Australian Travellers Face Credit Card Travel Insurance Changes

Australia's travellers are facing uncertainty as several major banks announce changes to their credit card travel insurance policies, effective from October 1, 2026. The Reserve Bank of Australia's payment reforms will remove card payment surcharges and reduce interchange fees, impacting the benefits offered by some cards.

NAB has already removed complimentary international and domestic travel insurance from several of its cards since May 15, 2026, while others offer a shorter period of international cover. Westpac is also scaling back its complimentary cover from October 1, eliminating benefits such as trip cancellation, travel delay, and luggage cover.

Natalie Smith, Marketing Director at Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, cautions travellers to carefully review their current policy, including what is covered, limits, excesses, and any conditions that must be met to activate the cover. She notes that even if a card still offers complimentary travel insurance, travellers may need to manually activate it before departure.

Comparetravelinsurance.com.au recommends checking eligibility requirements, scope of cover changes, maximum medical coverage, excess amounts, and pre-existing condition coverage. Smith suggests considering standalone policies for more comprehensive benefits, especially if credit card cover no longer meets their needs.