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Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance

​We highlight the benefits of credit card travel insurance and identify the cards with the best cover and benefits, comparing policies from AMEX, ANZ, ASB, Kiwibank, TSB, and Westpac.
Updated 26 August 2024

Summary:​
  • For many cardholders, credit card travel insurance has remained confusing, and few have investigated what they're covered for and whether the cover is any good.
  • As such, many New Zealand gold or platinum (or similar) cardholders often buy standalone travel insurance before they travel just to be 'safe'. Per our extensive travel insurance research, this can easily cost hundreds of dollars yet is avoidable altogether with the right credit card policy.
  • To help make things clear, our guide provides a comprehensive overview of current credit card travel insurance policies on offer. We've published this guide to help bring transparency and save everyday New Zealanders money by avoiding duplicate insurance and raise awareness of credit cards offering low benefit and limited cover policies.
  • We focus on each credit card travel insurance policy's key benefits and limits, so you know what to expect if and when you need to claim. We also explain how to activate your policy, as different credit cards (and their insurers) have different requirements.
  • We offer an in-depth comparison of travel insurance benefits offered by major credit card providers, including AMEX, ANZ, ASB, Kiwibank, TSB, and Westpac, to help you identify which cards offer the most comprehensive coverage.
  • Please note, we have excluded high-end cards with high annual fees, such as the American Express Platinum Charge Card or Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard, nor have we addressed domestic travel insurance cover. Our focus is on gold and platinum-level cards.

Our guide covers:
Know This First: Is Credit Card Travel Insurance as Comprehensive as Standalone Travel Insurance?
  • It depends on the policy, but the coverage limits and exclusions are generally similar, and the claim process is the same. However, as every policy is different, it's essential to understand the benefits and limits of a credit card's travel insurance policy to ensure you are covered appropriately.

Important: Supplementary Cardholders
  • Many New Zealanders have supplementary cardholders for their spouses. A supplementary cardholder does not have a stand-alone cover unless travelling with the primary cardholder.
  • This has, from time to time, caught out husbands or wives travelling alone overseas. We suggest looking for standalone travel insurance options to avoid such a situation.

Understanding What Credit Card Travel Insurance Policies (Generally) Cover

Our travel insurance comparison confirms that the price of a policy varies significantly, even though the benefits are arguably similar. Credit card travel insurance policies offer very similar protection to paid policies for most needs.

To ensure you're covered where you need to be, we list what a credit card policy needs to cover:
  1. Medical expenses: The costs of visiting a doctor and/or having medical treatment and all related medicines
  2. Personal baggage and belongings: This covers you if your bags or items are lost, stolen or damaged. 
  3. Cancellation and travel delays: This includes pre-departure cancellations due to illness, delayed flights and delayed luggage
  4. Personal Liability: This is to cover damage you cause to a person and/or property
  5. Emergency evacuation: If you need medical treatment or aftercare back in New Zealand, this is the cost of flying you home. 
  6. Rental car excess insurance: This offers protection against damage and theft of a rental car and avoids you having to buy daily (and often expensive)' excess waiver' from rental car companies. Our guide to rental car excess explains more.

Must-know facts and common limitations with credit card travel insurance policies:

While it dates back to 2016, this Stuff.co.nz article has useful tips for anyone relying on credit card travel insurance policies, which we summarise:
  • Activation typically requires paying for part of the holiday with the credit card, and this needs to happen before you leave New Zealand.
  • Credit card insurance almost always excludes pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Not all policies cover family members or domestic travel - you need to check the policy to be sure.
  • Higher-risk activities like skiing and other adventure sports may be excluded from coverage.

This NZ Herald column from 2014 has further useful tips and reminders, which we summarise:
  • Coverage length for many policies is limited to a specific number of days and exceeding the trip duration limit voids the entire policy.
  • Credit cards have different underwriters and policy terms; don't assume that Kiwibank's policy is the same as ANZ's, even though they each offer a Platinum Airpoints card with travel insurance.

