westpac travel insurance reviews

Westpac credit card complimentary travel insurance

A westpac credit card with travel insurance offers you cover for overseas or interstate trips – here’s how it works..

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Which Westpac credit cards have complimentary travel insurance?

• What’s covered by Westpac complimentary international travel insurance?
• What do I need to do to use Westpac’s credit card international travel insurance?

Pre-existing medical conditions

How to make a claim through your westpac credit card complimentary international travel insurance policy, other types of westpac complimentary credit card travel insurance, westpac credit card complimentary insurance for shopping, westpac business credit card complimentary insurance options, frequently asked questions.

Westpac offers complimentary travel insurance on its platinum and black credit cards, with policies that cover domestic and international trips. Some Westpac cards also offer complimentary insurance for eligible items you buy.

These insurance policies are underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Allianz). Just like any insurance, there are conditions you need to meet to get cover and make a claim. That's why it's always best to read the policy document. But if you're after a snapshot, we cover some of the key details about Westpac cards that offer cover, the type of cover available and when you'll get it.

Have a question or need to make a claim right now? Call Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 091 710 (Australia) or +61 7 3305 7468 (overseas).

If you don't have a Westpac credit card yet, you can get complimentary travel insurance with a new platinum or black credit card. The length of cover you get depends on the card, as we’ve shown in the table.

What this shows is that Westpac’s complimentary international travel insurance for Altitude Platinum and Black cards is separated into Level 1 and Level 2 categories. The key difference between these levels is the length of cover: you get up to 3 months with an Altitude Platinum card and up to 6 months with an Altitude Black card.

If you have a Westpac business credit card, check the complimentary insurance details here .

Have a Westpac credit card that’s not on this list? Check the terms and conditions available on the Westpac website to see if your card is eligible.

What’s covered by Westpac complimentary international travel insurance?

Westpac’s complimentary international travel insurance includes cover for luggage, cancellation and emergency medical, with some options for COVID-19. The insurance is broken down into “benefits” based on what you can and can’t claim. Some claims also have an excess charge if your claim is approved, which you need to pay before you’ll get any money back.

To help you understand the cover available, we’ve put the key options for different types of claims into tables, with basic examples of when you might use the cover. But remember: you should always read the insurance policy booklet for complete details of the cover.

Medical, dental and emergencies cover with a Westpac credit card

Westpac complimentary international travel insurance for cancellation, delays and transport, luggage and personal items cover offered with westpac credit card complimentary insurance, hijacking, kidnap and personal liability cover offered with westpac complimentary credit card travel insurance, westpac credit card complimentary international travel insurance for death and funerals, westpac complimentary international travel insurance and covid-19.

From 30 June 2022, Westpac’s complimentary international travel insurance includes details of when you can make claims related to COVID-19 and other known pandemics and epidemics. This includes for:

• Overseas emergency assistance
• Overseas emergency medical
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Cancellation
• Additional expenses

To make a claim, you need to be positively diagnosed with COVID-19 (or another pandemic/epidemic disease) and meet all the other requirements for a claim. It also applies if a travel companion is positively diagnosed – but won’t apply if you’re travelling against government advice or if the mass media have published details of advice or warnings against travel.

As there are specific conditions to meet for this type of cover, make sure you read the amended policy booklet or call Allianz on 1800 091 710 before you travel.

What's not covered?

Every insurance policy has details of when you will and won’t get cover. These details can be very specific, which is why it is important to always check your insurance policy documents.

To give you an idea, here are some of the key things you won’t be covered for with Westpac credit card complimentary international travel insurance:

• Any act of war
• Issues that come up because of alcohol or non-prescription drugs
• Travel that’s for the purpose of medical treatment
• If you’re over 81 or anyone relating to a claim is over 81
• Changes to your plans due to regulations, prohibitions or intervention from a government or official body, including if details have been published in the mass media
• If you or your partner gives birth during the trip (except if it’s due to injury or sickness)
• Dangerous activities including rock climbing (with equipment), white water rafting, bungy jumping, off-piste snowboarding or skiing and quad or motorbike riding on a vehicle that has an engine capacity of 200cc or more

Keep in mind that countries and regions around the world currently have different restrictions and guidelines around the coronavirus pandemic. These can change, so it’s worth checking where you can travel before booking anything.

Want cover for COVID-19? Here’s what you need to know . And if you need cover for a skiing trip, bungy jumping or other overseas adventures, check out adventure sport travel insurance costs and conditions.

What do I need to do to use Westpac’s credit card international travel insurance?

To get international travel insurance cover through your Westpac Altitude Platinum or Black credit card, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Travel bookings. You need to use your eligible Westpac credit card to pay for at least $500 of your travel expenses before the start of the trip. You also need a return ticket. An easy way to meet these requirements is to use your card to pay for your overseas flights.
• Australian residency. You must live in Australia and start and end your trip in Australia.
• Age. You’ll be covered if you’re under 81 years of age. If you’re over 81 and want overseas travel insurance, there are some policies you can buy that give you cover up to the age of 100 .

