Do Cashback Cards Offer Travel Insurance?

Cashback credit cards provide rewards on spending through percentage-based cashback. But they differ on including complimentary travel insurance when booking travel with the card. Understanding available travel protections helps maximize the overall value of cashback cards.

What is Travel Insurance from Credit Cards?

Credit cards sometimes offer included insurance benefits on travel purchases that provide coverage for issues like:

• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Rental car damage
• Accidental death or injury
• Emergency medical treatment
• Missed connections from delays or oversight

Acts as a safety net protecting aspects of vacations and business trips.

How Credit Card Travel Insurance Works

Travel insurance through credit cards:

• Only covers trips booked entirely with the eligible card
• Has preset coverage limits and maximum reimbursement amounts
• Does not require paying separate premiums
• Needs documentation to submit claims for compensation
• Supplements but does not replace dedicated travel insurance policies

The protection applies automatically when booking travel on covered cards.

Do Cashback Cards Offer Travel Insurance?

Cashback credit cards range widely on whether they include complimentary travel insurance coverage:

• Most basic no annual fee cashback cards do NOT include travel insurance
• Premium travel rewards cards typically include strong travel protections
• Cashback airline credit cards sometimes offer moderate trip coverage

Check your card’s specific benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm available protections. Do not assume coverage is included.

Cashback Cards With Travel Insurance

Some cashback cards that provide travel insurance include:

• Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Signature® – Baggage delay and lost luggage coverage
• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature – Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Penfed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature – Travel accident insurance
• Elan Max Cash Preferred – Hotel burglary insurance

Always verify specific coverage, policy limits, and claim requirements for your card.

Cashback Cards Without Travel Insurance

Many cashback cards do not include any travel insurance protections such as:

• Chase Freedom Cards – No travel benefits provided
• Citi Custom CashSM Card – Minimal coverage offered
• Capital One Savor Cards – No included travel insurances
• Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards – No trip protections

Do not expect travel coverage with basic cashback rewards cards.

Benefits of Credit Card Travel Insurance

Key advantages of travel insurance through credit cards:

• Coverage at no added cost when booking travel
• Protection for issues beyond your control like weather delays
• May cover losses not insured through other policies
• Typically easy claims process directly through issuer
• No paperwork or bills to submit for reimbursement

Saves money over paying for third-party insurance policies.

Drawbacks and Limits of Card Travel Insurance

Disadvantages of relying solely on credit card travel insurance:

• Preset limits like $500 max for baggage delay
• May only cover the card holder, not other travelers
• Typically secondary coverage after filing with other policies
• Requires booking all travel on the card to qualify
• May not cover high risk adventures or medical conditions

Review all coverage terms, exemptions, and claim instructions closely.

Alternatives to Card Travel Insurance

Other options for trip protection beyond credit card coverage:

• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance policies separately
• Check if you have any applicable coverage through workplace benefits
• Use a travel rewards credit card with superior built-in protections
• Book travel plans with generous cancellation and change policies
• Weigh coverage needs against trip cost when choosing protection levels

Determine the right level of insurance aligned with each trip’s unique risks.

Do You Need Credit Card Travel Insurance?

Ask these questions to evaluate if card travel coverage provides value:

• Do you travel frequently for work or leisure?
• Does your lifestyle involve higher risk activities abroad?
• Do you have medical issues that require accommodation when traveling?
• Does your employer provide insurance for work-related trips?
• Have you faced prior trip disruptions that resulted in big costs?

For simple regional trips, existing coverage may suffice over card protections.

Key Takeaways on Travel Insurance from Cards

• Verify if any travel insurance is included on cashback cards you use
• Compare coverage and limits across different cashback and travel card options
• File claims with other existing policies before relying on credit card coverage
• Read policy documents closely to understand exemptions and limits
• Consider supplemental insurance for expensive international trips or cruises

While not guaranteed, included travel insurance provides a free layer of protection when booking trips with eligible cashback credit cards.