A few UK credit cards, usually premium or fee-paying ones, include travel insurance as a benefit. It can be useful, but it comes with conditions that are easy to overlook. Here’s what to check.
Which cards include travel insurance?
Travel insurance is more common on cards with annual or monthly fees, and on some premium and packaged accounts. Standard no-fee credit cards rarely include it. Check your card’s benefits guide or ask the provider. The cover may be provided by an insurer, and the details can change.
Conditions to look for
- You may have to pay with the card. Some policies only apply if you paid for some or all of the trip using the card.
- Who is covered. Just the cardholder, or also a partner and children? Do they need to travel with you?
- Age limits. Many have upper age limits or extra restrictions.
- Trip length. Often capped per trip, and limited to a number of trips.
- Medical conditions. You may need to declare them, and cover may be limited or excluded. See pre-existing conditions.
- Destinations. Check whether the USA and worldwide travel are included. See travel insurance for the USA.
- Limits and excess. Medical, cancellation and baggage limits can be lower than a standalone policy.
Insurance isn’t the same as Section 75
Paying by credit card can also give you legal protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for purchases between £100 and £30,000, if something goes wrong with a supplier. It’s not insurance, but it can help if a supplier fails or doesn’t deliver. See strikes and airline collapse. Check with your provider how it applies to your purchase.
When to buy separate cover
- The card’s medical limit is too low for your destination
- You’re older, have medical conditions or travel for longer than the limit
- You’re doing activities that are excluded. See adventure sports.
- You want cover for a partner or friends not covered by the card
- You want extras such as winter sports or cruise cover
How to check your cover
- Read the policy summary and full terms.
- Check what you must do to activate cover, such as paying with the card.
- Keep the emergency number and policy details with you.
- Compare the cover with a standalone policy. See how to choose the best travel insurance.
For packaged bank accounts, see bank account travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Does my credit card include travel insurance?
Only some do, mainly premium or fee-paying cards. Check your card’s benefits guide.
Do I have to pay for the trip with the card?
Often yes, at least in part. Check the conditions for your card.
Is credit card travel insurance enough?
It can be a useful safety net, but limits and conditions are often tighter than a standalone policy.
Is Section 75 the same as insurance?
No. It’s legal protection for certain credit card purchases, separate from any insurance benefits.
Related travel insurance guides
- How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance: A 10-Point Checklist
- Allianz Travel Insurance UK: What You Need to Know in 2026
- Annual vs Single Trip Travel Insurance: Which Should You Buy?
- What Does Travel Insurance Cover? A Plain-English UK Guide
- How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UK in 2026?
This article is general information, not financial or insurance advice. Always read the policy documents before you buy.
