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HSBC: Travel Insurance reviews

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About the Travel Insurance

Do you buy travel insurance before going abroad? There are hundreds of different travel insurance policies on the market, all designed to help you stay protected while travelling...and giving you piece of mind, whether you're enjoying a sun swept beach or on an adverture-packed holiday. But with so many different policies to choose from, finding the right policy for you can be quite confusing. Reading our HSBC travel insurance reviews can help you find out what other travellers have to say. You can also write your HSBC travel insurance review too!

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HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » Reviews by Travel Insurance Companies » HSBC Travel Insurance

HSBC Travel Insurance Review and Quotes

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Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

Table of Contents

It might be the least exciting thing about your journey. But travel insurance is a must-have when it comes to getting assistance from the other side of the world.

Are you aware of this and are here to know whether HSBC is the right company to go on holidays with?

In this definitive HSBC review, we will tell you everything you need to know about their travel insurance policies: coverage options, prices, contact details, cancellation or claim process and much more. Let’s dive in!

Is HSBC the best travel insurance for you?

Always just going for the cheapest travel insurance might not be the best option when it comes to getting assistance or a refund abroad.

At Safe, we strive to help any people travelling from the UK to get the best travel insurance to leave home with complete peace of mind. This is why we’ve dug into HSBC travel insurance policy booklet and attributed our own neutral rating based on five weighted criteria as shown below.

4,2 Safe overall rating for HSBC

HSBC travel insurance reviews by expert and consumers

To check if HSBC is the right travel insurance for you, you can use our free travel insurance comparison tool and get quotes from main travel insurance companies in a few seconds only. 100% anonymous and free.

Find the best travel insurance in just a few seconds!

What does HSBC travel insurance cover?

HSBC travel insurance offers different travel insurance covers to suit any traveller needs, whether you’re leaving for three days alone in Scotland or six months in Antarctica with your partner or whole family.

HSBS's travel insurance policies are available for individuals and families.

HSBC single-trip and annual multi-trip travel insurances

You will find below the limits breakdown per level of cover for single and annual multi-trip insurance policies at HSBC:

HSBC winter sports travel insurancet

The winter sports travel insurance is usually an option that you can take on top of your single or annual multi-trip policy.

Optional Winter Sports Cover is available at HSBC and it comes with the following features and benefits:

• It comes as a standard in the Premier level of cover while it's optional for the Standard level of cover
• Up to £500 winter sports equipment that you own cover
• Up to £400 winter sports equipment that your hired cover
• Up to £200 replacement hire of winter sports equipment
• Up to £200 lift pass cover
• Up to £200 avalanche cover
• Up to £300 piste closure cover
• Up to £300 ski pack cover.

What are the other travel insurance options available at HSBC?

Due to Brexit, some outbound flights from international airports might be delayed or cancelled. We would advise you to call HSBC before travelling and make sure you get the right compensation amount for your flight or journey if it is cancelled or delayed as well as for Schedule Airline Failure Cover.

How much is HSBC travel insurance?

You'll find below indicative quotes per level of cover at HSBC:

It is, however, quite difficult to give precise price ranges as HSBC travel insurance policy quotes will depend on a range of factors such as:

• Your age at the time of travelling
• The length of your stay
• Your trip destination (Europe, North America, Worldwide)
• The period you wish to be covered for (single trip, annual multi-trip, extension)
• If you need specific insurance (cruise, ski, backpackers, gadget cover)
• Your medical condition before travelling
• Who is travelling with you (on your own, as a couple, as a family).

Can I get travel insurance discounts or promo codes at HSBC?

15% discount when you purchase your policy online.

Use our travel insurance comparison tool to be aware of latest promo codes and vouchers available at HSBC.

What else should I know about HSBC travel insurance?

What are the general exclusions at hsbc travel insurance.

To be eligible for a travel insurance policy at HSBC:

• You must be a resident of the UK
• Your trip must start and end in the UK
• If travelling within the UK, your trip must involve at least 2 nights consecutive stay at a pre-booked holiday accommodation
• You must not travel with the intention to acquire medical assistance and should not be aware of any medical conditions that may need medical assistance while on your trip.

How do I get travel insurance quote from HSBC?

Nothing easier. Use our 100% online travel insurance comparison tool to compare all policies in just a few seconds, without giving any personal details. If HSBC is the right one for you, then just click on get quote and you'll be automatically directed through the company's sale channel.

Good to know

Shopping around while shopping for personal insurance and not auto-renewing is always the best way to get the best deal and benefit from new customers discounts.

How do I log in to HSBC website?

You can access your policy documents and details through the online banking customer portal.

How to claim at HSBC travel insurance?

Claims can only be done through calling the claims department

How do I contact HSBC travel insurance?

Hsbc contact phone numbers, hsbc other contact details, how to cancel your annual hsbc travel insurance policy.

You will find below main information to cancel your travel insurance policy at HSBC:

Our opinion on HSBC travel insurance

HSBC is one of the largest banking organisations in the world. Its travel insurance products are underwritten by Aviva Insurance Limited, a leading insurance company in the UK that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

The company's Single and Annual Multi Trip Policies are available across 2 levels: Standard and Premier. In addition to the main policies, one can opt for optional covers such as Golf, Baggage Cover, and Scuba Diving Cover.

We would recommend to HSBC to anyone looking for a simple and affordable Single or Annual Multi Trip travel insurance policy.

Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications. In this sense, his role leads him to carry out steering and support work with all HelloSafe editors and contributors so that the editorial line defined by the company is fully respected. and declined through the texts published daily on our platforms. As such, Alexandre is responsible for implementing and maintaining the strictest journalistic standards within the HelloSafe editorial staff, in order to guarantee the most accurate, up-to-date information on our platforms. and expert as possible. Alexandre has in particular undertaken for two years now the implementation of a system of systematic double-checking of all the articles published within the HelloSafe ecosystem, able to guarantee the highest quality of information.

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

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Are you ready for ski season? Whether you are hitting the bunny slopes or a seasoned pro, there's something for you in our ski travel section; including guides to the best experience, tips for packing and planning, and, how to save money along the way. And remember, a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance is a great way to protect your investment on and off the slopes.

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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HSBC credit cards complimentary travel insurance

Hsbc credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance can help you save on the cost of overseas trips – so how much cover can you get.

In this guide

Which HSBC credit cards have complimentary travel insurance?

What's covered by hsbc complimentary international travel insurance, what do i need to do to use hsbc's credit card international travel insurance, pre-existing medical conditions, how to make a claim through your hsbc credit card complimentary international travel insurance policy, other types of hsbc complimentary credit card travel insurance, hsbc credit card complimentary insurance for shopping, other hsbc cards with complimentary insurance options, frequently asked questions.

HSBC offers complimentary insurance across its range of credit cards, including domestic and international travel insurance on HSBC Platinum and World Mastercard credit cards. The actual policies are underwritten by Allianz Insurance Australia (Allianz) and can be different based on the HSBC credit card you choose.

Like any insurance policy, there are terms and conditions you need to meet to get the cover and have your claims approved. The insurance policy booklet has complete details, so it's always good to keep that handy. But if you just want a quick guide of the cover you'll get, including what's available in a pandemic, we've got the key details here.

Have a question or need to make a claim right now? Call Allianz Insurance on 1800 648 093 (from Australia) or +617 3305 7499 (from overseas).

HSBC offers complimentary travel insurance to people with platinum and World Mastercard credit cards, as well as other types of insurance on other cards. Here are the key details for HSBC cards currently on the market.

Have an HSBC credit card that's not on this list? Check the terms and conditions available on the HSBC website to see if your card is eligible.

HSBC credit card travel insurance can give you cover for overseas trips of up to 4 months if you need to go to hospital overseas, miss flights because of delays, have your luggage stolen and for other situations that can leave you out of pocket.

The actual cover is broken down into "benefits" based on what you can and can't claim. Some claims also have an excess you need to pay before you'll get any money if a claim is approved.

Does HSBC complimentary credit card travel insurance cover pandemics?

Yes, some cover is available for COVID-19 and other pandemics or epidemics, including for cancellation and overseas emergency medical claims. There are very specific conditions you need to meet to make a claim, so it’s important to read the HSBC complimentary insurance policy document or call Allianz on 1800 648 093.

If you want more details about COVID-19 travel insurance, Finder also has a whole guide covering questions about pandemic and travel insurance .

