Most credit and debit card holders in India don’t realise their cards may already include free insurance benefits. These can range from personal accident cover and purchase protection to lost baggage or fraud protection, depending on your card type and network.
This guide breaks down how debit card insurance and credit card insurance actually work, what’s covered, how to check if you’re eligible for insurance on cards, and how to claim it. Remember, if you’re using Visa, Rupay, Mastercard, or Amex, the benefits vary and the fine print matters
What Is Card-Linked Insurance?
Card-linked insurance refers to complimentary or optional coverage provided by your card network (like Visa or Rupay) or issuing bank when you use your card under specific conditions. This coverage isn’t something you actively buy—it’s bundled with your card benefits and often goes unnoticed
There are two main types:
- Complimentary Insurance
Offered automatically with eligible cards such as Visa Signature, Rupay Platinum, or select Amex cards. Coverage is active if certain criteria are met (e.g., minimum transaction within 45–90 days before an incident). In many cases, this includes debit card insurance for accidental death or ATM-related incidents.
- Opt-In or Paid Insurance
Some banks offer top-up insurance plans linked to your card with added premiums. These may offer extended travel, fraud, or medical coverage beyond the complimentary layer—especially for those looking for credit card insurance tailored to lifestyle needs like health care or travel protection.
Understanding the difference is important, especially because most people assume “complimentary” means “always active,” which isn’t true. Each policy has its own activation requirements, claim windows, and limits.
Credit Cards vs Debit Cards: What’s Covered?
The insurance coverage on credit and debit cards depends heavily on the type of card, the issuing bank, and the payment network (like Visa, Mastercard, Rupay).
Here’s how they typically differ:
Credit Cards
Credit cards, especially premium variants like Visa Signature, Mastercard World, and Amex Platinum — offer structured and higher-value credit card insurance benefits. These may include:
- Personal accident insurance (death or permanent disability)
- Travel accident cover (flight delays, lost baggage)
- Protection for purchases made using the card, covering cases like accidental damage or theft shortly after purchase.
- Zero-liability fraud protection
- Lost card liability cover
- Optional add-ons like credit card for health care payments or air travel coverage.
These benefits are usually network-driven and standardized across banks, though specific limits vary.
Debit Cards
Debit card insurance in India is more limited, but Rupay cards stand out by offering accidental death and disability coverage under the NPCI scheme, especially for active users.
Coverage typically includes:
- Personal accident cover (for cardholder death or disability)
- ATM-related protection (e.g., during withdrawal)
Coverage is usually valid only if a transaction was made using the card within a recent window, typically 45 to 90 days before the incident occurred.
Unlike credit cards, debit card coverage often depends on public schemes (like Rupay) or selective bank-level offers. Visa and Mastercard debit cards usually offer lower or no insurance unless bundled with premium accounts.
Card Network-Wise Coverage (Visa, Rupay, Mastercard)
Each card network offers its own version of built-in insurance, often tied to specific card variants. Here’s how Visa, Rupay, Mastercard, and American Express compare when it comes to credit and debit card insurance:
| Network | Coverage Type | Activation Criteria | Claim Window |
| Visa | Accident cover, card fraud protection, purchase security | At least one qualifying transaction made in the past 30–60 days | Up to 60 days in most cases |
| Rupay | Accidental death or disability (via NPCI scheme) | Card must have been used within 45–90 days prior to the incident | 90 days from event |
| Mastercard | Travel accident, card fraud liability, product protection | Conditions vary across banks; refer to issuing bank’s documentation | Depends on the issuer |
| Amex | Travel and air accident insurance, purchase and car insurance, fraud cover | Active cardholder with eligible spend or travel booking | Depends on specific benefit |
These benefits are not automatic for every card. Always review your issuing bank’s official documentation or visit the card network’s benefits page to confirm what applies.
How to Check If your Card Has Insurance
Manually checking your card’s insurance benefits can be time-consuming. The CoverSure App simplifies this process with its Cards X Insurance feature.
How it works:
- Download and install the CoverSure app from your device’s app store.
- Navigate to the insurance on cards section within the app.
- Select your associated credit card brand and card type.
And there you go!
No credit card details needed.
This feature provides a consolidated view of your card-linked insurance benefits, helping you understand benefits tied to your cards by analysing your card type, transaction patterns, and bank-level details.
Possible ways to Claim Insurance on your Card
Claiming your debit card insurance or credit card insurance benefit isn’t complex — but you need to follow each step carefully and within the specified timeline.
Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your card meets all activation conditions:
- It was used for a transaction within the last 45–90 days
- The coverage applies to the type of incident (e.g., accident, card fraud, loss)
- Your card tier and network are eligible for the specific benefit
Step 2: Prepare All Required Documents
Claims usually need:
- A police report (FIR) in case of theft, loss, or accident
- Medical or hospital documents if claiming health-related benefits
- Proof of card ownership and recent usage (like a bank statement)
- A completed claim form (available via bank or network site)
Step 3: Identify the Claim Process
- For Visa insurance, Mastercard, and Amex, the claim is typically routed through their associated insurer or your issuing bank.
- For Rupay debit card insurance, the claim goes through NPCI’s designated partner insurer.
- Each card network or bank may have its own portal or email-based process, so check their official support pages
Step 4: Submit Your Claim Within the Allowed Window
Most claims need to be filed within 30 to 90 days from the incident. Missing this window can lead to automatic rejection.
Step 5: Track the Status
Once submitted, you’ll receive a claim reference number. Use it to follow up if there’s no response in 2–3 weeks. Most banks and insurers provide updates via SMS or email.
Conclusion
Most people miss out on free credit card insurance or debit card insurance benefits, simply because they didn’t know these benefits existed or forgot to activate them on time.
Don’t let that happen to you.
Check the cards you already use and rely on, and use the insurance on cards feature on the CoverSure App to stay informed about usage rules, claim timelines, and hidden coverage you’re already entitled to.
Your next unexpected expense might already be covered.
