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Westpac Credit Card Complimentary Travel Insurance Now Includes COVID-19 Cover

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Westpac Credit Card Complimentary Travel Insurance Now Includes COVID-19 Cover
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Lryefig on 06/07/2022 - 09:31 westpac.com.au (2377 clicks)
Last edited 29/09/2022 - 11:38 by 1 other user

After doing some digging around to see what cover is available, I found out that finally Westpac credit cards that include complimentary travel insurance, now include COVID cover.

From their website:

From 30 June 2022, selected COVID-19 cover is available in the International Travel Insurance coverage under the following sections:

1.1 Overseas Emergency Assistance
1.2 Overseas Emergency Medical
1.4 Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
2.1 Cancellation
3.1 Additional Expenses

https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/…
https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/credit-cards/man…

Travel COVID-19 Credit Card Insurance Travel Insurance

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Comments

  • utsc on 06/07/2022 - 09:35

    Does all types of cards have the above coverage?

    Does the card have an annual fee and if so how much?

    • Bedgrub on 06/07/2022 - 10:49
      +1

      Also, are bookings covered if they were incurred prior to the change? Never been able to figure this out.

    • robbyjones on 06/07/2022 - 15:22
      +1

      Go to Westpac site all the information is listed there under their credit cards and the PDS

  • OZBsince2018 on 06/07/2022 - 09:38
    -4

    Is it a deal? Should be posted in the relevant section.

    • CodeXD on 06/07/2022 - 09:44
      +20

      NAB and ANZ were both posted as deal and well received. A lot of users don't look at forum (I assume that is what you mean as 'relevant section')

      • FirstWizard on 06/07/2022 - 10:26
        +3

        If the definition of a deal is something that would save you money, yeah, I think it could be counted as an ongoing deal as it would save money for people who would otherwise have to takeout COVID cover before travelling?

        • Bedgrub on 06/07/2022 - 10:56
          +2

          A policy change to an existing product that results in savings (such as a lowering of interest rates, loool), could also be a deal, but they’d probably be spammy if there were any more than five announcements a week.

          That said, these are significant changes that don’t occur very often (if ever), and would play a very big part in the readership’s economic decision making processes in relation to travel.

          Travel represents a very large chunk of someone’s budget given the current economic climate, so I think it’s important to get this message out there.

    • belongsinforums on 06/07/2022 - 10:45
      +1

      these days a change in catalogue on a streaming service counts as a deal. everything's a deal!

      • jackspratt on 07/07/2022 - 18:03

        Username indicates a narrow thinker.

    • naru6705 on 06/07/2022 - 11:40

      Do you know how much it cost to get a cover otherwise

  • PhilToinby on 06/07/2022 - 09:38
    +8

    I'd recommend double checking you have Covid cover, even domestically. If not, it's probably worth buying a policy through someone like Allianz. I had Covid while travelling, and the extra accommodation, airfare and care hire costs were significant (and were luckily covered by my insurance)

    • hippyhippy on 06/07/2022 - 09:53
      +2

      which insurance company did you use? how did you claim? what was the process of them reimbursing you? and how long did that take?.. cheers.

      • npdeee on 06/07/2022 - 10:04
        +7

        I used Medibank Travel Insurance - International Comprehensive. Got covid while we were in the US last January, and they paid for all of the extra accommodations, covid tests, transportation, and airline change fee. Submit a claim through their online forms, and got my money back in my bank 3 weeks after.

        • hippyhippy on 06/07/2022 - 10:06

          so you just paid for it upfront first and then just sent them the receipts after everything?

      • PhilToinby on 06/07/2022 - 11:24
        +2

        I used an Allianz domestic policy booked direct from their website (as my citibank cc didnt cover claims caused by covid). Claim process was fairly simple, though it must have taken 6 weeks or so before I received a payout. I forgot to include a few receipts and invoices when I first submitted the claim and they just sent me a letter outlining exactly what else to send through. The key thing is to have an official document confirming your infection, e.g. a letter from Qld health was enough in my case. Probably a PCR result would also help. I ended up getting about $3k back, so the initial $120 policy was well worth it.

        You obviously have to be able to prove your original itinerary was disrupted and extra costs incurred, you can't just claim a week of accommodation and car hire!

    • spiinl on 06/07/2022 - 09:58
      +1

      westpac complimentary insurance is by Allianz

      • Onemoredeal on 06/07/2022 - 10:03
        +3

        I was gonna say the wording above (the covered scenarios) is identical to my Allianz policy I bought recently for Bali.

