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While you never want to expect a worst-case scenario when you’re traveling, you can’t control when things go wrong.
In light of this year’s winter weather-related travel disruptions and civil unrest in Mexico, among other incidents, it’s a good idea to review what your plan would be if you need insurance or protection in the event of disruptions.
When you’re thinking of protecting your travel, purchasing an insurance policy may be the first option you consider. While there are multiple providers with plans for different types of travelers, in some cases, the best choice may be to rely on the protections offered by a premium credit card.
Let’s compare and contrast travel insurance with premium credit card protections to help you decide which is better for your situation.
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance varies in price and scope, but you can generally purchase a policy for a small premium (relative to the cost of your trip) that can provide reimbursement for unexpected issues.
What travel insurance covers depends on the provider and the policy you choose. Typically, you can expect travel insurance to include:
Buying travel insurance is a decision that varies from person to person and situation to situation. Consider where you’re traveling, the types of activities you’ll do during your trip and how much risk is associated with each of these aspects before making a choice.
Best travel insurance providers
There is a long list of companies that provide travel insurance policies. These are some of the most common providers on the market:
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- Allianz Travel Insurance
- American Express Travel Insurance
- GeoBlue
- IMG
- Travel Guard
- Travelex Insurance
- World Nomads
Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers
What do premium card protections cover?
Travel enthusiasts typically focus on the rewards and perks on their cards, but many premium cards also feature an underrated suite of travel protections that can kick in during unexpected circumstances.
Each card will have its own package of travel insurance policies, so read up on your card’s guide to benefits before you travel.
In general, you can expect premium travel cards to have some degree of policies related to:
Each card will offer a different level of coverage and its own set of protections. If insurance is important to you, review the policies before selecting a premium card.
Best premium cards for travel protection
Related: Your guide to Chase’s trip insurance coverage
Comparing coverage
For the purposes of this article, let’s compare the protections from a popular travel insurance provider to those offered on one of the best premium cards on the market for travel protections.
The Sapphire Reserve charges a $795 annual fee and is considered one of the industry’s leaders in card-provided travel insurance coverage. When it comes to travel insurance, Allianz offers the AllTrips Premier plan. I ran the numbers for a 30-year-old based in Florida and was quoted $485.
Here is a side-by-side comparison in key areas:
| Coverage area | Sapphire Reserve | Allianz AllTrips Premier (Florida resident) |
|---|---|---|
|
$100 per day for up to five days when delayed at least six hours |
$2,000 per insured, per trip |
|
|
Up to $3,000 per covered person, per trip (sublimit of up to $500 for jewelry and watches and up to $500 for cameras and other electronic equipment per covered person) |
$2,000 per insured, per trip |
|
|
$2,500 with a $50 deductible |
$50,000 per insured, per trip |
|
|
Up to $100,000 |
$500,000 per insured, per trip |
|
|
Rental car damage and theft
|
Up to $75,000 |
$45,000 per insured, per trip |
|
$1 million common carrier loss of life; $100,000 for 24-hour loss of life |
$50,000 per insured, per trip |
|
|
Trip cancellation/interruption
|
$10,000 per covered person, per trip (up to $20,000 per trip) |
$2,000 per policy, per year |
|
$500 per ticket when delayed at least six hours or overnight |
$1,500 per insured, per trip |
Both policies also include 24-hour assistance services.
Of course, any comparison will vary depending on which premium card you choose and the provider you select. This is an example; there are plenty of combinations out there.
Related: Who is covered by credit card travel insurance?
Should I purchase travel insurance or get a premium credit card for travel protection?
Overall, coverage varies depending on which card you choose or which outside policy you consider. In general, if you have medical insurance that will cover you while you’re traveling, leaning on a premium rewards card for travel insurance is a good option for many.
A lot of travelers are attracted to a rewards credit card like the Sapphire Reserve for more than just the insurance benefits. The fact that you can use it to book your trips, earn rewards, enjoy perks and be protected by multiple types of coverage is likely to give it the edge over purchasing travel insurance coverage outright.
Of course, factor in your own situation before making a decision. But if you read your premium card’s guide to benefits and feel satisfied with the level of insurance, you may not need to purchase travel coverage before your next trip.
Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?
Bottom line
There are several circumstances, such as remote locations or unique circumstances and excursions, that may prompt you to buy outside travel insurance.
However, for many types of travelers and trips, depending on your premium card’s travel protections, a premium credit card’s built-in perks can be more than enough for reimbursement and insurance while you’re on the road.
As always, check in with your card’s guide to benefits and weigh the pros and cons of your unique situation before making a decision.
Related: Why every solo female traveler needs a card with travel insurance
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