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.
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.
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. |
| 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% |
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:
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.
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:
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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Find out whether your spouse or children are eligible for cover under your credit card complimentary insurance policy.
If you use a credit card with a guaranteed pricing policy after making a purchase then later find a cheaper deal with same item, this policy kicks in to pay you the difference.
Buying extended warranty on new purchases can be an additional cost you don't really need. Thankfully, many credit cards offer this as an added benefit.
If you are renting a car and want to be covered in the case of accidents, then this insurance is for you. Check first your insurance policy and find out which coverage extends to your rental vehicle.
Compare credit cards that offer complimentary purchase protection insurance and cover your purchases against loss, damage and theft.
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.