What card insurance usually includes
Premium travel cards often list emergency medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay, delayed or lost baggage and rental car damage. The exact mix and dollar limits differ by card, and some cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Amex, list no emergency medical or cancellation cover at all.
Medical coverage: days and age
Card medical cover applies to the first part of each trip. On the TD cards it is the first 21 days if you are under 65 and the first 4 days if you or your spouse is 65 or older. The Scotiabank Gold lists 25 days under 65 and 3 days at 65 and over, and RBC lists 15 days under 65 and 3 days at 65 and over.
If your trip is longer than the limit, or you are older, you may need a top-up or a standalone policy.
Trip cancellation and the payment rule
Cancellation, interruption and delay cover usually apply only if you paid for the trip with the card, often at least 75% of it, or with the card's points. If you pay with a different card, the cover may not apply. Cancellation also covers only listed reasons, such as a serious illness, not a change of mind.
Pre-existing conditions and exclusions
Most card policies exclude or restrict conditions that were not stable before you travelled. Other exclusions, such as high-risk activities and travel against medical advice, are listed in the certificate of insurance. Read the certificate, not just the card page, before you rely on it.
Card insurance versus standalone insurance
Standalone policies can cover longer trips, older travellers and health conditions through underwriting, and they do not depend on how you paid. Card insurance costs nothing extra but is narrower. Many travellers use card cover as a base and add a policy when the trip is long, expensive or the traveller is 65 or older.
The cards in this guide
Facts come from each issuer's own pages and were last verified October 28, 2026. Confirm current terms with the issuer before you apply.
- TDTD Aeroplan Visa InfiniteCard shapeVisa
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
$139 annual fee · 2.5% foreign transaction fee · Aeroplan
Read the full card profile - ScotiabankScotiabank Gold AmexCard shapeAMEX
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
$120 annual fee · no foreign transaction fee · Scene+
Read the full card profile - RBCRBC Avion Visa InfiniteCard shapeVisa
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
$120 annual fee · 2.5% foreign transaction fee · Avion Rewards
Read the full card profile - CIBCCIBC Aventura Visa InfiniteCard shapeVisa
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
$139 annual fee · 2.5% foreign transaction fee · Aventura Rewards
Read the full card profile
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TripRadr is not a lender, broker or financial adviser. This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rates, fees and benefits change, so confirm them with the issuer. See how we compare cards.