Does Westpac credit card travel insurance cover family members?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for cover on an upcoming trip, your spouse and dependants (i.e. children) can get cover under this policy when they’re travelling with you for at least half of your trip and meet the following requirements:

• They need to live in Australia and start and end their journey in Australia
• They need to have a return travel booking before they leave
• At least $500 of their travel costs need to be paid for with your Westpac credit card before the start of the trip
• They need to be under 81 years of age at the time they become eligible for the insurance
• They also need to meet the same age requirements and other conditions of the insurance policy

This complimentary international travel insurance only covers a few pre-existing medical conditions, with very specific requirements. Here, we’ve summarised the key details for conditions that are covered. If you have any pre-existing condition, you should also look at the insurance document for full details or call Allianz on 1800 091 710.

🔥 Hot tip: The easiest way to find details in the insurance policy booklet is to open your digital copy and use the find tool (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to search for the terms (e.g. “Pre-existing medical conditions”).

What if I don’t meet the requirements or have a different pre-existing condition?

If you’re not sure whether your pre-existing medical condition will be covered, call Allianz on 1800 091 710 to check if you can get cover.

You can then apply to have an assessment of the condition over the phone or online at www.checkyourcover.com.au/westpac . The assessment costs $75 over the phone and $45 online. If you’re successful, you’ll get written confirmation from Allianz that your condition is covered.

But if you have pre-existing conditions that aren’t covered, you won’t be able to make a related claim if you've previously seen a doctor or other qualified professional about a condition that ends up causing issues overseas. It's the same for any physical, medical, mental or dental condition that you’re aware of before you travel.

Need cover for a pre-existing health condition? Check out travel insurance policies that offer cover for conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and physical disabilities.

Pre-existing medical condition definition for Westpac credit card insurance

Travel insurance policies all have specific ways of looking at pre-existing medical conditions, so it’s really important you’re aware of the actual definition they use.

As well as the summary above, we have included the definition that’s in the current Westpac card insurance policy document, effective from 27 October 2021 (page 23):

“A condition of which a reasonable person in the circumstances, should have been aware at the time eligibility for the cover available was met, including:

• Any dental condition; or
• Any physical condition; or
• Pregnancy; or
• Any lifelong illness; or
• Any chronic illness; or
• Any mental illness; or
• Any current or previously treated cancer, or

Any condition which, in the last two (2) years:

• Was treated by surgery (including day surgery); or
• Required regular medication; or
• Required on-going treatment; or
• Was referred to a specialist medical adviser; or
• Had regular reviews or check-ups; or
• Caused admission to hospital; or
• Was treated at a hospital emergency department or out-patient clinic”

As soon as you think you’ll need to make a claim, contact Allianz Global Assistance so that they can give you specific information.

You can do this overseas by calling the emergency assistance number on +61 7 3305 7468 or in Australia by calling 1800 091 710. You can also email [email protected] but may have to wait longer for a response.`

There are 2 main ways you can submit your claim:

You will hear back about your claim within 10 business days, according to the online claims website.

What to include in your claim

Aim to include as much detail and supporting documentation as possible. It makes it easier for the insurer to look at the claim and your eligibility for a payout.

So when you're travelling with this cover, try to get as much written or photo evidence as you can for any claim you need to make. This could include the following:

• A referral or letter from a doctor or other professional you see in relation to a claim
• Official medical reports
• Police reports
• Photos of damaged items
• Emails or letters from airlines that relate to a claim
• Receipts or other proof of purchase

When you fill in the online claim form, you’ll also be asked for some key personal details, including part of your Westpac credit card number (to confirm you’re eligible for cover).

Overseas transit accident insurance

• What is it? Cover for accidents that happen when you're travelling overseas on a plane, train, cruise ship, bus or other eligible vehicle. You also get cover for related accidents that happen when you're boarding or leaving the transport.
• When can I use it? If you have paid for the entire trip with your eligible Westpac credit card before you leave. If your partner or dependants are travelling with you for the whole trip, they'll also get cover.
• Is there an excess cost? No, you don't need to pay an excess for any claims but there are limits to how much you can get paid out. For example, the loss of one hand or foot has a maximum benefit of $250,000.

Interstate flight inconvenience insurance

• What is it? Cover for specific issues that come up when you're travelling to a different state or territory in Australia. This can include costs relating to cancelled return flights, flight delays of 4 hours or more, delayed or lost luggage and funeral expenses.
• When can I use it? You’ll get cover for up to 14 days in a row if you have paid for the entire trip with your eligible Westpac credit card. Your spouse and any dependants can also get cover when you have used your Westpac card to pay for their return travel and they will be with you for at least half the trip.
• Is there an excess cost? There is a $300 excess for claims that relate to cancellation or luggage (except for delayed luggage). There are no excess costs for other claims but there are maximum claim amounts, which vary depending on the type of claim.