Finally, this 2023 NZ Herald article outlines that travel insurance may not cover lost or forgotten items, which will be the same for a standalone policy or credit card. Specifically:
  • Policies often exclude coverage for items left unattended in public places; in this case, a pair of glasses was forgotten at a pub in Australia, and the claim was denied.
  • Vehicles and unlocked premises are common exclusion areas, but reasonable precautions are required to safeguard belongings and avoid losses that insurers are increasingly less likely to cover in their policies.

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his views and experience with credit card travel insurance:

Firstly, I can't stress enough how essential it is to thoroughly read and understand your credit card's travel insurance policy. The same approach applies to paid travel insurance or any insurance policy. Too many claims get denied by a lack of awareness of what's covered.

Many New Zealanders continue to be sceptical about the value of 'free' travel insurance that comes with their credit card. However, free travel insurance is a core benefit of platinum (and similar) cards, given the annual fees of $100 or more. However, not all policies are the same, and this guide illustrates that some cards offer much more than others.

While credit card travel insurance policies can be incredibly valuable, you also need to consider the card's overall benefits, including reward points, Airpoints dollars earned, fees, and other perks. Very few cards offer great insurance and rewards, but when they do, we highlight them for your consideration.

Whatever you decide, remember that credit card travel insurance generally offers comprehensive coverage that rivals standalone policies. Furthermore, per our extensive research, standalone policies are often expensive, which makes credit card travel insurance a significant benefit if you travel overseas at least once a year. 
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder
A MoneyHub user shares their experience with their credit card travel insurance policies:

I have used ASB and ANZ free credit card travel insurance for over twenty years, and it has saved me lots of money. However, many of my friends are very sceptical about getting free insurance and don’t believe me when I tell them it’s really good. Only recently have I had two claims using the ANZ credit card.
  1. After the floods in Auckland, our flights were cancelled just before we returned from Melbourne to Auckland. After finally returning home, I claimed the extra accommodation and meals and was recompensed promptly less the excess.  
  2. Recently, I was travelling in Patagonia when there was a possible strike announced by the Aerolineas Argentina pilots that would disrupt my coming flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. My travel agent asked me to purchase another ticket on another airline, Jetsmart, just in case – because, if the strike went ahead, I wouldn’t be able to get out of Ushuaia for many days, which would disrupt all of my future flights, accommodations and tours. I was ambivalent about paying another $500 for this flight, but I bought it. As the strike was cancelled, I used the original Aerolineas Argentina flight to Buenos Aires and screwed up my Jetsmart ticket. Once I returned home, I lodged a claim with Allianz, and they reimbursed the entire $500. My friend, who was travelling with me and had paid another insurance company, was refused a refund.
  3. Notes for using credit card insurance:
  • I always read the entire policy every time I use the insurance because ANZ sometimes changes insurance companies or other things.
  • I always get a confirmation email from the site saying I comply.
  • I always ensure that I pay for some of my trips on my credit card, but nowadays, ANZ allows you to use a normal bank account to pay with – and still comply.
  • Now I’m over 65; I recently paid $100 extra to cover my high blood pressure, which I thought was very inexpensive.
  • I find it very strange that more people don’t use it when I’ve had a great experience, and I will continue to use it as long as possible.

Activating Credit Card Travel Insurance Policies

Credit card travel insurance is typically activated when you use your credit card to pay for travel-related expenses, and each credit card clearly explains how to do this. In most cases, this will be buying airline tickets, booking a hotel, or renting a car. Generally, the insurance cover becomes effective once the purchase is made with the qualifying credit card, provided all necessary conditions are met.

