheaper to get a separate travel insurance policy.

Questions to ask when comparing credit card travel insurance

Getting the answers to these questions will help you choose the right card. And they’re imperative for whatever cards you own if you plan on using them for insurance. You can find the answers in the insurance policy documentation online, or by calling the credit card company.

• What forms of travel insurance do you provide?
• What do I need to do to qualify? (For example, do I need to pay for the trip in full with the card?)
• Does it cover travel partners?
• What are the limitations and exceptions?
• What is the maximum amount of coverage?
• What is the maximum length of trip covered?
• For a medical emergency, are pre-existing medical conditions covered? Does age affect coverage?
• What insurance company is this policy with, and what is their contact information?
• What do I do in the event of a claim?

Here are some additional questions for car rental insurance: 

• What countries am I covered to drive in?
• What is the maximum rental period covered?
• What kind of vehicles are covered, and what is the maximum value?
• What types of coverage are offered? (Eg.: collision/loss/damage, personal accident, third party liability.)
• What is the deductible?
• Who is insured to drive? (For example, only the cardholder may be covered.)
• Are there age restrictions?
• Are there any types of roads that I can’t drive on?

About the Author

Barry Choi is a freelance personal finance and travel expert. His website moneywehave.com is one of Canada's most trusted sites when it comes to all things related to money and…

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees with These Canadian Credit Cards

The majority of credit cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee. Avoid it by choosing a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card. A U.S. dollar credit card can also be handy if you make frequent U.S. purchases.

How to Choose a Travel Credit Card

With so many cards, rewards programs and benefits available, choosing the right travel credit card can be overwhelming. However, once you’ve got one in your wallet, you can reap the rewards on your next trip.

The Best Way to Use a Credit Card Overseas

You can still use your credit card when travelling internationally. Just make sure you plan ahead, watch out for fees and carry some extra cash.

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

There’s no magic number of credit cards to have — but knowing your spending habits, ability to pay on time and credit score will help you decide.

Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance. Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not  travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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PC Financial World Elite Mastercard

Signup bonus:

Annual fee:, earning rate:.

The PC Financial World Elite Mastercard is a fine choice for people who frequently shop at Loblaw’s brands, but otherwise has limited appeal.

Bonuses & Fees

The card currently has a welcome bonus of 20,000 PC Optimum points upon making their first purchase at a store that participates in the PC Optimum program.

Occasionally, new applicants can earn a welcome bonus of 100,000 PC Optimum points upon making their first purchase at a store that participates in the PC Optimum program. If you’re interested in the card, consider waiting for this offer to make an appearance before applying.

The card has no annual fee .

Earning Rewards

The card has category bonuses for shopping at specific stores:

• All Optimum members earn an additional 15 points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix, regardless of which credit card is used to pay
• Earn at least 30 Optimum points per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations
• Earn 30 Optimum points per dollar spent at PC Travel
• Earn 10 Optimum points per dollar spent on all other purchases

While these rates cover a wide range of categories, they only apply at these particular merchants. So while the card may appear to have strong earning rates, it only benefits cardholders who already shop at those stores, or are willing to change their shopping habits.

Redeeming Rewards

PC Optimum points have a value of 0.1 cents per point , with occasional 50% bonus redemption events. Points can be redeemed at PC Optimum’s partner grocery stores and drugstores.

Perks & Benefits

The PC Financial World Elite Mastercard has no meaningful perks or benefits to speak of.

Insurance Coverage

The card has a modest insurance package, including emergency medical insurance for trips up to 10 days, and standard extended warranty and purchase protection .

It also includes rental car collision insurance for cars up to an MSRP of $65,000.

However, it doesn’t offer the specific provisions that are important to travellers, and the coverage it does provide can also be found on many other cards.

As a World Elite product, this credit card has a minimum annual income requirement of $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household). Follow the below link to the PC Financial website to learn more about this card and submit an application.

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Should You Use a Credit Card Travel Portal?

