Best Credit Cards With Complimentary Travel Insurance Coverage (2024)

Several credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance. That is, on the condition that you charge your full flight fares to them. Which of them have the best travel insurance coverage and complement your everyday lifestyle? We analyse it in further detail below.

masthead-media

What You Need To Know About Complimentary Travel Insurance

Before embarking on your next adventure, it is always vital to consider your safety and be prepared for any unexpected emergencies like a global cyber outage, epidemic outbreak or natural disasters. 

Your credit card can be a lifesaver during such situations as you can turn to it to pay for necessities or even emergency medical expenses overseas. While many credit cards offer complimentary travel coverage, is it really enough? Let's delve into the key benefits of such coverage and weigh the pros and cons, before making a decision.

How Credit Card Complimentary Travel Insurance Works?

Credit card complimentary travel insurance is quite a common perk offered by many credit card issuers in Singapore nowadays. Essentially, you get travel insurance coverage at no additional cost when you use your credit card to purchase specific travel components.
Here’s a general overview of how it works:

Eligibility and Activation

  • Card usage: Typically, you need to charge a specific percentage (often 100%) of your travel expenses (flights, accommodation) to your credit card to activate the insurance.
  • Card type: Some cards offer better coverage or higher limits.
  • Additional requirements: Some issuers may have additional conditions like being the primary cardholder or having a certain spending limit.
  • Coverage

  • Basic protection: Most credit cards offer standard coverage like medical expenses, personal accident, baggage loss, and trip cancellation or interruption.
  • Limitations: Coverage limits and exclusions vary significantly between cards. For instance, some cards may have age limits, exclude specific activities, or have lower coverage amounts for certain incidents.
  • Supplementary coverage: Some cards offer additional benefits like travel inconvenience, rental car coverage, or emergency cash assistance.
  • background image

    Pros & Cons Of Complimentary Travel Coverage By Credit Cards

    ProsCons
  • Cost savings
  • Significant cost savings as no separate purchase of a travel insurance plan is necessary, making it ideal for more wallet-friendly for travellers with basic needs.
  • Lower or limiter extent of coverage
  • Coverage may have limitations or exclusions as per the terms and conditions provided by the credit card; might not suffice for all needs. This may result in extra out-of-pocket expenses if coverage is insufficient during emergency situations.
  • Convenience
  • Automatically activated when travel expenses are charged to the credit card and there's usually no need for separate purchase or application.
  • Limited customisation
  • Coverage is predetermined by the credit card issuer, thus there is usually lesser flexibility for customisation, as insurance coverage is often not cater to individual preferences or specific needs.
  • Reliable
  • Provided by reputable credit card companies with global networks.
  • Dependency on provider
  • The quality and extent of coverage is highly dependent on the credit card provider, and the claims process can be more cumbersome.

    Which Credit Cards Provide Complimentary Travel Insurance?

    MoneySmart Exclusive
    ASCOTT MILLIONAIRE LUCKY DRAW | EXCLUSIVE TO CITI
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    ASCOTT MILLIONAIRE LUCKY DRAW | EXCLUSIVE TO CITI

    Citi PremierMiles Card

    Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.2 miles
    All Foreign Currency Spend including Retail and Online
    S$1 = Up to 2.2 miles
    Selected Online Hotel and Flight bookings
    S$1 = Up to 10 miles

    Get S$350 Cash or 5,040 SmartPoints  in as fast as 5 weeks when you spend S$500 within 30 days. T&Cs apply.
     
    Additionally, enrol in our Rollin' Rewards campaign for FREE and stand a chance to win 50,000 SmartPoints. That’s enough to redeem ANY item from our Rewards Store, such as a Sony BRAVIA 3 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD Google TV (worth S$5,799) + an Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB (worth S$1,399).