To understand how the activation terms and conditions appear, we share the wording from the credit card travel insurance policies offered by Kiwibank and American Express:

Kiwibank's Airpoints Platinum Visa travel insurance activation policy: 
  • Overseas travel insurance will be activated if you use an eligible credit card to pay for at least one of these things: overseas travel tickets, one or more nights of pre-paid accommodation, a pre-paid rental car, pre-paid scheduled transport ticket or a pre-paid guided tour.
  • Kiwibank states that cardholders need to be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, under 80 years old, returning to New Zealand at the end of their trip, and have an active Platinum Visa or Air New Zealand Platinum Visa for the duration of their trip. It also states that business trips are covered under some circumstances.

American Express Airpoints Platinum's travel insurance activation policy:
  • To be eligible for the complimentary travel insurance benefits, cover is effective when you pay the full fare for a trip on the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card Account or with Air New Zealand Airpoints.

Know This: There are usually further conditions for activation and travel insurance validity, including the following:
  • Return tickets: Many credit card policies require that you have a return ticket booked to activate the travel insurance. One-way tickets may not qualify for coverage.
  • Trip length: Many credit card travel insurance policies limit the length of the trip, so if you're taking an extended trip, this limitation is important.

Beyond activating the policy, you'll also need to read and understand the terms and conditions of your credit card's travel insurance policy. While they are usually 20+ pages, they're essential reading given they outline the specifics of what is covered, the limits of coverage, and any exclusions that may apply. Important sections within a policy to understand include:
  • Coverage limits: These are the maximum amounts payable for various types of coverage (e.g., medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost bags, etc).
  • Exclusions: Be aware of situations and conditions not covered by the insurance policy, such as pre-existing medical conditions or high-risk activities. You must buy additional coverage from another insurer if you're doing any of these.

Benefits Comparison - AMEX vs ANZ vs ASB vs Kiwibank vs TSB vs Westpac Credit Card Travel Insurance

A summary of benefits and limits is listed below. Policies offer additional benefits and coverage, and the latest policy documents can be downloaded from the respective websites.
Card Medical Expenses Personal Baggage Cancellation & Loss of Deposits Money & Travel Documents Personal Accident Rental Vehicle Excess Maximum Stay
AMEX Airpoints Platinum $2,500,000 $30,000 total, $2,000/item, $5,000/laptop, $1,000/smartphone $30,000/trip $500/person $800,000 life, $400,000 limb $3,000/incident 180 days/trip
ANZ Premium Card Unlimited $30,000 total, $2,000/item, $5,000/special items Unlimited $500 personal, $5,000 documents $100,000 cardholder, $50,000 spouse, $5,000 child $6,000/person 120 days/trip
ASB Visa Platinum Rewards Unlimited per person $20,000 per person, $40,000 per family, $2,000/item, $6,000/laptop Unlimited $1,000/person, $2,500/family $50,000/person $3,000/person 90 days/trip
BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum Unlimited, $50/day bed care, $5,000 max $10,000/person, $20,000/family, $2,000/item, $6,000/laptop Unlimited, $500 travel agent fees $300/person, $600/family $100,000 cardholder, $50,000 spouse $5,000/journey 90 days/trip
Kiwibank Visa Unlimited USA, Canada, Europe, Japan; $100,000 Australia, South Pacific, Bali; $200,000 Rest of World $20,000/person, $40,000/family (excludes Australia, South Pacific, Bali: $10,000/person, $20,000/family) Unlimited $1,000/person, $2,500/family $50,000/person $2,000/person 40 days/trip
TSB Credit Mastercard Unlimited under 75, none 75+ $4,000 total, $850/item, $1,350 special, $1,500 emergency $10,000/person $500 documents, $250 money $100,000/person, $10,000 child, $25,000 terrorist Not mentioned 90 days/trip
Westpac Airpoints Platinum Unlimited $12,500/person, $20,000/family, $3,000/item, $6,000 total laptops Unlimited $500 documents, $250 money $100,000 cardholder, $50,000 spouse, $5,000 child $5,000/family 35 days/trip

Travel Insurance Benefits Explained: AMEX vs ANZ vs ASB vs Kiwibank vs TSB vs Westpac Policies