Unlock the details of credit card travel portals and learn how to maximize your benefits.

Using a Credit Card Travel Portal

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Using a credit card portal to book travel could help you save money and help you earn more points or redeem travel credits.

Key Takeaways

• Credit card travel portals search across multiple travel options, giving you the power to compare prices.
• You can use your credit card or rewards to book travel with your credit card issuer's travel portal.
• Some cards may offer travel credits and benefits when you book using the associated travel portal. 

You have many options for booking travel, whether you want to book directly with airlines and hotels, use an online travel agency or book with your credit card's travel portal. Using a credit card travel portal may allow you to take advantage of cardholder benefits and credits and give you additional choices for your booking.

Understand how to use credit card travel portals to save money on your next trip and maybe get some elevated perks along the way – but also recognize when it doesn't make sense.

What Are Credit Card Travel Portals?

Similar to online travel agencies, such as Expedia or Booking.com, credit card travel portals are online travel booking platforms. Cardholders can use credit card travel portals to browse and book travel options, including flights, hotels, rental cars and experiences using your credit card or rewards.

Credit card travel portals include:

• American Express Travel.
• Capital One Travel.
• Chase Travel.
• Citi Travel.

Some credit cards offer cardholder savings or perks when you book travel using the issuer's credit card portal, such as travel credits or cardholder privileges, including free breakfast or late checkout.

How Credit Card Travel Portals Stack Up

When you use a credit card travel portal, the amount and method of payment may be the deciding factors in how you book. Using a credit card travel portal to book travel can save you money, but not always.

We compared a midweek economy flight from Los Angeles to New York and a weeklong stay at a three-star hotel in Manhattan. In some cases, credit card travel portals were competitive, but Expedia had the lowest overall price for flight and hotel costs on this test trip.

Still, this is just one example, and travel prices can fluctuate depending on how you book. It's always a good idea to compare all of your options.

Benefits of Credit Card Travel Portals

Booking your travel with a credit card travel portal can help you earn more points or redeem travel credits. Some examples:

• Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card get a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through the Capital One Travel site. When booking on the Capital One Travel site, cardholders earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars and 5 miles per dollar on flights. ( See Rates and Fees )
• With The Platinum Card ® from American Express , cardholders get a $200 annual hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel and earn five points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. ( See Rates and Fees )
• Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card holders get a $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit and earn five points per dollar on Chase Travel purchases.

"Using the travel credits is huge," says JT Genter, editor in chief of rewards and travel tracking tool AwardWallet. "Card issuers are leaning more towards those only being accessible through the portal."

Credit card travel portal bookings may help your points go further, too. "Because I have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, when I use the (Chase) portal to book travel, my points get an extra 25% bump," says Chip Chinery, personal finance blogger at Chip's Money Tips. For example, you'd only pay 100,000 points for a flight or hotel that would require 125,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book without the points boost.

Helpful features can add up to savings on credit card travel portals. For example, Capital One Travel offers a price match guarantee. Genter used the Capital One Travel price match feature on a flight from Cairo to Marrakech, Morocco. Although he booked with Capital One Travel, an online travel agency had a better price. He was able to price match with Capital One Travel to get a travel credit.

Genter points out that cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express can take advantage of the International Airline Program for potential savings on international flights in first, business or premium economy.

You may also get benefits for booking with credit card travel portals, particularly when booking hotels. For example:

• Cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express get elite benefits at participating hotels, including early check-in, room upgrades, breakfast for two, a $100 experience credit, complimentary Wi-Fi and guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
• If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , you can book The Edit properties through Chase Travel and receive benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a $100 on-property credit, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Drawbacks of Credit Card Travel Portals

Travel credits and on-property perks are compelling reasons to use a credit card travel portal. However, it pays to compare pricing among your card's portal, direct booking or an online travel agency, because the lowest-priced option depends on the trip you're taking. Also, you may forfeit some benefits, as credit card travel portals are third-party bookings.

