When planning a trip, travel insurance is often an afterthought. Many travelers purchase separate policies for flight delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies. However, most premium and mid-tier credit cards in India already include travel insurance benefits, often at no extra cost. Understanding these hidden benefits can save you money and protect you during domestic and international travel.
In 2025, credit card travel insurance covers a wide range of risks, from trip cancellations to emergency medical expenses. This guide explains what these benefits are, which credit cards offer them, and how to maximize their value.
Why Travel Insurance via Credit Cards Matters
Travel insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind during your trips. Using your credit card’s insurance benefits offers several advantages:
- Cost Savings
Premium travel insurance policies can be expensive. Credit card insurance is usually included for free with your card.
- Automatic Coverage
Many cards activate insurance automatically when you book flights or pay for travel using the card.
- Comprehensive Protection
Credit card travel insurance often covers:
- Accidental death or disability
- Flight delays and cancellations
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Emergency medical expenses
- Trip curtailment
- Convenience
Filing claims through your bank can be faster than third-party insurance, and some banks provide dedicated customer service for claims.
- Added Value for Frequent Travelers
Frequent flyers and business travelers benefit from insurance coverage on every trip booked with the card.
Types of Travel Insurance Benefits in Credit Cards
Credit cards offer different types of travel insurance, depending on the tier of the card.
1. Accidental Death & Disability Cover
- Provides financial compensation to cardholders or nominees in case of accidental death or permanent disability during travel.
- Coverage can range from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for premium cards like Axis Magnus or HDFC Regalia.
2. Flight Delay & Cancellation Cover
- Reimburses expenses caused by flight delays exceeding a certain number of hours.
- Can include hotel stays, meals, and local transportation.
- Example: ICICI Sapphiro reimburses up to ₹5,000 for flight delays over 6 hours.
3. Lost or Delayed Baggage Cover
- Compensates for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage during air travel.
- Some cards offer up to ₹50,000 per trip for lost baggage.
4. Emergency Medical Expenses
- Covers medical emergencies during travel, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and medicines.
- High-end cards like Axis Magnus provide coverage up to ₹25 lakh for international trips.
5. Trip Curtailment & Cancellation
- If a trip is cut short or canceled due to unforeseen events, expenses may be reimbursed.
6. Car Rental & Travel Assistance
- Some cards include coverage for car rental accidents and roadside assistance.
Top Credit Cards Offering Travel Insurance Benefits (2025)
Here are the best credit cards in India that offer comprehensive travel insurance benefits:
1. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
Overview:
HDFC Regalia is a premium travel card that includes a wide range of insurance benefits.
Key Features:
- Accidental Death Cover: Up to ₹50 lakh
- Flight Delay & Cancellation: Up to ₹5,000 per trip
- Lost Baggage: Up to ₹50,000
- Medical Emergencies: Covers hospitalization and emergency medical expenses
- Additional Perks: Lounge access, concierge service, reward points on travel
Pros:
- Comprehensive insurance for domestic and international travel
- Automatically activated when travel is booked using the card
- Combined with other premium travel benefits
Cons:
- Annual fee of ₹2,500 plus taxes
- Some claims require detailed documentation
Best For: Frequent domestic and international travelers seeking premium coverage
2. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Overview:
Axis Magnus is a high-end credit card offering maximum travel insurance benefits.
Key Features:
- Accidental Death & Disability: Up to ₹1 crore
- Flight Delay & Cancellation: Up to ₹10,000 per trip
- Lost or Delayed Baggage: Up to ₹50,000
- Emergency Medical Cover: Up to ₹25 lakh for international travel
- Additional Benefits: Unlimited lounge access, concierge services, hotel discounts
Pros:
- Best-in-class insurance coverage
- Covers both domestic and international travel comprehensively
- Premium perks included
Cons:
- High annual fee of ₹10,000 plus taxes
- Requires careful tracking of terms and conditions for claims
Best For: Frequent high-spending travelers who want complete travel protection
3. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
Overview:
ICICI Sapphiro offers mid-tier travel insurance benefits along with rewards and lounge access.
Key Features:
- Accidental Death & Disability: Up to ₹25 lakh
- Flight Delay & Cancellation: Up to ₹5,000 per trip
- Lost Baggage: Up to ₹25,000
- Medical Emergencies: Covers hospitalization during domestic travel
- Additional Perks: Lounge access, reward points, hotel discounts
Pros:
- Moderate annual fee of ₹3,000 plus taxes
- Balance of travel rewards and insurance coverage
- Good for domestic travelers
Cons:
- Limited international medical coverage
- Some claim limits are lower than premium cards
Best For: Mid-tier travelers who want adequate insurance benefits with moderate costs
4. SBI Card Elite
Overview:
SBI Elite combines premium travel insurance with multiple travel and lifestyle benefits.
Key Features:
- Accidental Death & Disability: Up to ₹50 lakh
- Flight Delay & Cancellation: Up to ₹5,000 per trip
- Lost Baggage: Up to ₹50,000
- Medical Emergencies: Covers domestic and limited international trips
- Additional Perks: Multiple lounge visits, concierge services, reward points
Pros:
- Premium card with strong insurance coverage
- Includes additional travel perks like hotel discounts and concierge services
Cons:
- High annual fee of ₹4,999 plus taxes
- Reward points slower to accumulate on non-travel spends
Best For: Travelers looking for comprehensive insurance with lifestyle benefits
5. Kotak Mahindra Solitaire Credit Card
Overview:
Kotak Solitaire offers basic travel insurance suitable for budget travelers.
Key Features:
- Accidental Death & Disability: Up to ₹10 lakh
- Flight Delay & Cancellation: Up to ₹2,000
- Lost Baggage: Up to ₹20,000
- Medical Emergencies: Covers basic domestic hospitalization
- Additional Perks: Reward points and limited lounge access
Pros:
- Low annual fee of ₹999 plus taxes
- Ideal for occasional travelers
- Provides basic protection without extra cost
Cons:
- Limited international coverage
- Fewer premium travel benefits
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking essential travel insurance
Tips to Maximize Travel Insurance Benefits
- Always Pay with Your Card
- Most travel insurance benefits are activated only when the trip is booked using the credit card.
- Understand the Coverage
- Read terms carefully to know limits for medical emergencies, flight delays, and baggage loss.
- Keep Documentation Ready
- Maintain receipts, tickets, and reports for faster claims processing.
- Combine with Other Insurance if Needed
- For high-value international trips, consider additional coverage for extra protection.
- Track Claim Limits
- Some benefits are per trip, while others are annual. Plan accordingly for multiple trips.
- Use Concierge Services
- Many premium cards offer assistance with insurance claims and emergency travel support.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming All Travel Is Covered: Some cards only cover trips booked with the card.
- Ignoring Claim Deadlines: Insurance claims often have strict submission timelines.
- Not Understanding Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, or certain destinations may be excluded.
- Underestimating Coverage Needs: For long international trips, consider supplemental insurance.
- Overlooking Travel Insurance: Many travelers fail to activate insurance benefits despite booking with the card.
Conclusion
Travel insurance is a hidden gem in many credit cards, offering protection for accidents, medical emergencies, flight delays, lost baggage, and trip cancellations. Cards like HDFC Regalia, Axis Magnus, ICICI Sapphiro, SBI Elite, and Kotak Solitaire provide a range of benefits suitable for frequent travelers, mid-tier users, and budget-conscious travelers.
By understanding the coverage, using your card for bookings, and maximizing the benefits, you can travel with peace of mind in 2025 without paying separately for expensive insurance policies.