The 7 Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance Coverage and Protection [December 2024]

Securing travel insurance has become a priority for many travelers, but most people don’t know that you can actually get a substantial amount of travel insurance and coverage just from your credit card!

That said, not all credit cards offer the same level of travel insurance benefits. Read on to see a breakdown of travel coverages and benefit levels by card, as each has widely differing benefits. We’re exploring the travel insurance coverages offered on a select group of popular travel rewards cards.

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The Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance Coverage (Summary)

• Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
• The Platinum Card^® from American Express
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card
• The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance (Comparison Table)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card (Best Overall Card for Travel Insurance)

BEST BEGINNER CARD

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase is a major credit card issuer known for offering a strong selection of travel insurance benefits on its cards. As one of our top recommended cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with a long list of valuable benefits and perks, including several travel insurance coverages.

Here are the major travel insurance coverages and protections you’ll get with this card:

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver — Reserve and pay for your rental car with your card, decline the rental car agency’s collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), and receive primary car rental insurance coverage for damage or theft.
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance — Purchase your trip with your card or rewards earned on your card and receive up to $10,000 per person, $20,000 per occurrence, up to a maximum of $40,000 within a 12-month period, when a covered event disrupts your trip.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement — If your trip is delayed for a covered reason for 12 hours or more, or overnight, you could receive reimbursement for up to $100 per day for necessary incidentals for up to 5 days.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement — Receive up to $3,000 per covered person, per trip, for checked and carry-on baggage that is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Baggage Delay — If your baggage is delayed 6 hours or more, you could receive reimbursement of up to $100 per day for 5 days for incidentals.
• Travel Accident Insurance — Should accidental death or dismemberment occur involving a common carrier and you purchased the trip with your card, you could receive up to $500,000 for common carrier travel accident insurance and up to $100,000 for 24-hour travel accident insurance.
• Roadside Dispatch — Pay a set pre-negotiated fee per service call to receive towing, tire changing, fuel, jump-starting, lock-out service, and more.
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — Receive assistance when traveling away from home with message relays, referral services for legal and medical assistance, emergency transportation, and more. Cardholders are responsible for the cost of actual services.

In addition to having a fine selection of travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card stays at the top of our list for a lot of reasons.

• 5x points on Lyft (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 5x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
• 2x points on other travel
• 10% cardmember anniversary bonus based on total dollar amount spent
• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
• Redeem Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card for 1.25 cents each for travel via the Chase Travel portal or Chase transfer partners for even greater potential value
• Purchase protection and extended warranty
• No foreign transaction fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^® (Best for Premium Travel Insurance)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Want a premium travel rewards card delivering a collection of travel benefits that’s difficult to beat? The Chase Sapphire Reserve card might be a fit.

Here’s a sample of the premium travel insurance benefits you can expect on the card:

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver — Pay for your rental car bill entirely with your card, decline the rental car agency’s CDW or LDW coverage, and receive primary car rental coverage for damage or theft.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance — As one of the most valuable travel insurance coverages, trip cancellation/interruption insurance pays up to $10,000 per occurrence. Limits cap out at $20,000 per incident and $40,000 within a 12-month period.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement — If your trip is delayed for a covered reason for 6 hours or more, or overnight, you could receive reimbursement for up to $100 per day for necessary incidentals for up to 5 days.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement — If your checked or carry-on luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, you could receive up to $3,000 per person, per trip.
• Baggage Delay — If your baggage is delayed 6 hours or more, you could receive up to $100 per day in reimbursements for incidentals, for up to 5 days.
• Medical Evacuation Insurance — If you, or an eligible family member, become ill or injured when traveling, you could receive emergency transport coverage up to $100,000.
• Emergency Medical and Dental Benefit — Receive up to $2,500 for emergency treatment should you or an eligible family member become ill or injured when traveling 100 miles or more from home.
• Travel Accident Insurance — Pay for your trip with your card and receive up to $1,000,000 should accidental death or dismemberment occur.
• Roadside Assistance — Receive up to 4 free $50 service calls each year at no cost should your vehicle break down when away from home.
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — Make 1 phone call and receive medical or legal referrals, assistance with emergency transportation, and more.

