515 reviews
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Formerly trading as TravelCard.com.au.
AI reviews summary
PassportCard.com.au is highly regarded for its innovative approach to travel insurance, specifically its signature debit card system that allows for instant fund loading to cover medical emergencies and delayed luggage without out-of-pocket expenses. Users report high satisfaction with the ease of application, competitive pricing for seniors and those with pre-existing conditions, and proactive communication during global emergencies.
Pros
- Instant Payout System: The physical and digital debit card allows users to pay for medical treatments, prescriptions, and emergency supplies immediately, removing the need for traditional "pay and reclaim" processes.
- Medical Condition Coverage: Frequent praise is given for the company's willingness to cover complex pre-existing conditions and senior travellers that other insurers often decline.
- Responsive Support Channels: The 24/7 WhatsApp and phone support are highlighted as being exceptionally fast, empathetic, and effective, particularly during high-stress situations like medical evacuations.
- Streamlined Application: The quote and sign-up process is described as intuitive and efficient, with many users appreciating the professional and knowledgeable Australian-based staff.
Cons
- Physical Card Delivery Issues: Multiple users reported significant delays in receiving their physical cards, with some arriving after departure or not arriving at all.
- Complex Non-Medical Claims: While medical claims are fast, some users found claims for damaged electronics or specific travel disruptions to be convoluted, requiring extensive documentation and depreciation calculations.
- Communication Lapses: A few users experienced issues with promised callbacks not occurring or receiving incorrect automated emails regarding claim denials.
- Product Limitations: It was noted that the company does not currently offer multi-trip (annual) policies, which may be a drawback for frequent travellers.
Verdict
PassportCard.com.au is an excellent choice for travellers seeking "peace of mind" through a unique real-time payment system, making it particularly valuable for those with pre-existing medical conditions or those visiting high-risk areas. While the instant-payout feature works seamlessly for medical emergencies, customers should ensure they apply well in advance to allow for card delivery and carefully review policy inclusions for non-medical items.
The security of knowing if we needed to lodge a claim it would be sorted asap and having a physical card to use if needed. Also that we can reapply when we travel again and use the same card. Great value easy to set up. Ensure you give at least 2weeks before your trip to allow for physical card to arrive. Show details
Good value travel insurance. Didn’t need to claim anything, having a physical card and digital one for purchases if needing to claim was a feature previous travel insurance company have not had. Show details
Phone conversation was very pleasant and very interactive...i have had coverage from this company in the past and when I needed help they were there...no questions asked...and because of this and my conversation, again this gave me confidence...i call it peace of mind...a few $$ spent for the security...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Show details
Reviews with attachments
The team was very helpful when my daughter fell and hurt her knee and we needed urgent medical attention. Show details
I have not had to make a claim overseas thank goodness however I have had excellent response to my queries and I have travelled with confidence knowing I can reach out for help anytime. I’ve travelled to Vietnam and India. Thank you folks. Cheers Margaret Show details
Passport Card has been absolutely incredible! They replied back extremely fast every single time, and their support has been nothing short of amazing. They helped us with so many medical needs through the chemist, and even when we had to pay out of pocket, the claim we put through was approved in no time at all. We’ve unfortunately had two… Read more
accidents now that required hospital visits, and both times Passport Card handled everything with speed and efficiency. Their WhatsApp service made the whole process super easy and stress-free.
Honestly, I can’t recommend them enough — everything was quick, professional, and seamless. It’s been such a relief knowing we’re in safe hands, and I’m confident it will be just as easy next time if we ever need them again.
Great service and great product – The service is very thoughtful and it provides good products to customers. We purchased the policy 3 days before we flew out to overseas, sms and What’s App message were received immediately. The payment card was sent to us by Express Post and received the day before our trip. I will purchase their insurance products again for my next trip. The level of their service is very impressive and the price point is very reasonable. Show details
Peace of mind – Easy to deal with No claim made. However if I had to I knew that I wouldn’t have to worry about paying and then claiming back as provided a card that would be activated when needed. Envelope packed in suitcase That was peace of mind knowing if needed I wouldn’t have to worry about money up fromt Show details
Latest follow-ups
Discriminatory against adoptive families and inability to recognise unique scenarios. Show details
Follow-up · Awaiting AFCA decision as to whether they have applied the community guidelines appropriately
The staff have been very helpful at all stages of our dealings with them. Unfortunately, we made a claim for lost luggage which was declined because we only had the basic cover, so we were not satisfied with our experience. Show details
Follow-up · The cover type was not clear, the simple claim for lost luggage was not included and subsequently declined.
