The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travel insurance because it provides one of the most extensive lists of travel protections currently available from any credit card. You’ll also get valuable rewards, premium travel benefits and a multitude of travel credits.
Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Winner
|
$795 | 1X - 8X points
| 100,000 points
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
International traveler insurance
|
$695 | 5X points
| As high as 175,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
| |
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Midrange travel card
|
$95 | 1X - 5X points
| 75,000 points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
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Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card*
|
Midrange travel card runner-up
|
$95 | 1X - 5X points
| 60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
| |
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
No annual fee
|
$0 | 1.5% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash back
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
|
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
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American Express® Gold Card
|
Earning points
|
$325 | 1X - 4X points
| As high as 100,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
| |
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Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Business
|
$95 | 1X - 3X points
| 90,000 points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
|
Business runner-up
|
$695 | 1X - 5X points
| 150,000 points
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.
| |
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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
|
Airline
|
$650 | 1X - 3X miles
| 70,000 miles
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
| |
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The New United Club℠ Card
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Airline runner-up
|
$695 | 1X - 4X miles
| 80,000 miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
|
Hotel
|
$650 | 2X - 6X points
| 150,000 points
Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
| |
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Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express*
|
Hotel runner-up
|
$550 | 3X - 14X points
| 175,000 points
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
|
To bring you the list of best credit cards with travel insurance, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
We rank cards based on the following criteria:
We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.
Note, that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best credit card with travel insurance. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $5,222*
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers one of the most comprehensive lists of travel protections available from any credit card — making it our pick for the best credit card with travel insurance. Plus, you’ll get access to premium travel benefits, including a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit and Priority PassTM Select membership.
Learn more about Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel insurance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $5,040*
The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent choice for international travel insurance and a solid runner-up to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® because of its extensive coverage and access to the Global Assist Hotline. You’ll can get more than $1,000 worth of credits and access to the Global Lounge Collection for eligible card members.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $2,332*
While cards that offer the most travel insurance coverage often require hefty annual fees of more than $400, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides a broad range of coverage with just a $95 annual fee. In fact, it offers many of the same benefits as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, including primary rental car insurance.
“Primary car rental protection is one of the most valuable benefits on my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. I can confidently turn down the collision damage waiver that the car rental agency tries to sell me at the counter. My card covers theft and damage to my vehicle, and I don’t have to worry about filing a claim with my personal insurance. It’s probably saved me hundreds of dollars.”
– Robin Ratcliff, managing editor at LendingTree
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $1,099*
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is another option that offers solid travel insurance coverage for an affordable $95 annual fee. You’ll also get a $50 annual statement credit when you make your first airline purchase of $50 or more, as well as elevated rewards on travel purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $622*
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the few $0-annual-fee cards to offer travel protections. This includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip if your trip is canceled or shortened due to sickness, severe weather and other covered circumstances. Plus, you’ll also earn at least 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $3,117*
The American Express® Gold Card offers some of the same insurance coverage as The Platinum Card® from American Express for a lower annual fee. This card is also an excellent dining rewards credit card. You’ll get a high earning rate at restaurants worldwide and on U.S. supermarket purchases, as well as a dining credit worth up to $120 each year (enrollment required).
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $2,193*
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a few solid travel insurance options for a modest $95 annual fee, including primary rental car insurance. Plus, this card is a great option for international travel because there are $0 foreign transaction fees. Rewards are worth more when you redeem them for travel through Chase’s travel portal and can be transferred at a 1:1 rate to Chase TravelSMpartners.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $4,850*
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers more extensive travel insurance coverage than the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, but you’ll get secondary car rental insurance instead of primary. It’s also an excellent choice for business travel perks because you’ll get more than $2,000 in travel and business credits (after meeting qualifying spend thresholds) and access to the Global Lounge Collection, which includes more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.
See all of our top picks for business travel credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $1,682*
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the top choice for an airline credit card and a Delta credit card because of its long list of benefits, including travel insurance. Plus, this card comes with a unique way to reach Medallion status faster. You’ll get $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each year and earn $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar per $10 on purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $2,347*
The New United Club℠ Card is one of the top airline cards for travel insurance because you’ll get premium coverage like primary rental car insurance. Plus, the card comes with other high-end benefits for frequent travelers like lounge access, IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and premier upgrades on award tickets.
See all of our top picks for airline credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $1,998
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers one of the most extensive lists of travel insurance for a hotel credit card. This card also offers luxury perks for Marriott loyalists like Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status. Plus, you’ll get Priority Pass Select access (enrollment required), which includes an unlimited number of visits to 1,200+ airport lounges in over 130 countries.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Estimated value in the first year of card ownership: $1,625*
If you prefer to stay at Hilton properties, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with the highest level of travel benefits among Hilton credit cards. On top of the card’s substantial insurance coverage, you’ll get more than $800 in annual credits including up to a $400 Hilton resort credit and up to a $200 airline fee credit. Plus, you’ll get automatic Hilton Honors™ Diamond status (enrollment required).
See all of our top picks for hotel credit cards.
See all of our top picks for travel credit cards.
Travel insurance can provide coverage against certain risks that take place before, during and sometimes even after travel. Many major credit cards offer travel protections, ranging from trip delay reimbursement to rental car insurance. But it’s important to note that the cards with the highest annual fees typically offer the most extensive coverage.
To ensure you’re covered in case of an emergency, you should familiarize yourself with what protections are offered by your card before traveling. You’ll also need to pay for your flight, rental car and other travel with the eligible card to qualify for coverage.
The types of insurance offered and amount of coverage can vary from issuer to issuer and even card to card. The most common types of insurance offered by travel cards include rental car insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and travel and emergency assistance services. But some cards offer more extensive coverage like emergency evacuation and transportation or emergency medical and dental coverage. You should familiarize yourself with the exact terms of your card’s benefits before finalizing travel bookings.