      • PhilToinby on 06/07/2022 - 11:17

        yes, but some of the cheaper polices that allianz underwrite has differing levels of cover. You have to check these things before you travel.

    • prhino on 06/07/2022 - 11:36

      +1 on this. I wouldn't rely on complimentary credit card travel insurance during covid, particularly if travelling to the US. My partner got it over there, and the expenses to change travel arrangement added up pretty quickly.

      How much did you end up claiming?

      • andyfc on 06/07/2022 - 21:52
        +1

        Why don't you just read the PDS' instead of just straight up writing off the level of cover.

        *Many complimentary insurances now have very similar levels of cover to standalone insurances (noting that they're generally entry level cover, but that's good enough for most).

        It's the ozbargain way to research not rely on hearsay.

        • prhino on 07/07/2022 - 06:23

          Yes, I read it, and that's why I wouldn't use it

      • ashtdp on 07/07/2022 - 19:08

        Can you give more details if you don’t mind? Did you had to pay those expenses despite the PDS said COVID related expenses covered or which exclusion/exception that was deceptive and made the costs ineligible to claim? Which Bank card?

        • prhino on 07/07/2022 - 19:38

          Depends where you're going.

  • Nathw on 06/07/2022 - 09:40
    +9

    Bought 10, thanks.

    • swings on 06/07/2022 - 17:13

      reselling on Gumtree?

  • Dowhatuwant on 06/07/2022 - 09:56

    what about Bank of Melbourne?

    • renji135 on 06/07/2022 - 11:20

      Looks like it applies to BoM as well:
      https://www.bankofmelbourne.com.au/personal/credit-cards/man…

      • adrianhughes1998 on 06/07/2022 - 11:23

        Just got my St George Qantas card too so guessing that will apply to that as well

        Means won't have to take out a separate travel insurance policy then with say Cover More…

      • Dowhatuwant on 06/07/2022 - 11:30

        It says from 30 June, does that mean it only applies to travel purchases after that date or claims after that date even if the purchase itself was before then?

  • GS9891 on 06/07/2022 - 10:00
    +1

    Does it also apply to BoM/BankSA/St. George Amplify cards?

    Edit: Seems it does! https://www.stgeorge.com.au/personal/credit-cards/manage/ins…

    • Everest99 on 06/07/2022 - 10:41
      +1

      St. George Amplify does.

  • prankster on 06/07/2022 - 10:16

    Not to digress but is this statement from CBA mean it does have any covid cover?

    Does CommBank Travel insurance cover coronavirus claims?

    All travel insurance offered through CommBank is provided by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited through its agent Cover-More. This includes CBA Travel Insurance and international travel insurance included with your eligible CommBank credit or debit card. Please note there is no cover for cancellation claims related to coronavirus.

    • spamus on 06/07/2022 - 11:29
      +2

      If you're talking about their credit card cover, click through to the COVID FAQs: https://www.commbank.com.au/travel/travel-insurance-coronavi…

      The policy has a general exclusion for pandemics.

      It states: We will not pay for claims caused by, or claims arising from, an epidemic, pandemic or outbreak of a contagious disease or any derivative or mutation of such viruses, or the threat or perceived threat of any of these. Refer to who.int and smartraveller.gov.au for further information on epidemics and pandemics.

      • prankster on 06/07/2022 - 12:27

        so no then lol

  • Strange1 on 06/07/2022 - 10:16
    +1

    Thanks OP for alerting me to this. Used it for a trip last month and had to get COVID specific cover on top of this, but this is helpful for anything in the future.

    • FirstWizard on 06/07/2022 - 10:30

      Are there companies that do COVID Specific only cover?

      I'm waiting for Bankwest to follow suit.
      I have tickets booked for Europe in a few months and used my Bankwest Zero card to avoid the international transaction fee, however, complimentary insurance does not cover COVID yet. The rest of the cover is good enough. Can you let me know which insurance company you used?

      • souths123 on 06/07/2022 - 10:38

        unless you spend the min amount for cover before you leave and after any changes to insurance cover, you wouldn't be covered anyway.

        • FirstWizard on 06/07/2022 - 10:47

          I was referring to the ones where you can pay to get covered for COVID only, as @strange1 said they got.

          Also FYI, there are certain cards, eg. Commbank, that provide you Complimentary insurance just by the virtue of having the card(and clicking a button to activate online), no min spend required - though they don't cover covid yet either.