Here, we've broken down the different types of claims, with an example of a situation when you might use the cover. But remember: You should always read the insurance policy booklet for complete details of the cover.

Medical, dental and emergencies cover with an HSBC credit card

Hsbc complimentary international travel insurance for cancellation, delays, accommodation and transport, luggage and personal items cover offered with hsbc credit card complimentary insurance, personal liability cover offered with hsbc complimentary credit card travel insurance, hsbc credit card complimentary international travel insurance for death and funerals, what's not covered.

Every insurance policy has details of when you will and won't get cover. These details can be very specific, which is why it is important to always check your insurance policy documents.

• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless you have got written confirmation from Allianz that your condition will be covered before you leave)
• Issues related to drinking alcohol or taking non-prescription drugs
• If you don't follow advice from any government, official body or mass media announcements
• Travel that's for the purpose of medical treatment
• If you're a crew member or pilot working on any of the transport
• Dangerous activities including rock climbing (with equipment), white water rafting, bungy jumping, off-piste snowboarding or skiing and quad or motorbike riding on a vehicle that has an engine capacity of 200cc or more

If you need cover for a skiing trip, bungy jumping or other overseas adventures, check out adventure sport travel insurance costs and conditions. Got a pre-existing health condition? Check out travel insurance policies that offer cover for conditions including asthma, high blood pressure and physical disabilities.

If you're planning a trip and want cover through your HSBC credit card, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Travel bookings. You need to use your eligible HSBC credit card to pay for at least $500 of your travel costs before the start of the trip. A simple way to meet this requirement is to pay for your airfares, cruise or hotel stays with the card. You also need a return ticket before you go.
• Australian residency. You need to permanently live in Australia.

Does HSBC credit card travel insurance cover family members?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for cover on an upcoming trip, your spouse and dependants (children) can get cover under this policy when they're travelling with you for at least half of your trip and meet the following requirements:

• They need to permanently live in Australia.
• At least $500 of their pre-paid travel costs have been paid for with your eligible HSBC credit card and they have a return ticket to Australia.
• They need to be travelling with you for at least 50% of your trip.

They also need to meet all the other conditions of the insurance policy.

Need written confirmation of cover? Call Allianz on 1800 648 093.

This complimentary international travel insurance doesn't typically cover pre-existing medical conditions.

In simple terms, that means you won't get cover if you've seen a doctor or other qualified professional about a condition that causes issues overseas. It's the same if you're aware of a physical, medical, mental or dental condition before you travel.

There are some exceptions if you're pregnant, though:

• You can get cover for pregnancy complications that arise from injury or sickness when you're travelling and meet the other eligibility requirements.
• If you were eligible for the travel insurance before you became pregnant, you'll be entitled to available cover.

If you have a pre-existing condition you want covered, follow these steps:

• Call Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 648 093. You'll then go through an assessment process.
• Answer all the questions honestly and give them any extra information they ask for.

If your pre-existing medical condition is approved for cover, you will need to pay an administration fee. This fee is non-refundable and the cost is not detailed in the insurance policy booklet, so make sure you ask how much it will be when you call Allianz.

If you follow these steps and get approved, Allianz will send you written confirmation of cover for your pre-existing medical condition.

Pre-existing medical condition definition for HSBC credit card insurance

As well as the summary above, we have included the definition that's in the current HSBC card insurance policy document for HSBC Platinum Cards and Premier World Mastercard accounts.

These are effective from 14 October 2022.

a condition of which a reasonable person in the circumstances, should have been aware at the time eligibility for the cover available was met, including:

• Any dental condition; or
• Any physical condition; or
• Pregnancy; or
• Any lifelong illness; or
• Any chronic illness; or
• Any mental illness; or
• Any current or previously treated cancer, or

Any condition which, in the last two years:

• Was treated by surgery (including day surgery); or
• Required regular medication; or
• Required on-going treatment; or
• Was referred to a specialist medical adviser; or
• Had regular reviews or check-ups; or
• Caused admission to hospital; or
• Was treated at a hospital emergency department or out-patient clinic.

If you think you will need to make a claim, contact Allianz Global Assistance as soon as possible so that they can give you specific information.

You can do this by calling +617 3305 7499 from overseas (a reverse charge number) or 1800 648 093 in Australia.

There are 2 main ways you can submit your claim:

Allianz will review your claim and ask for any further details before giving you an outcome.

What to include in your claim

With insurance claims, it's always good to include as much detail and supporting documentation as possible. It makes it easier for the insurer to look at the claim and your eligibility for a payout.

• A referral or letter from a doctor or other professional you see in relation to a claim
• Official medical reports
• Police reports
• Photos of damaged items
• Emails or letters from airlines that relate to a claim
• Receipts or other proof of purchase

Transit accident insurance

• What is it? Cover for accidents that happen when you're travelling overseas on a plane, train, cruise ship, bus or other eligible vehicle. You also get cover for related accidents that happen when you're boarding or leaving the transport.
• When can I use it? You are eligible for cover if you have paid for the entire trip with your eligible HSBC credit card before you leave. If your partner or dependants are permanent residents of Australia and travelling with you, they'll also get cover.
• Is there an excess cost? No, you don't need to pay an excess for any claims but there are limits to how much you can get paid out. For example, the loss of one hand or one foot has a maximum benefit limit of $100,000 for the cardholder, $50,000 for a spouse and $12,000 for a dependant.

Domestic travel insurance

• What is it? Cover for specific issues that come up when you're travelling to a different state or territory in Australia for up to 14 days. This can include costs relating to cancelled return flights, flight delays of 4 hours or more, delayed or lost luggage and rental vehicle excess insurance costs if you hire a vehicle.
• When can I use it? If you have used your eligible HSBC credit card to pay for the entire flight or at least $250 of your flights and accommodation before you leave. If your partner or dependants are travelling with you for at least 50% of the trip and meet these requirements, they'll also get cover.
• Is there an excess cost? Yes, $200 per claim for cover relating to cancellation or luggage.

Rental vehicle excess insurance in Australia

• What is it? Cover for damage or theft of a car or other vehicle you have hired in Australia, up to a maximum of $6,000.
• When can I use it? You are eligible for cover if you have paid for the hire car (or vehicle) using your eligible HSBC credit card. The vehicle hire agreement also has to include details of how much you need to pay if the vehicle is damaged or stolen.
• Is there an excess cost? Yes, $200 per claim.

HSBC credit cards give you access to other types of insurance, also provided by Allianz. Below is a snapshot of the different types.

Purchase protection insurance

• What is it? Cover for the cost of a new item that is stolen, accidentally damaged or lost. It covers most household and personal items such as laptops, shoes, jewellery and glasses. Exclusions include second-hand items, perishables, cash, computer software, vehicles and items you've accidentally left in a hotel after checking out.
• When can I use it? If you use your eligible HSBC credit card to pay for covered items, this insurance will apply for the first 90 days from when you get them. This cover is available for personal items bought anywhere in the world, and for gifts you have bought and given to someone who is a permanent Australian resident.
• How can I make a claim? You need to show proof that you own the item and report the loss, theft or damage to the local police or relevant authorities (such as the office of a transport company). You also need to show proof of the report, such as written confirmation for the authorities involved. Then, call Allianz on 1800 648 093.
• Is there an excess cost? Yes, $100 per claim. There are also maximum claim amounts depending on the item.

Extended warranty insurance

• What is it? Cover that doubles the manufacturer's warranty for items bought in Australia, up to a maximum period of 12 months. For example, if you bought a laptop with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty and it stopped working for no reason after 12 months, you could make a claim under this cover.
• When can I use it? If you used your eligible HSBC credit card to pay for an item and it came with an Australian manufacturer's warranty of between 7 days and 5 years. You can make a claim if something happens after the original warranty period has ended.
• How can I make a claim? Call Allianz on 1800 648 093 and give them as much information as possible.
• Is there an excess cost? Yes, $200 per claim. There is a total maximum claim limit of $10,000 per year.

Don't have complimentary insurance on your credit card yet? Compare HSBC credit cards or other cards that offer insurance .

HSBC also offers different types of travel insurance on the following cards:

• HSBC Corporate Card . If you're looking at getting a card account for your business, the HSBC Corporate Card offers travel insurance and corporate liability against deliberate misuse by cardholders.

How do I activate my HSBC travel insurance?

If you have an eligible HSBC credit card, you'll get international travel insurance when you pay for at least 90% of your return travel ticket before the start of your trip.