With a third-party booking, you'll have less flexibility in customer service and cancellation than you would if you booked directly. For example, if you're dealing with a delayed flight and need service from the airline, you may be directed to the travel portal customer service. You may have limited options for cancellation and how you get your money or rewards back.

Another major point to consider with third-party bookings: You generally won't be able to earn points or miles with the airline or hotel, though you can earn points with your card. Additionally, you may not be able to use elite benefits for any status you hold. For example, if you have Hilton Honors status that entitles you to a daily food and beverage credit, you're not likely to get it when you book a stay with your credit card travel portal.

When to Use a Credit Card Travel Portal

Booking travel with a credit card travel portal can make sense in some scenarios. For instance:

• You want to compare your travel options across multiple airlines or hotels in the portal.
• You have a travel credit available that can only be redeemed through the issuer's travel portal.
• You have rewards you want to redeem on the portal, and booking this way offers a good redemption value.
• You want to take advantage of benefits, such as elite hotel perks that you can get when using a credit card travel portal.
• Your booking options on the portal are priced lower compared with other options.
• Booking on the portal earns elevated rewards, and the prices and benefits are comparable to those of other booking options.

"It makes sense if you want to take advantage of the credits but also to earn bonus points," says Genter. "And sometimes, they have promotions such as hyper-targeted offers."

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Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Mastercard travel insurance: All you need to know

Find out all you need to know about Mastercard travel insurance. In this article, we'll explore the various benefits offered by this insurance. Find out how these coverages can protect you when you travel, and how to take full advantage of them.

The main advantages of credit card insurance are that it covers the majority of credit and debit cardholders (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) and, in certain situations, avoids the need to take out specific travel insurance.

How to differentiate between assistance coverage and travel insurance?

Travel insurance is an essential element for people wishing to protect themselves during their travels. To make the right choice, it's important to understand the benefits and differences between travel assistance and travel insurance.

What is travel assistance?

Travel assistance refers to the emergency services provided by the credit card company, such as Mastercard, which can help you in the event of a problem during your trip. This may include medical assistance, legal assistance or other "logistical" help.

What is travel insurance?

On the other hand, travel insurance goes beyond assistance and offers financial coverage in the event of an unforeseen and costly situation. Travel insurance can include coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, third-party liability and even repatriation if necessary. This insurance can be purchased separately or included with certain types of credit card, such as high-end Mastercard.

It is important to check the specific terms and conditions of your Mastercard travel insurance, as each contract may vary in terms of coverage, limits and exclusions. We recommend that you consult the details of your travel insurance contract before each trip.

It's common for travel insurance policies to offer logistical assistance AND financial guarantees, but it's important to understand the difference to make an informed decision about choosing the best cover for your business trips.

What assistance guarantees are included with Mastercard bank cards?

The assistance benefits offered by Mastercard bank cards are designed to provide you with support and assistance in the event of an emergency during your travels. Here are the most common assistance benefits:

• Health assistance : In the event of accident or illness during your trip, medical assistance gives you access to health professionals, medical advice by telephone or even medical evacuation services. Medical and hospitalization costs are also covered, as are any expenses incurred by a close relative coming to accompany you.
• Repatriation : This essential service covers the cost of repatriating the traveler to his or her country of origin in the event of a serious accident.
• Early return : If you need to return to France to be at the bedside of a sick relative or to attend a funeral, return travel costs such as train or plane tickets are covered.
• Legal assistance : If you have legal problems abroad, this assistance can provide you with legal advice, help in finding a local lawyer and even cover the legal costs associated with your situation.

Some of these coverages are found mainly on top-of-the-range Mastercard cards such as the Gold card. Standard Mastercard insurance still covers you in many respects, but it's important to see the difference depending on the card you choose.

These assistance guarantees may vary according to the type of Mastercard you have and the associated level of coverage. What's more, it's essential to consult your bank, as it provides all the cover linked to your bank card. Your bank advisor will be able to tell you in detail what you are covered for.