          And I think most Allianz cards (NAB, ANZ, and this one) your spend does not have to be flights, it can be anything from accommodation to event tickets.

      • Strange1 on 06/07/2022 - 11:10
        +1

        I went to Thailand - and when i registered for the Thailand Pass (which is now no longer required i believe), there was the official (or semi-official) insurance you could purchase that only covered COVID - it cost something like $25 for 2 weeks. Alternatively i almost went with the cheapest nastiest general travel insurance policy that included COVID cover for like $40 (i think it was Zoom). Very high excess and limited cover for other things. My plan was any normal travel insurance claims, use the Westpac one, as it was better. Anything COVID related use the cheap nasty one.

        • FirstWizard on 06/07/2022 - 11:15
          +1

          Awesome, Cheers! I'll have a look at Zoom. I was planning on the same thing if worst comes to worst :D

  • Legoncy on 06/07/2022 - 10:21

    I've booked with my westpac card(before covid cover) and taken extra cover with racv.
    Now considering cancelling with RACV and just using this.

    • spiinl on 06/07/2022 - 10:33

      i have purchase my ticket to activate the cover before the covid amendments 30/06, wondering if it is is still be covered?

      • souths123 on 06/07/2022 - 10:40

        ask them, but I think you will find it is only things booked and paid for after the change came into effect. That is the usual way these things work, but they might stipulate that all bookings made and paid for by the relevant Westpac CC prior to the change are now covered (although I find that doubtful)

        • spiinl on 06/07/2022 - 10:45

          ringing up the call centre may not actually help unless we can get it in writing.

          • Legoncy on 06/07/2022 - 11:16
            +1

            @spiinl: called them and they confirmed coverage and will be sending our a document confirming coverage via email.
            Im happy and will be cancelling my extra insurance.

            Call them

  • Everest99 on 06/07/2022 - 10:25

    Do these credit card providers give you any proof that you have insurance when you are travelling? For example, Covid insurance is mandatory for foreigners travelling to Thailand.

    • souths123 on 06/07/2022 - 10:42

      print out the credit card cover info with a statement showing the booking using the card? If in doubt, check with their embassy.

    • spiinl on 06/07/2022 - 10:43
      +1

      Thailand no longer required the covid insurance.

      From Smart Traveller
      Travel
      You're no longer required to apply for permission to enter Thailand (previously known as a Thailand Pass).
      Insurance coverage for COVID-19 is no longer mandatory, but insurance is highly recommended, as Thailand continues to experience local transmission of COVID-19.
      You'll still need to show proof of either full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result (issued within 72 hours of travel).
      Restrictions may change at short notice. Check with your airline, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the nearest Thai Embassy for the latest information.
      You can transit between international flights in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Ensure that your connecting flight is booked on the same itinerary and ticket. You must remain in the transiting area in the airport.
      COVID-related restrictions may apply at the local or provincial level. Check what restrictions apply before travelling and follow the advice of local authorities.

    • robbyjones on 06/07/2022 - 15:26

      Westpac insurance (Allianz) will provide you with written coverage if you ask for it.

    • ryefig on 06/07/2022 - 15:26
      +2

      I found this link hidden deep in the :traveling overseas" section of their website. If you put in your travel details, allianz will send you an PDF to confirm that you are covered (or not).
      I did this today and the PDF confirmed that I have "Epidemic/Pandemic (such a COVID-19) Cover".
      The letter is addressed to me and has my travel companions details too. I'm sure this is the type of proof that the authorities would need.

      https://travel.agaassistance.com.au/nacb2c/westpac/travel-in…

      • ashtdp on 07/07/2022 - 19:12
        +1

        Update: Nevermind. Replacing westpac with stgeorge in the above link works

        Did you find this in Westpac website or Allianz? I have St George card which is also covered by Allianz and trying to figure out similar link for St George..

  • mooreshady on 06/07/2022 - 10:29

    What about commonwealth bank gold card where you get $300 cashback currently offering?

    • CodeXD on 06/07/2022 - 10:59

      no CBA credit card cover COVID for travel insurance

  • JSONBourne on 06/07/2022 - 10:30

    How do you activate this cover? Do you have to purchase your flights with it or does it just kick in by purely having the card?

    • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2022 - 10:32
      +2

      min spend of $500 travel related cost on the card

      • spiinl on 06/07/2022 - 10:34

        do you know if we still get the covid cover if we spend before the amendments?

