Credit card travel insurance options if you’re over 65
If you’re aged 65 or over, there could be limits to the cover you get through complimentary credit card travel insurance. Here’s what you need to know.
In Australia, travel insurance policies often have age limits or restricted coverage once you reach a certain age. For credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance, the age limits are usually around 70 to 80 years old.
So, how do you know if you'll get cover as a senior or when you've had a milestone birthday? Here's how to check your complimentary travel insurance age limits – and how this type of cover compares to other options.
What is the age limit for credit card complimentary travel insurance?
Like regular travel insurance policies, the age limits and requirements for complimentary credit card insurance can vary based on the card you have and the insurance provider.
In most cases, you can still get cover if you're 65 or older but it may be limited or attract an additional premium if you're over 80.
Compare credit card complimentary travel insurance age limits
Want to know if you're covered with a particular credit card? The table below has details of the underwriting insurance provider, the maximum age for standard coverage and additional details that are relevant for seniors or anyone else wondering about age requirements.
| Credit card company | Insurance provider | Maximum age for standard coverage | Additional details |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Chubb | 79 | You must be under 80 years of age and in a good state of health and be fit to travel to be eligible for this cover. |
| ANZ | Allianz | 80
| To be eligible you must be 80 years of age or under on the day you activated cover. There are other age limits for pre-existing conditions such as asthma. Check the insurance policy booklet for details. |
| Bankwest | Cover-More | 79 | You must be under 80 years of age to be to be eligible for the medical and health-related benefits of this cover. Call Cover-More on 1300 468 340 for more information. There are other age limits for pre-existing conditions such as asthma (you must be under 60) or diabetes/glucose intolerance (under 50). |
| Bank of Melbourne | Allianz | 80 | This cover is only available to persons up to and including 80 years of age. |
| Citi | Allianz | Not outlined in the policy document | For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 072 791. |
| CommBank | Cover-More | 79 | Limited cover is available for people aged 80 or over, and for people with pre-existing medical conditions. A premium applies. Refer to the CommBank Credit Card Insurance booklet for more information. |
| HSBC | Allianz | Not outlined in the policy document | For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 648 093. |
| NAB | Allianz | 75 | If you're aged between 76 and 90, different benefit limits apply. Please check the NAB Card Insurance policy booklet for more information. |
| St.George | Allianz | 80 | This cover is only available to persons up to and including 80 years of age. |
| Virgin Money | Allianz | Not outlined in the policy document | For specific enquiries contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 072 791. |
| Westpac | Allianz | 80 | This cover is only available to persons up to and including 80 years of age. |
Finder survey: Which credit card insurance features have Australians used?
| Response | |
|---|---|
| I've never used credit card insurance | 61.81% |
| Travel insurance | 29.47% |
| Purchase insurance | 9.34% |
| Rental car insurance | 9.07% |
| Extended warranty insurance | 7.28% |
| Transit accident insurance | 4.13% |
| Other | 0.72% |
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1113 Australians, December 2023
What can I do to get complimentary credit card travel insurance if I'm above the age limit?
- Check the insurance policy. Credit card companies have complimentary insurance product disclosure statements (PDS) that give you details about age limits, exceptions and other requirements. It's good to check the PDS first to see what details are there, then you can follow up if you have other questions.
- Contact the insurance provider. Call the insurance provider and explain your situation. You'll find the right number to call in the complimentary insurance PDS. Ask them if any cover is available for you and if there are any options.
- Be prepared to have a medical examination. If you have pre-existing conditions or you're over the maximum age listed for standard cover or have pre-existing medical conditions, you may need to have a medical examination with one of the insurance provider’s approved medical professionals. Note that you may also have to pay fees relating to any medical examinations or tests.
- Pay any premium that’s required. An additional premium may apply if you’re over a certain age or if you have pre-existing medical conditions that you want covered by the insurance. You’ll need to pay these costs before your trip to be eligible for cover through this insurance policy.