Rental vehicle excess in Australia insurance

• What is it? Cover for damage or theft of a car or other vehicle you have hired in Australia, up to a maximum of $5,500 (or less if the amount specified in your rental vehicle agreement is lower).
• When can I use it? If you have paid for the vehicle hire with your eligible Westpac credit card and the vehicle hire agreement lists an excess cost.
• Is there an excess cost? There is a $300 excess for each claim you submit.

How to make a claim under one of these policies

Westpac credit cards give you access to other types of insurance, which are also provided by Allianz. Below is a snapshot of the different types.

Purchase protection insurance

• What is it? Cover for the cost of a new item that is stolen, accidentally damaged or lost. It covers most household and personal items such as laptops, shoes, jewellery and glasses. Exclusions include second-hand items, perishables, cash, computer software, vehicles and items you’ve accidentally left in a hotel after checking out.
• When can I use it? If you use your eligible Westpac credit card to pay for covered items, this insurance will apply for the first 4 months from when you get them. This cover is available for personal items bought anywhere in the world, including gifts if the person they are given to is a permanent Australian resident.
• How can I make a claim? You need to show proof that you own the item and report the loss, theft or damage to the local police or relevant authorities (such as the office of a transport company). Ideally, you should get written confirmation of this report. Then, call Allianz on 1800 091 710 or submit your claim through the Allianz online claim portal.
• Is there an excess cost? An excess of $300 per claim applies. There are also maximum claim amounts, which vary depending on the item, with a yearly maximum of $135,000 for all claims.

Extended warranty insurance

• What is it? Cover that doubles the manufacturer's warranty for items bought in Australia, up to a maximum period of 2 years. For example, if you bought a laptop with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty and it stopped working for no reason after 12 months, you could make a claim under this cover.
• When can I use it? If you used your eligible Westpac credit card to pay for an item worth up to $20,000 and it came with an Australian manufacturer’s warranty of between 7 days and 5 years. You can make a claim if something happens after the original warranty period has ended.
• How can I make a claim? Call Allianz on 1800 091 710 or submit your claim through the Allianz online claim portal at https://claims.agaassistance.com.au/ .
• Is there an excess cost? An excess of $300 per claim applies. There are also maximum claim amounts, which vary depending on the item.

Don’t have complimentary insurance on your credit card yet? Compare Westpac credit cards or check out other cards that offer insurance .

All Westpac business credit cards offer complimentary unauthorised transaction insurance to help protect you if an additional cardholder uses the account for something that's not allowed.

You can also get complimentary insurance for travel and shopping depending on the Westpac business credit card you choose. Here’s a look at your options:

Want a credit card for your business? Compare a wide range of cards that offer insurance, rewards and other perks.

Does Westpac credit card international travel insurance cover coronavirus?

Yes, this complimentary international travel insurance does offer some cover related to COVID-19 including overseas emergency medical and cancellation cover. To make a claim, you or a travel companion need to be positively diagnosed as suffering from COVID-19 and not be travelling against official advice or warnings.

This cover also applies for other known pandemics and epidemics. But as claim requirements are very specific, make sure you read the insurance policy booklet for full details.

Finder also has a whole guide covering questions about this pandemic and travel insurance .

Can I get proof of my cover?

Yes. If you’re going on a cruise or tour that requires proof of insurance, you can get a letter of eligibility online by visiting http://www.checkyourcover.com.au/westpac and providing your details. This includes some information about your Westpac credit card to confirm you're eligible for cover.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio

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181 Responses

do I need to register for complimentary travel insurance? if so, who do I contact. please provide details.

Hi Christine,

According to the product PDS, you are eligible for the cover available under the credit card’s International Travel Insurance when you meet all of the following criteria: 1. you reside in Australia and your journey begins and ends in Australia; and 2. before leaving Australia you spend at least $500 on your prepaid travel costs (i.e. your travel costs that you pay for before leaving Australia) and you charge these costs (e.g. cost of your return overseas travel ticket; and/or airport/departure taxes; and/or your prepaid overseas accommodation/ travel; and/or your other prepaid overseas itinerary items) to the accountholder’s card account; and 3. you have a return overseas travel ticket before you leave Australia; and 4. you are aged under eighty one (81) years at the time you become eligible for the cover available by meeting conditions 1 to 3 listed above.

If you meet this eligibility criteria, you are covered automatically – you don’t need to apply or make any enquiries.

Hope this helps!

Would my x3 dependent’s (2,4,5YO) be covered under this with my Westpac Altitude Platinum credit card?

