Credit cards are part of the daily lives of thousands of Portuguese people, whether for online purchases, travel or small expenses throughout the month. What not everyone knows is that, in addition to the ease of payment, many of these cards include insurance that can prevent significant losses in the event of theft, fraud or unforeseen domestic events.
According to the Santander bank website, most credit cards available on the national market have automatic coverage associated with them that can be activated in emergency situations, without the need to hire additional services.
Among the most frequent examples are insurance against theft and loss, travel assistance and even technical services at home.
Card theft and loss: the most used insurance
One of the most common insurance policies is against card theft or loss. When a user loses their wallet or sees their card details used by third parties, the bank can reimburse unauthorized expenses, as long as the cardholder reports the incident quickly. According to the same source, coverage covers undue expenses up to 30 days after the theft or loss is reported.
The alert also applies to purchases made online. If the card is used improperly after a computer attack, the cardholder can trigger the protection included in the contract. This measure allows you to recover the amount transacted, avoiding direct losses.
Travel, delays and baggage: insurance goes with you
For credit cards considered “premium”, the insurance package is more comprehensive. According to the same source, these versions include coverage for personal accidents during travel, lost luggage, flight delays and even lost connection due to public transport failure.
These protections can be especially useful for those who travel frequently and want to minimize the costs of unforeseen events. In many cases, you simply need to pay for the trip with your card for the insurance to automatically come into effect.
Health coverage and additional benefits
Some credit cards offer complementary health plans. When the holder is hospitalized for more than 24 hours, the policy can guarantee reimbursement of up to 80% of expenses, such as medical fees, admissions to intensive care units, exams and medications administered during hospitalization.
In addition to the insurance aspect, credit cards offer other benefits. Write that many programs include cashback, return of a percentage of purchases made, the possibility of paying in installments and the accumulation of miles when traveling.
Useful support in everyday life
In addition to functioning as a means of payment, credit cards can facilitate financial management and act as a reserve in unforeseen moments. According to the same source, they also allow cash withdrawals, access to discounts at partner companies and can be used both in Portugal and abroad.
Any citizen can apply for a credit card, as long as it is not in default at Banco de Portugal. The request can be made in person at the bank or through the institution’s digital channels.
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