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a higher annual fee, the card could earn its place in your wallet if you spend a lot on travel, find value in worldwide lounge access, and will use the $300 travel statement credit.

See what’s great about the Chase Sapphire Reserve card outside of the travel insurance perks:

• Priority Pass Select membership with access to more than 1,400 lounge and lounge-alternative properties worldwide
• Redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 1.5 cents each via the Chase Travel portal or transfer points at a ratio of 1:1 to airline and hotel partners for potentially greater value
• $300 statement credit for travel purchases each card anniversary year
• Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement as a statement credit
• 10x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 10x points on hotels, rental cars, and Chase Dining booked through Chase Travel
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel
• 3x points on dining
• 3x points on other travel purchases
• Luxury hotel benefits via the Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Car rental status privileges with National and Avis
• No foreign transaction fees

Hot Tip: Read our comprehensive article on the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for a more detailed look.

Want help deciding which of these Chase cards is a fit for you? We’ve gathered all the information in our comparison of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express (Best Amex Card for Travel Insurance)

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card is easily one of the best credit cards for travel; however, unlike typical credit cards, it allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all. We like it because it earns valuable Membership Rewards points, offers flexible redemption options, and comes with plenty of statement credits for specific purchases.

When it comes to travel insurance benefits and protections, the Amex Platinum card is also a winner. Note that terms may apply and enrollment may be required, so make sure you check your American Express account to ensure you’re enrolled in your benefits!

Here’s what you can expect from the Amex Platinum card in the way of travel insurance benefits:

• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance — Receive up to $10,000 per covered trip, to a maximum of $20,000 within a 12-month period, should your trip be disrupted due to a covered event.
• Trip Delay Program — If a trip you paid for with your card is delayed 6 hours or more, you could receive up to $500 per trip, a limit of 2 claims per 12-month period, for necessary incidentals.
• Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance — The card comes with secondary car rental insurance, which means you must file a claim with your own insurance first. However, cardholders have access to purchase Amex Premium Car Rental Protection for 1 low fee of $12.99 to $24.99 which covers the entire rental car period up to 42 consecutive days.
• Baggage Insurance Plan — Use your card to pay for your ticket and receive up to $2,000 for checked baggage and $3,000 for carry-on baggage, with a maximum combined total of $3,000 per person, $10,000 per trip if your bags are lost, damaged, or stolen.
• Premium Global Assist Hotline — Receive needed emergency assistance whenever you’re more than 100 miles from home. The coverage also includes emergency medical evacuation for the cardholder and qualifying family members with no specified dollar limit.

In addition to useful travel insurance benefits, the frequent traveler will receive elevated earnings on flights and prepaid hotels, travel-related and shopping benefits, flexible redemption choices, and statement credits for select purchases. Note that some benefits require enrollment through your American Express account.

What we like about the Amex Platinum card:

• Redeem points for 1 cent each for flights via AmexTravel.com
• Use American Express transfer partners for potentially greater value
• Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
• Hertz, National, and Avis car rental perks and benefits
• Worldwide airport lounge access to over 1,400 properties including the Centurion lounge network
• Elite benefits at American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts and the Hotel Collection
• Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee
• Up to $100 statement credit for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases
• Up to $240 in digital entertainment credits every year
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash every year
• Up to $300 in Equinox credits every year
• Up to $200 in airline fee credits every year
• Up to $199 in CLEAR Plus credits every year
• Purchase protection, return protection, cell phone protection, and extended warranty

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (Best Capital One Card for Travel Insurance)

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

The Capital One Venture X card is Capital One’s ultra-premium personal credit card. This card has a lot of benefits and features going for it, but it’s particularly noteworthy when it comes to travel insurance and protections:

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver — Pay for your rental car bill entirely with your card, decline the rental car agency’s CDW or LDW coverage, and receive primary car rental coverage for damage or theft.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance — Although not as good as the other card options, this card’s trip cancellation/interruption insurance pays up to $2,000 per ticket.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement — If your trip is delayed for a covered reason for 6 hours or more or requires an overnight stay, you could receive reimbursement for up to $500 for necessary incidentals.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement — If your checked or carry-on luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can receive reimbursements of up to $3,000 per person, per trip.
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — With just a phone call, you can access medical or legal referrals, assistance with emergency transportation, and more.