    Valid until 15 Dec 2024
    The Citi PremierMiles Card offers HL Assurance-backed travel insurance coverage, providing up to S$1,000,000 for accidental death and permanent disablement, S$40,000 for medical expenses, S$100,000 for emergency evacuation, and protection against travel disruptions like lost or delayed luggage. It also includes COVID-19 medical expenses and a hospital allowance. Coverage activates when you use the card to pay for round-trip airfare or the taxes and fees on an award ticket.
    Online Promo
    American Express 30 Million Miles Giveaway
    Online Promo
    American Express 30 Million Miles Giveaway

    American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

    on eligible Singapore Airlines, Scoot flight bookings & KrisShop purchases
    S$1 = 2 KrisFlyer miles
    on eligible Grab Singapore transactions
    S$1 = Up to 2 KrisFlyer miles
    on all other eligible purchases
    S$1 = 1.1 KrisFlyer miles
    Online Promo:
    New to American Express Card Members can receive up to 17,000 KrisFlyer miles – enough to redeem a return trip to Bali* on Singapore Airlines. T&Cs apply.
    Valid until 15 Jan 2025
    AMEX KrisFlyer Credit Cardholders who use their card to pay for airfares enjoy automatic travel insurance, underwritten by Chubb. This coverage applies to both cash and award tickets, provided taxes and fees are paid with the AMEX KrisFlyer Credit Card. The plan includes up to S$350,000 for accidental death or permanent disability on public transport, plus protection for travel disruptions like missed connections and baggage delays.
    Online Promo
    American Express 30 Million Miles Giveaway
    Online Promo
    American Express 30 Million Miles Giveaway

    American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

    on eligible Singapore Airlines, Scoot flight bookings & KrisShop purchases
    S$1 = 2 KrisFlyer miles
    on eligible Grab Singapore transactions
    S$1 = Up to 2 KrisFlyer miles
    on all other eligible purchases
    S$1 = 1.2 KrisFlyer miles
    Online Promo:

    New to American Express Card Members can receive up to 38,000 KrisFlyer miles – enough to redeem a return trip to Taipei* on Singapore Airlines.

    Existing American Express Card Members can receive up to 28,000 KrisFlyer miles. T&Cs apply.
    Valid until 15 Jan 2025
    Cardholders of the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend who use the card for airfare, whether for cash tickets or award tickets with taxes and fees paid via the card, receive automatic travel insurance from Chubb. This includes S$1,000,000 in coverage for accidental death or permanent disability on public transport, along with protection for travel inconveniences like missed connections and baggage delays.
    Online Promo
    Unlimited 2% Cashback
    Online Promo
    Unlimited 2% Cashback

    CIMB Visa Infinite

    Unlimited cashback on Travel, Overseas & Online Spend in Foreign Currency
    2%
    Min. spend per month
    S$2,000
    on Overseas Spend (till 31 Jan 2025)
    Additional 3% Cashback
    Online Promo:
    Get up to S$188 Cashback when you spend a minimum of S$988 in Eligible Transactions within 60 days from card approval date. T&Cs apply.

    PLUS receive S$30* eCapitaVoucher(s). T&Cs apply.
    Valid until 31 Jan 2025
    Charge your full travel fares to your CIMB Visa Infinite card and enjoy complimentary travel insurance coverage for you and your family, underwritten by Sompo. This coverage includes up to S$1,000,000 for accidental death and permanent disablement, as well as up to S$25,000 for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. In addition to these core protections, you’re also covered for travel inconveniences like baggage loss and flight delays, adding peace of mind to every journey.
    Online Promo
    Up to 10% Cashback
    Online Promo
    Up to 10% Cashback

    CIMB Visa Signature

    Cash Back on Beauty & Wellness, Online Shopping, Groceries
    10%
    Min. spend per month to qualify for the 10% Cash Back
    S$800
    on Overseas Spend (till 31 Jan 2025)
    Additional 3% Cashback
    Online Promo:
    Get up to S$188 Cashback when you spend a minimum of S$988 in Eligible Transactions within 60 days from card approval date. T&Cs apply.

