Travel insurance: is my bank card cover enough?

The coverage offered by your bank card to protect you on your travels

There are different ranges of bank cards (standard, Gold, Platinum, etc.) that include travel insurance cover. Depending on the type of insurance, the assistance services and insurance cover, as well as the maximum cover amounts, may differ.
As a general rule, the cover offered can include:
 

Medical and repatriation assistance
 

During a road trip in Namibia, a small fall gives you a bit of a scare but you come away from it relatively unscathed! However, your ankle is broken, forcing you to head home. Your bank card usually covers medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. However, the amounts covered vary considerably depending on the type of card and may not be sufficient in certain countries outside the European Union (for example: United States).
 

Trip cancellation or interruption
 

You've been looking forward to your trip for weeks, even months, but a few days before you’re due to leave, your daughter wakes up covered in spots... An outbreak of chickenpox. The doctor tells you that you can’t fly for the entire incubation period. Some premium cards reimburse the cost of cancelling or interrupting a trip for medical reasons or certain unforeseen events.
 

Luggage insurance
 

A romantic city trip to Rome for your 5th wedding anniversary gets off to a bad start... When you arrive at the airport, you're waiting impatiently for your luggage, but unfortunately one of your bags doesn't arrive on the conveyor belt. After informing airport staff, you find out that your luggage has been lost. Protection against loss, theft or damage to luggage is often included, but only up to a certain amount.
 

Transport delays or missed connections
 

While travelling in Canada, you miss your connecting flight due to a delay on the first leg of your journey. When you contact your credit card customer service, you discover that you’re covered by your included travel insurance. Thanks to this protection, you’re able to be refunded the additional costs associated with your new plane ticket, and even your unforeseen overnight hotel stay. This makes it possible to continue the trip without too much financial stress.

What you need to know about the protection limits of your bank card when travelling
 

Before relying solely on your bank card to protect you when you travel, consider these important limitations:
 

Restrictive activation conditions
 

Most cover only applies if you’ve paid for all or part of your trip using the card concerned. Some even require full payment for the stay.
 

Limited list of covered persons
 

When travelling with family, it’s important to note that bank cards may impose conditions on the definition of "family" and "close relations". This means that some members of your family may not be covered. Pay particular attention to situations involving unmarried or civil union couples, blended families, etc.

Limited duration
 

Cover is generally limited in time (often a maximum of 90 days per year), which may not be enough for long trips.
 

Reduced compensation ceilings
 

Reimbursement amounts are often lower than those offered by dedicated travel insurance, particularly for medical expenses, which can reach considerable sums in some countries. Deductibles may also apply, reducing your compensation levels.
 

Numerous exclusions
 

Winter sports, high-risk sports, pre-existing illnesses or countries not recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are often excluded from cover.

When is additional travel insurance recommended?

Travel insurance cover included with bank cards varies according to the type of card and the issuing bank, and may be subject to the card being used to purchase the trip. 
 

Specific travel insurance is useful in several cases. 
 

For example, when travelling to the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia, medical expenses can be extremely high and far exceed the limits on your bank card.
 

For fans of winter sports, diving, mountaineering or other high-risk activities, specific insurance is essential, as these activities are generally excluded from bank cards.
 

Expensive electronic devices, jewellery or special equipment often require additional protection.
 

And, finally, if you're heading off on an extended trip and planning to be away for more than 3 months, your bank card coverage won't be enough to cover you in the event of a problem.

How do I choose between a bank card and dedicated travel insurance? 
 

To determine whether your bank card offers sufficient cover or whether you should opt for a dedicated supplementary insurance policy, follow these steps:
 

✅ Analyse your bank contract: ask your bank for details of cover and check the conditions of application and exclusions.

✅ Evaluate the conditions at your destination: some countries require more extensive medical cover.

✅ Take into account your activities: sports, excursions, high-risk activities, etc.

✅ Consider the value of your possessions: electronic equipment, valuable luggage, etc.

✅ Think about the length of your stay: long trips often require specific insurance.