Credit card travel insurance: what to check before your next trip

Summer's nearly here, and whether you're chasing powder in Hokkaido or the surf in Bali, the countdown is on. But hold up: if you're relying on credit card travel insurance, it's worth a quick check first.

Many Australian banks and card providers have recently updated the benefits that come with their credit and debit cards. These changes could affect any complimentary travel insurance that may have been linked to the card, including what is covered and who is eligible.

Why is complimentary travel insurance changing?

From 1 October 2026, surcharges on most everyday card payments have been removed. Around the same time, many card providers have announced changes that include:

• Complimentary travel insurance removed entirely on some cards
• Key benefits like trip cancellation, luggage and travel delay removed or reduced
• Limiting medical cover to specified benefits

Is free travel insurance still included on credit cards?

The short answer: it depends on your card, and it may have changed since you last looked. Check your card provider's latest insurance terms for four things: whether travel insurance is still included, any changes to eligibility, what's covered (and, importantly, what's not) and whether the cover suits your trip.

Your credit card travel insurance checklist

Before your next trip, take a few minutes to review your credit card's current benefits and travel insurance terms. Understanding what's covered can help you avoid unexpected gaps in your cover.

We’ve put together this handy checklist:

1. Does your card still include a travel insurance option?
2. Do you need to activate cover, for example by paying for part or all of your trip on your card?
3. Is the cancellation benefit enough to cover your non-refundable trip costs, should you need to cancel all or part of your journey?
4. Does the policy include cover for rental vehicle insurance excess, both in Australia and overseas?
5. Does it include $Unlimited~ overseas medical and additional expense?
6. What's the maximum trip duration the policy will cover?
7. Heading on a cruise? Is cruising included, and is there a limit on consecutive days at sea?
8. Are your travel companions or family covered, or only you as the primary cardholder?
9. Is there an age limit?
10. Are existing medical conditions covered, or is there an option to apply for cover?
11. How do you make a claim, and who handles it?

Happy with every answer? Great. Spotted a gap? That's where a standalone policy may be worth considering.

What does a Freely travel insurance plan include?

If you'd like travel insurance that isn't tied to your card, there’s a Freely plan for every trip and budget. All Freely overseas plans are designed to include:

• $Unlimited~ overseas emergency medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Trip cancellation and amendment cover
• Luggage and personal effects cover
• 24/7 emergency assistance and telehealth access
• 75+ adventure activities automatically included - from surfing, bungee jumping, snorkelling, kayaking and more
• Pay-per-day Trip Extras - add cruise, snow sports, motorcycle and adventure activity cover only on the days you need it
• Freely Travel Rewards – earn rewards every time you travel with Freely
• Part of 1% for the Planet

Plus, on Freely’s comprehensive plans you can enjoy additional benefits such as rental vehicle excess, special events and pet boarding.

Weighing up a standalone travel insurance policy?

Compare Freely's Essentials, Explorer and Explorer Pro plans side by side and see which one suits your trip. If you’ve still got questions head over to our FAQ page or get in touch with our friendly team.
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^{~Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness or injury. Activities like moped riding, snow sports and cruising require adding a Trip Extra at an additional cost to the base policy. Please read the PDS for all the terms of cover. This article provides general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs.  Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) at freely.me/au before purchasing todecide if this cover is right for you. Limits, sub-limits, conditions andexclusions apply. Travel insurance is issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507) and distributed by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95003 114 145, AFSL 241713).}