    PLUS receive S$30* eCapitaVoucher(s). T&Cs apply.
    Valid until 31 Jan 2025
    When you charge your full travel fares to your CIMB Visa Signature card, you’ll enjoy automatic travel insurance coverage of up to S$500,000 for you and your family, provided by Sompo. This coverage extends beyond major concerns, offering protection against travel inconveniences like baggage delays and flight postponements, so you can travel with confidence.
    Online Promo
    Earn Miles That Never Expire
    Online Promo
    Earn Miles That Never Expire

    DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

    Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.3 miles
    Overseas Spend (made in foreign currency)
    S$1 = Up to 5 miles
    on Online Travel Bookings
    S$1 = Up to 2.2 miles
    Online Promo:
    Get up to 30,000 miles when you apply, pay the card's annual fee and charge a min. spend of S$800 within 60 days from card approval date. T&Cs apply
    Valid until 31 Jan 2025
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    LUCKY DRAW | Earn up to 6 Miles per S$1
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    LUCKY DRAW | Earn up to 6 Miles per S$1

    UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

    on agoda and Expedia bookings via UOB PRVI Miles website.
    S$1 = Up to 6.6 miles
    on Overseas Spend
    S$1 = Up to 3 miles
    on Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.4 miles

    [MoneySmart x UOB CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY]
    The first 100 customers can get an Apple Watch SE 40mm (GPS) (worth S$349), the next 100 customers can get an Apple AirPods 4 Noise Cancellation (worth S$249) and the remaining customers can get S$50 Cash when you spend a min of S$1,000 in Eligible Transactions! T&Cs apply.
     
    Additionally, enrol in our Rollin' Rewards campaign for FREE and stand a chance to win 50,000 SmartPoints and redeem epic rewards!
     
    UOB Online Promotion: PLUS new-to-UOB Credit Cardmembers can get up to 58,000 miles (1st year Annual Fee payable) OR get up to 38,000 miles (1st year Annual Fee waived) when you meet the spend criteria. T&Cs apply.

    Valid until 15 Dec 2024
    UOB PRVI Miles Cardholders who book their flights using their card can enjoy complimentary travel insurance. To activate coverage, they must register through this link at least five business days before departure. The insurance includes S$500,000 for accidental death and S$50,000 for emergency medical assistance, evacuation, and repatriation (including COVID-19-related cases).
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    LUCKY DRAW | Earn up to 6 Miles per S$1
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    LUCKY DRAW | Earn up to 6 Miles per S$1

    UOB PRVI Miles Mastercard Card

    on agoda and Expedia bookings via UOB PRVI Miles website.
    S$1 = Up to 6.6 miles
    on Overseas Spend
    S$1 = Up to 3 miles
    on Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.4 miles

    [MoneySmart x UOB CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY]
    The first 100 customers can get an Apple Watch SE 40mm (GPS) (worth S$349), the next 100 customers can get an Apple AirPods 4 Noise Cancellation (worth S$249) and the remaining customers can get S$50 Cash when you spend a min of S$1,000 in Eligible Transactions! T&Cs apply.
     
    Additionally, enrol in our Rollin' Rewards campaign for FREE and stand a chance to win 50,000 SmartPoints and redeem epic rewards!
     
    UOB Online Promotion: PLUS new-to-UOB Credit Cardmembers can get up to 58,000 miles (1st year Annual Fee payable) OR get up to 38,000 miles (1st year Annual Fee waived) when you meet the spend criteria. T&Cs apply.

    Valid until 15 Dec 2024
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    LUCKY DRAW | Earn up to 6 Miles per S$1
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    LUCKY DRAW | Earn up to 6 Miles per S$1

    UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card

    on agoda and Expedia bookings via UOB PRVI Miles website.
    S$1 = Up to 6.6 miles
    on Overseas Spend
    S$1 = Up to 3 miles
    on Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.4 miles

    MoneySmart Exclusive: Get S$100 Cash via PayNow on top of the UOB Online Promotion when you apply and spend a min. of S$500 in Eligible Transactions within 1 month from card approval date! For new-to-UOB Credit Cardmembers only. T&Cs apply.
     