Hi Natalie,

Yes, generally your spouse and children are covered under your travel insurance policy, provided you are all travelling on the same itinerary. Westpac’s PDS confirms: “We insure Westpac cardholders, their spouses and their dependent child/children up to and including 80 years of age.”

I tried to get a pre approval for my 6 day Royal Caribbean Cruise to Airlie Beach & Cairns. I was required to enter the trip destination.

I was advised to state Pacific waters around Australia. This destination is not accepted. How do I progress with getting pre approval? Am I covered? I would also like to check pre existing conditions as I had a heart attack 14 years ago. I am all good and have no issues

Hi Dudley, You may want to call Allianz, the insurance provider, directly on 1800 091 710 to find out what cover would be available for this trip, as there are specific definitions for what is considered “overseas” (including in relation to cruises). If you have not booked your trip yet, calling Allianz may provide more clarity. I hope this helps.

Does westpac zero platinum Mastercard cover you for travel insurance on cruises.

Hi Mary, Some cover may be available if the cruise is a foreign-registered vessel and you meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the policy booklet. You can check your eligibility and cover by calling the insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 091 710. Or by visiting https://travel.agaassistance.com.au/westpac/travel-insurance and providing some basic details for your Westpac credit card. I hope this helps.

If westpack credit card insurance cover domestic cruise ?

Hi Jenny, International travel insurance cover may be available when you are on a foreign registered cruise vessel in Australian territorial waters, based on the policy document’s definition of “overseas”. You can also check your cover by contacting the insurance provider, Allianz, on 1800 091 710 or by visiting https://travel.agaassistance.com.au/westpac/travel-insurance . I hope this helps.

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• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

Cruising. Westpac and ANZ complimentary Travel Insurance

By sanne , July 19, 2023 in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

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I’ve searched the T&C PDFs of both Westpac and ANZ Credit card Complimentary Travel Insurance and can’t find any mention of cover for cruises and medical evacuation from a cruise ship. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction.   

And from what I read, the cancellation of a trip is capped at $20,000 for ANZ and in unlimited for Westpac. Maybe someone is able to confirm that.

Thanks for your help. 

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I can only guide you re ANZ Complimentary Insurance.

The Booklet I refer to covers these cards

ELIGIBLE CARDS: The complimentary insurance outlined in this booklet is available to the eligible beneficiaries of the following credit cards: • ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum • ANZ Frequent Flyer Black • ANZ Rewards Platinum • ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures • ANZ Rewards Black • ANZ Platinum

Do you have one of these cards? If so, page 14 defines Overseas as

"outside of Australia and its territories, and includes when you are aboard a foreign registered cruise vessel in Australian territorial waters"

Therefore further down on whats covered, page 21

Overseas Emergency, medical and evacuation are unlimited.

And yes, cancellation is capped at $20,000 so you need to work out if that is good for your situation.

For us, our cruise holidays are never more than that.

31 minutes ago, sanne said: I’ve searched the T&C PDFs of both Westpac and ANZ Credit card Complimentary Travel Insurance and can’t find any mention of cover for cruises and medical evacuation from a cruise ship. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction.    And from what I read, the cancellation of a trip is capped at $20,000 for ANZ and in unlimited for Westpac. Maybe someone is able to confirm that.   Thanks for your help. 

Further to cheznandy The Westpac has a similar cluase under their Definitions see below

Definitions There are some words in this booklet that have a special meaning. These words and their meanings are set out in the table below and are highlighted in italics throughout the booklet. Headings have been included for ease of reference but do not form part of the terms and conditions of the cover available Word Meaning

Overseas     

outside of Australia and its territories, and includes when you are aboard a foreign registered cruise vessel in Australian territorial waters.

So you are covered as I see it for Unlimited Overseas Emergency, medical and evacuation 

as cheznandy said above.

BUT as always don't assume we are right, contact your bank and make sure your are covered.

And that there are not small riders or conditions we missed in our readings of the T&Cs and PDS

5 minutes ago, Ozwoody said: Hi Sanne   Further to cheznandy The Westpac has a similar cluase under their Definitions see below   Definitions There are some words in this booklet that have a special meaning. These words and their meanings are set out in the table below and are highlighted in italics throughout the booklet. Headings have been included for ease of reference but do not form part of the terms and conditions of the cover available Word Meaning   Overseas      outside of Australia and its territories, and includes when you are aboard a foreign registered cruise vessel in Australian territorial waters.   So you are covered as I see it for Unlimited Overseas Emergency, medical and evacuation  as cheznandy said above.   BUT as always don't assume we are right, contact your bank and make sure your are covered. And that there are not small riders or conditions we missed in our readings of the T&Cs and PDS      

Great advice John, I have called often over the years we have been using this insurance to clarify any changes in wording, they have always been great to talk to over the phone.

2022cruisey

The ANZ FF Black definitely covers cruising.  They will also email you with a certificate that you can show if you are going to New Caledonia.

