Travel Insurance and Credit Cards – what you need to know

Before your fly, check your travel insurance

It’s imperative for travellers to have a full understanding of their Travel Insurance Policies prior to heading off on their adventures.

Certain credit cards that have Travel Insurance Policies included as part of their offering sometimes have many limitations and exclusions that may cause heartache if not understood prior to departure.

There are many insurance products that are attached to credit cards that sometimes don’t provide adequate coverage. As travellers, we need to ensure that the coverage matches our expectations.

Some of the limitations of the credit card insurance policies don’t provide coverage for:

• Terrorism related events
• Certain international travel destinations

Certain policies are limited to provide coverage for medical expenses only and are often also priced accordingly.

Also, if you find yourself in a position where you need to make a travel claim here are some “tips” that may assist:

• Get it down on paper – if you’re a victim of a flight or hotel cancellation or delay be sure to obtain written proof of such events from your airline and/or provider.
• Keep receipts – Your insurer will require proof of payment/booking in order to settle your claim. Retaining boarding passes,

receipts or credit card statements further assist.

As always, contacting us, your broker, to advise of details of any potential claim with proof at your earliest opportunity will ensure prompt settlement of claims.

Further, by allowing us to view your existing coverage, prior to departure, will also allow for any “shortfalls or inadequacies” to be identified and the appropriate coverage obtained.