What travel insurance does Mastercard offer?

• Trip cancellation : This insurance covers the cost of cancelling your trip in the event of unforeseen events such as illness, accident, death of a close relative, or any other reason specified in the terms and conditions of your Mastercard travel insurance.
• Baggage theft or loss : This insurance covers you in the event of theft, loss or damage to your baggage during your trip. It can cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged personal effects.
• Third-party liability abroad : This coverage protects you in the event of property damage or bodily injury caused to third parties during your trip abroad. It can cover the cost of repairs or compensation in the event of civil liability.
• Death and disability : This insurance provides financial coverage in the event of death or permanent disability following an accident during your trip. It can provide for the payment of a lump sum or an annuity to designated beneficiaries.
• Vehicle rental : This coverage protects you in the event of damage to or theft of your rental vehicle during your trip. It can cover the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle, as well as third-party liability costs related to its use.

As with assistance, it's important to note that these insurances may vary according to the type of Mastercard you have and the level of coverage associated with it. It is therefore advisable to consult your bank for precise information on the specific cover linked to your bank card. Your bank advisor will be able to provide you with full details of the cover you benefit from, as well as compensation limits.

What are the exclusions of Mastercard travel insurance?

Certain exclusions may apply to Mastercard travel insurance. It is essential to be aware of these exclusions in order to understand what is not covered by your insurance. Here are some common examples of exclusions:

• Travel to high-risk areas or failure to comply with the recommendations of the French government or local authorities.
• Travel for pre-existing medical reasons or if you are already ill before your trip.
• Accidents caused by dangerous or extreme activities such as extreme sports, car racing, etc.
• Damage caused intentionally or by drunk driving.
• Loss or damage caused by war, acts of terrorism or natural disasters.
• Theft or loss of valuables not mentioned in the list of insured items.
• Medical or hospitalization expenses resulting from illnesses not covered by your insurance.
• Trip modification or cancellation fees due to reasons not specified in the terms and conditions of your insurance.

It's important to carefully read the terms and conditions of your Mastercard travel insurance policy for any specific exclusions. If you have any doubts about the exclusions, don't hesitate to discuss them with your bank and your advisor for information specific to your contract.

How can I make a claim on my Mastercard travel insurance?

To make a claim on your Mastercard travel insurance, follow the steps below:

• Contact the insurer immediately : It is important to contact the insurer as soon as you are faced with a situation covered by your Mastercard travel insurance. You'll find the insurer's contact details on the insurance certificate or on the Mastercard website.
• Prepare the necessary documents : Gather all the documents required for the claim, such as payment receipts, medical bills, police reports, airline tickets, etc. Make sure you keep all original receipts. Be sure to keep all original receipts.
• Fill in the claim form : Consult the insurer's website or contact their customer service department to obtain the claim form. Fill it in carefully, providing all the required information.
• Include documents with your claim : Don't forget to include all documents relevant to your claim, as mentioned above. Be sure to photocopy them and keep a copy for your own records.
• Send the claim : Send the claim form and all necessary documents to the address indicated by the insurer. We recommend that you send the claim by registered mail, so that you have proof of posting.
• Follow the progress of your claim : Contact the insurer regularly to follow the progress of your claim. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to discuss them with your bank and your advisor, so that they can help you as best they can.

It's always important to note that each Mastercard travel insurance policy may have specific conditions and deadlines for submitting a claim, so make sure you understand them and meet the deadlines.

How can I obtain a Mastercard travel insurance certificate?

To obtain a Mastercard travel insurance certificate for your trip, please follow the steps below:

• Please log in : Log in to your account online or contact your Mastercard-issuing bank to obtain the necessary login details.
• Go to the Travel Insurance section : Once you've logged in, find the section dedicated to travel insurance or managing your Mastercard.
• Check your eligibility : Make sure you're eligible for Mastercard travel insurance by checking the specific eligibility conditions linked to your card. These conditions may vary depending on the type of card you have, your spending habits and any other specific criteria.
• Provide the required information : Fill in the online form with details of your trip, such as dates, destination and your Mastercard number. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information to facilitate the process.
• Download the insurance certificate : Once you have submitted the required information, you should be able to download the insurance certificate for your trip. Be sure to keep a printed or electronic copy of this document for future reference.

