Is travel coverage from credit cards enough protection?

When planning a trip, it’s tempting to rely on the travel insurance offered by your credit card. After all, it’s convenient and often included as a perk with premium cards. But is it really enough protection? For Canadians — especially seniors — understanding the limits of credit card travel insurance is essential to ensure you’re covered when it matters most.

What does credit card travel insurance typically cover?

Credit card travel insurance can be a helpful starting point for trip protection. Common coverages include:

• Emergency medical coverage: Some cards offer emergency travel health insurance, but the limits and duration of coverage can vary.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This protects you financially if unforeseen events force you to cancel or change your plans.
• Baggage protection: Coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage is often included.

While these benefits sound comprehensive, they often come with significant limitations. Understanding these restrictions is key to deciding whether additional travel insurance is necessary.

Key limitations of credit card travel coverage

1. Insufficient emergency medical coverage

For seniors, medical coverage is one of the most critical aspects of travel insurance. While some credit cards provide emergency travel medical insurance, the coverage limits are often much lower than those offered by standalone travel insurance policies. Additionally, coverage duration may be restricted to a few days or weeks, leaving longer trips unprotected.

3. Limited trip duration

Credit card travel insurance usually has strict caps on trip length, often 15 to 30 days. If your trip exceeds this limit, you’re on your own unless you purchase additional coverage.

“You can purchase a standalone policy where you can tailor the policy to include trips of multiple lengths, providing you with added flexibility without having to read the fine print in the credit card policy wordings for eligibility,” says Greta Gerstner, Senior Insurance Advisor at Westland Insurance.

4. Automatic activation requirements

Many credit card travel insurance policies require you to charge the full trip cost to the card to activate coverage. If you book travel using points or another payment method, the insurance may not apply.

5. Inadequate trip cancellation and interruption protection

While credit cards often include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, the coverage limits may not fully reimburse expensive trips. Restrictions on qualifying reasons for cancellation can also leave gaps in protection. When is standalone travel insurance a better choice?

Perks of standalone travel insurance

1. Higher emergency medical coverage limits

Travel health insurance policies typically provide significantly higher medical coverage limits than credit cards. This is particularly important for seniors, as medical emergencies abroad can incur enormous expenses.

2. Coverage for pre-existing conditions

Standalone travel insurance providers, like those partnered with Westland Insurance, often offer plans with flexible pre-existing condition coverage. Policies can be tailored to accommodate health concerns, giving you peace of mind.

3. Longer trip durations

If you’re planning an extended getaway, standalone travel insurance ensures you’re covered for the entire trip, regardless of its length.

4. Customizable options

Standalone policies allow you to choose the exact coverage you need, from trip cancellation to baggage protection. This flexibility is ideal for ensuring you’re not paying for unnecessary extras while avoiding critical gaps in coverage.

Protect your trip with a tailored travel insurance policy. Request a quote from Westland Insurance today!

Why travel insurance is essential for seniors

Seniors face unique risks when travelling, making robust travel insurance crucial. Here are a few reasons why:

Medical emergencies

Age increases the likelihood of requiring medical attention abroad. Comprehensive travel medical insurance for seniors ensures you’re prepared.

Trip disruptions

Life can be unpredictable, and seniors often have more complex travel plans involving family visits or bucket-list trips. Proper coverage protects your investment.

“Weather can also be very unpredictable at any time of the year. Purchasing trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance can help protect your pocketbook from unplanned expenses as a result,” says Greta Gerstner.

Peace of mind

Knowing you’re protected lets you focus on enjoying your trip without stress.

How Westland Insurance can help

At Westland Insurance, we understand that every traveler is unique. That’s why we work with leading insurance providers to offer customized travel insurance solutions for Canadians, including seniors. Our experienced advisors take the time to understand your needs and recommend the best coverage options for your trip.

We simplify the process, ensuring you’re fully informed about your policy’s benefits and limitations. Whether you need comprehensive travel medical insurance for seniors or basic trip cancellation protection, we’re here to help.

Contact Westland Insurance to get a quote and secure the travel insurance coverage you need.