Credit card with travel insurance: what's really covered

These insurances may be included

Gold and premium credit cards in particular bundle several travel insurances into one package. Exactly which ones are included varies greatly by card — it's always worth checking the terms.

• Foreign travel health insurance: often the most important benefit
• Trip cancellation insurance: reimburses cancellation costs due to illness or accident
• Trip interruption insurance: for cutting a trip short
• Rental car comprehensive cover (CDW): reduces the excess
• Baggage insurance and flight delay protection

The key condition: the payment clause

Many credit card insurances only apply if you paid for the trip, or a defined share of it, with that exact card. With some cards the cover applies automatically, regardless of payment. Check carefully before booking which variant your card has.

What else to watch out for

Included insurance is handy but often comes with restrictions:

• Maximum trip duration: often only trips up to 90 days are covered
• Age limits: restrictions sometimes apply to people over 65
• Excess: may apply per claim
• Family cover: accompanying relatives are not always included

Is a card with insurance worth it?

Those who travel several times a year often save the price of a separate policy with a free card that includes foreign health cover. For just one trip a year or long stays, a standalone annual travel insurance can be the better, gap-free solution.

What to do in the event of a claim

To ensure your travel insurance actually pays out when needed, the right approach is essential. Collect all relevant documents from the outset: medical certificates, receipts for expenses, damage reports from the airline or car rental company, and booking confirmations. Without these documents, a claim can often not be reimbursed, or only partially.

Report the claim to the insurer as early as possible — many policies specify reporting deadlines of just a few days. In a medical emergency, contact the insurer's emergency hotline first, as certain treatments may need to be approved in advance. It is best to check the contact details and deadlines before you set off on your trip.