If you travel regularly for work, a business credit card that includes complimentary insurance could help you save money. Depending on the card you choose, you could get coverage for trip cancellation, auto rental collision waiver, roadside dispatch and more. Some cards also provide complimentary travel insurance for your family or additional cardholders.
Use this guide to learn about the types of travel insurance available, compare business credit cards, and find out what you need to do to get coverage for your trips.
American Express AIR MILES Gold Business Card
19.99 %
APR
Purchase interest rate
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
American Express AIR MILES Gold Business Card
Apply today and receive 150 AIR MILES® when you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months of card membership. Terms apply.
- Purchase interest rate: 19.99%
- Cash advance rate: 21.99%
- Annual fee: $0
- Credit rating: 560+
Compare business credit cards that offer travel insurance
What type of travel insurance is available with business credit cards?
American Express, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust and BMO are just some of the providers that offer business credit cards with varying degrees of travel insurance coverage. Though the type and amount of insurance available with each card can differ, you’ll generally find coverage that falls under one or more of the following policies:
- Travel accident insurance. Coverage for death and dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier such as a bus, plane, train or a ship.
- Travel inconvenience coverage. Coverage for issues such as trip delays, luggage loss and trip cancellations.
- Emergency assistance. This includes emergency ticket replacement, lost item assistance, referrals to lawyers, medical assistance and more.
- Vehicle rental coverage. Provides insurance for loss or damage to your rental vehicle.
Travel business credit cards typically offer travel insurance, but you’ll have to check each provider’s list of card features to verify exactly what types of policies are included.
A closer look at coverage provided with leading Canadian business credit cards
The table below provides examples of what you can get with some of Canada’s top business credit cards. Note that coverage depends on the terms and conditions outlined in each card’s insurance policy. If you’re interested in applying, speak with the credit card provider for more detailed information.
Note: This card is a charge card, not a credit card, so you’re expected to pay off the balance each month. If you don’t, interest will accrue at 30% APR. | - Get up to $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance Travel Accident Insurance.
- $500 baggage insurance per claim.
- Includes insurance for car rental theft or damage, hotel/motel burglary, delayed flights and delayed baggage arrival.
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Note: This card is a charge card, not a credit card, so you’re expected to pay off the balance each month. If you don’t, interest will accrue at 30% APR. | - Get up to $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance.
- $500 baggage insurance per claim.
- Travel Emergency Assistance
- Includes insurance for car rental theft or damage, hotel/motel burglary, delayed flights and delayed baggage arrival.
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| - Get up to $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance.
- $500 baggage insurance per claim.
- Travel Emergency Assistance
- Includes insurance for car rental theft or damage, hotel/motel burglary, delayed flights and delayed baggage arrival.
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Note: This card is a charge card, not a credit card, so you’re expected to pay off the balance each month. If you don’t, interest will accrue at 30% APR. | - Get $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance.
- $1,000 baggage insurance per claim.
- Emergency Medical Insurance (out of province/country) and Travel Medical Concierge services.
- Travel Emergency Assistance
- Includes insurance for car rental theft or damage, hotel/motel burglary, delayed flights and delayed baggage arrival.
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| - Get up to $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance Travel Accident Insurance.
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Insurance policy terms and conditions
Each credit card insurance policy has its own specific requirements, variations and definitions. So, as well as reading the summary here, make sure you refer to the insurance policy documents available on the credit card provider’s website to get a complete picture of the insurance options available.
What else do I need to know about business credit cards with travel insurance?
To get the most out of a business credit card with travel insurance, make sure you keep the following factors in mind:
- Policy activation. In most cases, you need to use the credit card to pay for some or all of your eligible travel before you leave.
- Annual fee. Make sure you weigh the cost of the annual fee against the potential benefits of the card, including travel insurance, to decide if it’s worth it for your business needs.
- Additional cardholder fee. If you want to share your business credit card account with employees, make sure you check whether an additional cardholder fee will apply and how much it costs.
- Interest rate. If you need to pay for some or all of your travel using the credit card, make sure you check the interest rate and factor in the cost that could apply if you don’t pay your balance in full.
- Other features. Remember to consider the other features of the card, including expense tracking, compatibility with accounting software and rewards.
Bottom line
Getting a business credit card that includes travel insurance can provide savings on upfront costs when you travel. With other popular features such as rewards and itemized statements, comparing a range of cards will help you find one that suits your travel and business needs.
Before choosing a card, make sure you check out other business credit cards to compare your options.
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