Does HSBC credit card travel insurance cover cruises?

Yes, the international travel insurance policy would cover you for eligible issues that come up when you're on a cruise.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full profile

More guides on Finder

The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card offers points and perks with partners including Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and United. Is it right for you?

This card offers 0% interest on balance transfers for 12 months, a first-year annual fee waiver and platinum benefits including airport lounge passes and complimentary insurance covers.

The HSBC Corporate Card offers expense management, flexible spending controls, liability protection and worldwide acceptance through the Mastercard network.

Designed for premium HSBC customers, the HSBC Premier World Mastercard offers points, complimentary insurance, airport lounge access and more.

The HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card is a premium option that earns frequent flyer points per $1 spent and offers complimentary insurance.

With HSBC credit card rewards program, cardholders get the ability to earn points on a one point to one dollar ratio that can be used for a vast array of rewards and extra points with HSBC partners.

The HSBC Low Rate Credit Card has a 0% balance transfer offer and a low ongoing interest rate for purchases – here's what else you need to know.

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Travel insurance

Free travel insurance for you and your loved ones

Travelling away from home without travel insurance puts you at risk of a number of situations. Needing medical treatment for illness, cancelled trips and other financial emergencies can turn your dream holiday into an overseas nightmare.

If you're a Premier or Advance customer, HSBC offers you free travel insurance. All you need to do is settle full or part payment of your flight, marine transport service and/or accommodation with a valid HSBC Premier/Advance debit or credit card.

Eligible accounts

What’s included.

Cover applies to you (the HSBC Premier or Advance customer) and your eligible family members* provided you are under 76 years of age for a maximum period of 90 days (HSBC Premier customer) or 60 days (HSBC Advance customer) per trip.

• free multi-trip worldwide cover
• personal accidents cover for unexpected injuries or fatal accidents
• medical expenses cover for medical treatment including hospital stays
• 24-hour emergency assistance for help when you need it most
• personal belongings cover for accidental loss, damage or theft of possessions
• travel cancellation and delay cover for when your holiday plans are disrupted
• personal liability cover for injury to someone else or damage to their property
• hire vehicle excess cover for Premier customers

A printable summary of the table of benefits highlighting your limits and excess can be found in our Important Documents page .

As with all insurance policies, terms and conditions, exclusions and limitations apply, so before each trip we recommend that you check carefully the policy documentation.

If you require additional cover, you are requested to contact Mediterranean Insurance Brokers (Malta) Ltd.

*Eligible members include partners living at the same address, as well as children living with you, under the age of 18 or under 25 if in full-time education.

Any questions

Policy queries.

Mediterranean Insurance Brokers

+356 2343 3234

Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:00

Email Mediterranean Insurance Brokers

Premier customers

Premier Direct

+356 2148 9100

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Advance customers

Advance dedicated line

+356 2148 9101

Monday to Saturday 08:00 - 18:00

In case of a medical emergency

In the event of a medical emergency during your trip, you must contact Global Response as soon as possible. Global Response is a world-wide organisation specialising in emergency assistance services. The service operates 24/7, 365 days a year for advice and assistance when making arrangements for hospital admission, repatriation and authorisation of medical expenses.

Over the phone:  +44 (0) 292 066 2438

By email:   [email protected]

Premier customers should quote Atlas Policy Certificate number - Travel: 167064 299 002

Advance customers should quote Atlas Policy Certificate number ­- Travel: 167064 299 001

How to make a claim

By phone.

+ 356 2343 3234

Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00

Zentrum Business Centre

Level 2, Triq l-Imdina

Ħal Qormi, QRM 9010

This insurance is provided by Atlas Insurance PCC Limited and administered by Mediterranean Insurance Brokers (Malta) Ltd. A list of necessary information and documents required when making a claim can be found in our Important Documents page .

Important documents

You can download all the documents relating to our travel insurance, including terms and conditions, as well as information about what's covered and how to claim from our Important Documents page .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i buy extra cover for a trip .

Yes, you can arrange additional cover for a trip at your own cost.

These optional extensions are available:

• Increased limit for rental vehicle excess (free up to €500 for Premier customers and can be bought separately by Advance customers)
• Winter sports extension
• Specified items extension
• Increase in baggage limit for cruises
• Cancellation of trip (extreme weather conditions)
• Maximum duration of trip extension
• Covid-19 extension

To discuss your needs and obtain a quotation, contact Mediterranean Insurance Brokers on +356 2343 3234 or email  [email protected]

How long will I be covered for? 

If you're a Premier customer you'll be covered for a single trip of up to 90 days; it's 60 days for Advance customers.

Am I covered for business trips? 

Yes, the insurance covers both holidays and business travel.

Are eligible members travelling without being accompanied by the main cardholder still covered?  

They are covered irrespective of whether travelling with the cardholder or not.

Eligible members include partners living at the same address, as well as children living with you, under the age of 18 or under 25 if in full-time education.

What information do I need when making a claim? 

When making a claim it is important that you provide the necessary information and documents required, to enable Mediterranean Insurance Brokers to proceed with the handling of your claim. These may differ from one benefit to the other, however as a minimum the following documentation will be required:

• Completed claim form
• Passport Copy
• Copy of ID card of Main Card Holder
• Flight Tickets or e-tickets (departure and arrival)
• Luggage Tags

Depending on the claim being made, additional documentation may be required such as:

• Damage report by Airline/Cruise Line (Property Irregularity Report) if claiming for damaged luggage
• Police report for lost or stolen items, within 24 hours of discovery
• Medical Report/s (if claiming any medical expenses or cancellation of travel)
• Hotel Accommodation Vouchers
• Flight & Accommodation invoices & Receipts;
• Documentation to confirm reason/s for cancellation or curtailment;
• Cancellation confirmation from Airline / Agent indicating any refund due (if any);
• Evidence of money taken abroad – this may take the form of foreign exchange receipts or cash withdrawals in case of Euros.

For further guidance contact Mediterranean Insurance Brokers on +356 2343 3234 or email   [email protected]

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Travel Insurance

Even during a holiday, life doesn't always go according to plan. Our Travel Insurance policy offers you peace of mind via coverage for a range of outcomes, including trip cancellation and curtailment, baggage and personal effects, personal accidents and medical expenses while abroad.

How to apply

Apply online.

Complete our simple form to request a free, no-obligation insurance quote.

Apply by phone

Call us on + 1 441 299 5959  to enquire about HSBC Insurance.

Apply in branch

Visit us in branch to speak to one of our insurance experts.

How to make a claim

You can visit  www.bfm.bm  to request a Claims Form. All claims must be submitted directly to BF&M.

BF&M has a 24 hour 7 days a week Travel Assist hotline which offers support and assistance. Please have your policy number ready for reference or keep it in a safe place when travelling.

Local + 1 441 295 5566 , ext. 1005 Calling from Bermuda 9AM – 5PM  Bermuda & North America + 1 800 738 3503 Toll free outside of 9AM – 5PM from Bermuda or all calls from US Worldwide Collect Calls + 1 819 566 7580 Reverse charge call from all countries

Who does Travel Insurance cover? 

This policy covers anyone between the ages of 2 and 75. Depending on the coverage purchased, up to 6 individuals can be covered under the Family Travel Policy.

How long does travel insurance coverage last? 

An Annual Travel Insurance policy will cover any number of trips in a single year. However, any one trip within that year cannot exceed 30 days. A Short Term Travel Insurance policy will cover up to a maximum of 14 travel days in total per year.

How often are premiums charged for travel insurance? 

Premiums for Annual and Short Term Travel Insurance are paid at the time of purchase. This is a one-time payment. For Annual Travel Insurance; your policy will automatically be renewed provided the premium is paid within 30 days of the expiry of your previous policy. For Short Term Travel Insurance, the policy is not renewable after the 14 day coverage. However, you may purchase another Short Term Travel policy for additional trips.

Can I cancel this insurance at any time? 

Yes, you can cancel your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of the effective date and receive a full premium refund, provided you or any of the family members covered under the policy have not travelled outside of Bermuda during this period. If you cancel after the first 14 days, or if you or any of the family members covered under the policy have travelled outside of Bermuda within those 14 days, no premium refund can be made.

Are there any cities or countries excluded from my Travel Insurance policy? 

Countries are not specifically excluded; however, travelling to countries that are experiencing civil unrest, riots or wars are not covered. You can contact BF&M for more information.

