When it comes to protecting your travel investment and ensuring peace of mind during your trips, there are two primary options: credit card coverage and standalone travel insurance.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on individual needs and preferences. Here’s a comparison of the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which one is the better alternative to travelling.
Credit Card Coverage
Pros
Cost Savings: Many credit cards offer travel insurance benefits as part of their perks, which can save you money on policy premiums, especially if you have a card with no annual fee.
Convenience: Using a credit card for travel insurance is convenient as it automatically provides coverage when you book your trip using the card, eliminating the need for a separate application process.
Wide Range of Coverage: Credit cards may provide various types of coverage, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, rental car insurance, and lost luggage coverage.
Loyalty Points and Rewards: Paying for your trip with a credit card often allows you to earn rewards, miles, or cashback, which can offset your travel expenses.
Cons
Limited Coverage: Credit card coverage may be more limited in scope compared to standalone travel insurance, potentially leaving gaps in your protection. For instance, it may not cover pre-existing medical conditions or adventure sports.
Conditions and Restrictions: Credit card insurance may come with restrictions, such as requiring you to book your trip entirely with the card or meet specific eligibility criteria. Be sure to understand and meet these requirements to avoid denied claims.
No Customisation: Credit card coverage is typically one-size-fits-all and may not be tailored to your specific needs or the type of trip you’re taking.
Travel Insurance
Pros
Comprehensive Coverage: Standalone travel insurance policies typically offer a wide range of coverage, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical expenses, lost luggage, and more. This comprehensive coverage is especially valuable for international or high-cost trips.
Customisation: Travel insurance policies are customizable, allowing you to tailor coverage to your specific needs. You can select coverage options that suit your trip, such as adventure sports coverage, rental car coverage, or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Specialised Coverage: Some standalone policies provide unique coverage, such as political evacuation, natural disaster protection, and cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage, which can be essential in certain situations.
No Impact on Credit Limit: Purchasing travel insurance won’t affect your credit card limit or credit score, unlike using a credit card for coverage.
Cons
Cost: Standalone travel insurance can be relatively expensive, depending on the level of coverage and the duration of your trip. This cost may deter budget-conscious travellers.
Complex Comparison: With numerous insurance providers and policy options available, selecting the right policy can be overwhelming, requiring time and effort for research.
Potential Redundancy: Some travellers may already have overlapping coverage through their health insurance or credit card, leading to redundancy.
The choice between standalone travel insurance and credit card coverage depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. For travellers seeking comprehensive and customisable coverage, standalone travel insurance is often the preferred choice.
On the other hand, if you value cost savings, and convenience, and already have some coverage from your credit card, then relying on credit card coverage may be a suitable option. It’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of both options to ensure you have the coverage you need for your specific travel plans.
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