September 3, 2025
No matter how much one plans for the unexpected, even the most prepared traveler can encounter mishaps on their trip. Whether that’s lost baggage, a missed flight, or a sudden illness, travel insurance provides added protection and peace of mind. Fortunately, some credit cards already come with this perk.
Let’s explore which credit cards have travel insurance and give tips on choosing one that suits your needs best.
Top Credit Cards with Free Travel Insurance
Here’s a look at some local credit cards offering either free travel insurance or solid travel coverage:
1. BPI Credit Cards
BPI credit cards offer free travel insurance and a range of travel benefits designed to provide protection and rewards for frequent travelers. Any cardholder aged 69 years and under at the time of travel is entitled to travel insurance, as long as they charge their travel fare on the following BPI credit cards:
- BPI Rewards Card
- BPI Gold Rewards Card
- BPI Platinum Rewards Card
- BPI Signature Card
- BPI Corporate Card
One minor dependent (aged 1 to 21 years old) of the primary or supplementary cardholder, whose fare was also purchased using the same card, is covered by travel insurance. Coverage begins at boarding and ends upon disembarkation, and is applicable for both domestic and international travel.
2. BDO Credit Cards
BDO credit cards include free travel insurance coverage when you purchase travel fare using these eligible cards:
Gold Credit Cards – Up to P10M FREE Family Travel Insurance
- BDO Gold Mastercard
- BDO Visa Gold
- BDO JCB Gold
- BDO Gold UnionPay
- BDO Diners Club International
Elite Credit Cards – Up to P20M FREE Family Travel Insurance
- BDO Platinum Mastercard
- BDO Visa Platinum
- BDO JCB Platinum
- BDO Diamond UnionPay
- BDO Diners Club Premiere
Other Cards
- Visa Signature – Up to P20M FREE Family Travel Insurance
- World Elite Mastercard – Up to $2M Travel Insurance
- Platinum Card by American Express – Up to $2M FREE Travel Insurance
- American Express Gold Card – Up to $300,000 FREE Family Travel Insurance
- American Express Platinum Credit Card – Up to P20M FREE Family Travel Insurance
- American Express Cashback and Explorer – Up to P10M FREE Family Travel Insurance
All travel insurance includes the cardholder’s spouse and up to eight children on the trip.
3. Security Bank Credit Cards
Security Bank offers credit cards that come with free travel insurance coverage for both cardholders and eligible family members. When you use Security Bank Platinum, World, or Corporate credit cards to pay your fare, you get up to P10M coverage on accidents, baggage loss or damage, flight disruption, personal injury, and more. Coverage is valid for a maximum of 60 days.
4. Union Bank Credit Cards
The UnionBank Miles+ Visa Signature credit card is a great option for frequent travelers, as it offers free travel insurance when you charge your travel tickets to the card. Cardholders earn one mile for every ₱30 spent, making it easy to accumulate miles that can be redeemed for flights and other travel-related rewards.
UnionBank Platinum and Corporate cardholders also get insurance coverage. Coverage is valid during their trip for a maximum of 15 days on a common carrier conveyance or scheduled flight, as long as they used their card for travel-related purchases.
5. EastWest Bank Credit Cards
EastWest offers a diverse range of credit cards that come with travel insurance benefits that cater to different types of travelers and spending habits.
- Visa Infinite
- Visa Platinum
- Platinum Mastercard
- EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard
- Visa Gold
- Gold Mastercard
The primary cardholder is entitled to up to P10M coverage in the event of an accident, injury, flight delay or cancellation, lost or damaged baggage, and other untoward incidents.
The higher-tier cards, like the Visa Infinite and Visa Platinum, typically offer more extensive coverage and additional luxury travel perks such as airport lounge access and higher reward points accumulation.
The EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard is particularly designed for frequent Singapore Airlines flyers, combining the advantages of KrisFlyer miles earning with travel insurance and exclusive airline-related perks.
Meanwhile, the Visa Gold and Gold Mastercard provide solid entry-level travel benefits and insurance coverage, suitable for occasional travelers who still want protection and rewards during their trips.
6. RCBC Credit Cards
RCBC credit cards offer travel insurance coverage through RCBC Travel Plus. Eligible cards include:
- Platinum Mastercard (Black, Diamond, YGC Rewards Plus Platinum)
- Hexagon Club
- JCB Platinum
- UnionPay Diamond
When you use these cards to purchase international airfare, cruise tickets, or tour packages originating from the Philippines, you qualify for free travel insurance coverage that lasts up to 15 calendar days per trip. The coverage includes a wide range of protections such as accidental death, dismemberment, and disablement, emergency trip cancellation and termination, and more.
Coverage limits vary depending on the ticket purchase amount, with Plan A for purchases under ₱25,000 and Plan B for ₱25,000 and above.
Credit Cards Without Free Travel Insurance
Not all credit cards come with free travel insurance. Many cards are designed more for shopping, dining, or cashback rewards, and if they do offer travel insurance, it’s usually an optional paid add-on.
Many banks partner with insurance providers to allow their cardholders to buy standalone travel insurance policies.
EastWest Bank
EastWest Bank partners with Chubb Insurance to offer a travel accident and inconvenience insurance plan. While cardholders receive free limited travel insurance when they use their EastWest cards for travel fares, they can also pay for upgraded or extended coverage separately through Chubb if desired.
RCBC
RCBC credit cards provide free travel insurance for international trips with ticket purchases, but also offer the option for cardholders to purchase add-on insurance coverage for longer travel durations or additional companions via Malayan Insurance.
Metrobank
Metrobank encourages cardholders to avail travel insurance separately through partners like AXA. Their “Smart Traveller” insurance plan is available for purchase online, providing medical and trip protection.
Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card
Good travel credit cards come with free travel insurance to protect your finances and peace of mind when things go sideways during your trip. But with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s what to consider:
1. Travel Frequency and Destination
If you travel often, choose cards with higher insurance limits to cushion unexpected events. Those who only travel occasionally can get a card without bundled insurance but with strong cashback or lifestyle perks. You can always buy separate travel insurance when you need it.
2. Insurance Coverage and Exclusions
Compare how much each card covers (accidents, medical, baggage, delays, trip cancellation). Some credit cards with free travel insurance only apply during transit, not the whole journey.
3. Travel Rewards and Other Perks
Some cards bundle insurance with travel perks like lounge access, cashback on international spending, and concierge services. If you value luxury and convenience during your trips, these credit cards are a great option.
4. Fees and Foreign Transaction Costs
Premium cards that offer travel insurance often charge higher annual fees. Factor in foreign transaction fees, lounge access benefits, and point rewards when making your choice.
Keep Your Trips Safe and Stress-Free
Having free travel insurance with your credit card is like having a travel companion you can depend on when things don’t go as planned. With this curated list from Cards.ph, we hope you find the credit card that gives you an extra layer of security every time you fly.
Safe travels and happy swiping!