Important documents

• Travel Insurance Fact Sheet (PDF, 241 KB) Travel Insurance Fact Sheet (PDF, 241 KB) Download

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Disclosures

Issued by HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited, of 37 Front Street, Hamilton Bermuda, which is licensed to conduct Banking and Investment Business by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Issued by HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited of 37 Front Street Hamilton Bermuda, which is acting solely as an insurance agent of BF&M pursuant to its insurance agent’s license issued by the Bermuda Monetary Authority and accepts no responsibility for the underwriting, administering and claims handling of insurance products. HSBC Insurance is the brand name for insurance products offered by HSBC Group members. Terms and conditions apply.

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TravelSurance

Travel confidently with comprehensive coverage

TravelSurance protects you, your family, friends and relatives from the moment you book a trip all the way until you return home.

This all-in-one policy provides you with a hassle-free protection for a specific trip, including accidental injuries, medical and hospital expenses, personal liabilities, lost baggage and cash, delayed flights, stolen belongings, etc.

Should you have any queries about TravelSurance cover under Coronavirus Disease 2019 , please see our FAQs .

Key benefits

Covered for emergencies

Comprehensive cover, including personal accidents up to HKD2 million, and medical expenses up to HKD5 million 

Designated loss coverage

Cover designated loss such as adverse weather conditions, strike, terrorism or natural disasters 

Covers all ages with full benefits

All insured persons, including any children, will enjoy the full benefits under this plan 

Coverage for your phone

Get up to HKD6,000 coverage for your phone 

Limited time offer

Apply for TravelSurance between 1 January and 31 December 2024 (both days inclusive) to get:

• 30% off your first-year’s premium for annual MultiTrip TravelSurance
• 15% off for Single Trip TravelSurance

T&Cs apply .

Compare HSBC TravelSurance Plans

Check out the  full coverage details . Enjoy extra benefits if you choose our Annual MultiTrip TravelSurance:

• Year-round protection with one-off premium payment for unlimited number of trips per year, up to 100 days per trip
• Experience the convenience with E-Policy servicing which provides you with 24-hour online access to your insurance policy details and allows you to submit policy service requests without hassle.
• If you travel to mainland China frequently, enjoy hospital admission deposit guarantee to designated hospitals in mainland China with a China Medical Card option under your annual MultiTrip policy

What's included?

Our plans generally cover:

We'll reimburse the necessary medical expenses incurred during a trip and follow up medical expense within 3 months after return to the Hong Kong SAR up to HKD5 million. We'll also cover additional travel and accommodation costs for your children if they have to travel back to Hong Kong SAR while you stay in hospital.

Sports and Activities [@sportsactivitiestravelsurance]

We provide cover for various sports and activities, including dune driving, sand boarding, safari adventures, whale tours, hot springs, horse riding, cable cars, iceberg climbing, watching auto racing, water sports, skiing, ice-skating, biking, thrill rides at amusement parks etc.

Travelsurance even covers certain hazardous sports activities such as hot air ballooning, bungee jumping, hang-gliding,parachuting, zipline, rafting, speed-boating, jet-skiing, trekking, water skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurf, sea kayaking,scuba-diving (that is diving to a depth not greater than 40 metres), mountaineering, rock-climbing etc.

You'll receive cover for baggage loss or damage up to HKD20,000 . We'll reimburse emergency purchases of essential items or clothing up to HKD2,000 if baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours after you've arrived at your destination abroad.

Expand 

Travel delays and loss of documents.

We’ll pay up to HKD2,500 if your scheduled transportation is delayed for more than 6 hours.

If you choose to buy the standard plan, you can have an alternative option of buying another one-way travel ticket to catch up with the planned itinerary and may reimburse up to HKD4,000. If you lose important documents such as your passport, we’ll cover replacement costs up to HKD5,000.

• China Medical Card (PDF)

Simply present your China Medical Card with your personal identification to designated hospital in mainland China, you won’t need to pay any deposit in advance. The card only costs HKD300 per annum.

Credit card protection

In the event of death of the insured caused by an accident outside the Hong Kong SAR, any outstanding balance payable under the insured’s credit cards up to HKD5,000 for items charged while outside the Hong Kong SAR during the trip will be covered.

• Find out more about credit card protection (PDF)

Funeral expenses

For more details, refer to the policy provisions (PDF)

What's NOT included?

Our plans generally do not cover:

• riot, civil commotion, war, invasion, civil war and related perils 
• suicide, self- inflicted injury, illegal acts, insanity, drugs-taking, alcohol abuse, venereal disease, AIDs.
• any pre-existing conditions
• childbirth, pregnancy, miscarriage, travelling for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment
• any sports or activities which are played in professional capacity or in competition involving prize money or reward of any kind 
• Deep water diving (that is diving to a depth of greater than 40 metres)
• motor rallies
• aviation other than as a fare-paying passenger of travelling by a recognised airline or air charter company
• manual work (e.g. involving the use of mechanical and/or electrical equipment or handling of explosive or hazardous substances, etc.)
• property more specifically insured 
• claims where not notified in writing to AXA General Insurance Hong Kong Limited within 31 days after end of the trip

For a full list of exclusions, refer to the policy provisions (PDF) .

How to apply

Eligibility.

To be able to apply you must:

• be an HSBC bank account or credit card holder
• be an HKSAR resident and applying for this insurance policy in the HKSAR
• depart from and return to the HKSAR from your insured destination
• hold an HKID card for online applications
• take note of the below for child cover:
• for child under 18 years old, the parent or legal guardian[@legalguardiantravelsurance] information of the child must be provided during the application
• children aged under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult during the trip
• provide information of any spouse/partner[@partnerdefinition], children, relatives and friends if you wish to insure them under the same policy

Important Information 

•   TravelSurance Declaration, Terms and Conditions TravelSurance Declaration, Terms and Conditions Modal
•   Fees & Charges Fees & Charges Modal
•   Forms and documents Forms and documents Modal
•   Important Information Important Information Modal
• TravelSurance Product Factsheet (PDF) TravelSurance Product Factsheet (PDF) Download
• TravelSurance policy document (PDF) TravelSurance policy document (PDF) Download
•   Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Modal
•   Find a branch Find a branch Modal

HSBC customers can apply for a TravelSurance policy online

Or visit a branch

You can visit one of our branches to find out more

Find out more

If i don't have a hong kong identity card, can i still apply for travelsurance .

Yes, you can, as long as you will start and finish your journey in Hong Kong. You require an HKID card in order to apply online, so can call  (852) 2867 8678  or visit any HSBC branch in Hong Kong in order to apply if you do not have one.

Can children be covered by TravelSurance policies? 

Can i buy travelsurance for my friends or their children .

Yes, you can. Before starting the application, you should make sure you have the people you’re trying to insures’ full names, Hong Kong Identity numbers and dates of birth.

Who can I contact for assistance in case of emergency? 

You can call our Emergency Assistance Hotline on  (852) 2528 9333  at any time for emergency medical and evacuation assistance, travel information, baggage assistance, medical referrals, legal referrals and emergency ticketing. The hotline operates in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Can I extend my policy period while I'm abroad? 

Yes, you can manage your policy and submit service requests from anywhere either by calling  (852) 2867 8678  during office hours or logging on to HSBC Personal Internet Banking at any time. Please note you can extend your policy any time prior to its expiration

What happens if while covered I'm hospitalised abroad and unable to speak the local language? 

In the event that you’re ill or injured abroad and require a translator, you can call the Emergency Assistance hotline for referral and we will cover the cost of this service up to HKD500 per day and HKD5,000 per trip.

What happens if one of my flights gets delayed and I can't catch the connecting flight? 

In the event that you need to book an additional last-minute flight due to delay, we will cover all or part of the additional cost as long as the delay in question lasts over 6 hours. Asia Standard Plan holders will be covered up to HKD2,000, while Worldwide Standard Plan holders may receive up to HKD4,000 towards their additional one-way ticket.

Are sports and activities covered by TravelSurance? 

Yes, provided you don't take part professionally or for remuneration.

For example, activities such as safaris, whale tours, water sports and skiing are covered, as are more hazardous activities such as hot air ballooning, hang-gliding and parachuting.

However, aviation other than with a licensed aircraft operator is not covered, while scuba diving is covered as long as you don’t go beyond a depth of 40 metres.

To see what you’ll be covered for under TravelSurance, check the full list (PDF) .

