If you're planning a holiday and want to get travel insurance through your credit card, most of the time your cover will extend to your partner and children when all of you meet the requirements for cover. This typically includes paying for some or all of your travel booking and travelling together for most or all of the trip.
It is different for every travel insurance policy though, which is why it's important to read the policy document. But if you just want a quick look at what's available right now, here are the key details for different credit card insurance options that cover your whole family.
Does my credit card's complimentary travel insurance cover my partner and children?
We've looked at some of Australia's major credit card providers that offer complimentary travel insurance that covers you and your family. You can search for a brand here to see which insurance company provides the cover.
Remember, every travel insurance policy has different requirements, terms and conditions. So always check the complimentary insurance policy document for full details.
Who is considered a spouse or dependent for complimentary credit card travel insurance?
The definition of a spouse and dependent children is slightly different for each complimentary credit card travel insurance policy. But they are generally along the lines of the following definitions:
Spouse
This may include your husband, wife, spouse or de-facto partner who is permanently living with you at the time that your journey begins. You may need to show proof of your relationship. Some policies may require you to have lived with your partner for a set period (such as 3 consecutive months) prior to the trip.
Dependent children
The term dependent children refers to your unmarried child or children, typically up to the age of 16 or 18. It can also include children who are 24 years old or younger if they live with you or are enrolled in full-time higher education.
Some policies may have a broader definition to include dependents older than 18 if they have a condition that makes them reliant on you. So it's worth checking your card's insurance policy or contacting the insurer to confirm who is eligible for cover.
Finder survey: Which credit card insurance features have people used?
Response
Female
Male
I've never used credit card insurance
65.69%
57.71%
Travel insurance
25.86%
33.27%
Purchase insurance
6.38%
12.41%
Rental car insurance
7.59%
10.71%
Extended warranty insurance
5.34%
9.4%
Transit accident insurance
2.93%
5.45%
Other
0.86%
0.56%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1113 Australians, December 2023
What conditions will my family or dependents need to meet for cover?
Every complimentary credit card travel insurance policy has different conditions you need to meet for cover. They can also have separate requirements for your spouse and dependents. Some of the most common include:
Travel details. Most policies require your spouse or children to be travelling with you for all of the trip, or for a minimum amount of time. For example, 50% to 80% of your trip. Usually, you and your family also need to have return tickets to and from Australia before you leave.
Spending requirement. You may be required to pay a portion of your travel costs (including your partner and children's travel costs) with your credit card to activate the insurance.
Age. Most complimentary travel insurance policies only cover people aged 80 and under. You may be able to purchase additional cover at a premium for people aged 80 and above.
Residency. Eligible family members travelling with you usually need to be permanent Australian residents to get cover under your complimentary credit card travel insurance policy.
Exclusions and pre-existing conditions. Complimentary insurance generally doesn't cover pre-existing medical conditions. It's important to check what's automatically covered, what you may need a referral for and what won't be covered before you leave.
Will credit card international travel insurance cover me and my family for coronavirus?
Generally, no. Coronavirus is a pandemic and most travel insurance policies do not offer cover for epidemics or pandemics.
We know how confusing the coronavirus situation can be when you're planning a trip, which is why Finder has a whole guide on coronavirus and travel insurance – including policies that offer some cover and answers to key questions.
Most credit cards with complimentary travel insurance provide cover for your partner and children joining you on your trip. However, make sure to check your card's insurance policy to check any exclusions, eligibility requirements or steps you need to activate the insurance before you leave for your holiday.
Yes, additional cardholders may get travel insurance, but the specific rules and eligibility depends on the card issuer. In most cases, additional cardholders must meet the same eligibility criteria as the primary cardholder, such as paying for the trip using the credit card.
Standalone travel insurance typically offers more comprehensive coverage and higher claim limits compared to credit card travel insurance. Credit card insurance is complimentary and may have more exclusions and lower coverage amounts. It's important to compare the specifics before relying on one.
Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio
Amy's expertise
Amy has written 565 Finder guides across topics including:
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