When you hop on a plane to the Caribbean or take a road trip across the Australian outback, you want adventure–not worry. The right travel coverage should put your mind at ease, but does your credit card offer enough protection?
Some credit cards have notable travel coverage, while others barely cover the basics. Discover what’s what when it comes to travel insurance vs. credit card travel protections.
What you need to know about travel insurance vs. credit card travel coverage
The first rule of travel coverage is to understand exactly what you’re getting. Does it cover emergency medical care? What about COVID-19-related trip delays? And how about lost bags, flight delays, or missed connections?
Understanding what travel coverage your credit card offers (yes, we mean reading the fine print) and comparing that to the travel insurance policy you’reconsidering is crucial. The right choice depends on your needs. For example, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, making sure you’re covered while abroad is a must.
Pros and cons of credit card travel protection plans
Many credit cards offer travel protection, but they often come with an annual fee . The upside? You typically won’t have to pay extra for the included coverage, and activation is usually automatic–just use your card to book your trip.
However, credit card protections rarely match the comprehensive coverage of dedicated travel insurance. Emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation are two areas that are rarely covered by credit card plans. Some do, however, cover inconveniences like lost baggage or roadside assistance. Reimbursements can also take time, so understanding these limitations is key before relying solely on your card’s coverage.
Example of credit cards with travel protection
Based on research and reviews, some of the top cards to consider that offer trip protection are the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and The Platinum Card® from American Express. These cards typically come with annual fees ranging from $95 to $695.
While these credit card protections are valuable, they may not cover all scenarios. If you’re flying domestically or internationally, plan to stay in a vacation rental or partake in extreme sports, or want to customize your trip, you should think twice about solely relying on your credit card.
Benefits and disadvantages of travel insurance
Just like credit card coverage, not all travel insurance is created equal. Some travel insurance companies offer fancy-named coverage packages that don’t protect your entire trip. When shopping for a plan, key benefits to look for include emergency medical expenses, medical and non-medical evacuation, lost luggage, flight delays, and cancellations.
A strong travel insurance policy should go beyond credit card coverage, including protection for COVID-19-related issues. While you will have to pay for the policy upfront, it can save you significant costs and stress if things go awry.
One important factor: not all travel insurance policies cover pre-existing medical conditions or offer Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. Faye covers both as long as you book your travel coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and are physically able to travel.
What does Faye cover?
Faye is whole-trip travel insurance that covers your health, your trip, and your stuff. For a breakdown of everything that’s included in our protection plans – check out our What’s covered page, where you can also review our full policy before you buy.
And something that sets us apart from the rest–and any credit card company–is our 24/7 support team. Real people, ready to assist with anything from trip planning and activity recommendations to finding urgent care or the nearest ATM while you’re on the go–even before you purchase a plan.
Making the right choice
Planning your next adventure comes with a long to-do list, but here’s some friendly advice–don’t leave travel coverage for the last minute. Put it at the top of the list!
If you have a travel credit card, check the coverage ahead of time to see if it’s enough for your trip. If it falls short, Faye has your back 24/7 with comprehensive protection and real human support wherever you need it.
Faye is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Forbes. The link provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered an official recommendation. Travelers should conduct their own research and review policy details to ensure they choose the best coverage for their needs.