Our review of the cards below comprehensively addresses the key benefits and limits. We also include:
  • The policy documents
  • Links to the bank or issuer
  • Details on the annual fee and interest rate

American Express Airpoints Platinum Card Travel Insurance Benefits Summary:

  • Medical Expenses: Up to $2,500,000 per person
  • Personal Baggage: Up to $30,000 in total, $2,000 for any one item or pair/set of items, $5,000 for any laptop, and $1,000 for any smartphone
  • Cancellation & Loss of Deposits: Up to $30,000 per trip
  • Money & Travel Documents: $500 per person
  • Personal Accident: Up to $800,000 for loss of life, $400,000 for loss of one hand or one foot, or entire sight of one eye
  • Personal Liability: Up to $2,000,000 per person
  • Rental Vehicle Excess: Up to $3,000 per incident​​
  • Maximum Stay: Up to 180 consecutive days per trip, totalling 183 days during the card membership year
  • Activation: Coverage is activated when the cardholder charges the full amount of their travel expenses to their AMEX Airpoints Platinum card
  • Excess: There is an excess of $250 for most claims
  • Maximum Age: Coverage is provided up to 80 years of age​​

Our view:
  • Why we like it: The AMEX Airpoints Platinum card offers a comprehensive travel insurance package with high coverage limits. It includes up to $2,500,000 for medical expenses, $30,000 for personal baggage, and $800,000 for personal accident coverage.
  • Best for: Frequent travellers who prioritise extensive coverage and high rewards. The card also offers significant Airpoints earnings, making it popular among those who regularly fly with Air New Zealand.
  • Full details: Download the policy in PDF format
  • More information: Visit AMEX
  • Card's annual fee: $195
  • Interest rate: 22.95% p.a.

ANZ Airpoints Platinum Card Travel Insurance Benefits Summary:

  • ​Medical Expenses: Unlimited per person
  • Personal Baggage: $30,000 per person, with a general item limit of $2,000 and a special item limit (portable computers and cameras, including video cameras) of $5,000
  • Cancellation & Loss of Deposits: Unlimited per person and family
  • Money & Travel Documents: $500 per person for personal money, $5,000 per person for replacement of travel documents
  • Personal Accident: $100,000 per cardholder, $50,000 per spouse, $5,000 per dependent child
  • Personal Liability: $2,500,000 per person
  • Rental Vehicle Excess: $6,000 per person
  • Maximum Stay: Up to 120 days per trip
  • Activation: Coverage is activated when the cardholder uses their ANZ Premium Card to pay for at least 50% of their pre-paid travel expenses for the journey or your other ANZ accounts if the card is not accepted
  • Excess: The document states that an excess of $200 per claim applies to all sections except for personal liability and legal expenses.
  • Maximum Age: Coverage is available for persons under 75 years of age.

Our view:
  • Why we like it: The coverage is generous - unlimited medical expenses, $30,000 for personal baggage, and $100,000 for personal accident coverage. The rental vehicle excess cover is substantial at $6,000.
  • Best for: Travellers seeking comprehensive coverage without worrying about coverage limits, especially for medical expenses and personal liability.
  • ​​Full details: Download the policy in PDF format
  • More information: Visit ANZ
  • ​Card's annual fee: $150
  • Interest rate: 20.95% p.a.

