Your credit card probably offers several free benefits that you may not even be aware of.  One of these benefits is travel accident insurance. Technically known as accidental death and dismemberment insurance, this can prove to be very valuable coverage, and the price is sure right, FREE! Unfortunately, it’s of the sort that no one ever wants to need, so this perk doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

While the details vary (of course!), chances are you already have a credit card that provides somewhere between $100,000 and $1 million in life insurance when you use that card to charge an airplane flight, cruise, train ride, or bus trip (collectively referred to as common carriers). So the next time you’re booking a trip, choose your card carefully!

Talk to a customer service rep if you are confused about the amount of coverage. If you’ll be traveling with the family, find out if each person will get the same travel insurance if you charge the tickets at the same time, to the same card. If not, you may be better off booking each ticket separately. 

While you are on the phone with your card company, be sure to ask about any other free travel related benefits (or any other free benefit for that matter) that you card might offer. Bon voyage!

Are there free benefits that your card(s) offer that you like or dislike? Please let us know!

Curtis Arnold - Curtis is the CEO/Founder of CardRatings.com, a website that provides ratings and reviews of over 20,000 credit card offers.