Will I receive extra protection if an Outbound Travel Alert is issued for my planned destination? 

Yes, you will receive extra protection both before and during your trip should this occur.

Before your trip, you may:

• Cancel your Single Trip TravelSurance policy and receive a full premium and levy^ refund
• Be reimbursed up to 50% of the irrecoverable deposits or charges paid in advance if your trip is cancelled because of a red alert. You can claim up to HK$50,000 if you  have a Standard Plan and HK$25,000 if you have a Basic Plan
• Be reimbursed up to 100% of the irrecoverable deposits or charges paid in advance if your trip is cancelled due to a black alert. You can claim up to HK$50,000 if you have a Standard Plan and HK$25,000 if you have a Basic Plan

During your trip, you may:

• Have your insurance automatically extended for 10 days at no cost if your return flight is unavoidably delayed due to any travel alert
• Be reimbursed up to 50% of the unused irrecoverable prepaid costs or additional travel-related cost if your trip is cut short due to a red travel alert. You can claim up to 50,000 if you have a Standard Plan and HK$25,000 if you have a Basic Plan
• Be reimbursed up to 100% of the unused irrecoverable prepaid or additional travel-related costs if your trip is cut short due to a black travel alert. You can claim up to 50,000 if you have a Standard Plan and HK$25,000 if you have a Basic Plan
• Receive an additional HKD1,000 subsidiary should a black travel alert disrupt transportation during your trip

Can I claim for medical expenses incurred during my trip? 

Yes you can. TravelSurance covers medical expenses incurred abroad provided that the condition being treated isn’t a pre-existing one.

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Disclaimer 

General Insurance products are applicable to HSBC Account holders and HSBC credit card holders only.

The above information is intended as a general summary. Please refer to the policy wording for exact terms and conditions and details of the exclusions.

The above policy is underwritten by  AXA General Insurance Hong Kong Limited ("AXA"),  which is authorised and regulated by the Insurance Authority of the Hong Kong SAR. AXA will be responsible for providing your insurance coverage and handling claims under your policy. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is registered in accordance with the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41 of the Laws of Hong Kong) as an insurance agent of AXA for distribution of general insurance products in the Hong Kong SAR. General insurance plans are products of AXA but not HSBC.

For monetary disputes arising between HSBC and you out of the selling process or processing of the related transaction by HSBC, HSBC will enter into a Financial Dispute Resolution Scheme process with you. On the other hand, for any disputes over the terms and conditions of your policy, AXA will resolve with you directly.

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This website is designed for use in Hong Kong. Cross-border disclosure

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Coronavirus Travel Insurance FAQs

Learn more about your rights if your travel plans have been disrupted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

As new guidance is announced, the information on this page may change. Please check back regularly for the most up-to-date information.

What am I covered for under HSBC Travel Insurance?

• I’d like to make an HSBC Travel Insurance claim
• I’m looking to buy HSBC Travel Insurance for a future trip

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides helpful advice to UK citizens who are planning to travel to different countries or regions. On 17 March 2020, the FCO advised against all non-essential travel worldwide. Then on 4 April, it was confirmed that this advice would apply for an indefinite period.

On 4 July, the FCO travel advice changed, with exemptions for travelling to certain countries and territories that no longer posed a high risk. Please check the  list of exempted destinations regularly, as there may still be restrictions that could impact your cover. The FCO continue to advise against non-essential international travel, except to the countries and territories listed.

You also need to be aware of any local quarantine restrictions that apply to where you live or to your travel arrangements. Before booking a trip, check the status of your chosen destination country to see if there are any restrictions still in place, such as quarantine, local outbreak restrictions and self-isolation periods.

Please be aware that you’ll receive no cancellation/abandonment cover if you book a trip to a country that still has restrictions in place.

This information will continue to be reviewed and updated in line with the FCOs advice.

If you’re currently abroad, please visit the FCO website for up-to-date advice on getting home.

Travel insurance covers you for non-refundable costs. Your first step should be to contact your airline, travel or accommodation provider to find out what your options are for receiving a refund, or if they will allow you to amend your original arrangements.

If you booked a now cancelled package holiday, the travel provider you booked with is liable to refund all payments you made under the Package Travel Regulations 2018.

If you paid with your credit card, debit card or PayPal for any part of your now cancelled trip, you may also need to contact your payment provider to request a refund. For any non-refundable costs, please contact our claims team.

With my HSBC policy, am I covered if I book a new trip to a destination where FCO advice has been lifted, but then later restrictions are put back into place?  

If you decide to travel:

There would be no cover to cancel or come home early due to coronavirus where FCO advice or restrictions, such as quarantine, local outbreak restrictions and self-isolation, are in place.

However, you’ll have the benefit of the rest of your travel policy so long as you comply with the advice of the local authorities. This includes cover for medical expenses, for new or disclosed and accepted conditions (including coronavirus), or if you’re quarantined abroad, following a temperature check, for example. If you have to cancel or come home early:

If you book a new trip to a destination where FCO advice, government or local authority advice, and all restrictions have been fully removed at the time of taking out the cover or booking the trip, you would be covered for cancellation/coming home early if restrictions are reintroduced and still in place within 31 days of your departure date.

Can I cancel my trip if I’m travelling to a destination where FCO advice is lifted, but I still have to quarantine on arrival? 

If FCO advice has been lifted and there were no restrictions, such as quarantine, local outbreak restrictions and self-isolation periods at the time of taking out your cover or booking the trip, whichever is later, you would be covered for cancellation/coming home early if a quarantine was later imposed.

There would be no cover to cancel due to coronavirus where restrictions, such as quarantine, local outbreak restrictions and self-isolation periods were already announced when you booked the trip.

Will I still be covered if I book a trip or travel to a country where FCO advice hasn’t been lifted? 

No, you would not be covered to cancel or come home earlier if FCO advice or restrictions, such as quarantine, local outbreak restrictions and self-isolation, were in place when you booked the trip.

If you decide to travel, you’ll have the benefit of the rest of your travel policy as long as you comply with the advice of the local authorities. This includes cover for medical expenses, for new or disclosed and accepted conditions (including coronavirus) or are quarantined abroad, after a temperature check, for example.

Please be aware that you are still required to disclose medical conditions as stated in the policy terms and conditions.

Will cover differ if governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland take a different approach to travel restrictions? 

Although FCO advice applies to all British nationals, you also have to be aware of any local restrictions that may affect your travel. This would include the area you live in or the destination you’re travelling to.

If you book a new trip to a destination where FCO advice, government or local authority advice and all restrictions have been fully removed at the time of taking out your cover or booking the trip, whichever is later, you would be covered for cancellation/coming home early if restrictions are reintroduced.

Am I covered for cancellation if travel restrictions are lifted but I contract coronavirus or am advised by the NHS Test & Trace service to isolate, before I start, or have already begun my trip? 

Yes, you will be covered by your travel insurance policy if you need to cancel.

If you notify the claims team of this while abroad, you’ll be covered under the emergency medical section for quarantine and would be covered if you need to then abandon the trip and return home early. 

I’ve previously been diagnosed with coronavirus, do I need to tell you, and how will this affect my cover? 

Cover will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the medical treatment required. You should check the medical conditions section of your policy booklet to find out what you need to tell us. You must disclose medical conditions as stated in the policy terms and conditions.

I have an existing HSBC Travel Insurance policy and I’m unable to travel in the UK. Am I able to claim cancellation costs? 

Yes, providing you have at least two consecutive nights pre-booked accommodation and there were no UK Government or local lockdown guidelines in place at the time of taking out your cover or booking the trip, whichever is later.

However, before contacting us you should first check if your airline, travel, accommodation or payment provider will provide a refund or allow you to amend your original arrangements.

Will I be covered for a full refund of the cost of my or my family’s trip if I’m quarantined at an airport? Will my policy cover the cost of another flight home?  

You’ll be covered if you’re quarantined at an airport when travelling to or from your destination.

You can claim for unused, non-refundable costs for accommodation if you choose to come home early, as well as additional travel and accommodation costs for everyone insured under the policy. 

Am I covered if I don’t want to risk travelling when the UK Government lockdown restrictions have been lifted? 

No, you’re not covered if all travel restrictions have been lifted and you haven’t been told to isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service.

However, if you booked your trip before 17 March and have concerns about travelling due to medical or government advice, please contact us on:

Aspects:  +44 1603 6704 960

Premier:  +44 800 051 7458

Aviva will then review your claim and let you know of the outcome.