The Capital One Venture X card has other noteworthy benefits and rewards that can help level up your travel:

• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on other purchases
• 10,000-mile anniversary bonus after every renewal year
• $300 Capital One Travel credit
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status
• Access to Capital One Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and a Priority Pass Select membership
• Cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

United Club℠ Infinite Card (Best United Card for Travel Insurance)

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United Club℠ Infinite Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

90,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$525

APR

21.24% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership (up to $650 value per year)

Cons

• $525 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
• 4x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on all other travel and dining
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
• Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The United Club Infinite card is the ultimate premium travel credit card for United travelers. In addition to a well-rounded collection of travel benefits, it also offers benefits specific to traveling with United Airlines. Let’s take a look at the travel insurance perks:

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver — Pay for the entire rental with your card, decline the agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive primary car rental coverage for damage and theft.
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance — If your trip is disrupted due to a covered event, you can expect to receive up to $10,000 per covered person, with a total of $20,000 per trip for associated prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement — Once your trip has been delayed 12 hours or overnight, you may receive reimbursement for incidentals of up to $100 per day for 5 days, up to $500 per ticket.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement — If you or your eligible family member’s luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you could receive a benefit of up to $3,000 for checked or carry-on luggage.
• Baggage Delay Insurance — If your baggage is delayed more than 6 hours, you could receive up to $100 per day for up to 3 days in reimbursements for purchasing incidentals.
• Medical Evacuation Insurance — If you become ill or injured when traveling, you could receive emergency transport coverage up to $100,000. Eligible family members are also covered.
• Roadside Assistance — Receive up to 4 service calls each year at no cost, up to $50 in value, should you break down when away from home.
• Travel Accident Insurance — Pay for your common carrier trip with your card and receive up to $500,000 for accidental death or dismemberment.
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — Use United’s dedicated phone line when traveling and receive medical or legal referrals, assistance with emergency transportation, and more.

Now let’s take a look at what you can expect for United-specific benefits on the card.

• Complimentary upgrades on United award flights
• United Club membership ($650 value)
• First and second checked bag free for the cardholder and 1 companion
• Premier Access Services including priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling
• Expanded access to award space inventory

While there’s plenty of value for the United Airlines traveler and a good foundation of travel benefits on the card, there are still more reasons to consider the United Club Infinite card:

• 2x miles for travel and dining purchases
• Statement credit for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck application fee
• Avis President’s Club status
• Luxury Resort & Hotel Collection benefits such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and free Wi-Fi
• Visa Infinite concierge services
• Purchase protection and return protection
• No foreign transaction fees

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card (Best Overall Business Card for Travel Insurance)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

90,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.49% - 26.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection

Cons

• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% - 26.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Ink Business Preferred card comes with the same travel benefits and protections as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, with these exceptions:

• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption — The limit for these coverages on the Ink Business Preferred card is $5,000 per person, $10,000 per trip.
• Cell Phone Protection — Pay your cell phone bill with your card and receive $1,000 in cell phone protection with a $100 deductible.

You can also expect to enjoy these benefits:

• 3x earnings on travel, internet service/cable/phone, advertising on social media/search engines, and shipping (up to $150,000 in purchases each card anniversary year)
• 5x earnings on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• Redeem points for 1.25 cents each via the Chase Travel portal or transfer to airline or hotel partners for potentially greater value
• Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection benefits
• Purchase protection, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees

The Business Platinum^® Card from American Express (Best Premium Business Card for Travel Insurance)

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250k points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Business Platinum card comes with the same list of travel insurance benefits as the personal version of the card.

Its other features and benefits differ. As with the personal card, terms may apply and enrollment may be required to receive the stated benefits, so verify your enrollment in your American Express account.

