When planning a trip abroad, it’s easy to focus on the essentials booking flights, choosing accommodations, and mapping out your itinerary. But have you considered the travel insurance you may need to protect your journey? Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, having the right travel coverage can be a game changer. Many credit cards now offer built-in travel protection, which can save you money and hassle if things don’t go as planned. Here’s a closer look at the best cards for traveling abroad that provide excellent travel insurance benefits.
Why You Need Travel Coverage
Travel insurance can cover various unforeseen events, including trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. Having a card that offers these protections can give you peace of mind on your next trip abroad.
Some cards even provide extra perks such as emergency evacuation assistance, car rental coverage, and more. It’s essential to weigh these benefits when considering what cards are good for travel, as the right one can offer comprehensive protection at little to no additional cost.
Key Benefits of Travel Coverage
Most travel insurance benefits are typically tied to the credit card’s usage, so it’s important to understand the details of each benefit. Here are some common benefits to look for when choosing a card for traveling abroad:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: If your trip is delayed or canceled due to unforeseen events, this benefit can reimburse you for non-refundable travel expenses.
- Baggage Delay and Loss Insurance: Coverage for baggage that is delayed or lost during travel can help with emergency purchases like clothing and toiletries.
- Travel Accident Insurance: This covers accidents that happen during your trip, such as injuries or even fatalities.
- Medical and Emergency Assistance: If you get sick or injured while traveling abroad, emergency medical and evacuation coverage can cover related costs.
Top Cards for Traveling Abroad with Travel Coverage
Here are some of the best cards for traveling abroad that offer robust travel protection. These cards are highly regarded by industry experts for their benefits, flexibility, and coverage. Whether you’re looking for protection for unexpected trip changes or medical emergencies, these options are worth considering.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a top contender for travelers seeking comprehensive travel coverage. Known for its versatile rewards program, this card also excels in providing valuable insurance benefits for both domestic and international travel.
Key Travel Coverage Benefits:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons.
- Primary Rental Car Insurance: Provides coverage for damage or theft of rental cars when you use your card to pay.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Covers lost luggage up to $3,000 per passenger.
- Emergency Medical & Dental: Up to $2,500 in coverage for medical emergencies while traveling abroad.
Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a competitive sign-up bonus and excellent points on travel and dining purchases, making it a great option for both frequent and occasional travelers.
2. Platinum Card from American Express
For travelers looking for top-tier luxury benefits, the Platinum Card from American Express offers one of the most comprehensive travel coverage packages available.
Key Travel Coverage Benefits:
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Provides coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions due to covered reasons.
- Baggage Insurance: Includes both baggage delay and loss protection, with reimbursement for essential items.
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance: If you need evacuation services due to medical emergencies, this card offers up to $100,000 in coverage.
- Access to Global Lounge Collection: With over 1,200 lounges worldwide, the Platinum Card offers a seamless travel experience.
Though this card comes with a high annual fee, its extensive travel coverage and premium perks are a major draw for frequent travelers who prioritize a luxurious experience.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is known for its flexibility and solid travel protections. It’s a great choice for those who want straightforward coverage without the complexity of premium cards.
Key Travel Coverage Benefits:
- Travel Accident Insurance: Offers coverage for up to $250,000 for death or injury caused by a travel accident.
- Baggage Delay: Provides reimbursement for essential purchases if your baggage is delayed.
- 24-Hour Travel Assistance: Offers emergency assistance services to help with medical, legal, or travel issues while abroad.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Helps reimburse non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short.
Along with its solid coverage, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provides great earning potential on all purchases, making it a versatile card for those who travel often.
4. Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card is another excellent option for travelers, offering solid travel protections combined with valuable rewards. This card is particularly well-suited for those who want to earn points on everyday purchases while also getting great travel coverage.
Key Travel Coverage Benefits:
- Trip Delay Protection: Reimburses expenses if your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours due to a covered reason.
- Baggage Protection: Offers reimbursement for lost or delayed luggage.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment during travel.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international travelers, this card helps avoid additional fees while spending abroad.
The Citi Premier Card offers an attractive combination of travel coverage and rewards on categories like dining, travel, and entertainment, making it a strong choice for many travelers.
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is another premium option that offers one of the most comprehensive travel insurance packages on the market. If you want the best protection for your travels, this card is a strong contender.
Key Travel Coverage Benefits:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per person for trip cancellations and interruptions due to covered reasons.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Provides up to $100 a day for up to 5 days if your baggage is delayed by more than 6 hours.
- Primary Car Rental Insurance: Offers primary rental car insurance that covers collision damage or theft.
- Emergency Medical Insurance: Covers up to $100,000 in emergency medical expenses while traveling abroad.
In addition to its travel coverage, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card also offers significant points on travel and dining purchases, access to luxury airport lounges, and a higher sign-up bonus.
6. The Business Platinum Card from American Express
For business travelers, the Business Platinum Card from American Express offers extensive travel coverage that’s particularly helpful when traveling internationally for work.
Key Travel Coverage Benefits:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Helps cover up to $10,000 per person if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons.
- Baggage Loss/Delay Insurance: Offers protection for lost or delayed luggage, including essential purchase reimbursements.
- Emergency Medical and Dental: Provides coverage for emergencies up to $100,000 when traveling abroad.
- Travel Assistance Services: Offers 24/7 assistance for emergencies, such as medical or legal issues.
With premium travel protection and a suite of perks like airport lounge access, this card is an excellent option for frequent business travelers.
How to Choose the Best Card for Traveling Abroad
When choosing a card for traveling abroad, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Coverage Limits: Ensure the coverage limits for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other protections meet your travel needs.
- Annual Fees: High-end cards often come with high annual fees, but they may offer more comprehensive benefits. Weigh the fee against the benefits to determine if it’s worth it for you.
- Rewards Program: Many travel cards offer rewards or points for travel purchases, which can help offset the cost of your trip.
- Additional Perks: Cards like the Platinum Card from American Express offer access to airport lounges, concierge services, and other luxury perks that can enhance your travel experience.
Conclusion
When it comes to traveling abroad, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right credit card. Sure, it might seem like an afterthought when you’re planning your dream trip, but your card can actually make or break your travel experience. The right card can offer you not only the convenience of earning rewards but also peace of mind through travel protections that can be a lifesaver when things don’t go according to plan.
Selecting the right card goes beyond just looking at the perks it’s about finding a card that matches your travel habits and needs. Are you someone who enjoys luxury travel with perks like airport lounge access and concierge services? Or are you more interested in simply minimizing fees and maximizing your rewards? There are cards for every type of traveler, whether you’re a frequent flyer, a weekend getaway enthusiast, or someone who’s just venturing abroad for the first time.