ASB Visa Platinum Rewards Travel Insurance Benefits Summary:

  • ​Medical Expenses: Unlimited
  • Personal Baggage is $20,000 per person or $40,000 per family. The sublimit per item is $2,000, and laptops are up to $6,000.
  • Cancellation & Loss of Deposits: Unlimited per person and family.
  • Money & Travel Documents: $1,000 per person, $2,500 per family.
  • Personal Accident: $50,000 per person, $50,000 per family.
  • Personal Liability: $2,500,000 per person, $2,500,000 per family.
  • Kidnap & Ransom: $250,000 per person, $250,000 per family.
  • Rental Vehicle Excess: $3,000 per person.
  • Maximum Stay: Up to 90 days per trip, extendable to 90 days with prior approval and additional premium payment.
  • Activation: Coverage is activated when the cardholder charges 50% or more of the entire cost of their overseas return travel tickets to their ASB Visa Platinum Rewards card or uses their True Rewards dollars or another airline frequent flyer loyalty scheme. Alternatively, a cash advance from the Platinum Card account used on the same day to pay for 50% or more of the travel cost, or another ASB account in the cardholder's name to pay for 50% or more of the travel cost when the Platinum Card is not an acceptable means of payment, will also activate coverage.​
  • Excess: An excess of $200 per event or occurrence applies.
  • Maximum Age: Coverage is available for persons up to 75 years of age.

Our view:
  • Why we like it: The ASB Visa Platinum Rewards card offers unlimited medical expenses per person, with $20,000 for personal baggage and $50,000 for personal accident coverage.
  • Best for: Travellers who want a mix of strong travel insurance benefits and reward points without being tied to an airline program. Subject to prior approval, the card also provides flexibility with an extendable maximum stay of up to 90 days.
  • ​Full details: Download the policy in PDF format
  • More information: Visit ASB
  • ​Card's annual fee: $80
  • Interest rate: 19.95% p.a.

BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card Travel Insurance Benefits Summary:

  • ​Medical Expenses: Unlimited
  • Personal Baggage: $10,000 per person, $20,000 per family. Sublimit per item: $2,000, laptops up to $6,000.
  • Cancellation & Loss of Deposits: Unlimited per person and family. Up to $500 for travel agent's cancellation fees per journey.
  • Money & Travel Documents: Up to $300 per person, $600 per family, for emergency luggage replacement.
  • Personal Accident: $100,000 for cardholder, $50,000 for accompanying spouse. $1,000,000 for accidental death and disablement.
  • Personal Liability: $2,500,000 per person.
  • Rental Vehicle Excess: Up to $5,000 per journey
  • Maximum Stay: Up to 90 days per trip, extendable to 180 days with a Trip Duration Extension.
  • Activation: Coverage is activated when the cardholder makes a payment of any amount towards the pre-paid travel costs of the journey using their BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum card
  • Excess: There is an excess of $200 for most claims.
  • Maximum Age: Coverage is available for persons under 75 years of age.

Our view:
  • Why we like it: The card's comprehensive medical expenses, personal liability coverage, and rental vehicle excess make it a good option for travellers seeking robust travel insurance.
  • Full details: Download the policy in PDF format
  • More information: Visit BNZ
  • ​Card's annual fee: $90
  • Interest rate: 18.95% p.a.

Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum Visa Travel Insurance Benefits Summary:

  • ​Medical Expenses: USA, Canada, Europe, and Japan - Unlimited per person, Australia, South Pacific, and Bali - $100,000 per person, $200,000 per family, and the Rest of the World  - $200,000 per person, $400,000 per family.
  • Personal Baggage: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per family (excluding Australia, South Pacific, and Bali, where it's $10,000 per person, $20,000 per family)
  • Cancellation & Loss of Deposits: Unlimited per person and family
  • Money & Travel Documents: $1,000 per person, $2,500 per family
  • Personal Accident: $50,000 per person, $50,000 per family
  • Personal Liability: $2,000,000 per person, $2,000,000 per family
  • Rental Vehicle Excess: $2,000 per person
  • Maximum Stay: 40 days per trip, extendable by arrangement before departure.
  • Activation: Coverage is activated when the cardholder purchases their overseas travel tickets or pays for their overseas travel itinerary items using their Kiwibank Visa card or funds from any other Kiwibank accounts​
  • Excess: There is an excess of $200 for most claims
  • Maximum Age: Coverage is provided up to 80 years of age
​
Our view:
  • Why we don't like it as much as other options: While Kiwibank Visa offers unlimited medical expenses for certain regions, it provides only $100,000 for medical expenses in Australia, the South Pacific, and Bali and $200,000 for the "rest of the world" outside of the USA, Europe, Japan, etc. The rental vehicle excess cover is relatively low at $2,000, and the maximum stay is limited to 40 days per trip.
  • Full details: Download the policy in PDF format
  • More information: Visit Kiwibank
  • Card's annual fee: $180
  • Interest rate: 20.95% p.a.

