When Your Credit Card’s Travel Insurance Coverage Isn’t Enough
Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but the limited coverage may not be adequate if you are taking an expensive trip.

Question: I see the need for travel insurance, and some credit cards offer protection that I think is pretty comparable to what one could purchase in the marketplace. Do I still need travel insurance if I have coverage through a credit card?
Answer: If you’re taking a short, inexpensive domestic trip – say, a $200 flight followed by a stay at your aunt’s house – the cancellation and delay protections folded into a travel credit card will probably suffice. But if you’re plunking down a large deposit on a blowout vacation or if you are heading abroad, an independent travel insurance plan is the safest option.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
5 Historic Philadelphia Homes for Sale Now
Philadelphia is a goldmine of historic properties that rival the best in New York, London and Paris for charm and opulence. Here are five gems you can own.
By Charlotte Gorbold
-
When to Sell Your Stock
Knowing when to sell a stock is a major decision investors must make. While there's no one correct answer, we look at some best practices here.
By Charles Lewis Sizemore, CFA
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu
-
Best Places to Visit Where the Dollar Is Strong
From the Americas and Europe to Africa and Asia, we list the 10 best places to travel to where the U.S. dollar is the strongest.
By Quincy Williamson
-
24 Best Travel Websites and Apps to Find Deals and Save You Money
Travel Use Kiplinger's guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.
By Rivan V. Stinson
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
By Cameron Huddleston
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and More
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
By Cameron Huddleston
-
Frequent Flyer Tax Could Raise Billions for Climate
Could taxing frequent flyers help combat global pollution? Some climate scientists say yes.
By Kelley R. Taylor
-
How to Make The Most of a Travel Insurance Claim
More travelers are buying insurance. If your trip is canceled, take these steps to increase your chances of recovery.
By Susan J. Wells
-
Despite Cancelled Flights and Short-Staffed Hotels, Americans Are (Sort of) Traveling Again
Business Travel Thanks to high gas prices, cancelled flights and labor shortages across the sector, the post-COVID travel recovery looks uneven.
By Sean Lengell