Also, you’ll get these incremental benefits:

• Redeem Membership Rewards points for 1 cent each for flights via AmexTravel.com or transfer to airline/hotel partners for potentially greater value
• 35% rebate on qualifying airfare paid for with points
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee statement credit
• Worldwide airport lounge access to over 1,400 properties including Centurion lounges
• Elite-level benefits at American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts and the Hotel Collection
• National, Avis, and Hertz car rental elite status and perks
• Up to $400 statement credit for Dell purchases
• Up to $360 statement credit for Indeed purchases
• Up to $150 statement credit for Adobe purchases
• Up to $120 in wireless statement credits
• Up to $200 airline fee credit

Hot Tip: Access our comprehensive article on the travel insurance benefits offered on American Express cards for more detailed information.

Types of Credit Card Travel Insurance

There are many variations of credit card travel insurance, here is a look at some of the different types of coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Protection

Trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage could be a valuable benefit if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as an illness or if your trip is disrupted due to a covered event such as weather.

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card provide up to $10,000 per person, $20,000 per occurrence, up to a maximum of $40,000 during a 12-month period.

Trip Delay Coverage

Several credit cards offer a benefit if your trip is delayed, but many require more than a 12-hour delay and a lower benefit level of $100 per day for up to 3 days. Both of our recommended cards offer elevated benefit levels for delays 6 hours or more and up to $100 a day for up to 5 days.

To learn more about the best credit cards for trip delay coverage, we’ve got all the information you need in our detailed comparison.

Rental Car Insurance

A credit card could offer primary car rental coverage or secondary coverage. Secondary coverage requires you to first file a claim with your own insurance, while primary coverage does not.

We like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card best of all because it charges a lower annual fee while still providing a long list of travel insurance benefits, including primary car insurance coverage.

For a list of additional cards with primary car rental insurance, check out our recommendations.

Travel Accident Insurance

Travel accident insurance is widely offered but seldom used. According to the most recent available data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there were 0 deaths on a U.S. air or commuter carrier in 2020.

However, the best cards for travel accident insurance provide peace of mind that there would be a benefit offered if an accidental death or dismemberment should occur. We like that these cards offer up to $1,000,000 in coverage.

Emergency Evacuation Insurance

Should a medical emergency occur and you need to evacuate, you could be facing a steep bill for the expense. According to the leading travel insurance company Allianz, emergency evacuations start at a minimum of $15,000 and can exceed $200,000.

The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card provide coverage for emergency evacuation through the associated Premium Global Assistance coverage with no specified limit.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and United Club Infinite card come with $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage plus $2,500 for emergency medical and dental services.

Lost or Delayed Baggage

There are several things that can happen to your baggage during your trip. The common carrier could lose your bags, the bags could become damaged, someone could steal your bags, or your bags could just be delayed.

Given that, it is important that you hold one of the best credit cards for lost baggage if things go wrong during your trip. These coverages can offer up to $100 per day for a maximum of 5 days if your baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours, or up to $3,000 per covered person for lost luggage.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance (or roadside dispatch, as it can commonly be referred to) usually means you’ll have a dedicated phone line to call for referral services when you have a vehicle roadside emergency.

Services can include towing, tire changes, emergency fuel, and other related vehicle breakdown-related services. Basic roadside assistance coverage comes complimentary on a lot of the best credit cards for roadside assistance.

Bottom Line: While a particular card may stand out over another in specific benefit options, you won’t go wrong selecting any one of these premium travel rewards cards for their overall package of travel insurance benefits. 

Main Benefit of Having a Credit Card With Travel Insurance

The main benefit of having a credit card with travel insurance is simply that it can save you money, time, and stress if anything happens to go wrong during your travels.

Having a card with trip delay insurance can cover a hotel and other necessities if your flight is delayed overnight. A card with baggage delay insurance can cover your cost of new clothes and toiletries if the airline misplaces your bag. Renting a car? No need to pay extra for the rental company’s insurance policy when your credit card provides one as a complimentary benefit.

