Credit cards with baggage delay insurance

If your luggage is delayed, you might be stuck without essential items like clothing and toiletries. However, if you have baggage delay insurance, you could be reimbursed for purchases you make while waiting for your luggage to arrive.

Compare the top credit cards in Canada offering the best baggage insurance coverage and find out how to choose the right credit card for your needs.

Best for travel perks: The Platinum Card from American Express

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The Platinum Card from American Express is an engraved metal charge card with a hefty annual fee of $699 – but the benefits can far outweigh the costs. Note that this is a charge card, not a regular credit card, so you must pay off the balance in full every month or a 30% interest rate will apply.Get access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made through American Express Travel Online or through Platinum Card Travel Service. Plus, enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide.

• The perks

  • Signup bonus. Earn up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points - that’s up to $800 towards a weekend away. Earn 60,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $6,000 to your card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn 20,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of cardmembership.
  • Rewards points. Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere.
  • Travel insurance. Get Travel Accident Insurance, Travel Emergency Assistance and Emergency Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage, Lost and Stolen Baggage Insurance, Flight and Baggage Delay Insurance, Car Rental Theft and Damage coverage and Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance. You also get access to complimentary concierge services.
  • No late payment fee. A $0 fee applies to late payments (however, a penalty interest rate may apply).
  • Metal Card. This premium credit card comes in precision-cut, engraved metal, which makes it incredibly durable.

• What to watch out for

  • Annual fee. The annual fee for this card is $699.
  • Supplementary card fees. Additional Platinum Cards cost $175 annually.
  • Foreign transaction fees. When you spend overseas, you’ll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%.

Best for international travel: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

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With a fresh new look, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a powerful everyday credit card as well as a strong travel companion. Book and redeem any flight for any time through Scotia Rewards Travel Service, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee on airfare. Enjoy peace of mind with a broad array of travel insurance options including Emergency Medical (up to $1,000,000), Travel Accident, Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Flight Delay, Delayed or Lost Baggage and Rental Car Collision Loss/Damage.

• The perks

  • Signup bonus. Earn up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points in your first year (that's up to $850 towards travel) and get the first year annual fee waived. Apply by April 30, 2023. To qualify for the 45,000 bonus Scene+ points offer, earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in purchases in your first year.
  • Earn rewards points. Earn 6 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more, 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible grocery, dining and entertainment purchases, 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transportation and select streaming services, and 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere.
  • No foreign transaction fees. Spend overseas or online with international retailers and avoid any foreign transaction fees.
  • Travel insurance. Enjoy peace of mind with a broad array of travel insurance options including Emergency Medical (up to $1,000,000), Travel Accident, Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Flight Delay, Delayed or Lost Baggage and Rental Car Collision Loss/Damage.
  • Travel perks. Book and redeem any flight for any time through Scotia Rewards Travel Service, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee on airfare.
  • American Express rewards. Receive early access to tickets for shows, concerts and live events, plus get invites to exclusive events and discounts.

• What to watch out for

  • Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $120.
  • Signup bonus restrictions. You’ll need to charge at least $1,000 of eligible purchases to your card within the first 3 months as a cardholder to receive bonus points.
  • Eligibility requirements. You’ll need to earn a minimum income of $12,000 a year.

Best for travel in Canada: American Express Cobalt Card

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The American Express Cobalt Card boasts a wide suite of benefits and a powerful rewards program that lets you redeem points for travel, merchandise, Amazon.ca purchases, gift cards and statement credit. Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery, 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada, 2x points for every $1 spent on eligible transit & gas purchases in Canada and eligible travel purchases, and earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.

Enjoy complimentary travel insurance, car rental benefits, protection on your purchases and a generous signup bonus. Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your card (up to 30,000 points). That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.

• The perks

  • Earn points on all purchases. Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery, 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada, 2x points for every $1 spent on eligible transit & gas purchases in Canada and eligible travel purchases, and earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
  • Welcome bonus. Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your card (up to 30,000 points). That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
  • Free additional cards. Add up to 9 additional cardholders to the account, and enjoy a $0 annual fee per additional card.
  • Travel insurance. Get up to $5,000,000 in emergency medical coverage plus coverage for travel accidents, lost or stolen baggage, car rental theft and damage, flight delays and hotel/motel burglary.
  • Car rental insurance. Get complimentary Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance (MSRP of up to $85,000). Terms apply.
  • Purchase Protection and Buyer’s Assurance Protection. Enjoy peace of mind with complimentary protection against fraudulent charges to your card. Additionally, items charged to your card will be covered against theft and accidental physical damage, plus the original manufacturer's warranty will be extended by up to one additional year. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Hotel perks and special access to event tickets.

