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Credit card travel insurance???

Hi,
I have been looking at credit cards which offer trip cancellation insurance. Chase is fairly easy to get the details for. Citibank was pretty difficult-I spent an hour on the phone and couldn’t find anyone who could tell me the specifics of what is covered/not.
I was wondering if anyone had experience with credit card trip cancellation insurance or just had the guide to benefits for CitiBank

I actually have used Citibank’s Coverage through Costco, for my parents, but I was looking to get something for me, and I’m not a Costco member.
Thank you!

Posted by
7451 posts

I have never had to make a claim on either Travel Insurance, or Car Rental insurance through my credit card, but my general impression is that you get what you pay for. A better credit card that you pay a higher annual fee for, might be better, but generally the scheme is if you have a claim, you already are at a loss, it is just you fighting to get your money back. It only covers items charged to that card, not all items, if the place offers some compensation for a cancellation, then that is an issue, if you specifically booked "non-refundable" that can be an issue.

A second option is coverage that you actually pay extra for (Like American Expresses Rental Car Insurance), maybe what you are talking about is that, if so, then yeah, it may be worth it. Just understand what it actually pays for.

Aside from that, if you are serious about insurance, skip credit cards, just get a policy that covers what you need (Travel expense reimbursement, Medical, Evacuation, etc.) you will be further ahead if something happens.

Posted by
7595 posts

I always purchase medical coverage including medical evacuation when we go on an overseas trip.
I go through American Express and for my wife and self it generally costs about $50. Never had to file a claim.
My Blue Cross/Shield provides coverage anywhere, but when in many foreign countries you have to pay upfront. That is why I buy the insurance.

Trip insurance includes more pervasive coverage than just medical and can cost up to 10% of the cost of the trip.

I usually purchase trip insurance through my airline when I buy tickets on overseas flights (usually not on cheaper domestic flights).

Posted by
3985 posts

LWS, whichever you choose, please make sure you follow the recommendation from someone who had to file a claim and was paid without hassle.

Posted by
250 posts

Thank you for the info. At the moment, I"m the only one who has actually used a card's insurance :-). I did successfully get a claim paid via CitiBank via Costco's card, if anyone is curious. Cheers!