No one wants to think about things going awry during their trip, but these things do happen, and when they do you’ll be immensely thankful that you have a credit card with travel insurance.

What To Look For in a Card for Travel Insurance Coverage and Protection

Many credit cards come with various levels of complimentary travel benefits and protections. And while credit card travel insurance coverages are not meant to replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy, the coverage may still be sufficient for most of your trips.

We’ll get down to the specifics of which travel insurance coverages are offered on credit cards shortly, but first, let’s talk about some of the limitations of these benefits and protections.

As with all types of insurance, there are exclusions, terms, and conditions. Here are some of the most common ones normally associated with credit card travel insurance:

• If you decide to cancel your flight because you do not want to fly, flight cancellation insurance on your credit card will not provide coverage. In fact, only the reasons published in the card’s guide to benefits are covered for trip cancellations.
• Credit card travel insurance such as trip cancellation/interruption/delay coverage or lost baggage insurance/delay is normally secondary to any other reimbursement you may receive. You must usually make a claim with the travel provider or other applicable coverage you might have before coverage applies.
• Credit cards require that the trip must be paid for either entirely or partially using the eligible credit card and/or the card’s associated rewards points.
• There are conditions for coverage to be valid, such as declining coverage with the car rental agency, for the car rental insurance on your credit card to apply.
• The claim process can be difficult as credit card issuers do not directly handle travel insurance claims. Claims are processed by a third-party administrator, which could require a lot of information, documentation, and follow-up.

There can be many other exclusions and conditions for coverage to be valid, which is common with insurance in general, but the travel insurance that comes with your credit card can still offer tremendous value.

Bottom Line: While many credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance coverage, benefit levels can vary greatly. Additionally, there are exclusions to coverages, terms and conditions that must be met, and in many cases, the credit card coverage is secondary to that of the travel provider. The claim process can also be challenging. Despite all this, credit card travel insurance can be worth it. 

How To Submit a Travel Insurance Claim

The exact process for submitting a claim for your travel insurance protection is going to vary based on your card issuer, but here are a few most-do things.

Call Your Issuer

Give a call to the bank that issues the credit card that you have your travel protection through and let them know the issue you are having. They can then walk you through your coverage details, what you need to do to submit a claim, and how long it might take to expect your reimbursement.

Know What Is Covered

Reading the policy terms on your credit card can give you a good idea of the purchases that should and should not be covered. If you’re filing a claim for trip delay insurance, reasonable purchases like a hotel stay, meals, etc., should be covered. However, extravagant or unnecessary purchases, such as a new laptop, are likely to be denied.

Keep Your Receipts

When you submit your claim, you’ll need to provide proof of all your purchases and their amounts to be reimbursed. Keep the receipts of every expense you incur and consider making copies of any receipts that aren’t digital.

Final Thoughts

The coverage you have on your credit cards may be sufficient to not only provide peace of mind, but serve as a more-than-adequate backup coverage if the airline or other travel provider doesn’t come through should something go wrong during your travels.

Also, keep in mind that premium travel rewards cards can come with higher annual fees. If you don’t find value in these elevated benefit levels, selecting a card with fewer benefits and a lower annual fee may be an appropriate alternative.

Keep in mind that we have not listed every benefit on each card and descriptions have been abbreviated. Before traveling, you should reference your card’s benefits guide or call the number on the back of your card for specific coverage information.

Plus, if you’re planning an expensive and/or complicated trip, it’s best to purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover that specific trip or an annual travel insurance policy that covers all of the trips you might take in those 12 months.

If you’re worried about canceling a trip for reasons not listed in the card’s coverage description, you could consider Cancel for Any Reason insurance. Credit card travel insurance will not cover a voluntary cancellation.

To learn more about purchasing travel insurance, check out our additional articles on the topic:

• The Best Travel Insurance Companies for All Travelers
• An Introductory Guide to Travel Insurance

If you’re comfortable with the economic risk associated with a specific trip being disrupted, there’s no need to purchase a stand-alone travel insurance policy.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the cell phone protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay insurance benefits of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the cell phone protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our Medical & Legal Disclaimers.