Credit Card Travel Insurance | The Pitfalls of Relying on It

Traveling the world as a dedicated travel blogger is a dream come true for many. The thrill of exploring new places, indulging in exotic cuisines, and immersing oneself in diverse cultures is indeed an exhilarating experience. However, the journey can take an unexpected turn, as I discovered during one fateful trip to Portugal. In this article, I’ll share my cautionary tale of why you should think twice about relying solely on credit card travel insurance and why it’s crucial to consider alternative options.

The Hills of Portugal and a Pizza Regret

Picture this: the picturesque hills of Portugal under the warm May sun. I had chosen a budget-friendly hostel and was exploring Lisbon on foot, embracing every opportunity to save money and stay fit. Little did I know that this adventure would soon take a dark turn.

After an amazing meal of pizza and a beer in central Lisbon, I began my journey back to the hostel. The walk with incredibly steep hills was challenging, especially in the super-hot and dry climate, but I pressed on. I had managed to dehydrate myself to a point of no return without even knowing it. As I lay in bed later that night, I was jolted awake by excruciating pain. Something was terribly wrong.

A Medical Emergency Abroad

As the pain intensified, I realized that my flight to Thailand, scheduled for the following day, was out of the question. I was sick, vomiting, and in no condition to travel. To make matters worse, my hostel had no available beds for the next night. I found myself running back and forth to the bathroom, helpless and in agony.

My next move was to book a room at a Marriott where I could rest and recover. But my condition worsened, and I was in dire need of medical attention. It turned out that I had kidney stones, an incredibly painful condition. The doctor administered an IV, and slowly, the pain began to recede. Relief washed over me as I could finally breathe without agony. I left the hospital with prescriptions and a plan for recovery.

With no other choice, I abandoned my flight and headed to the emergency room instead. 

So, if you ever find yourself in need of medical assistance while traveling in Portugal, I can recommend an English-speaking facility called Hospital Da Luz located at Avenida Lusiada, 100, 1500-650 Lisboa.  While about 30 minutes outside of the city, it was worth it to find a place where I could efficiently communicate with the staff. 

The Shocking Reality of Credit Card Travel Insurance

As I started to piece my life back together, I faced another challenge: dealing with the financial aftermath of my medical emergency. I turned to the travel insurance attached to the two credit cards I had used to book my trips and pay my medical bills. However, their response was far from helpful.

Both the American Express Platinum and Citibank cards essentially told me to fend for myself. The reason? Buried deep within their fine print, in section L of part R, on page 52, behind minuscule text and a smudged pencil mark, it stated that I must have booked a round-trip ticket to have my expenses covered—tickets, hotel, baggage fees, or even medical bills. It felt like a cruel joke.

Learn from My Mistake

As a full-time traveler, you might assume that you have all your bases covered. I certainly did until I found myself in this predicament. So, what’s the solution?

Option A: Financial Preparedness

Ensure you have a substantial bank account that can cushion the blow of unexpected expenses during your travels. While this approach provides a safety net, it may not be feasible for everyone, especially those on a tight budget.

Option B: Invest in Separate Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing separate travel insurance from reputable providers. This is especially important if you plan to visit third-world countries or remote areas where medical assistance may be limited. The peace of mind that comes with comprehensive coverage can be invaluable.

One highly recommended option is the travel insurance plan that many seasoned travel bloggers swear by. If you’re unsure whether to invest in travel insurance, remember my story of kidney stones in Portugal, and think twice.

The Final Word

Travel credit cards are a valuable tool for jet-setters, but their attached travel insurance isn’t always the safety net it appears to be. It’s essential to read the fine print carefully and even reach out to the insurance provider for clarification. Otherwise, consider securing a separate travel insurance plan to ensure you’re protected from all angles.From there, you’ll be ready to embark on your adventures and Travel Till You Drop, without the nagging worry of unexpected disasters ruining your dream journey.