    Additionally, enrol in our Rollin' Rewards campaign for FREE and stand a chance to win 50,000 SmartPoints and redeem epic rewards!
     
    UOB Online Promotion: PLUS new-to-UOB Credit Cardmembers can get up to 58,000 miles (1st year Annual Fee payable) OR get up to 38,000 miles (1st year Annual Fee waived) when you meet the spend criteria. T&Cs apply.

    Valid until 31 Dec 2024
    Online Promo
    Online Promo

    DCS CASHBACK Card

    on all eligible transactions
    Up to 5% Cash Rebate
    Airport Lounge Access and Insurance Coverage
    Complimentary
    Annual Principal Fee
    S$196.20 (inclusive of GST)
    Online Promo:
    Get a CATERPILLAR Luggage Bag (worth S$220) when you apply for a minimum of any 2 eligible DCS cards and spend a minimum of $350 monthly for 2 consecutive months OR apply for an eligible DCS card and spend a minimum of S$450 monthly for 2 consecutive months. T&Cs apply.
    Valid until 31 Dec 2024
    LUCKY DRAW | High Spend on Dining
    LUCKY DRAW | High Spend on Dining

    OCBC 365 Credit Card

    Cashback on Fuel Spends
    6%
    Cashback on Everyday Dining
    5%
    with min. spend of $1,600 per month
    Unlock up to $160 Cashback
    OCBC 365 Credit Cardholders who have fully charged their air tickets for a scheduled flight to their OCBC 365 Credit Card can enjoy complimentary travel coverage, underwritten by Great Eastern. Each insured cardholder is entitled to a range of benefits, including up to S$200,000 in coverage for death and permanent disability and up to S$500 for reimbursement of overseas medical expenses.
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Earn up to 2.4 Miles | Instant Activation*
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Earn up to 2.4 Miles | Instant Activation*

    HSBC TravelOne Card

    on Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.2 miles
    on Foreign Currency Spend
    S$1 = 2.4 Miles
    Travel Insurance coverage, Airport Lounge visits
    Complimentary

    Get S$199 Cash via PayNow or 3,500 SmartPoints  when you apply, spend a min. of S$500 from Card Account Opening Date to end of the following calendar month! Pay Annual Fee for HSBC TravelOne Card. T&Cs apply.
     
    Additionally, enrol in our Rollin' Rewards campaign for FREE and stand a chance to win 50,000 SmartPoints. That’s enough to redeem ANY item from our Rewards Store, such as a Sony BRAVIA 3 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD Google TV (worth S$5,799) + an Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB (worth S$1,399).

    Valid until 15 Dec 2024
    HSBC TravelOne Cardholders enjoy complimentary travel insurance, underwritten by MSIG, when they use their card to purchase airfare or pay taxes and surcharges on tickets redeemed with miles. Coverage includes S$75,000 for accidental death, S$150,000 for overseas medical expenses, and up to S$1 million for emergency evacuation, plus protection for travel inconveniences like delays and lost luggage.

    *All data is accurate at the time of writing, last updated on 15 November 2024 as per the information published on the respective providers websites.

    Are Your Parents To Blame for Your Poor Money Habits?

    Frequent Asked Questions

    Do you get travel insurance with your credit card?

    Many credit cards provide some level of travel insurance coverage if you charge your full fares to them. Usually the best cards that provide travel insurance are air mile cards, such as Citi PremierMiles Visa, DBS Altitude, UOB PRVI Miles and AMEX KrisFlyer. There are two cashback cards in Singapore that provide travel insurance too: OCBC 365 and CIMB Visa Signature Credit Card.

    Does travel insurance cover me if I cancel my flight?

    It depends on your policy. Look under the section "trip cancellation" to see if your travel insurance compensates when you cancel your flight. You will need to show proof of a valid cancellation reason: sickness, injury, death of either you, your family member, or travelling companion.

    Does my credit card's complimentary travel insurance cover discounted flights?

    Usually yes, on the condition that you charge your full fares to the card.