Thank you very much  cheznandy, 2022cruisey, and Ozwoody for your excellent reply to my queries. Very kind of you all to post the relevant paragraphs. Much appreciated. 

We use the ANZ card cover for cruising. There is a handy webpage to 'check your cover ' (underwritten by Allianz) where you enter your type of card, destination (I always select worldwide) and dates of trip. They then send you a certificate via email which shows the cruise and covid cover on page 2.  This is what we show when boarding a cruise to New Caledonia where this cover is required.

Similar to answer above, we never require more than $20000 cancellation cover.

LittleFish1976

Prior to covid I used ANZ card insurance for a cruise. I was very concerned about making sure I would be covered for a cruise by them, and more importantly for any medical evacuation from the ship. I emailed them and asked them if they could confirm those things. The email they sent me was comforting as they clearly stated that yes, I was covered for those specific eventualities. I felt happy having it in writing from them and particular to my situation. They can also send you the master policy number for complimentary insurances in case you need to present it as proof of insurance anywhere.

• 2 weeks later...

Only last week I applied for and received free travel insurance through our Westpac mastercard, for next year's trip, which includes two cruises (Oceania and Cunard).  I completely missed reading the last section of the Letter of Eligibility we received, and being concerned about cover for the cruises, I rang the helpline.  A patient and efficient person confirmed we are automatically covered for cruises, and directed me to, "Eligibility for Cover while Cruising and for Epidemic/Pandemic (such as COVID-19) Cover".  

Hope this answers your question, as it did mine  🙂

11 hours ago, Mareblu said: Only last week I applied for and received free travel insurance through our Westpac mastercard, for next year's trip, which includes two cruises (Oceania and Cunard).  I completely missed reading the last section of the Letter of Eligibility we received, and being concerned about cover for the cruises, I rang the helpline.  A patient and efficient person confirmed we are automatically covered for cruises, and directed me to, "Eligibility for Cover while Cruising and for Epidemic/Pandemic (such as COVID-19) Cover".   Hope this answers your question, as it did mine  🙂

I wish the Westpac card (underwritten by Allianz) covered my pre existing medical condition.

7 hours ago, cruisine21 said: I wish the Westpac card (underwritten by Allianz) covered my pre existing medical condition.

Yep! Me too!

I agree that pre-existing conditions are a real problem, and probably why more people don't travel.

Really like that people are ringing there Credit Card Insurer to clarify cover, and reporting back here.

Gives us some confidence that we are covered, not just thinking we might be.

Thanks guys for your posts.

4 hours ago, Mareblu said: I agree that pre-existing conditions are a real problem, and probably why more people don't travel.

Agree with that comment, Linda.

Re the Westpac CC insurance. My son has this card and asked me if his fiancé who lives  with him at the same address is considered his ‘spouse’ in the T&C. I will give them a call but first of all I’d ask since there are some very knowledgeable and helpful people here. 

1 hour ago, sanne said: Re the Westpac CC insurance. My son has this card and asked me if his fiancé who lives  with him at the same address is considered his ‘spouse’ in the T&C. I will give them a call but first of all I’d ask since there are some very knowledgeable and helpful people here. 

If they live together and are in a relationship then the law views them as being in a de facto relationship which is as good as married in the eyes of the law so I should think the answer is 'yes'. Do the T&Cs mention 'de facto spouse'?

Thank you LittleFish1976. I have just received this from Westpac ( Allianz). I’ve posted it to be helpful to others.

Please be advised that according to Policy information booklet (on page 18), Definition of   Spouse:

“ the partner of the cardholder who is in a permanent relationship with the cardholder at the time the journey or trip starts.”

According to above information if you are in permanent relationship however not married, you will be considered as partners  under this definition

Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us on the number below.

17 minutes ago, sanne said: Thank you LittleFish1976. I have just received this from Westpac ( Allianz). I’ve posted it to be helpful to others.     Please be advised that according to Policy information booklet (on page 18), Definition of   Spouse:   “ the partner of the cardholder who is in a permanent relationship with the cardholder at the time the journey or trip starts.”   According to above information if you are in permanent relationship however not married, you will be considered as partners  under this definition   Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us on the number below.  

You're welcome sanne. Glad you had confirmation that works out well for your family.

• 4 months later...

On 7/28/2023 at 3:52 PM, Mareblu said: Only last week I applied for and received free travel insurance through our Westpac mastercard, for next year's trip, which includes two cruises (Oceania and Cunard).  I completely missed reading the last section of the Letter of Eligibility we received, and being concerned about cover for the cruises, I rang the helpline.  A patient and efficient person confirmed we are automatically covered for cruises, and directed me to, "Eligibility for Cover while Cruising and for Epidemic/Pandemic (such as COVID-19) Cover".   Hope this answers your question, as it did mine  🙂

Hi, I'm just sorting my insurance now for a January cruise and have Westpac Platinum card. Was this sentence "Eligibility for Cover while Cruising and for Epidemic/Pandemic (such as COVID-19) Cover"  specifically stated in the letter you received or in the policy document?