If I’m unable to adhere to a mandatory quarantine when returning to the UK, will I be able to cancel my trip? 

Under the policy, you won’t be covered if you need to quarantine after the trip has ended. However, Aviva may be able to consider your claim if you booked your trip before the mandatory quarantine was imposed on the 22 May. Before making any travel decisions, please contact us on:

If I have to go into quarantine when returning from a trip but I’m due to depart on a second trip during the quarantine period, will my insurance cover me to cancel? 

Yes, your travel insurance policy will cover you to cancel, providing both trips were booked prior to quarantine restrictions being announced.

I’m currently stuck abroad, can you help? 

If you couldn’t get home before your travel insurance cover ended, you must contact us. Please also check with your airline or travel provider and the FCO website for the country you’re visiting. For urgent assistance, contact the FCO’s consular helpline on 020 7008 1500 .

I'd like to make a claim

How long will it take you to review my claim .

Please notify our claims team of your intention to claim at the earliest opportunity. Due to the high volume of coronavirus related claims, it may take up to 28 days for them to assess your claim from when it’s received.

You can contact the claims team on:

When you notify the claims team of your claim, they’ll send you a claims pack with all the information you need to make the claim.

What do I need to provide in order to make a claim? 

In order to make a claim you’ll need:

• confirmation of the original booking, including the booking terms, detailing which parts are non-refundable
• evidence that you’ve tried to claim a refund through the travel or accommodation provider
• evidence to show that you’ve approached your payment provider for a refund and they have declined your request
• where appropriate, details of any self-isolation advice as well as any other advice you’ve received against travel from your GP, the NHS track and trace service or from NHS 111

Normal policy excess, terms and conditions, exclusions and claims assessment will apply.

To make a claim you’ll need to call the claims team on:

I’m looking to buy travel insurance for a future trip

I’m thinking about buying a travel insurance policy, will i be covered for coronavirus .

We’ve decided to temporarily withdraw HSBC Travel Insurance to new customers, in order to focus our attention on existing customers whose travel plans have been disrupted. We’ll continue to keep a close eye on developments and hope we’ll be able to offer new policies again soon.

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So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Guide to Single Trip Travel Insurance

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

How single trip travel insurance works

How to choose between travel insurance companies, best plans for single trip travel insurance, other tips for travel insurance for a single trip, travel cards that come with complimentary travel insurance, single travel insurance for a trip recapped.

There are many types of travel insurance, including plans that’ll reimburse you for emergency medical expenses or unexpected travel delays. Along with coverage types, there are also different durations of travel insurance.

Single trip travel insurance will cover you during one vacation, while multitrip or annual travel insurance can last for multiple outings. Let’s take a look at single trip travel insurance, what kind of coverage you can expect and how to choose a plan that works for you.

Purchasing a travel insurance plan is fairly simple, as is making a claim. It generally goes like this:

You gather a few quotes from travel insurance companies.

You pick a plan that suits your needs and customize it to your liking.

You purchase your plan and include a date for it to start.

You go on your trip.

If something happens (such as a flight delay), keep the proof.

You make a claim with your travel insurance company.

The travel insurance company reimburses you. 

There are a few variations in how this can work (for instance, some travel insurance plans can pay a medical provider directly), but for the most part, this is how the process will go. This is the case whether you have one-trip travel insurance or multitrip travel insurance.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

There are several travel insurance companies out there, which can make choosing a plan difficult.

NerdWallet analysis found that some travel insurance providers rise above the rest in terms of breadth and depth of coverage, cost, customizability, and overall customer satisfaction. Jump to see our findings on the bets plans for single trip travel insurance.

However, before choosing a company and purchasing a plan, consider these questions:

How much am I willing to pay?

Do I want trip protection, emergency medical coverage or both?

Do I already have coverage somewhere?

How much customizability does my plan need?

Do I need coverage for preexisting conditions?

Will I be doing any sort of adventure activities?

Once you’ve answered these questions, do your due diligence and get quotes from multiple sources. Different providers will offer differing levels of coverage at varying prices, so it’s in your best interest to generate as many quotes as possible and read the fine print.

To make it simple, travel insurance aggregators such as Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will provide you with multiple quotes at a time.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

We considered a wide variety of factors when it comes to selecting the best insurance for your trip. These factors include cost, customizability, coverage maximums, whether preexisting conditions are included and the type of coverage the policy offers.

World Nomads

World Nomads is great for active travelers because of its standard coverage of adventure activities. With just two plans from which to choose, it’s also simple to decide which one you’d like.

Covers 200-plus activities as standard. 

Simple plan options.

Emergency medical coverage included.

Only two choices for policies.

Riskier activities are covered only by the more expensive Explorer plan. 

Fixed-rate reimbursement for trip protection.

» Learn more: Read our full review of World Nomads

With eight plans on offer, Tin Leg has a policy for every type of traveler. Along with standard trip protections, Tin Leg also offers Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-ons.

Plenty of plans from which to choose. 

Preexisting conditions included in most plans. 

Primary and secondary medical coverage options. 

Cheapest plan doesn’t cover preexisting medical conditions.

Rental car coverage add-on available only on Luxury plan. 

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

Seven Corners

Seven Corners is an excellent option for those who really want to customize their plans. Whether you’re looking for medical-only insurance or a more comprehensive policy, Seven Corners has options available.

Preexisting condition coverage available.

Medical-only plans on offer.

Covers missed tours and cruise connections. 

Inexpensive plan offers secondary medical insurance.

Event ticket registration coverage only for expensive plan. 

» Learn more: Is Seven Corners coverage worth the cost?

Our last company on the list is unique in that it covers those who use travel rewards, like purchasing flights or hotels with points and miles . This is fairly uncommon among travel insurance providers and can be really helpful when things go awry during award travel.

Plan options include accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) travel life insurance. 

Covers up to $300 in frequent traveler reward costs. 

Worldwide travel assistance included on every policy.

Cancel For Any Reason insurance available only on most expensive plan. 

Just $35,000 in emergency medical for basic plan (low compared to similar policies at other companies).

» Learn more: Our full TravelSafe review

If you’re interested in getting travel insurance, do yourself a favor and consider these tips before making any purchases:

Consult your medical insurance provider to see whether it offers coverage out of country .

Consider an annual plan to save money if you make multiple trips per year.

Check your credit card for complimentary travel insurance . Many offer this benefit, and if its limits are satisfactory, you can book your travels with it and avoid buying a separate policy out-of-pocket altogether. More on this in the next section.

If you're looking to get coverage for a one-off trip, among your best options is to simply pay for your travel with a card that includes travel insurance as a benefit.

Most travel cards will include coverage for things like trip interruption , trip delays and lost luggage .

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

If you’re in the market for single trip travel insurance, there are plenty of options available to you. Before purchasing a plan, grab quotes from multiple companies because the types of coverage and costs are going to vary.

Beyond this, be sure to check whether your credit card offers complimentary travel insurance and reach out to your medical insurance provider to see what type of coverage it offers overseas.

American Express insurance disclosures

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Looking to buy travel insurance for future trips?

I’m thinking about buying a travel insurance policy, will i be covered for coronavirus .

Our multi-cover policy, Select and Cover, provides cover for   coronavirus-related travel disruption .  So if you and your partner or family were to need at least 2 other types of cover as well as travel insurance – such as mobile phone insurance, gadget insurance or motor breakdown insurance –  Select and Cover  may be right for you.

Select and Cover is available for customers with an HSBC bank, savings, mortgage or credit card account who are registered for online banking.

By ‘family’ we mean your spouse, domestic or civil partner and dependent children living with you who are under 18 – or under 23 if they’re in full-time education and living at home outside of term time.

Select and Cover Worldwide Travel is provided by Aviva Insurance Limited. The maximum age for cover is 70.

For details of the coronavirus cover offered as part of the Select and Cover travel option, see  What’s covered under HSBC Travel Insurance .

We're here to help

Travel guidance.

Find out about our latest travel information and how you can make a travel insurance claim.

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Managing your account

Take control of your finances in the comfort of your own home by using online and mobile banking.

Useful information

Finding up-to-date information you can rely on can be challenging. We've put together some trusted sources that you may find useful.

The government's latest support and advice on the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus pandemic.

UK Civil Aviation Authority

Information about your rights as an airline passenger and what to do if you can't travel.

