The exception is the HSBC Platinum credit card, which stands out because it has no upper age limit written into its travel insurance terms. It’s an important distinction, since travel insurance premiums rise by between 10 and 50% for travelers over 50 compared to 30 year olds.

This guide will take you through the HSBC Platinum cards, how age limits work, and what your other options are if you’re over 79.

The credit card with no age limit on its complimentary travel insurance

As of its February 2025 PDS, HSBC does not list an upper age limit on its Platinum credit cards. That makes it a unicorn in the world of travel credit cards, since it’s the only one without upper limits on its insurance.

Eligible HSBC Platinum cards include:

• Platinum Credit Card
• Platinum Qantas Credit Card
• Premier World Mastercard
• Star Alliance Credit Card

However, even if an age limit isn’t specified, there are still other conditions that you need to meet to be eligible for the HSBC credit card international travel insurance. These include:

Being a permanent Australian resident or the holder of a visa issued under the Migration Act 1958

Spending at least $500 on your prepaid travel costs on your credit card(for example, a return overseas ticket, accommodation, or a cruise, travel or tour)

Having a return overseas travel ticket before leaving Australia

What about pre-existing conditions?

Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered, which is standard for travel insurance. A pre-existing condition is one that you’re reasonably aware of at the time you applied for cover, and could include physical conditions, chronic illnesses, previously treated cancer or an illness requiring ongoing treatment or medication.

We’ll cover pre-existing conditions in more detail below.

Who’s covered on the HSBC Platinum cards Travel Insurance?

A spouse and dependants are also eligible for cover provided they meet the eligibility terms. For instance, they must:

• Spend at least $500 of pre-paid travel costs on the credit card
• Spend at least 50% of the trip with the primary cardholder
• Have a return ticket before leaving Australia

There are other terms and conditions for covering family members (including those born on the trip!), so make sure to read the credit card’s Complimentary Travel Insurance PDS before applying.

The best travel insurance options if you’re 79 or 80

Credit card travel insurances with age limits will usually have one of two options: under 80, or under 81. The table below gives you a snapshot of popular brands and the complimentary travel insurance age limits. Below, we’ll show you how the age limits work, and which cards might suit you depending on your age.

Credit card travel insurance if you’re 79 or under

Some complimentary travel insurance policies cut off at 79, or it may be phrased as “under 80”. For example, these cards aren’t eligible if you’re over 79; ie, from your 80th birthday.

Credit card travel insurance if you’re 80 or under

If you’re under 80 or under, you can check out the credit cards listed above as well as these credit card travel insurance covers.

As always, terms and conditions vary between credit cards, so make sure you read through the PDS for eligibility and cover criteria.

Explaining pre-existing conditions on complimentary travel insurance

Besides being hard to find, travel insurance for seniors can be a mission to lock down even if you’re eligible by age. Earlier, we mentioned that you need to be aware of pre-existing conditions that aren’t covered. Here’s a deeper dive so you know what to look for before you apply.

What you need to know:

• Most credit card travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions, unless you get them approved before you travel.
• The insurer (such as Allianz or Chubb, not the credit card provider) might request a health assessment or medical screening before approving your insurance.
• Above all, approving your policy is at the insurer’s discretion and they will take into consideration a whole range of risk factors.

The credit card PDS will outline its pre-existing condition terms, and you can request a health assessment before travelling to make sure you’re covered.

Travel insurance options if you’re over 81 and don’t want a HSBC credit card

If you’ve out-aged credit card complimentary insurance and the HSBC Platinum isn’t a good fit, you can likely find standalone insurance options. Unfortunately, these will come with a cost attached.

Some private travel insurers offer specialised “seniors” insurance that are designed for older travellers. They may offer better medical coverage and cancellation options. You could try Australian Seniors insurance, and InsureandGo’s senior rates.

Final tips if you’re a senior traveller

• Always check the PDS before you travel. Even if you’re under the age limit, there may be other terms around pre-existing medical conditions.
• Make sure you meet the activation criteria. Being under the age limit isn’t enough; you also need to meet all the criteria such as spending minimums and residency terms.
• Those 80+ might find a standalone travel policy is safer. The exception is the HSBC Platinum cards, as long as you meet all the eligibility criteria.