        • nigel deborah on 06/07/2022 - 10:41

          Even under normal circumstances it's best to call and confirm your cover, don't want to find out later you missed a technicality.

      • JSONBourne on 06/07/2022 - 10:53

        Awesome thanks

        • bxy00 on 06/07/2022 - 11:37

          Does it kick in automatically after the $500 purchase?

          • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2022 - 12:24
            +2

            @bxy00: So there isn't any proactive email or notification.

            AFAIK, they check for eligibility when you go to make a claim for something that has already happened. They'll verify if you've spent min $500 on the card for that trip and then process your claim.

            So as long as you spend min $500 and meet the other critieria (read the PDS) then you will be covered when you go to claim.

          • ryefig on 06/07/2022 - 15:27

            @bxy00: It does automatically kick in, but you can register your travel details here and allianz will send you confirmation
            https://travel.agaassistance.com.au/nacb2c/westpac/travel-in…

      • brokeman on 06/07/2022 - 11:30

        so that is or isn't including the cost of flights?

        • robbyjones on 06/07/2022 - 15:27

          Any travel related spend of $500 per person

  • spal on 06/07/2022 - 10:39

    Thank you for posting. I have Westpac card, and traveling overseas next month. I was looking to buy another policy as I was not sure how to get proof of insurance as required by some destinations. In the PDS booklet there is a link for obtaining a proof of insurance. Although, the link isn't working.

    • souths123 on 06/07/2022 - 10:42

      better check if this new cover is retrospective…might just be for bookings paid from now.

      • spiinl on 06/07/2022 - 10:49

        re read the notice of change:

        One clause at the bottom says "In all other respects the booklet remains unaltered".
        Eligibility section isn't changed.

    • Yoo05 on 06/07/2022 - 15:19
      +4

      @spal
      Here is the link, enter your westpac card no, follow the prompts, answer few questions and once completed you will get an email with the proof of insurance document.

      https://travel.agaassistance.com.au/nacb2c/westpac/travel-in…

      • spal on 07/07/2022 - 09:52

        Thank you the link worked. Got my eligibility letter.

      • ashtdp on 07/07/2022 - 18:53

        Update: Nevermind. Replacing westpac with stgeorge in the above link works

        Do you have similar link for St George cards which is part of Westpac Group? Or where do I find one?

    • Skramit on 06/07/2022 - 18:50
      +1

      The link works if you delete the %20 bit in the URL

      • spal on 07/07/2022 - 09:53

        For me the original link in the PDS worked, but when I would put in my card number it was showing an error.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2022 - 11:03

    So many people flip credit cards, and don't hold their credit card for the holiday there probably booked.

    I booked my holiday next May on points, I paid my taxes on Amex but unsure if that will count for free travel insurance.

    • FirstWizard on 06/07/2022 - 11:16

      Might depend on what AMEX card you have, as they have so many cards and pretty much each has its own T&Cs booklet.

      eg. The card I have (AMEX Plat - reserve) would cover you for paying airfare with FF points - they say this specifically in there somewhere.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2022 - 11:25

        Explorer.

        I was gonna close it soon tho, should of 6 months ago.

        • FirstWizard on 06/07/2022 - 11:30

          From memory, our two cards are pretty much the same as Plat reserve(not widely issued anymore) was replaced by the Explorer card a while back.
          So I believe they would cover you, do double check.

  • a1234my on 06/07/2022 - 12:04

    Insurance cover will gone once the card is cancel? After ticket bought with the card.

    • robbyjones on 06/07/2022 - 15:29

      If you no longer have the credit card you can't avail yourself of the insurance that comes with said card.

  • everydayimbargaining on 06/07/2022 - 12:22

    Does VIRGIN money credit card offer this?

    • robbyjones on 06/07/2022 - 15:30

      Go read the PDS of Virgin money credit cards, it'll be in there somewhere

  • dynaflow on 06/07/2022 - 12:34

    The OP's post re Westpac cards now offering Covid-19 cover seems OK.
    Traditionally the cover offered by banks has been limited.I used TICK for my travel insurance a few months ago to Italy for five weeks.They offer Covid-19 cover on all but their basic policy.
    "Tick Travel Insurance is wholly owned by EUROP ASSISTANCE which forms part of the global Generali Group. Europ Assistance has a global presence in more than 200 countries, with a network of more than 750,000 assistance providers averaging 10 million assistance interventions every year."

