pauly
backpacker
Posts: 11

#1 Posted: 9/2/2007 - 13:22


Do many people use Visa Gold travel insurance and how do you find it?Sounds to good to be true.Complementary travel insurance with the purchase of your ticket using Vosa Gold.

GussieG
motodop
Posts: 24

#2 Posted: 9/2/2007 - 16:31


You need to check the smallprint very carefully. A lot of "complimentary" insurance only covers you for travel accidents, not medical bills, loss of baggage etc. Do you pay an annual fee for the card? If not, chances are it's very minimal cover, and you'd be wise to take out proper travel insurance.

pauly
backpacker
Posts: 11

#3 Posted: 9/2/2007 - 17:22


Thankyou for your reply.The Commonwealth Bank(Australia) has a lengthy and specific handbook that does spell out entitlements as does their website.I wondered what personal experiences people may have had being a non trusting cynical person.There was also some cost involved by paying with card rather than cash.Thanks again though.

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2968

Located in:
Indonesia

#4 Posted: 9/2/2007 - 18:49


On one of my more recent trips to Vietnam I used a CBA Mastercard rather than travellers cheques or cash (what I normally use). My three weeks there incurred over A$200 in bank fees for overseas purchases and cash advances. Never again.

While I can't comment on their travel insurance, the fees and charges on my card (not sure if we're on the same programme) were absolutely outrageous.

pauly
backpacker
Posts: 11

#5 Posted: 10/2/2007 - 15:06


I have heard the same thing.I was going to use some cash and cheques but hope to rely on my Meastro Keycard for cash advances.My Visa Gold would only be used for hotel bills and train fares.After talking to the bank people it seems the way to go.I'll let you know.

jo8034
longtail driver
Posts: 6

#6 Posted: 12/2/2007 - 13:41


Just adding on the above. Try a Wizard Mastercard. It is a "no frills credit card" and does not have any reward program attached. They have no foreign cash advance fees and we travelled to Europe with it last year. Found it excellent. Also no fees for obtaining cash from ATM's. I work for another Australian Bank and have found that this is the best credit card in terms of fees etc. Found out about it on one of the Aussie current affairs programs.

We also travel with a Visa Gold Card and generally only use this as a last resort whilst overseas, due to the fees involved.

jo8034
longtail driver
Posts: 6

#7 Posted: 12/2/2007 - 13:44


Sorry forgot something. You will be also charged approx $6.00 AUS per debit on your keycard. You can put the mastercard into credit and this way use your own funds without incurring any fees. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

pythagnz
longtail driver
Posts: 9

#8 Posted: 12/2/2007 - 13:45


I have used Visa Gold Card complimentary insurance twice. Last year I had a two week holiday in Australia and in Oct-Nov 2005 I used it for a 6-week trip around Thailand. I didn't need to make a claim so can't comment on that aspect of it.

I did check the policy carefully and compared it to other travel insurance offers. It seemed comprehensive and more or less the same as other policies. You can include partners.

The rules say you must pay for at least half your pre-arranged travel costs using the Visa. When I went to Thailand I used airpoints and paid for my accommodation as I went so I had very few pre-travel costs. The bank said so long as I used any ANZ card (not necessarily the Visa) then I was ok. So, I used my debit card to withdraw cash once a week or so. This was very convenient as there are ATMs everywhere in Thailand. And it is cheaper than a cash advance on a credit card. The charges were NZ$5 then but now NZ$7.50 - could be a bit high if you are doing it frequently.

I suppose if you are in Australia the rules might be slightly different. And I think there is a version of the complimentary travel insurance where they offer a very basic package. It pays to check with your bank that you have met the requirements to be covered before you go.

pauly
backpacker
Posts: 11

#9 Posted: 12/2/2007 - 16:03


Dear Jo 8034.I mentioned at the bank(Commonwealth) that I wanted to put my Visa Credit Card into the black and was told that they were not desighned for that purpose.Puting the card into a positive balance still may be the way to go.She also told me that mistakes could be made when people did this.Thanks for the tip though.

pauly
backpacker
Posts: 11

#10 Posted: 12/2/2007 - 16:10


Dear pythagnz,yes the insurance does seem comprehensive and I think i'll go with it.I paid for our entire trip with the card so there should not be a problem there.We will be going to Thailand first then Vietnam and Cambodia.Thanks for the tip about cash advances on credid cards,i'd heard it was expensive.