Comparing Credit Card Travel Insurance Policies in New Zealand
Travel insurance is a crucial aspect of planning any trip, providing peace of mind and financial protection against unforeseen events. Many New Zealand credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance as part of their perks, making them an attractive option for frequent travellers. In this article, we’ll compare the travel insurance policies of various credit cards available in New Zealand, helping you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating credit card travel insurance policies, consider the following factors:
- Coverage Scope: What events and expenses are covered?
- Eligibility Criteria: What conditions must be met to activate the insurance?
- Exclusions: What is not covered by the policy?
- Additional Benefits: Are there any extra perks, such as rental vehicle excess cover or emergency assistance?
- Duration: How long does the coverage last per trip?
Top Credit Card Travel Insurance Policies
1. American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
Key Features:
- Coverage Scope: Medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, rental vehicle excess, and personal liability.
- Eligibility Criteria: Pay for at least half of your trip using the card.
- Exclusions: Pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities.
- Additional Benefits: Two complimentary Air New Zealand Lounge passes annually, travel inconvenience cover.
- Duration: Up to 90 consecutive days per trip.
The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card offers comprehensive travel insurance, making it a strong choice for frequent international travellers. However, it’s essential to review the policy for specific exclusions, especially regarding pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
2. ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
Key Features:
- Coverage Scope: Medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, rental vehicle excess, and personal liability.
- Eligibility Criteria: Pay for at least half of your trip using the card.
- Exclusions: Pre-existing medical conditions, certain adventure sports.
- Additional Benefits: Two Air New Zealand Lounge passes annually, emergency assistance services.
- Duration: Up to 90 consecutive days per trip.
The ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum card provides robust travel insurance coverage, with the added benefit of lounge passes. It’s a popular choice among Kiwis for its balance of coverage and additional perks.
3. Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa
Key Features:
- Coverage Scope: Medical expenses, travel cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, rental vehicle excess, and personal liability.
- Eligibility Criteria: Pay for at least one of the following with the card: overseas travel tickets, pre-paid accommodation, rental car, scheduled transport ticket, or guided tour.
- Exclusions: Pre-existing medical conditions, general lockdowns or quarantine.
- Additional Benefits: 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance, selected cover for epidemic and pandemic diseases including Covid-19.
- Duration: Up to 40 consecutive days per trip.
Kiwibank’s Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa card stands out for its inclusion of Covid-19 related cover, which is particularly relevant in the current travel climate. However, the coverage duration is shorter compared to other cards.
4. TSB Platinum Mastercard
Key Features:
- Coverage Scope: Medical expenses, travel cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, rental vehicle excess, and personal liability.
- Eligibility Criteria: Pay for at least half of your trip using the card.
- Exclusions: Pre-existing medical conditions, certain high-risk activities.
- Additional Benefits: Covers both international and domestic travel.
- Duration: Up to 90 consecutive days per trip.
The TSB Platinum Mastercard offers solid travel insurance benefits, including coverage for domestic travel, which is a unique feature among credit cards in New Zealand.
5. Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard
Key Features:
- Coverage Scope: Medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, rental vehicle excess, and personal liability.
- Eligibility Criteria: Pay for at least half of your trip using the card.
- Exclusions: Pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities.
- Additional Benefits: Four Air New Zealand Lounge passes annually, Priority Pass membership.
- Duration: Up to 120 consecutive days per trip.
The Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard is ideal for high spenders and frequent travellers, offering an extended coverage duration and multiple lounge passes. However, the high annual fee may not be justifiable for all users.
Additional Considerations
When choosing a credit card for travel insurance, consider the following:
- Acceptance: Ensure the card is widely accepted both domestically and internationally.
- Activation: Understand the activation requirements, such as the minimum spend on travel-related expenses.
- Policy Review: Always review the full policy document to understand the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions.
- Supplementary Cards: Check if supplementary cardholders are also covered under the travel insurance policy.
Selecting the right credit card with travel insurance depends on your travel habits, coverage needs, and additional perks. The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card offers comprehensive coverage and valuable perks, while the Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa provides relevant Covid-19 cover. Always review the policy details and ensure the card meets your specific travel insurance needs before making a decision.
Travel insurance is an essential part of any trip, and having it included with your credit card can save you money and provide peace of mind. Choose wisely, and safe travels!