- Keep details of the policy handy when you travel. If you’ve got limited or upgraded coverage due to your age or pre-existing conditions, make sure you keep details of the insurance policy and official communication handy so that you can easily make a claim if you need to.
Is complimentary credit card insurance worth it if you’re over the age limit for standard cover?
Sometimes the cover will be worth it and sometimes you'd be better off buying a standalone travel insurance policy. Here are a few tips to help you decide what will give you more value:
- Ask about coverage limits. If you’re over the maximum age for standard cover, find out if any limited cover is available so you can decide if it's enough for your trip.
- Check the costs for any medical assessments or fees. If your policy offers some form of cover after a medical assessment and/or additional premiums, weigh up these costs and decide if they’re worth it – especially compared to what you’d pay for a travel insurance policy that’s designed for people aged 65 and over.
- Check how much you'd pay for a separate insurance policy. There are travel insurance brands that offer cover specifically for people aged over 75 and over 85, which could include more reasonable benefits and limits based on your circumstances.
Bottom line? It’s worth comparing different options and keeping in mind that sometimes paying for your insurance will be more valuable than trying to get complimentary cover through a credit card.
What to think about before choosing your travel insurance
As well as the age requirements, here are the key questions to ask when you’re comparing credit card insurance and standalone travel insurance policies based on age requirements and limitations:
- Are pre-existing medical conditions covered? Unless you choose a standalone policy that specifically covers pre-existing medical conditions, you may find that any existing conditions you have are excluded from cover with either standalone or credit card travel insurance. With either type of policy, you may still be able to get cover with a medical assessment and additional premium fee, but this will be at the insurance provider’s discretion.
- What are the excess costs? This is what you would have to pay to help cover the costs associated with any claims. Make sure you're aware of these costs when you compare policies and aim to have an appropriate amount of funds available in case you need to make a claim that requires an excess.
- For purchased travel insurance, what is the premium cost? This is the upfront cost you’ll pay for travel insurance and it can vary significantly based on factors including your age, health, travel plans and the provider.
- What's the annual fee? Most credit cards that include travel insurance also charge an annual fee. Think about whether this cost will outweigh the potential value of complimentary insurance and the card's other features. For example, if a card has an annual fee of $250 but doesn't offer travel insurance that will cover you, it may be more affordable to get a lower-fee card and purchase insurance for your trip.
- How do I activate the cover? Most credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance require you to pay for some or all of your travel on the card before you leave. Others need you to "activate" the cover online before you go overseas. If you end up carrying a balance, you could pay more for the card as a result of trying to activate the insurance.
- Is there an additional premium if I want to use my credit card’s complimentary insurance? If you’re looking to cover pre-existing medical conditions or want to get upgraded insurance when you’re over the maximum age for standard complimentary cover, check what premiums and fees may apply. Weigh up these costs, along with the card’s annual fee, to decide if purchased or credit card travel insurance will be more suitable for you.
- Is there cover for COVID-19? Many credit card insurance policies offer some cover for claims related to COVID and other pandemics, such as emergency medical and cancellation cover. But it does depend on the policy and you're travel plans. For example, there may be an exclusion for pandemic cover if you're on a cruise. So check with the insurance company to decide if a travel insurance policy will be suitable for your trip.
Complimentary travel insurance has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars on buying a policy but age requirements and exclusions can limit the value of this credit card extra for seniors, and for anyone with pre-existing conditions.
But by comparing these requirements and the cost of the card with standalone travel insurance policies, you can find a credit card and travel cover that works for you.
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Ask a question
I am 82 years and my wife is 72 years, can I have my credit card travel insurance endorsed to cover me with payment of an extra premium charge, so we are both covered for International travel.
Hi George,
Unfortunately, most comprehensive credit card travel insurance policies only cover people up to a maximum of 75-80 years of age (depending on the policy). If you have a credit card with travel insurance, you can call the insurance provider to see if there is an option to pay for additional cover. You can also compare travel insurance policies for people aged over 75, which could provide cover for both you and your wife. I hope that helps.