Many thanks

Hi phoenixx,

On Page 3 of Letter of Eligibility:

"Under this group policy, the eligible traveller/s listed  below have access to International Travel Insurance which includes epidemic/pandemic (such as COVID-19) coverage and cover while cruising including while aboard a foreign registered cruise vessel in Australian territorial waters.  Cover is outlined in the sections below, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits outlined in the Policy Information Booklet."

The PI Booklet is viewable online as part of the complete information forwarded by Westpac, and a scan through reveals the normal travel insurance inclusions and exclusions.  Allianz is the underwriter.

Hope this helps.

2 hours ago, Mareblu said: Hi phoenixx, On Page 3 of Letter of Eligibility:   "Under this group policy, the eligible traveller/s listed  below have access to International Travel Insurance which includes epidemic/pandemic (such as COVID-19) coverage and cover while cruising including while aboard a foreign registered cruise vessel in Australian territorial waters.  Cover is outlined in the sections below, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits outlined in the Policy Information Booklet."   The PI Booklet is viewable online as part of the complete information forwarded by Westpac, and a scan through reveals the normal travel insurance inclusions and exclusions.  Allianz is the underwriter. Hope this helps.  

I'm in NZ and policy is with AIG. I've just spoken to them and there is no Covid cover! How stupid is that, if Westpac Australia cover Covid but NZ does not, what's the difference? (Rhetorical question but really, that's seems unfair). It also does not cover when in NZ waters, which I see yours does.

MicCanberra

Be very wary of CC insurance as it can be very tricky, some have a minimal spend on each item of travel I.e. $250 on flights, another on hotel, another on the cruise  not just on the whole trip.

56 minutes ago, MicCanberra said: Be very wary of CC insurance as it can be very tricky, some have a minimal spend on each item of travel I.e. $250 on flights, another on hotel, another on the cruise  not just on the whole trip.

Thanks, Mic, but we checked that point, and we are clear.  W’s is cumulative.

1 hour ago, phoenixx said: I'm in NZ and policy is with AIG. I've just spoken to them and there is no Covid cover! How stupid is that, if Westpac Australia cover Covid but NZ does not, what's the difference? (Rhetorical question but really, that's seems unfair). It also does not cover when in NZ waters, which I see yours does.

Gosh, that’s very one-sided.

Newbie here….I have ANZ card with complimentary travel insurance.  I know that Covid is covered.   

Wondering if you get confined in your room on a cruise for say 5 days, anyone knows whether there is any compensation from ANZ Allianz travel insurance?  

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in August 2024

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers.

Top credit cards with travel insurance

Methodology

Best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Offers direct billing.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Information for westpac eligible cardholders regarding covid-19.

Information on this page is correct as of  30 June 2022 .

Stay up to date on Travel Information for COVID-19 from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)  Smartraveller  website and  World Health Organisation  (WHO) and  Department of Home Affairs .

Always consult the smartraveller.gov.au website prior to any travel. In addition to visas, COVID-19 testing, and proof of vaccination requirements, many countries now have compulsory insurance and medical cover proof conditions. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you are entering. If you require additional documentation regarding the complimentary international travel insurance policy due to international entry requirements, please contact us on 1800 091 710.

From 30 June 2022, if during the period of your cover, you (and your spouse/dependents, if they’re eligible for cover) are positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic (such as COVID-19), cover may be available under the following sections:

• 1.1 Overseas Emergency Assistance
• 1.2 Overseas Emergency Medical
• 1.4 Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• 2.1 Cancellation
• 3.1 Additional Expenses

If your travel companion is positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19, which impacts your journey, cover may be available to you under the following sections: 

Note, you won’t be covered while travelling against advice or warnings issued by the Australian government and you did not take reasonable care to avoid contracting the sickness, for example by delaying travel to the country listed in a warning.

The above is a summary only, please refer to  Westpac Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet   and  Westpac Business Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet  for eligibility criteria, full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.

A General Exclusion for epidemic/pandemic applies for all claims relating to any epidemic/pandemic outside of the select benefits in the applicable policy information booklet  Westpac Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet   and  Westpac Business Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet . Please note, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply.

To receive a formal outcome, Eligible Westpac Cardholders must submit a claim.

Eligible Westpac travellers who meet the eligibility criteria should be aware that other General Exclusions have the potential to apply.

What is a General Exclusion?

A General Exclusion is an exclusion which will be applied across all sections of an insurance policy, and applies regardless of when eligibility for cover was gained. Should a General Exclusion apply, this means that your complimentary credit card travel insurance excludes cover for the event, activities or circumstances (specified in the exclusion) that causes your claim.