• Watch out for

  • Monthly annual fee. You’ll pay a monthly fee of $12.99 for this card, which is $155.88 annually.
  • Foreign transaction fee. You’ll pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% on all overseas purchases.

Compare credit cards for baggage insurance

Compare the baggage insurance limit for each credit card in the table below. Plus, take a look at annual fees, APRs and signup bonuses for each card.

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Name	Product	Baggage Insurance Limit per Claim	Purchase Interest Rate	Cash Advance Rate	Annual Fee		Welcome Offer
RBC Avion Visa Infinite			20.99%	22.99%	$120	Apply now More Info	Get up to 55,000 Welcome Points. Get 35,000 points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months. Apply by April 30, 2023.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express Cobalt Card		$500	20.99%	21.99%	$155.88	Apply now More Info	Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your card (up to 30,000 points). That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard		$750	20.99%	23.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)	Apply now More Info	Get up to 60,000 points and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege		$1,000	20.99%	23.99%	$499	Apply now More Info	Get up to 90,000 welcome points in your first year.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card		$1,000	20.99%	22.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)	Apply now More Info	Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and get the first year annual fee waived (that’s up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by April 30, 2023.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card		$1,000	20.99%	22.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Apply now More Info	Earn up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points in your first year (that's up to $850 towards travel) and get the first year annual fee waived. Apply by April 30, 2023.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card		$500	20.99%	22.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Apply now More Info	Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months. Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by April 30, 2023.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express		$500	20.99%	21.99%	$119.88	Apply now More Info	In your first 10 months, earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard		$750	20.99%	23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Apply now More Info	Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card		$500	19.99%	21.99%	$120	Apply now More Info	Earn 50,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your card in the first 3 months.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Platinum Card from American Express		$1,000	N/A	N/A	$699	Apply now More Info	Earn up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points - that’s up to $800 towards a weekend away.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard		$750	20.99%	23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Apply now More Info	Earn a bonus of up to 2,000 AIR MILES. Terms apply. Plus, get the annual fee of $120 waived in the first year.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Business Platinum Card from American Express		$1,000	19.99%	N/A	$499	Apply now More Info	Earn a Welcome Bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $6,000 within the first 3 months. That’s $800 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card		$500	19.99%	21.99%	$150	Apply now More Info	Earn 50,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $1,500 to your card in the first 3 months.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card		$500	19.99%	N/A	$199	Apply now More Info	Earn up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 70,000 points after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your card each calendar quarter (that's a total of 40,000 points a year).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express AIR MILES Reserve Credit Card		$500	20.99%	21.99%	$299	More Info	Get a welcome bonus of 2,400 Bonus Miles when you charge $3,000 in purchases to your card within the first 3 months. That's enough for two select flights.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
National Bank World Mastercard		$1,000	20.99%	22.49%	$115	Apply now More Info		Compare	loading Fetching your data...
National Bank Platinum Mastercard		$500	20.99%	22.49%	$70	Apply now More Info		Compare	loading Fetching your data...
National Bank World Elite Mastercard		$1,000	20.99%	22.49%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)	Apply now More Info	Earn up to 70,000 points and pay no annual fee the first year. Plus, get $150 of your travel fees refunded and enjoy unlimited access with a guest to the National BankLounge. Valid until June 30, 2023.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What is baggage delay insurance?

Baggage delay insurance reimburses you for essential items you buy if a travel carrier temporarily loses or misdirects your baggage.

For example, let’s say you check your luggage before your flight. When you get to your destination, the airline informs you your luggage is missing. While the airline locates your baggage, you might need to buy toiletries and other essentials. With baggage delay insurance, you could be compensated for these purchases.

Some credit cards will limit the types of valuables covered, or will set low limits compared to the actual value of the item. For example, you may only be able to claim up to $500 for all lost or stolen jewellery. You’ll need to read over the insurance policy before applying for a credit card to ensure you’re not disappointed with the coverage amount and terms.

What’s the difference between baggage “delay” insurance and “lost or stolen” baggage insurance?

Insurance providers often treat delayed baggage differently than lost or stolen baggage, splitting these up into 2 separate policies.

• Baggage delay insurance. Covers the cost of clothes and other necessities in the event your baggage has been delayed for longer than a certain number of hours. Coverage often runs from $500 to $1,000 per insured person and/or trip.
• Lost or stolen baggage insurance. Covers expenses incurred when you have to cancel a trip due to an emergency. Eligible emergencies could include severe illness or death of the insured or his/her travel companion, missed flight connections, business meeting cancellations or travel warnings issued by the Government of Canada.