TSB Platinum Mastercard Travel Insurance Benefits Summary:

  • ​Medical Expenses: Unlimited
  • Personal Baggage: There is a $4,000 total limit per person, with sub-limits of $850 per general item, $1,350 for special items (portable computers and cameras), and $1,500 for emergency baggage replacement.
  • Cancellation & Loss of Deposits: $10,000 per person.
  • Money & Travel Documents: $500 for replacement of travel documents, $250 for personal money.
  • Personal Accident: $100,000 for accidental death or permanent disablement per person, $10,000 for dependent children. Up to $25,000 for accidental death or permanent disablement as a result of a terrorist act per person.
  • Personal Liability: $675,000 per person.
  • Rental Vehicle Excess: Not explicitly mentioned.
  • Maximum Stay: Up to 90 days per trip.
  • Activation: Coverage is activated when the cardholder purchases at least 50% of their pre-paid travel expenses for the journey using the TSB Platinum Mastercard​​​​.
  • Excess: The policy applies an excess of either $0 or less than $100 for most claims.
  • Maximum Age: Coverage is provided up to 75 years of age. No coverage for those aged 75 and over.

​Our view:
  • ​Why we don't like it as much as other options: The TSB Credit Mastercard has several significant limitations. It offers a total limit of $4,000 for personal baggage, with sub-limits of $850 per general item and $1,350 for special items like portable computers and cameras. Rental vehicle excess is not explicitly mentioned.
  • ​Full details: Download the policy in PDF format
  • More information: Visit TSB Mastercard
  • Card's annual fee: $90
  • Interest rate: 20.95% p.a.

Westpac Airpoints Airpoints (and Hotpoints) Platinum Credit Card Travel Insurance Benefits Summary:

  • Medical Expenses: Unlimited
  • Personal Baggage: $12,500 per person, $20,000 per family, with sub-limits of $3,000 per item, $6,000 in total for laptops and associated equipment/accessories
  • Cancellation & Loss of Deposits: Unlimited per person and family
  • Money & Travel Documents: $500 per person to replace travel documents, $250 for personal money​​.
  • Personal Accident: $100,000 for accidental death per Airpoints Platinum cardholder, $50,000 per spouse, $5,000 per dependent child, with a maximum of $150,000 per family.
  • Personal Liability: $2,500,000 per person​​.
  • Rental Vehicle Excess: Up to $5,000 per family​​.
  • Maximum Stay: Up to 35 days per trip​​.
  • Activation: Coverage is activated when spending at least $1,000 (or $500 if travelling to only Australia and/or a South Pacific Island) on your credit card. ​
  • Excess: There is an excess of $200 for most claims, with the exception of some specified scenarios.
  • Maximum Age: Coverage is available for persons up to 91 years of age, but benefit limits apply to those over 75.

Our view:
  • Why we don't like it as much as other options: While offering unlimited medical expenses, the card has relatively lower coverage for personal baggage at $12,500 per person and $20,000 per family. The maximum stay is limited to 35 days per trip, which might not be sufficient for longer trips.
  • Full details: Download the policy in PDF format
  • More information: Visit Westpac
  • Card's annual fee: $125
  • Interest rate: 20.95% p.a.

