Westpac adds virus cover

WESTPAC has added COVID-19 insurance cover for eligible customers as part of its complimentary credit card insurance offering.

The change sees added travel protection against epidemics and pandemics under its selected benefits criteria, and includes overseas emergency medical assistance, medical evacuation, cancellations and any additional expenses related to outbreaks.

“The world has changed over the last two years and with borders now open, we have updated our credit card complimentary insurance to give customers additional peace of mind when travelling overseas,” the bank’s Managing Director, Consumer Finance Steve Rubenstein said.

Westpac is hoping the added traveller protection will help it gain a slice of the resurgent outbound travel segment, which the bank said had seen consumer credit card spend on airlines and hotels rebound over 140% and 120% respectively since the sharp decline in 2020.

“We are seeing our customers spending more on airlines, travel agents and hotels, as Australians get back to one of their favourite pastimes... and while international spend across our credit and debit cards has rebounded significantly, it’s not yet at 2019 levels,” Rubenstein observed.

“We anticipate this could change over the Jul school holidays as Australians escape the winter and reconnect with families and friends abroad.”

Westpac has also noticed a jump in frequent flyer interest.

Complimentary credit card insurance is available on selected Westpac, St. George, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA consumer and business credit cards - more details HERE.