Credit card rental car insurance covers theft and collision damage for eligible rental cars when you charge the entire rental cost to your eligible card.
One important distinction you’ll want to make is whether your credit card offers primary or secondary car rental insurance. Primary car rental insurance will apply immediately, while secondary car rental insurance only comes into play once other insurance like your personal car insurance policy is charged. If your credit card offers primary car rental insurance, you must decline the insurance offered by the rental company in order to activate the benefit.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides the best rental car insurance, offering primary coverage with up to $75,000 in protection, the highest available. The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offer primary coverage with up to $60,000 in protection.
→ See the top credit cards for car rentals.
Some credit cards provide access to roadside assistance services — including towing, tire changing, jump-starting, lockout service, fuel delivery and winching — 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers you if your trip is canceled or cut short due to sickness, severe weather or other covered situations. Trip cancellation coverage begins the day of your scheduled departure and ends the day of your scheduled return home. Trip cancellation coverage, on the other hand, begins when you book a trip using your eligible credit card or the day that you purchase a travel insurance policy.
This travel insurance covers expenses resulting from trip delays that could be caused by inclement weather, terrorist action or hijacking, a common carrier’s equipment failure, or lost or stolen passports or travel documents. Eligible expenses may include meals, lodging, toiletries, medication and other personal use items.
A LendingTree study found that nearly one in four flights departing during the winter holiday travel season experienced delays over the past decade. Taking advantage of your credit card’s trip delay insurance can provide coverage in case of issues, helping to ease your travel experience during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
Baggage loss insurance or lost luggage reimbursement covers your carry-on or checked luggage in the event it’s damaged or lost by the carrier.
Baggage delay insurance reimburses you for essential purchases, like toiletries and clothing, when your baggage is delayed over six hours by a passenger carrier.
This typically covers you in the event of accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on common carriers, such as planes, trains and cruise ships. Here’s what you should know:
If you run into an issue while traveling, travel and emergency assistance services can provide guidance with legal, financial, and medical referrals, as well as access to other essential travel and emergency services.
If you or your family members become sick or injured during your trip and require an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for those services through emergency evacuation and transportation insurance.
With an emergency medical and dental benefit, you can be reimbursed for medical expenses, including services administered by a doctor, ambulance services and medication, if you or your immediate family members become sick or injured while traveling.
The advantage of credit card travel insurance is that it’s included in the annual fee you already pay for the card. However, your card may not always offer sufficient coverage for your specific needs. You may consider adding additional insurance if:
Some issuers — like American Express — allow you to add supplemental insurance to eligible cards. You can also consider general travel insurance options from travel insurance companies for more peace of mind.
“I bought standalone travel insurance because it was only about $30 per policy, and my credit card has limited travel insurance. It was worth it. My flight was canceled at the last minute and I spent $1,000 on replacement tickets. It took a couple of weeks and a lot of paperwork, but Allianz Global reimbursed me in full. Now that I know what it takes to file a travel insurance claim, I label all of my travel-related emails to make them easier to find.”
– Carol Pope, Writer at LendingTree
If you do run into a travel emergency or a scenario you think will be covered by your credit card travel insurance, there are two main steps to follow:
Gather your documents.
You’ll typically be required to provide a copy of your monthly billing statement, a copy of your travel itinerary and receipts for any expenses you incurred as a result of the incident. Other documents will vary depending on the type of claim, but could include the following:
Type of claim | Types of documentation that may be required |
---|---|
Auto rental collision damage waiver |
|
Trip cancellation/interruption |
|
Trip delay |
|
Lost luggage |
|
Baggage delay |
|
Travel accident insurance |
|
File your claim
Once your trip is over and you’re safely back at home, you can begin the claim filing process. To get started, you can also call the number of your credit card issuer’s benefits and claims departments, or file the claim online via the issuer’s or insurance company’s website.
Submit a claim online | Submit a claim over the phone |
---|---|
American Express travel insurance | 800-243-0198 (Outside the U.S.: 905-475-4822) |
Capital One travel insurance (file your claim through eclaimsline.com) | 800-825-4062 (Outside the U.S.: 804-965-8071) |
Chase travel insurance (file your claim through eclaimsline.com) | 888-675-1461 (Outside the U.S.: 804-281-5772) |
Citi travel insurance (file your claim through mycardbenefits.com) | 833-251-6464 (Outside the U.S.: 312-356-7839) |
Wells Fargo travel insurance | 800-316-8051 |
Note, you can also log in to your credit card account online or call the number on the back of your card.
All of the cards on our list of best travel insurance credit cards offer either primary or secondary rental car insurance. To understand your card’s rental car insurance or to verify that your card comes with this benefit, call the number on the back of your card. You can also check your credit card’s guide to benefits to verify insurance benefits.
There are several Chase credit cards that offer primary rental car insurance, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and The New United Club℠ Card.
Not all credit cards offer travel insurance, but there are many premium travel or rewards credit cards that offer travel insurance as a card benefit. Coverage typically varies depending on the card. Higher annual fee cards usually offer a longer list of travel insurance.
Many credit cards offer travel insurance for things like canceled or interrupted trips, lost or delayed baggage or car rentals. If you pay for your trip with a credit card that offers travel insurance and you have a qualified expense, you may be reimbursed for certain expenses. Check the details of your policy to see what type of coverage you might be eligible for.
Yes, most credit card travel insurance benefits will cover family members who are traveling with the primary cardholder. Benefits are usually subject to per-trip maximums regardless of how many people are traveling with you. Make sure to check your credit card benefits guide to understand who counts as a family member per the terms of your travel insurance policy.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
The information related to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card and Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.