Does your bank card insurance cover all your travel needs?

In some countries, medical fees can skyrocket to several thousand euros in no time. For just a few dozen euros, travel insurance provides indispensable protection.

The French public health system is not the most reliable when you’re abroad: it only covers you in European Union countries.

Remember that your bank card does include certain travel benefits, but its coverage ceilings are often low, the excess is high, and your supplementary health insurance may not cover every scenario. That’s why—indeed, why it’s essential—to take out a dedicated travel insurance policy before you leave; it’s the surest way to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Here’s what to weigh when deciding if the coverage is enough:

• Type of insurance – Bank cards commonly bundle cancellation, travel-delay, lost-baggage and medical insurance. If your destination presents specific risks, you may still need a more comprehensive travel policy.

• Coverage limits – Card-provided benefits can fall short. Typical shortcomings include lower-than-needed medical limits, capped baggage reimbursement, or short maximum trip durations—sometimes even excluding adventure travel or extreme sports.

• Exclusions – Card travel insurance may exclude pre-existing conditions, or refuse payout if vaccinations aren’t up-to-date. Always read the fine print before you depart.

• Claims process – To receive reimbursement you must file within set deadlines, supply the required documents and use the correct contact channels. Delays or missing paperwork can cost you.

Visamundi partners with Chapka so its customers can add full protection to every trip—grab an extra 5 % on Chapka’s competitive rates.