Many credit cards offer travel insurance benefits as a perk — and that can be a great starting point. But are those built-in protections enough for your next trip?

If you’re relying on your credit card’s travel coverage, it’s worth understanding where the gaps may lie. In many cases, a standalone policy from Arch RoamRight offers broader coverage, higher limits and 24/7 support when things go wrong.

Here’s a breakdown of what typical credit card travel insurance often includes — and why a standalone travel insurance plan may be a better fit.

💳 What Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Typically Cover?

Credit card travel protection is often limited in scope and only applies if the entire trip (or a significant portion of it) was paid for with the card offering the benefit. While each card varies, typical coverages include:

• Trip cancellation/interruption (up to a limited amount)
• Baggage loss or delay
• Travel accident insurance
• Rental car damage waivers

These benefits are usually subject to strict terms, may require lengthy paperwork, and often come with lower payout limits than standalone policies.

🧳 Key Gaps in Credit Card Travel Insurance

1. Lower Benefit Limits

Many credit cards cap trip cancellation or interruption coverage between $1,500 and $5,000. If your trip costs more — for example, a family vacation or international cruise — those limits may not be sufficient.

In contrast, Arch RoamRight plans typically offer higher coverage limits that can better match the actual cost of your trip.

2. No Emergency Medical Coverage

Many credit cards do not provide emergency medical or evacuation coverage. That means if you get sick or injured while abroad, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs — especially in countries where healthcare is more expensive for visitors.

Arch RoamRight includes emergency medical benefits and medical evacuation coverage in many of its plans.

3. Limited Flexibility

Credit card benefits can vary based on the issuing bank and card level (e.g., Platinum vs. Gold). In addition, you often must file claims through third-party administrators.

A standalone Arch RoamRight policy gives you a clear summary of benefits, consistent terms and direct access to a dedicated claims team.

🚨 When a Standalone Policy Offers Better Protection

Here are examples of situations where Arch RoamRight offers more coverage than most credit card insurance:

🧠 Other Considerations

• Who is Covered? Credit card benefits may only apply to the cardholder, not their spouse or children unless specified. Arch RoamRight policies can be structured to cover multiple travelers under one plan.
• Claim Support: Credit card claims often go through 3^rd party benefits administrators, whereas Arch RoamRight provides direct support from licensed representatives trained in travel-specific scenarios.

✅ When to Choose Arch RoamRight Instead

A standalone travel insurance plan may be the better choice if:

• Your trip cost exceeds a few thousand dollars
• You’re traveling internationally
• You want coverage for medical emergencies
• You need flexible options like adventure sports coverage
• You’re traveling with family and want everyone covered

✈️ Go Beyond the Basics With Travel Insurance That’s Built for Travel

While credit card travel insurance is a nice perk, it’s often not a substitute for a standalone travel insurance policy. Arch RoamRight gives travelers access to broader coverage, customizable plans and 24/7 assistance — all designed to keep your trip on track.

Not sure which plan is right for your trip?
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