To understand what is excluded from the Westpac Complimentary Insurance covers, please refer to Part D – Excesses & General Exclusions section and the section specific exclusions of the relevant Westpac Policy Information Booklet for which your eligible Westpac card is applicable under:  Westpac Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet    and  Westpac Business Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet .

Other exclusions may apply depending upon the circumstances of an individual claim. General Exclusions include but are not limited to:

• by the Australian government (when a ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘Do not travel’ alert is in place), which can be found on  www.smartraveller.gov.au ; or
• which was published in a reliable mass media source.
• any interference with your travel plans by any government, government regulation or prohibition or intervention or official authority. For example, if  Smartraveller  has a warning, ‘Do not travel’ or ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ due to the risk of COVID-19 infection for a destination, and a cardholder chooses to ignore the warning and is infected with COVID-19, cover may be excluded. Or if a government closes its borders to inbound travellers due to COVID-19 and you are unable to enter and follow your planned travel across the closed border, cover may be excluded.

What if a Westpac Eligible Cardholder has booked travel and needs to cancel due to contracting COVID-19?

If you are unable to travel as a result of contracting COVID-19, Cancellation cover may be provided to eligible travellers, if you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic such as COVID-19, and cover is expressly included under the Cancellation section of the relevant Westpac Policy Information Booklet for which your eligible Westpac card is applicable under:  Westpac Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet   and  Westpac Business Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet . If you are unable to travel as a result of an Epidemic or Pandemic related event which does not include you or your travel companion being positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, for example a border closure, there may be no provision to claim as a general exclusion for epidemic and pandemic applies. A General Exclusion for epidemic/pandemic applies for all claims relating to any epidemic/pandemic outside of the cancellation benefits in the applicable policy information booklet. Please note, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply.

You therefore need to consider your own personal circumstances. We are not able to provide you with a cover decision before submitting a claim. To receive a formal outcome, Westpac Eligible Cardholders must submit a claim.

You should also contact your travel agent or travel service provider (airline, cruise line or Tour Company, etc) as they may be able to support you in obtaining refunds, credits or travel re-scheduling.

Can Westpac Eligible Cardholders make a claim for consideration?

Every Westpac Eligible Cardholder can submit a claim and have their individual circumstances considered in accordance with the eligibility criteria which includes the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply as set out in the  Westpac Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet    and  Westpac Business Credit Cards Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet .

If you would like to claim, we encourage you to claim online via  insurance.agaassistance.com.au/westpac

Call the Allianz Global Assistance Claims team

Are you covered for Coronavirus under your credit card travel insurance?

Now that the early-pandemic days of clearing supermarket shelves and hoarding toilet paper are behind us, and most countries are open to travellers, you might be wondering if your complimentary credit card travel insurance policy will cover the spicy cough on your upcoming overseas trip.

Unfortunately, as we’ve come to expect over the past couple of years, there are no blanket rules when it comes to Covid coverage, and each credit card travel insurance provider seems to have its own way of treating the matter.

Some credit card travel insurance providers will cover COVID-19 to some extent, while others will flat-out exclude cover related to any losses connected with epidemics or pandemics.

So, if you’re heading overseas and plan on relying upon your bundled credit card travel insurance policy, you’ll want to know exactly where you stand regarding Covid cover.

The best way to know for sure is by looking through the product disclosure statement (PDS) that comes with your policy with a fine-tooth comb. But, you can start here with some of the more frequently asked ones. 

Two of the more important Covid-related travel insurance benefits you should be looking into are medical and cancellation cover. But to make things easier, we’ve put together a breakdown of some providers and how they treat Coronavirus under their credit card travel insurance policies.

But before we get into the overview, there are a couple of important things to note:

Activate your bundled credit card travel insurance before you go

Generally you’ll have to activate your credit card travel insurance when heading overseas. If you don’t make sure to check if it’s active, then you might not be covered on your overseas trip for anything that happens outside the period of insurance.

Eligibility requirements for credit card travel insurance

To be eligible for your bundled credit card travel insurance, you might have to spend a certain amount on your card, or even make eligible purchases, which will be outlined in further detail on the various providers’ websites.  

Further eligibility requirements may include being under a certain age (under 79 is a common requirement), but there may be more. So, always read the PDS. 

Always read the PDS that comes with your credit card travel insurance policy

By reading the PDS, you’ll be able to understand the limitations of Covid-related cover on your credit card travel insurance policy, including under what circumstances your provider will or will not cover pandemics.

ANZ credit card travel insurance

Commonwealth bank credit card travel insurance, nab credit card travel insurance, westpac credit card travel insurance, american express credit card travel insurance, citi credit card travel insurance, hsbc credit card travel insurance, which other providers offer complimentary travel insurance with their credit cards.