Customer support

After a last-minute flight cancellation last year, I'm making travel insurance a priority this summer

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• When my flight was canceled last year, I had to get a layover and lost my more expensive seat.
• This year, I'm getting travel insurance, which will cover me if my flight is canceled.
• My travel insurance was just $36, and I'll get hundreds back if something goes wrong.

Last year, I got the chance to attend the charity video game marathon Summer Games Done Quick in person for the first time. I had been a longtime viewer of the event through its online streams, and I was excited to finally go there in person.

The event was held in downtown Minneapolis, and I decided to fly there from my home in Virginia. I knew that travel insurance was valuable, but I opted to forgo it. I've never felt comfortable squeezing into most airplane seats, and I was happy to pay a bit extra for several more inches of legroom, but I didn't really want another expense on top of that.

That turned out to be a big mistake.

My flight got canceled at the last minute

Games Done Quick — which hosts two major events each year, one in the winter and one in the summer — is a weeklong event raising money for charity, running from the afternoon on a Sunday to the end of the following Saturday. I planned on flying out on Saturday and returning on Monday, so I'd have a little bit of time to get settled in before the event started and time to recuperate once it was over, and I had direct flights for both legs of the trip.

The first leg of the trip went great. I arrived right on time, and I caught a ride to the hotel where one of several friends I was sharing a room with had already checked in. I had a great week, even if my sleep schedule suffered. And I figured since I'd given myself an extra day after the end of the event to recover, I'd be fully refreshed once I got back home. When Sunday rolled around and the final tally for the event came in — over $2.2 million raised for Doctors Without Borders — I was sad that the week was over but ready to get home.

On Monday morning, while I was packing, I got an email letting me know that my flight had been canceled, and the flight suggested as a replacement wouldn't leave until Tuesday. There was no way that would work. Thankfully, the employee I spoke to over the phone was very helpful, but the only available flight had a long layover in Dallas — and no open seats in the section I had originally planned on sitting in.

I didn't really have much of a choice at that point. I couldn't spring for a last-minute extra night at a hotel. I had to take the layover and sacrifice the leg room.

This year, I'm getting travel insurance

I was thankful to finally get home close to midnight, but I was barely functional the next day, and I was frustrated that there wasn't a better solution. The fee for the section where I had booked my ticket wasn't very expensive at $43, but it was less about the money and more about the fact that I had more or less been locked into a bad deal with no real way out.

That's why, when I bought my plane tickets for this year's event, I opted to get travel insurance. I booked my flight through Delta, and while checking out, the website quoted a price of $36 for Allianz travel insurance . I opted to take that offer.

My coverage includes up to $300 if my trip is delayed, and I can get a full refund if it's canceled. If I have another flight cancellation, instead of having to take whatever replacement is available to me, I'll be able to take some time to figure out my best option. My travel insurance also means the trip is fully covered if it's canceled outright due to illness, and I'm also covered if my luggage is lost or damaged.

Obviously, there's never any guarantee that travel will go perfectly — any number of unforeseen problems could make a trip go poorly, and travel insurance won't cover all of them. But there's nothing quite as frustrating as a last-minute flight mishap, and I'm relieved to know that if anything goes wrong, I'll have a bit more leeway to make sure I'm getting the best solution.

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

• Main content

Money blog: Six signs you might have a shopping addiction

Shopping addiction isn't recognised by the World Health Organisation but treatment is now offered at many clinics. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news below - and leave your thoughts in the comments box.

Tuesday 4 June 2024 08:51, UK

• Gas prices hit highest level since December
• Glitch that delayed 500,000 benefit payments 'fixed', HMRC says
• HSBC announces mortgage rate increases
• British Airways to allow passengers to book flights in just a few clicks with Amazon-style app

Essential reads

• The five different types of shopping addict
• How much are student loans, when do you start paying back and what is the interest?
• Your rights when deliveries or returns don't arrive - and why leaving instructions could jeopardise them
• Think twice before buying your holiday clothes from Zara
• Where is all the money going? Here's who is really responsible for concert tickets going crazy
• Would tourist tax put you off visiting Scotland?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Wholesale costs for natural gas have hit their highest levels across Europe since December last year - threatening a future spike in energy bills.

The cause is a key Norwegian export operation being shut down due to a cracked pipe.

The damage, discovered aboard the Sleipner Riser platform, prompted wider  energy  infrastructure to be halted including the Nyhamna processing plant which exports gas to the UK, pipeline operator Gassco said.

Alfred Hansen, the company's head of pipeline system operations, told the Reuters news agency: "This has big consequences from a supply perspective."

Read more on this, and how there's better new on oil prices, below ...

Yesterday we talked about the dopamine hit you get when shopping - and spoke to a psychologist about how you might learn to control it.

But what if it's gone too far? That's what we're discussing in the second of this four-part series this week.

A  piece by the Royal College of Psychiatrists , published by Cambridge University Press in 2012, said shopping addiction, often referred to as compulsive buying disorder (CBD), "was first described by the German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin almost a century ago".

He called the disorder "oniomania" (from the Greek onios, meaning "for sale", and mania, meaning "insanity").

A hundred years on, the World Health Organisation doesn't classify shopping addiction as a mental illness, unlike gambling, video game addiction, pyromania and kleptomania - but psychologists are taking note of the subject.

According to a 2021 paper in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, potential  symptoms  of a compulsive shopping disorder include:

• Preoccupation with shopping (an irresistible urge to buy a product);
• Reduced control over buying behaviours;
• Buying products but not using them for the purposes they were intended to serve;
• Using shopping to regulate mood;
• Negative consequences afterwards such as guilt, shame, debt, relationship problems;
• Negative mood and cognitive symptoms if attempting to stop.

Donald W Black, a prominent American psychiatrist, has written extensively on the subject. He says the "disorder has a lifetime prevalence of 5.8% in the US general population".

There has been much debate about whether CBD is a valid mental illness - amid concerns of over medicalising. However, a growing number of rehab clinics are offering treatment.

The Priory's website says: "If you are addicted to spending money, and are finding that it is affecting your finances, relationships, health and quality of life, this is just as serious as any other addiction."

The Abbey Care Foundation says signs you may have a shopping addiction include juggling multiple credit cards, hiding extravagant spending from your family, hoarding things you don't use and getting angry at anyone who tries to get in the way of your spending.

The foundation even breaks down different types of shopping addict:

• Bargain-seekers:  These people have a shopping habit of actively seeking items on sale. When they spot items for less than their perceived value, they purchase them. This behaviour makes them feel like they are winning and relieves shopping addiction. 
• Collectors:  This shopping addiction entails seeking out different versions of a particular item. The desire to collect or complete a set of similar items drives this addiction. 
• Show-offs:  The compulsive behaviour is driven by the desire to buy high-value items. In some cases, the individual's self-worth or self-esteem is attached to making such purchases. 
• Trophy-hunters:  The shopping addiction is for rare, expensive items. The individual intentionally looks for the most expensive or rarest items and gains satisfaction in buying them. 
• Shopping bulimics:  This shopping addiction is like the eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa. Individuals categorised as shopping bulimics make large, frequent purchases only to request later refunds. They do so to cushion themselves from the financial consequences of making such large purchases. 

Join us tomorrow as we speak to a woman for who this used to be all too real - leading her into £40,000 of debt.

Passengers will soon be able to book British Airways flights in a few clicks as part of a major revamp by the airline. 

The company told The Telegraph it wanted to style its website on the "three clicks and you can check out" approach of Amazon. 

British Airways said it was spending £7bn on a revamp, which would see the company's app and website relaunched. 

Other changes will include new planes, revamped seats and refurbished airport lounges. 

Customers will also be able to rebook, claim a refund and cancel flights online. 

The new website is currently being trialled by people flying from London Gatwick to Montpellier in France, Antalya in Turkey and Bari, Cagliari and Catania in Italy. 

Basically, student finance is a government-financed loan that covers university students' tuition fees and living costs for the duration of their study. 

There are two main types of loan, tuition and maintenance - we'll take each in turn. 

Tuition fees 

Undergraduate courses in England generally cost students about £9,250 a year.

That's a lot for a young person (or their family) to cover, so the government offers to pay that outright, direct to the university, on their behalf. 

This is known as your tuition loan - we'll come to how this is repaid later. 

Maintenance loans

These help students cover day-to-day costs, such as rent and food, while studying.

For the 2024-25 academic year, students can borrow anywhere between £4,327 and £13,348 for each year of study - depending on where you live, where you're going to study and your family's financial situation. 