It is important to note that the specific procedures for obtaining a Mastercard travel insurance certificate may vary from one issuing bank to another. It is therefore advisable to consult your bank's online resources or contact customer service for detailed, up-to-date instructions. Asking your bank advisor may be a faster solution in some cases.

Fairjungle's opinion

In conclusion, Mastercard travel insurance offers a comprehensive range of coverages to protect you when you travel. Whether you need assistance in the event of early return, repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage protection, third-party liability abroad, death and disability, or car rental, this insurance gives you the peace of mind you need. Don't forget to consult the terms and conditions of your Mastercard travel insurance to understand the details of each benefit and benefit from optimal coverage.

Don't hesitate to look into dedicated travel insurance policies, which can provide you with more extensive coverage and higher compensation ceilings.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Life is full of unexpected events and complications, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, travel may have even more surprises than your day-to-day life at home.

Travel insurance can help you avoid wasting money if you have to cancel a trip due to illness, need medical coverage while you’re traveling, or send you home for medical reasons.

However, it may not always be necessary and can sometimes be a waste of money. Keep reading to learn when you should and shouldn’t opt for travel insurance.

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Safety net for international travel

The number one reason people buy travel insurance is to cover an expensive trip. And if you’re traveling overseas, chances are your travels will cost a lot of money.

In addition, there are potential complications when it comes to international travel, from losing luggage during connecting flights, missed or canceled flights, sickness, and more.

And if something catastrophic happens in a foreign country, travel insurance provides evacuation so you can get home safely.

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Medical coverage

Getting sick or injured is unpleasant enough when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it’s a new beast entirely when you’re abroad.

Generally, you can expect basic medical expenses to be covered through your travel plan, often including dental. Medicare will not cover medical expenses in a foreign country. If you’re traveling overseas, travel insurance for potential medical costs is worthwhile.

Cover rental car mishaps

Renting a car is a great way to get around when traveling because you can explore a place on your own. Using taxis or ride-share services may cost more money. However, even the best drivers make mistakes, and no one can protect themselves from reckless drivers.

Your U.S. car insurance won’t cover you when driving in a foreign country. So choosing the car-rental insurance option when you buy travel insurance may be a good move.

Be aware that most travel insurance rental-car plans cover collisions and may not cover medical expenses, damages to other cars or property, or personal property damage or loss.

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Pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered

Unfortunately, as with many health insurance plans, travel insurance often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance is usually meant for unforeseen illnesses or injuries instead of complications due to an existing medical issue.

Even travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing issues often only cover physical maladies and exclude mental conditions and typical pregnancy-related symptoms and complications.

Protect lost luggage

A big fear for travelers is losing their luggage, either having it not arrive at the destination or stolen during their trip. Most airlines will offer reimbursement for luggage they lose, but it can take quite a while for this to process.

Travel insurance will cover the cost of replacing your clothing and other items while you wait for your luggage to be located and can also cover theft and damage.

Cover valuable items and gear

You should consider buying travel insurance if you’re traveling with valuables, including expensive jewelry, art, or even pricey sporting or adventure gear.

You’ll need to talk to the insurance agency specifically about covering your valuables, as they may need to be insured separately. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, your jewelry may be covered even when you travel.

Sporting goods, including golf clubs, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance if you’re traveling, so you will need travel insurance to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen.

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Emergencies happen

While we do our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we can’t stop life from happening. Things like medical emergencies, a death in the family, or other catastrophes can halt your travel plans.

If you have travel insurance, rescheduling or cancellation fees will be covered, allowing you to deal with the emergency at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about losing the money spent on the trip and subsequent fees.