Underwritten by: Allianz Global Assistance  ANZ credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance include:

• ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum
• ANZ Frequent Flyer Black
• ANZ Rewards Platinum
• ANZ Rewards Black
• ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures
• ANZ Platinum

Does ANZ credit card travel insurance cover Coronavirus? 

If you are positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19, cover is available for:

• Overseas medical assistance
• Overseas emergency medical
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Cancellation
• Additional expenses 

For more information call Allianz Global Assistance on: 1300 135 271

Underwritten by: Zurich Australian Insurance through Cover-More 

CommBank credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance:

• CommBank Low Fee Gold Credit Card 
• CommBank Low Rate Gold Credit Card 
• CommBank Gold Awards Credit Card
• CommBank Platinum Awards Credit Card
• CommBank Diamond Awards Credit Card 
• CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card
• World Debit Mastercard

Does Commonwealth Bank credit card travel insurance cover Coronavirus? 

Commonwealth Bank credit card travel insurance provides limited cover for overseas emergency medical expenses related to COVID-19. 

However, CommBank credit card travel insurance does not provide cancellation cover related to COVID-19.

CommBank's standalone travel insurance policy, i.e. not the bundled policy, does not provide cover for Covid whatsoever. 

For more information call Cover-More on: 1300 467 951

Underwritten by: Allianz Global Assistance 

NAB credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance:

• NAB Premium Credit Card
• NAB Platinum Credit Card
• NAB Signature Credit Card
• NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card

Does NAB credit card travel insurance cover Coronavirus?

From 30 June 2022, NAB credit card travel insurance may provide limited cover for COVID-19 related events, such as:

• Overseas Emergency Assistance
• Overseas Emergency Medical
• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Additional Expenses

For more information call Allianz Global Assistance on: 1800 187 025

Underwritten by: Allianz Global Assistance

Westpac credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance:

• Westpac Earth Black
• Westpac Earth Platinum
• Westpac Earth Platinum Plus
• Westpac Altitude Black
• Westpac Altitude Platinum 
• Westpac Altitude Platinum Plus
• Singapore Airlines Platinum
• Singapore Airlines Gold
• Westpac Low Fee Platinum
• Private Bank Gold Mastercard

Does Westpac credit card travel insurance cover Coronavirus?

From 8 July, Westpac has announced it will be providing COVID-19 and pandemic cover on eligible travel insurance policies through select credit cards (T&Cs apply). Benefits include:

For more information call Allianz Global Assistance on: 1800 091 710

Underwritten by: Chubb 

American Express credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance:

• American Express Platinum Card 
• American Express Gold Card 
• American Express Rewards Advantage Card 
• American Express Green Card  
• American Express Explorer Credit Card 
• American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card 
• American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card 
• American Express Platinum Rewards Credit Card 
• Qantas American Express Ultimate Credit Card 
• American Express Velocity Gold Credit Card  
• American Express Elevate Credit Card 
• American Express Elevate Premium Credit Card

Does American Express credit card travel insurance cover Coronavirus?

American Express credit card travel insurance provides limited cover for Covid-related events, such as:

• Trip cancellations, curtailments, and changes
• Medical emergency expenses cover 

It's recommended you check the specific PDS for your card to make sure you're aware of the way your credit card travel insurance treats Covid. 

Note: There is no cover if you travel against a Smartraveller ‘Do Not Travel’ warning or if borders have closed at your destination prior to departure.

For more information call Chubb on: (02) 9335 3200

Citi credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance:

• Citi Prestige credit card
• Citi Premier credit card
• Citi Rewards credit card
• Emirates Citi World Mastercard
• CitiBusiness Gold credit card

Does Citi credit card travel insurance cover Coronavirus?

Unfortunately, Citi will not cover you for any loss, damages, or expenses caused by, arising directly or indirectly from or in any way related to any epidemic or pandemic, including COVID-19. 

For more information call Allianz Global Assistance on: 1800 072 791

HSBC credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance:

• HSBC Platinum credit card
• HSBC Platinum Qantas credit card
• HSBC Premier World MasterCard
• Low Rate credit card

Does HSBC credit card travel insurance cover Coronavirus?

HSBC credit card travel insurance provides some cover for Covid, including for benefits like: 

• Overseas emergency assistance
• Overseas emergency medical 
• Evacuation and repatriation 
• Cancellation 

Make sure you read through the relevant PDS to understand the limits of HSBC’s coverage.

For more information call Allianz Global Assistance on: 1800 648 093

According to Mozo’s database, 32 credit card providers on site offer complimentary travel insurance on their credit cards. 

If you are concerned about whether you are covered for any medical issues or cancellations due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, contact your provider, or its travel insurance underwriter, on one of the following numbers.

RELATED ARTICLE: Everything you need to know about travel insurance

Interested in what other travel features come complimentary on credit card products? Jump over to our credit card comparison table to check out various options or Mozo's top choices of the best credit cards.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

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