See how much you could be entitled to by clicking here .

The various plans 

Here's where it gets more complicated. What plan you may be on is listed below... 

Why no Plan 3? The repayment plan for postgraduate loans in England and Wales is actually Plan 3.

In the UK, you pay nothing up front, and the amount you pay back each month is determined by how much you earn. 

You'll repay a percentage of your income over the threshold for your type of loan, depending on how often you get paid - see the table below for the thresholds. 

With those thresholds in mind, you'll repay either:

• 9% of your income over the threshold if you're on Plan 1, 2, 4 or 5
• 6% of your income over the threshold if you're on a postgraduate loan (Plan 3)

If you're on multiple plans, the rules are slightly different.

If you don't have a postgraduate loan, you'll repay 9% of your income over the lowest threshold out of the plan types you have.

In this scenario, you'll only have a single repayment taken each time you get paid, even if you're on more than one plan type.

But if you do have a postgraduate loan, you'll repay 6% of your income over the postgraduate loan threshold  and 9% of your income over the lowest threshold for any other plan types you have.

You don't need to worry about paying it off each month yourself if you're employed - the money will be deducted from your earnings before it hits your account, like income tax. 

Interest rates

Like any loan, you'll be paying back what you owe plus a little bit on the top - known as interest. 

With student loans, that extra on the top isn't so little right now, as it is linked to retail price rises.

• 6.25% if you're on Plan 1
• 7.8% if you're on Plan 2
• 6.25% if you're on Plan 4
• 7.8% if you're on Plan 5
• 7.8% if you're on a postgraduate loan plan (Plan 3)

Read other entries in our Basically... series...

Royal Mail's incoming owner has refused to rule out stamp price hikes under his leadership. 

In fact, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky seemed to suggest there might be more increases to come. 

"I can't make unconditional commitments," he told The Times when questioned on the topic. 

"[If] your circulation is 50% of what it was … you either need to go home, or you need to increase the unit price and hope that people will pay for it. Because if not, you are making losses.

"You can be loss-making for a year or two, but you can't be in a loss for 20 years. It's simple maths. There's no mystery to it." 

First class stamp prices have more than doubled since 2018 from 67p to £1.35. 

The businessman, nicknamed the Czech Sphinx, had his £3.6bn offer accepted by the postal service's parent company, International Distribution Services, last week. 

It said the agreement included a series of "contractual commitments" to protect public service aspects of the Royal Mail - such as its universal service obligation to "one-price-goes-anywhere" first-class post six days a week.

Many were shocked by the deal, with Royal Mail reporting losses of £1m a day in recent years. 

You can read more about the Czech Sphinx below...

A major error that meant 500,000 families did not receive their scheduled child benefit today has been "fixed", HMRC has said.

In a post on X, HMRC said affected families would get the money on Wednesday morning, two days after the payments were due...

Multiple readers have got in touch to say they had been affected by the problem, which meant almost a third of payments scheduled for today were not made.

Reader Susan1984 said: "When should we expect to receive the missing payment? This has left not just me but so many more families with kids completely stuck for food and fuel this morning."

Earlier, HMRC apologised and said it was working urgently to resolve the issue, which would not affected payments scheduled for tomorrow (see post at 14.41).

Child benefit is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or a Tuesday at a rate of £25.60 for an eldest or only child and £16.95 for each additional child.

The bank has today announced wholesale rate hikes across its residential and buy-to-let mortgage product ranges. 

The new rates, which come into effect tomorrow, will be applied largely across its two, three and five-year fixed rates for purchase and remortgage. 

However, a number of rates available to existing HSBC customers looking to switch will also see increases. 

Brokers say more lenders could increase rates this week. 

This is thanks to an uptick in swap rates due to hopes fading for a cut to the base rate set by the Bank of England in June. 

Here is what some industry insiders told Newspage...

The dreaded 'higher for longer' scenario is no longer a mere notion: it's the harsh reality for many. It looks like these elevated rates are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Ranald Mitchell, director at Charwin Private Clients

We can now expect more awkward conversations with clients who have read that rates are coming down and inflation is under control. HSBC have been fairly competitive recently so the hope is that they just need to turn the tap off a little to catch up and this isn't an upward trend that will continue into the summer period. David Stirling, independent financial advisor at Mint Mortgages and Protection

HSBC is one of several lenders to already have announced changes this week. Even with the higher rates on offer, I would not suggest waiting in the hope of a drop any time soon. My advice to borrowers is take control of the situation and start the process of arranging a new deal as early as possible, secure a rate and, if a better one materialises, change to it. Simon Bridgland, broker/director at Release Freedom

Child benefit payments have not arrived on time for approximately half a million people.

Almost a third of payments scheduled for today were not made - and we've had multiple readers get in touch to say they've been impacted.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has apologised and said it is working urgently to resolve the issue.

"We're sorry that some customers' child benefit payments have not arrived as scheduled and we are working urgently to resolve the issue," said an HMRC spokesperson.

"The issues that caused payment problems today will not impact payments scheduled for tomorrow."

Child benefit is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or a Tuesday at a rate of £25.60 for an eldest or only child and £16.95 per additional child.

Some people may receive the benefit weekly, for example if they are a single parent or receiving certain other benefits, such as universal credit.

HMRC added on X that there was "no need for customers to call us" and it will provide updates on the social media platform.

As of August 2023, 6.91 million families were in receipt of child benefit payments.

Reader Sam E said: "No warning, complete denial, no update, just endless worry for those who rely on the benefit. The denial in particular is an insult. How long will it be until it's sorted?"

Last week, the Scottish Parliament passed a bill meaning local authorities can set an additional charge for overnight accommodation. 

For tourists heading to Scotland, that means an extra fee for staying hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday lets.

According to Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, the fee will be a percentage of the cost of a hotel or other room.

For instance, a 1% levy on a £200 booking means a visitor would pay £2 in tourist tax.

We asked our followers in LinkedIn if the tourist tax would put them off visiting the country. 

The majority of them (59%) said it wouldn't stop them from taking a trip there - but 41% would think twice.

Any charges or levies are not expected to come into effect until spring 2026, as councils need to consult local businesses before carrying out an 18-month implementation period.

Those receiving disability benefits will not pay any charges, with children and young people also exempt.

Manchester, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole already charge people to stay the night. 

Manchester's £1-a-night City Visitor Charge was introduced last April, and is estimated to have raised around £2.8m in its first year.

European hotspots like Barcelona and Venice also have tourist taxes, with the Spanish city charging visitors €3.25 if they're staying in official accommodation.

Your comments on LinkedIn :

"We love Scotland (I'm a Scot) but live close enough to drive up and do some shopping and stay over for a meal etc and we do so perhaps every six weeks or so. So I'm now classed as a 'tourist' even though I spend about £200 on a room - perhaps another £200 quid on a meal and drinks etc etc - not to mention the money we spend in the shops. And they want to charge us both £2.50 a night?" Paul Mclean

Many countries apply tourist taxes, so why should Scotland be any different?The big questions, for me, are how will the money be spent? Will it be spent directly benefiting the city or just vanish into government coffers? The other is who counts as a tourist. A foreign national visiting from a country outside of the UK would seem a sensible definition, but to charge domestic visitors would probably be shootings themselves in the foot somewhat. Scott Taylor-Barr

From my experience, Edinburgh is already one of the most expensive cities to visit. Greig Cahill

Hopefully the contributions are put towards the development of tourism, and/or will be used in the right ways. From my experience working in France, French nationals are very accepting of the tourist tax and in France, I see the logic in it. Let's hope it works... 🤞🏻 Jennifer Wightman

Virgin Atlantic has launched the first flight of its new service from Manchester to Las Vegas today. 

It makes Manchester Airport the only place outside of London to offer direct flights to America's west coast. 

Virgin Atlantic already has a daily connection to Sin City from London Heathrow, but launched the new route to support strong customer demand in the North West. 

It marks the airline's fourth service from Manchester to the US, building on established services of Orlando, New York and Atlanta. 

"Few places sum up the glitz and glamour of international travel like Las Vegas. Giving passengers in the North the opportunity to fly there directly and experience everything it has to offer is a real game-changer," Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport said. 

The launch has been marked with showgirls joining the flight's cabin crew and welcoming flyers at the check-in desk. 

Flight VS85 on an A350-1000 departed Manchester Airport at 9.50am. 

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