Sadly, on my way back, my brand-new suitcase was mishandled and damaged by the airline. They ignored me and wouldn’t pay for it, even though it was obvious it wasn't fair wear and tear. I then contacted Passportcard and within 48 hours got… Read more
confirmation that my claim was successful. After the email was sent, I also received a phone call to make sure I saw the email. Wonderful service! I will definitely use them again.
Follow-up · I chose a $100 excess. The claim was super easy. I was sent a form, filled it out, and got confirmation that they received the claim. A couple of hours after, I was asked to send a proof of purchase (for pricing) and in less than 24 hours, I received a phone call and email to confirm that the claim was successful. I received the money in my bank account in less than a week.
In-depth reviews
I am very disappointed with the way this matter has been handled. It is concerning that your medical assessment team does not appear to have a sufficient understanding of this medical condition and has requested a specialist’s letter simply to gain further clarity. This means I am expected to pay for an additional specialist consultation solely… Read more
to obtain documentation, which, in hindsight, could end up costing more than the insurance policy itself.
I was referred to your company based on a recommendation, so I expected a more informed and customer-focused assessment process. However, there are many other insurers that are familiar with this medical condition and are able to assess applications without placing unnecessary financial burdens on applicants. As a result, I will be pursuing insurance with one of those providers.
What is particularly disappointing is that your sales team was able to provide a premium quote before any specialist medical report was requested. This creates the impression that the initial focus was on securing the business rather than understanding the medical condition and conducting a fair, informed assessment.
Overall, I am extremely disappointed with my experience and expected a far more professional and knowledgeable approach.
Find out how PassportCard.com.au compares to other Travel Insurance
Know better, choose better.
We attended a meeting to discuss challenges of travelling following a transplant. One presenter PassportCard provided information related to this obtaining realistic coverage at an affordable price. We chose PassportCard for our Peru holiday and when my husband experienced a throat infection (is a serious situation when at altitude and… Read more
immunosuppressed) PassportCard were amazing. I was able to speak to a representative on the phone immediately (10pm AEST) on the free 1800 number, we discussed possible treatment plans and available clinics with sufficient capability in transplant medicine in Cuzco and WhatsApp availability once I had additional information from the Peruvian clinicians which may needed to support additional funds. $500 credit was immediately added to the PassportCard (Mastercard) card we already had in our possession, along with a pin # and we departed to the hospital. On arrival the insurer information was received without complication by the health care provider and once the medical reviews were completed and prescriptions were dispensed all of this was paid for using the PassportCard before we left the clinic. As final payments were being discussed I reached out to the team via WhatsApp to confirm the admin plan proposed by the clinic and the PassportCard team responded immediately advising me to proceed. It really was such a relief to have the their support just a call away. We will definitely use PassportCard again for future travels and other couples on our tour were impressed and will review on our return home. Our transplant specialist is also impressed and has been recommending to his other patients. Great job PassportCard!
I am writing to share some positive feedback regarding the amazing service provided by your team while I was travelling in Bali earlier this month. Firstly, I would like to thank Sam for helping me choose a travel insurance plan that suited my travel requirements perfectly. During my trip, I experienced a medical situation, and both Bono and… Read more
Nino were incredibly quick to respond. They addressed all my concerns very clearly and made the entire process much less stressful. I had to pay for my hospital visit upfront, and the process of explaining how to load the money onto the Mastercard was extremely smooth and easy to follow. I truly appreciate all the help and support they provided.
Please pass on my thanks and appreciation to them, as well as to the rest of the team, who all deserve recognition for their excellent service. Thank you once again for making my travel experience more enjoyable. I will definitely be recommending your company to others in the future and hope to use your services again.
