Credit card travel insurance is changing in Australia. Before your next trip, it’s worth checking what you’re actually covered for.
From 1 October 2026, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reforms will change the way card payments work in Australia, including lower interchange fee caps and the removal of card payment surcharges. As card issuers review the benefits available on selected cards, some complimentary travel insurance offerings have already changed.
If you sometimes rely on your credit card for travel insurance, now is a good time to check what cover you actually have.
What’s changing?
New Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reforms are changing the way card payments work in Australia, including lower interchange fee caps and a ban on card payment surcharges.
As the economics of offering credit cards change, some banks are reviewing the perks that come with them and complimentary travel insurance is one of the benefits already being affected.
For example, some banks have removed complimentary travel insurance from selected cards, while others have reduced cover limits or increased excesses.
The takeaway? Don’t assume the credit card travel insurance you had before is the credit card travel insurance you have today.
Are You Actually Covered?
Having complimentary travel insurance listed as a credit card benefit doesn’t necessarily mean you’re automatically covered.
Many credit card travel insurance policies have eligibility and activation requirements, such as paying a minimum amount of your travel costs using the eligible credit card.
That makes it important to check:
- Is travel insurance still included with your card?
- Have you met the requirements to activate your cover?
- What are the limits and exclusions?
- Has your cover changed since your last trip?
Checking your cover before you leave could save you from an unexpected surprise when you need your insurance most.
Choose travel insurance designed for travel
Instead of relying on a credit card perk, choose travel insurance designed specifically for your trip.
With PassportCard, you can choose cover that suits your travel needs and access 24/7 global support when the unexpected happens. We’re also Australia’s only travel insurance with instant payouts on approved common claims so you’re not out of pocket.
Don’t assume you’re covered. Know you’re covered.
Before your next trip, check what your credit card actually includes – or choose dedicated travel insurance with PassportCard.
Travel insurance should be one less thing to worry about.
Watch this video and let’s hear the views from Clinton, our Head of Broker.
Why it’s so important to have travel insurance