However, if your luggage is lost and you don’t have lost luggage insurance, you may be able to cash in on baggage delay insurance for the same situation instead. Alternatively, keep in mind that you may be able to get some form of lost luggage reimbursement from your airline. Check with your provider to find out exactly what type of insurance is offered with your card.

What’s the difference between travel insurance and baggage insurance?

Travel insurance covers a wide range of benefits, including travel medical and accident insurance, trip interruption, flight delays and lost luggage.

Baggage insurance, on the other hand, is only one component of many travel insurance policies and is limited to covering your carry-on and checked-in luggage in case of loss, damage or delay.

What’s covered with baggage delay insurance?

Aside from the credit cards we highlighted above as our top pics, these other credit cards provide a snapshot of baggage delay insurance coverage you can expect to find on the market.

**Other terms and conditions may apply besides the information shown here. For example, there could be limits per insured person, per trip and/or for the total amount spent within a certain time frame after baggage has been determined missing. See the card provider’s website to find out exactly what insurance policies apply to its card(s).

Providers typically have relatively narrow definitions of qualifying purchases because baggage delay insurance is simply meant to tide you over until the carrier gets you your luggage. Some reasonable-sounding items may not be covered, such as contact lenses.

How baggage delay insurance works

• It’s valid for common-carrier travel.
  “Common carrier” usually means public transportation that requires a paid ticket, like airplanes, trains and cruise ships.

• Use your card to pay for your fare.
  This is a requirement to get the insurance. With many providers, you’ll qualify if you pay for at least a portion of your fare with your card. Some providers require you to pay for your entire fare with your card.

• Your bag must be delayed for a certain amount of time.
  Typically, the insurance kicks in only after your bag has been delayed for at least 4-6 hours depending on the policy offered with your specific card.

• There’s a maximum amount of coverage.
  Providers often cap baggage delay insurance at $500 per covered traveler. Your provider may set a daily maximum or a trip maximum.

How can I use baggage delay insurance?

If your trip is covered by your card’s insurance and your baggage is delayed, follow these steps to get reimbursed:

1. Inform your carrier.
   Visit your carrier’s baggage services or customer service desk and let the representative know you haven’t received your luggage. File a report and get a copy of it. Also, collect documentation from the carrier showing what’s being done to locate your luggage.
2. Collect receipts.
   While waiting for your luggage to arrive, ask for receipts for all essential purchases you make.
3. Get proof of baggage delivery.
   This will show your claims administrator how long your baggage was delayed.
4. Check your card’s guide to benefits.
   There, you’ll find details on who to contact for your claim.
5. File your claim.
   Include supporting documentation. Usually, you must file within 20 to 60 days of your baggage delay.
6. Look for communication.
   Keep an eye out for contact from your claims administrator. You may need to return additional documentation and answer questions from representatives.

How to get baggage delay insurance

You can typically find baggage delay insurance with travel-insurance providers. However, you can get it for free with select travel credit cards from networks such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Who gets to use baggage delay insurance?

Baggage delay insurance is typically available to the primary cardholder and their traveling companion or immediate family members like their spouse or children. If you have a business credit card, baggage delay coverage may extend to employees of the business under which the card is issued.

Bottom line

It can be extremely inconvenient when a carrier misplaces your luggage. However, baggage delay insurance can help you cover essential costs in the meantime. And if you have a credit card that provides concierge services, you might even be able to have your bags delivered to you when they arrive.

There are also other types of travel insurance, which you can find in many types of credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

• Will my baggage be covered if I get a credit card with travel insurance?

  It depends on the card. Some travel insurance is comprehensive and offers coverage for many issues you might run into while travelling. Other insurance providers only offer travel medical and accident insurance. Read the fine print and understand what types of insurance the card comes with, so that you know whether or not baggage protection is included as part of your travel insurance policy.

  You’ll also want to make sure both delayed baggage and lost/stolen baggage is covered.

• What other types of travel insurance are there?

  Credit cards with travel insurance may include coverage for trip delay, trip cancellation and interruption, and travel accident insurance. Many cards also offer auto rental collision damage waivers.

• Do I get more coverage with a premium credit card?

  Not necessarily. You could receive coverage up to $500 with a card that costs $99 a year.

• Where do I find my card's guide to benefits?

  Your provider will send you the guide to benefits when it mails your card to you. You can often also find the guide through your online account on your provider’s website.