Positive reviews
Excellent company to deal with, had to make 1 small claim which was approved and handled very quickly, they are the only travel ins we came across who actually spoke to us about our pre existing medical and were very realistic in their view to cover us, most others just see an illness name and automatically charge huge amounts, but not passport… Read more
card, they covered my pre existing with no extra charges, whereas I had about 5 different quotes for up to $3000 for pre existing alone, not including normal travel ins, we would definately recommend them, so easy to deal with and great customer service
Luckily, I had a problem free trip and did not need to make a claim. But I found the process to arrange cover with PassportCard very easy and was able to access easy to understand details of the cover. The customer service centre was easy to make contact with and very helpful in clarifying my queries about exactly what I was covered for. I will certainly be using PassportCard for future trips. Show details
Easy to communicate and deal with. This is the third time I’ve used PassportCard and I do intend to use them again. Didn’t need to make a claim from this trip (happily!) but previous experience with the claim process with this company was good. Show details
Negative reviews
Disappointed with this insurance. I was honest about medical history and they would not insure me at all for anything until I had my colonoscopy done and got a statement from my dr that I was safe to travel. It's a routine oroceedure. Couldn't even get insured if I got hit by a bus tomorrow. Not happy Show details
Complete time waste if you need existing condition cover. No, I'm not paying my specialist $100 for a letter before you'll even give me a quote. Everyone else has a questionnaire online then give an immediate quote, usually with a "if you've been told not to travel we'll refuse your claim". These guys asked about 5 questions online then said… Read more
they'd call me (which is better than being in a phone queue except it was while I was getting ready for work), asked the same Qs again then maybe 3 more, then put me on hold to discuss with the team. Eventually said I needed a letter from specialist explicitly saying I was fit for travel to get the quote.
Guys I travel all the time, the condition has been stable for 9y, and I've had a convo with the specialist AND my GP - I just don't have a letter. I mean if you really want to be uncompetitive at least just put the letter as a condition for issuing the policy, not for issuing the quote!
Looking to get cover and got to the medical assessment which required a phone call. Received a call, answered questions about my mild asthma and was told he would ring back. 2 days later no call so got cover through another provider. Show details
Recent reviews
We loved the idea of having a visa that could be loaded as a backup if anything went wrong such as needing medical attention or having lost cash or luggage whilst we were overseas. I would choose to use this travel insurance any time I travel, as it has more benefits compared to others we looked at. The purchasing process was quick and easy and I would highly recommend Passportcard Travel Insurance to everyone. Show details
Find out how PassportCard.com.au compares to other Travel Insurance
Know better, choose better.
Super impressed by these guys. Taking our policy out initially was really easy, the premium very competitive and the inclusions better than most policies. The Passport card arrived in the mail in just a couple of days. I needed help on our holiday in Bali and initiated contact with the Passport card team via What’s App. I will admit I went in with… Read more
low expectations, and was blown away by the service provided to me - fast, efficient, no BS, just helpful and everything was sorted via What’s App in about half an hour. The convenience of the card gave me real peace of mind. I will 100% be using Passport card for our future travel insurance needs. I highly recommend Passport card to anyone travelling overseas!
First time using this insurance. Was very easy to set up the policy, was clear and informative. This is the only insurer that provided me with the special cover I need so very thankful for that. Phone customer service was excellent- short wait time and helpful staff. Thank you. Show details
Competitive rates and helpful notifications. Receiving messages (from PC) with concerns about the travel destination and explanations of how to claim if needed was very nice. Show details
On one occasion we thought we might need to contact Passport Card. We tried the What’s App number but could not get connected. It might have been that we needed a code??? Anyway the Dr attended to the family member no charge. Show details
Passportcard managed a claim of mine which was quite complex with professionalism, kindness and objectivity. I would have zero hesitation in recommending them as an insurance provider. Show details
Professional, thorough and had a good sense of humour. The young man taking me through the process spoke clearly and at a good pass as I am an older person. The product was exactly what I was looking. Highly recommended based on my experience. Show details
Was quick and easy to set up our policy over the phone; even though we had some pre existing conditions. It was fast and fair priced. We are going away again in 2027 and will definitely be repurchasing a policy to cover us. Show details
Purchased a policy over the phone and the consultant was helpful and courteous I am pleased with the idea of a passport to use overseas it’s reassuring but hopefully won’t need it and remains to be seen if this company will look after us if needed Fingers crossed Show details
Extra Information
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The claim was denied as we only had basic cover which was not properly explained.