  • cmyk on 06/07/2022 - 14:27

    CommBank the slowest and the follower except when it comes to raising interest rates for home loans. Disappointing, smh

    • robbyjones on 06/07/2022 - 15:31

      You now you are free to change banks, right?

  • chrischeese on 06/07/2022 - 16:12

    Note new policy excludes "reconsider your need to travel" countries. Not great for people like myself going to Egypt at the end of this year.

  • bxy00 on 06/07/2022 - 16:17

    How strong is the cover? I am booked to go to the US, would I be best to purchase additional premium cover? Or just another basic cover.

    • Skramit on 06/07/2022 - 18:51

      It seems pretty good in the pds. Unlimited cover on medical etc and covers most other key bits with decent limits.

  • GateauBoeuf on 06/07/2022 - 20:49

    Does the travel insurance coverage begin from when you spend $500 on travel expenses?

    I'm planning a trip to Korea in 2023 and am reluctant to get a Westpac card only to find out the complimentary coverage ended in 2022.

  • spal on 07/07/2022 - 10:11

    I do note that the excess has now gone up to $300. It used to be $100 few years back, and then was raised.

  • thebeancounter on 07/07/2022 - 11:08

    Thanks for this!

    I booked our flights in March this year for travel in Dec 22-Jan 23. I applied for the 'Letter of Eligibility' via Westpac portal and it clearly shows inclusion of Covid/Pandemic/Epidemic cover.

    My card is Westpac Black Altitude.

    • OnlyFans on 07/07/2022 - 11:18
      +1

      Same, just checked my letter too. Covid now included.

  • prhino on 07/07/2022 - 11:47

    Interestingly, the travel advice for the US has just been downgraded to "exercise normal safety precautions"

  • Marty156 on 07/07/2022 - 19:41

    From the Westpac main web page:
    We are temporarily ceasing sales of Travel Insurance
    We are working with our insurance partner Allianz Global Assistance to bring you a new travel insurance product in 2023!

    Wonder if this changes things?

    • spal on 08/07/2022 - 08:56
      +2

      This would be for selling travel insurance, which is different from having a group insurance policy to cover the credit cardholders.

  • thomalfa on 13/07/2022 - 11:06

    is this only apply to high end card like black or platinum and above?

  • mxlmxlmxl on 13/07/2022 - 22:53
    +4

    Thanks for sharing this. The covid cover is actually better than a heap of paid policies out there and they were great to confirm exactly in writing the questions.

    • If you have already paid for holiday purchases prior to this cover change, it still counts towards it. FOr Westpac Black Qantas card it's $500 per person
    • Higher cover than commonly paid providers like InsureandGo & Covermore (Limit $10k for covid)
    • Easy to get information, emailed PDS and policy cover and way faster to answer than other other providers

    Saved me >$600 Op, so I'll def call this a "deal" as anything that saves money is a win.

  • Firefly on 15/07/2022 - 18:19

    I am travelling to the US with my mom at the end of the year. I have a Westpac Card and my mum has a secondary card attached to it. Will she be eligible for the complimentary insurance? Will we have to spend $500 on travel expenses on each card, or will just $500 on mine be enough to active the insurance for both of us?

  • Marty156 on 15/07/2022 - 18:26
    +1

    per person minimum of $500 each,
    Page 36
    3. before leaving Australia at least $500 of
    each of the spouse and/or dependant’s
    prepaid travel costs (e.g. cost of return
    overseas travel ticket, and/or airport/
    departure taxes, and/or prepaid overseas
    accommodation/travel, and/or other
    prepaid overseas itinerary items) are
    charged to the accountholder’s card
    account;

    • yet another user on 19/07/2022 - 21:38
      +1

      Access to up to 3 months' complimentary cover for International Travel Insurance when you meet the eligibility criteria as set out in the Credit Card Complimentary Insurance Policy including prepaying $500 of your travel costs to your eligible card and holding a return overseas ticket before departing Australia,

      I'm a bit stumped as to definition of "return overseas travel ticket".

      In Policy information booklet pdf page 31/142, it defines "return overseas
      travel ticket" as "a ticket from Australia and return to Australia".

      From the definition, it does sound like only 1x return ticket outbound from Australia+return to Australia are included.

      Does anyone know if 1x ticket outbound from Australia, and 1x different inbound to Australia tickets are considered?
      This is especially relevant for open jaw tickets.

  • macr0hard on 25/07/2022 - 10:12

    Anyone knows when/if Citibank will follow soon? or NAB won't even bother so people would slowly drop Citibank cards

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