Travel Insurance Coverage for UnionBank Credit Card Cardholders

Why Travel Insurance Matters More Than You Think

Have you ever experienced a delayed flight, lost luggage, or sudden medical emergency while abroad? For most travelers, these unexpected events can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. But what if your UnionBank Credit Card could protect you from these headaches—without paying extra?

Good news! Many UnionBank Credit Cards include free travel insurance coverage, especially when you use your card to book flights, hotels, or tours.

For first-time credit card users in the Philippines, this is one of the most underrated yet valuable benefits. You’re not just earning points or miles—you’re getting peace of mind every time you travel.

🧳 What Is Travel Insurance Coverage?

Travel insurance is financial protection that helps cover unexpected travel problems, such as:

Trip cancellations or delays
Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
Medical emergencies abroad
Accidental injury or death while traveling

When your UnionBank Credit Card comes with travel insurance, these benefits are automatically activated when you use your card to pay for your trip. No separate registration or extra cost is usually required.

💳 Which UnionBank Credit Cards Offer Travel Insurance?

Most UnionBank travel and premium cards offer built-in travel insurance. These typically include:

UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa
UnionBank Platinum Mastercard
UnionBank Visa Infinite
UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum

💡 Tip: Coverage may vary per card type, so it’s smart to review your card’s travel insurance benefits in your welcome guide or call UnionBank customer service.

🌍 How Does UnionBank Travel Insurance Work?

Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Use Your UnionBank Card for Travel Purchases

To activate the insurance, pay for your flight, hotel, or full travel package using your UnionBank Credit Card.

Example:
You book a roundtrip ticket from Manila to Tokyo worth ₱25,000 using your UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa. Because the entire amount is charged to your card, your travel insurance is automatically activated for that trip.

2. Coverage Period

Your travel insurance starts from the departure date and lasts until you return to the Philippines or the trip’s scheduled end date (whichever comes first).

3. Coverage Scope

Depending on the card, coverage can include:

Coverage Type	Description	Sample Coverage
Accidental Death & Disablement	Provides lump sum in case of travel-related accident	Up to ₱10,000,000
Medical Emergencies Abroad	Covers hospital and medical expenses	Up to ₱2,500,000
Lost or Delayed Baggage	Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage	Up to ₱100,000
Trip Cancellation/Delay	Reimburses expenses from trip disruptions	Up to ₱50,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation	Covers transportation for medical evacuation or remains	Up to ₱2,000,000

(Figures may vary depending on your specific UnionBank card.)

✈️ Real-Life Example: Maria’s Travel Insurance Story

Maria, a 32-year-old first-time traveler, booked a trip from Manila to Seoul using her UnionBank Platinum Visa.
Three days before her flight, her father was hospitalized, forcing her to cancel her trip.

Normally, she would’ve lost the ₱18,000 airfare.
But since she booked using her UnionBank card, her travel insurance reimbursed 100% of the ticket cost after she submitted the hospital documents and flight cancellation notice.

This is the kind of financial safety net that makes travel insurance incredibly valuable—especially for those traveling abroad for the first time.

🧠 What’s Usually Not Covered

It’s equally important to know the limitations of your travel insurance:

Pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., chronic illness, pregnancy complications)
Extreme sports or high-risk activities (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving)
Trips not paid using your UnionBank Credit Card
Non-commercial flights (private or chartered planes)
Losses from war, terrorism, or illegal acts

⚠️ Tip: Always read your policy’s terms before traveling. Knowing what’s not covered helps avoid surprises later.

🪪 How to File a Claim

Here’s how you can claim your UnionBank travel insurance benefits step-by-step:

Step 1: Collect Your Documents

You’ll typically need:

Copy of your UnionBank Credit Card statement showing the travel payment
Flight itinerary or boarding pass
Official report (from airline, hospital, or police, depending on case)
Valid ID and proof of relationship (if applicable)

Step 2: Contact the Insurance Partner

UnionBank works with accredited insurance providers (e.g., Pacific Cross or AXA).
You’ll find their contact details in your cardholder guide or by calling UnionBank Customer Service.

Step 3: Submit Within the Claim Period

Usually, you must file within 30 days from the incident date.
Processing time may vary, but most cases are resolved within 10–15 working days if documents are complete.

💰 How to Maximize Your Travel Insurance Benefits

Even if you already have travel coverage, there are smart ways to get the most out of it:

✅ 1. Always Use the Same Card for All Bookings

Your airfare, hotel, and tour should all be paid using your UnionBank card to ensure full activation.

✅ 2. Keep Digital Copies of Receipts

Screenshot your booking confirmations and payment receipts in case you need to claim later.

✅ 3. Check Coverage Before Every Trip

Not all cards or destinations have the same coverage limit—especially for extended stays abroad.

✅ 4. Combine It with Budget Planning

Travel insurance helps protect your budget, but planning your travel expenses ahead matters too.
Try using the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate your monthly spending and repayments before booking a trip.

It helps you stay within budget and enjoy the benefits of your card without overspending.

💼 Why Travel Insurance Is a Hidden Perk for Filipino Travelers

Most Filipinos look for cashback or miles when choosing a credit card. But travel insurance is one of the most practical and life-saving perks available—especially for overseas travelers.

With UnionBank, this coverage often comes free, meaning you’re getting protection worth millions just by using your card for bookings.

🧾 TL;DR (Summary for Busy Readers)

UnionBank credit cards can include free travel insurance coverage.
To activate, pay your trip using your card (flights, hotels, etc.).
Coverage includes accident, medical, baggage, and trip delay protection.
Not covered: pre-existing conditions, risky activities, or unpaid trips.
Always check your card’s benefits before traveling.

💡 Bonus: Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate how much you’ll spend and repay before planning your next trip.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if my UnionBank card has travel insurance?

You can check your cardholder welcome pack or contact UnionBank’s hotline. Most premium and travel cards include it automatically.

2. Do I need to register for travel insurance before flying?

No. Simply use your UnionBank Credit Card to pay for your travel—coverage is automatically activated.

3. Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 or pandemic-related cancellations?

Some policies may exclude pandemic-related events, but it depends on your card’s insurer. Always check your policy details before booking.

4. Can I claim for lost items at the airport?

Yes, if your baggage is delayed or lost during a covered flight. Keep the airline report and receipts for essentials purchased during the delay.

5. How long does it take to get reimbursed?

If documents are complete, most claims are processed within 10–15 business days.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or your first international trip, travel insurance is your invisible safety net.
With UnionBank Credit Cards, you don’t need to buy separate coverage—just book using your card, and you’re already protected.

It’s one of those hidden perks that prove:
✅ A credit card isn’t just for spending—it’s also your travel protection tool.

So before your next flight, make sure you pack the essentials: your passport, your itinerary, and your UnionBank Credit Card.

Travel Insurance Coverage for UnionBank Credit Card Cardholders