Beyond Credit Cards - Our Top-Rated Debit Card for Travel and Non-NZD Payments - The Wise Debit Card

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder (and Frequent User of Wise)
Our View:
  • Very few credit cards offer 0% FX fees; the Westpac and Flight Centre Mastercards are the only two.
  • However, the Wise Debit Card is a popular choice alongside any credit card and offers superior exchange rates and low fees for international transactions. Please note, travel insurance is not included. 
  • Many New Zealanders use it alongside their credit card to manage finances more effectively while getting the maximum value for every NZD. 
  • The Wise Debit card is a popular backup card useful for everyday spending overseas. MoneyHub readers continue to email our research team to explain how useful the app is to review spending and how surprised they are that the fees for spending overseas are so low.​

Why we like the Wise Debit Card:
  • Best exchange rates: Wise offers the best exchange rates in New Zealand per our research, making every NZ Dollar stretch further.
  • No hidden fees: Spend abroad and online without worrying about hidden fees while tracking all your spending easily through their app with the option to convert and hold 54 different currencies.
  • Go cardless: The Wise Card links to Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Low setup fee: For a low one-time fee of $14, you can order your Wise card and set it up in minutes via the Wise website or app.
  • Online shopping benefits: Enjoy smooth and secure online shopping with Wise. Approve payments easily and benefit from low fees compared to traditional credit cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I activate my credit card travel insurance?

​It depends on the credit card, but activation typically requires using your credit card to pay for some travel-related expenses. To avoid being uninsured, our review of each credit card explains the activation requirements, but always read the card's policy so that you're fully aware of what you need to spend. Helpfully, credit card issuers make the wording clear, but if you're unsure about anything, ask your bank or card issuer.

What if my trip is longer than the maximum stay covered by my credit card insurance?

If your trip exceeds the maximum stay (e.g., 40 days for Kiwibank Visa or 35 days for Westpac Airpoints Platinum), you may need to arrange additional coverage. Some cards offer extensions for an additional cost.

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?

Generally, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered under most credit card travel insurance policies. However, you may be able to pay extra directly to the credit card issuer to get covered for specific conditions. This may or may not be cheaper than buying a standalone policy, so always compare your options.

What types of travel disruptions are covered?

Travel disruptions such as trip cancellation, travel delays, and lost or delayed baggage are commonly covered. However, coverage amounts and conditions vary, so review your card's policy details.

Does credit card travel insurance cover rental vehicle excess?

In most cases, yes, and the benefit can be significant - usually around $5,000. This saves paying for per-day excess buyouts charged by car rental companies that can be as high as $30-$50 a day. Given that NZ$5,000 is around US$3,000 or AU$4,500, you will need to check the standard excess charged by rental car companies. You'll be liable for the difference if it's more than NZ$5,000.

What should I do if I need to make a claim?

The standard approach is to contact your card's insurance provider immediately. You must provide supporting documentation such as receipts, medical reports, and police reports (if the claim is because of a crime). Each card's policy document will outline the specific claims process and required documentation.

Are family members covered under my credit card travel insurance?

Yes, but only if they're travelling with the cardholder. Although this can be confusing, it's standard practice to exclude supplementary cardholders. You must read your card's policy to confirm family coverage details.

Can I extend my credit card travel insurance if my trip is longer than the maximum stay?

It depends on the card; some credit cards allow you to extend coverage for longer trips, but others don't. For instance, ASB Visa Platinum Rewards allows extensions of up to an additional 90 days with prior approval. Your credit card's policy document shows the details of what's available.

Are business trips covered under my credit card travel insurance?

It depends on the card - some offer it, others don't, so you'll need to check your policy documents and insurers vary on this benefit.

How do coverage limits and sub-limits work?

Coverage limits are the maximum amounts payable for various types of coverage, while sub-limits are specific caps within those limits. For example, AMEX Airpoints Platinum has a $30,000 total limit for personal baggage, with sub-limits of $2,000 per item and $5,000 for laptops. This means if your laptop is damaged or lost, the maximum payout will be $5,000 even if you paid more for it originally. It's essential to review your card's policy to understand these limits.
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