Natural disaster coverage

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If you’re visiting someplace prone to natural disasters, especially seasonal occurrences like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and such, travel insurance can help you recoup your money should these events interrupt your travel plans.

Similarly, if a natural disaster occurs during your trip, often, insurance will pay to move you to a more secure location.

Extreme adventures may not be covered

Your insurance will most likely cover typical travel-related injuries but don't expect your medical bills to be covered if your itinerary involves extreme adventures or dangerous exploits.

Surfing, sailing, kayaking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, and other extreme sports do not fall into everyday illnesses or injuries. For these activities, consider getting a specific plan for adventure activities.

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Shaky travel companies

If you booked your trip through a travel company and it goes bankrupt, travel insurance may provide a safety net to ensure you get your money back.

Airlines, cruise ships, travel companies, and other travel-related businesses suffered during the pandemic, and many may not be on solid financial ground yet.

This may not be covered in a basic insurance plan, so make sure your agent adds financial default coverage if you are concerned about the health of your travel provider. 

In the situation any company or organization closes or is otherwise inoperable during your trip, you’ll be covered.

Now let’s look at times you may not need travel insurance.

Your credit card offers travel protections

Before purchasing travel insurance, consider which credit card you have. Many of the top credit cards  offer travel protections.

Some protections you may already have include lost luggage, rental car insurance, trip delay, and trip interruption or cancellation.

Credit card programs often don’t cover medical or other interruptions, so consider your priorities before choosing this option.

You have a domestic trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S. and its territories, travel insurance may not be necessary. For example, you won’t need medical coverage as your health insurance should be honored nationwide.

Domestic travel is also usually much less expensive. If you’re taking a cheap, last-minute, or nonstop flight and staying at an inexpensive hotel or rental, the cost of travel insurance may not be worth it.

One exception might be a family trip to Disney World. The estimate for a trip for a family of four in 2023 is more than $6,000, so travel insurance might be money well spent in this case.

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Don’t add expense to cheap trips

Not all travel is planned. Whether traveling for work, a family emergency, or just a last-minute vacation, you likely don’t need insurance in these circumstances. Odds are, you’re packing light, and both your flight and hotel are relatively inexpensive.

In these scenarios, the things insurance covers won’t be relevant, including baggage loss, flight cancellations, hotel issues, and so on. 

Not only will these costs likely be minimal, but they can be disputed with your airline or hotel, although it may take a little while to get your money back.

The airline has a flexible rebooking policy

If you’re buying travel insurance to cover the cost of rescheduling a flight, you’re better off purchasing a refundable ticket at a higher price. And some airlines have more flexible policies now.

Many airlines allow last-minute ticket changes and will even help you reschedule your flight within a specific timeframe. The timeframe and policy vary by airline, and you may be subject to a nominal cancellation or rebooking fee, but it will be significantly less than insurance.

Insurance will not cover political unrest

One emergency situation insurance probably won’t cover is war or political unrest. If you’re visiting a location with political tensions and your trip is canceled as a result, don’t expect your insurance to cover the costs.

Insurance companies generally follow the travel advisories the U.S. State Department issued for medical and political situations.

Similarly, insurance won't cover these costs if you have to leave your trip early for safety concerns. Consider your destination's political environment before booking your travel or buying insurance.

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Your hotel may cover cancellations

Many hotel cancellation policies have tiers depending on the booking you make. For example, some may have free cancellation within a specific period, while others charge different rates for rooms booked as non-refundable or partially refundable.

If your sole reason for purchasing insurance is hotel flexibility, consult with the hotel before you book. They may have a policy as flexible as your insurance or can work with you should something unexpected arise.

Penalty-free cancellations for major hotels tend to be around 24-48 hours prior to arrival.

Bottom line

Travel insurance may be pricey, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations. However, in others, it’s overkill and a waste of money.

Every travel situation is different, so consider your specific needs when purchasing. And, if you want more money to cover your insurance, consider these ways to make extra cash for travel funds.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
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