First-time international travelers are both excited and anxious. Some people are so excited that they could hardly sleep from the day before, while others can sleep soundly without any anxiety. What is common for people who are used to traveling abroad may be "unknown" to beginners, so it may be a relief to learn one thing at a time.
Today, we would like to introduce the difference between automatic and supplementary overseas travel insurance policies attached to credit cards. Please note that this is a general explanation as the details vary depending on the credit card company.
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Difference between automatic and supplementary overseas travel insurance included with credit cards
Did you know that there are two types of travel insurance attached to credit cards: "automatic" and "supplementary"? Naturally, the contents of each are different.
I'm ashamed to say I had no idea...
Please take this opportunity to let us know. m(_ _)m
Of course, please leave it to me!
I'll start with a quick summary of both characteristics below.
Difference between "automatic" and "incidental use
The premise is that credit cards generally come with one or the other. Simply put, it is the overseas travel insurance coverage that is automatically provided with the card.
▼ Automatic
Overseas travel coverage that can be received simply by holding a credit card with no coverage requirements.
▼ Incidental to use
Overseas travel compensation received when applicable conditions are met, such as payment of travel and transportation expenses.
If anything, it's more like "Fewer credit cards come with automatic". Automatic coverage is a sense of security" in that you are compensated even if you don't use it.
In other words, just by issuing and holding a credit card, you become eligible for overseas travel insurance. Automatically attached (e.g. to a credit card) the travel insurance is available on the condition that the cost of transportation to and from the country of departure and the trip itself are paid for with a credit card at the Travel Insurance. Incidental (collateral) use.
I see. Which is the card I have?
It depends on the card you have, so it's safe to check the details.
Strictly speaking, some credit card companies have a policy called "Basically, usage is incidental, and some is automatic. There are credit cards that offer both, such as the "American Express" and the "American Express", so you are not limited to one or the other.
Is there a premium for travel insurance included with the credit card?
Even if it is an automatic or a supplementary insurance policy, there is basically no additional premium.
So, if you have the card, you can travel abroad with peace of mind.
That's right. However, coverage varies among credit card companies, and the extent of coverage is not standardized, so it is necessary to check in advance.
By the way, what about the "insurance period"?
As for when the insurance period starts, it's different for each.
I would love to know the difference as well!
OK, I'll just mention it since I'm here.
Next, I will explain the duration of coverage and when it begins.
When coverage begins and the duration of the policy
The automatic addition is "When you leave your home for a trip abroad is a start.
On the other hand, the use incidental is "not（When you depart from home on an overseas trip (subject to applicable conditions)" or "When applicable conditions are met after leaving home it's either "I'm not sure which of the two".
And "use incidental" is different from "automatic"."Applicable Conditions." is the key.
For supplementary coverage, if you have paid for public transportation fares or travel expenses by credit card prior to your departure from Japan, you are eligible for coverage.
For example, if you arrive there without ever using a credit card, get injured, and then rush to settle the bill, you can't just say, "I'm sorry, I didn't use my credit card."Only events after the injury are covered. Keep in mind that the "I" is a "I".
To put it simply, "usage incidental" requires a condition to determine whether the credit card was really used for overseas travel.
However, depending on the situation, there may be cases in which the insurance is not covered by the credit card, and this is basically left to the judgment of the credit card company. Even if you have paid in advance with a credit card, if the purpose of the trip is not considered to be an overseas trip, the insurance may not be applied, and in the end, the decision is based on objective facts.
It's a good idea to check the conditions for insurance coverage in advance.
I see... I'll look into it carefully, since it's important.
If the coverage is automatic, it is convenient to use a hospital affiliated with the insurance company for cashless treatment in the event of injury or accident at the hospital. On the other hand, if you have a supplementary coverage, you cannot use the cashless service and have to pay for the medical treatment once with your own credit card.
Of course, if you have received adequate documentation of your treatment, you can apply for compensation after returning to Japan, but the extent of compensation will be judged comprehensively based on the appropriateness of the treatment and other factors.
To avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications as much as possible, we recommend that you keep documents or PDF files that can prove that you paid by credit card until the end of your trip.
Please keep in mind that some credit card companies may have changed the "automatic" benefit to a "supplementary benefit" or "supplementary benefit" depending on the credit card company.
By the way, how long is the "insurance period"?
Both automatic and supplementary coverage is often available for a maximum of 90 days.
So if you were traveling abroad for more than 91 days, no...
If you plan to travel abroad for more than 91 days Exclusive travel insurance that we offer We recommend the following services. It's the best service if you are looking for full travel insurance with full coverage for illness and injury!
summary
Today, we have explained the difference between automatic and supplementary overseas travel insurance coverage that comes with a credit card. As mentioned above, credit card companies sometimes revise their services, and you may find that your credit card is no longer covered by the "automatic" supplementary coverage. We recommend that you check your credit card carefully.
Finally, Tokio Marine & Nichido offers a variety of insurance policies that provide travelers with peace of mind and more generous coverage than credit card overseas travel insurance. Tokio Marine & Nichido offers a full range of services, including inbound insurance for those who enjoy sightseeing in Japan as well as travel from Japan to overseas, and insurance for Japanese nationals who are temporarily returning to their home countries. Please consider our services.
We hope this article will be of help to you.
