Key Points

• Spain and Japan saw 23% and 9% tourism growth respectively in Q1 2025, with premium credit card benefits making international travel more accessible and protected.
• Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum offer up to $10,000 in trip protection and comprehensive travel insurance that rivals standalone policies.
• High-spending travelers from the US, UK, and Australia are leveraging credit card travel benefits to book longer, more expensive trips to these destinations with built-in financial protection.

Introduction

Spain and Japan are experiencing unprecedented tourism growth in 2025, and premium credit cards with comprehensive travel insurance benefits are playing a surprising role in this boom. As international tourist arrivals to Japan surged 23% in Q1 2025 and Spain reported 9% growth in tourism receipts during the same period, travel experts are pointing to an often-overlooked factor: the robust travel protections offered by premium credit cards are giving travelers the confidence to book expensive international trips.

When British, Australian, and American tourists spend an average of $2,400-$2,500 per person visiting Japan, or when premium travelers invest heavily in Spain's luxury hotels and cultural experiences, they're increasingly relying on credit card travel insurance rather than purchasing separate policies. This shift is making high-value international travel more accessible—and it's reshaping tourism patterns to two of the world's hottest destinations.

The 2025 Tourism Boom: Spain and Japan Lead Global Growth

Record-Breaking Numbers

The tourism surge to Spain and Japan in 2025 isn't just impressive—it's historic. Japan welcomed 31.65 million international visitors between January and September 2025, representing a 17.7% increase over 2024. If this pace continues, experts predict Japan will surpass 40 million visitors by year's end, setting a new national record.

For travelers planning trips to these destinations, choosing the right travel credit card can make a significant difference in both earning rewards and securing comprehensive protection.

Spain's performance has been equally remarkable. The country reported 9% growth in tourism receipts in Q1 2025, with particularly strong performance from long-haul markets. Urban destinations like Madrid and Barcelona are seeing increased demand from high-spending international travelers, especially during the shoulder seasons of March-June and September-December.

Who's Traveling and Why It Matters

The profile of travelers visiting these destinations reveals why credit card travel insurance matters so much. In Japan, visitors from the UK spent an average of $2,481 per person, Australians $2,472, and Spanish travelers $2,397. These aren't budget backpackers—they're travelers making significant financial commitments that they want protected.

Spain is seeing similar trends with premium tourism. High-spending visitors from the US, Australia, Japan, and UK are driving growth in luxury travel, business tourism, and high-value retail spending. These travelers typically stay for shorter periods but spend significantly more per day, making trip protection even more critical.

When planning expensive trips to these destinations, understanding credit card travel insurance becomes essential for protecting your investment.

How Premium Credit Cards Are Changing International Travel

The Travel Insurance Revolution

Premium credit cards have fundamentally changed how Americans and other international travelers approach trip protection. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and Capital One Venture X now offer travel insurance benefits that can rival or exceed standalone travel insurance policies—saving travelers hundreds of dollars per trip.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers what many experts consider the most comprehensive credit card travel insurance available. When you book your trip using this card, you automatically receive:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip
• Primary rental car coverage up to $75,000
• Trip delay reimbursement up to $500 per ticket
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Emergency medical and dental benefits
• Emergency evacuation and transportation with no dollar limit

For a traveler booking a $5,000 trip to Japan or Spain, purchasing standalone travel insurance could add $150-$500 to the trip cost. With premium credit cards, that protection is built in when you pay with the card—making expensive international travel more financially accessible.

Real-World Impact on Booking Decisions

The confidence provided by comprehensive travel insurance is influencing how and when people travel. Sarah Mitchell, a marketing executive from Chicago, recently booked a two-week trip to Spain for her family of four. "The total cost was about $12,000," she explains. "Knowing my Chase Sapphire Reserve covered trip cancellation, delays, and lost luggage meant I didn't hesitate to book during peak season. Without that protection, I probably would have waited for a cheaper time or destination."

This pattern is playing out across thousands of bookings. When travelers know they're protected against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and travel delays, they're more willing to book farther in advance, pay premium prices for peak seasons, and commit to longer, more expensive trips.

For those new to premium travel cards, our guide on choosing your first travel credit card can help you decide which card fits your travel style best.

Best Premium Credit Cards for Spain and Japan Travel

If you're planning a trip to Spain or Japan and want to ensure you have the best possible protection, here are the top cards to consider:

For Maximum Travel Insurance Coverage

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Industry-leading $10,000 per person trip protection
• American Express Platinum: Unlimited emergency evacuation coverage

For Best Overall Value

• Capital One Venture X: Lower annual fee with strong protection
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95 annual fee with solid trip insurance

For Specific Destinations

Planning flights to Asia? Check out our guide on best credit cards for flights to Asia. Heading to Europe? See our best credit cards for flights to Europe guide.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: The Comprehensive Choice

For travelers prioritizing maximum travel insurance coverage, the Chase Sapphire Reserve remains the gold standard. Beyond its industry-leading travel insurance, the card offers:

• 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase Travel
• 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel
• 3x points on other travel and dining
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass lounge access (valuable for long-haul flights to Japan and Spain)

The card's primary rental car coverage is particularly valuable in Spain, where renting a car to explore regions like Andalusia or the Basque Country can significantly enhance your trip. You can learn more about maximizing Chase points in our Chase Points Complete Guide.

If you're wondering whether the Reserve is right for you, check out our detailed analysis: Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth It?

Current Offer: Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve and earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

American Express Platinum: Premium Perks and Protection

The American Express Platinum Card offers a different but equally compelling value proposition for international travelers:

• Premium Global Assist Hotline for 24/7 emergency assistance anywhere in the world
• Emergency medical evacuation with no dollar limit
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Car rental loss and damage insurance up to $75,000
• Access to over 1,550 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection

For travelers to Japan, the Platinum's comprehensive lounge access is especially valuable. Japan's major airports feature some of the world's best airport lounges, and the ability to relax in comfort before or after a long-haul flight can make the journey significantly more pleasant.

Want to understand all the Platinum's benefits? Read our comprehensive Platinum Card from American Express Complete Guide.

Current Offer: Apply for the American Express Platinum and earn 125,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months.

Capital One Venture X: Value and Versatility

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card delivers premium travel insurance at a more accessible annual fee of $395:

• Primary rental car coverage for vehicles up to $75,000
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance up to $2,000 per traveler
• Trip delay reimbursement up to $500 per trip
• Lost luggage reimbursement up to $3,000 per trip
• $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel

The Venture X's straightforward earning structure (2x miles on everything, 10x on hotels and 5x on flights through Capital One Travel) makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want simplicity alongside strong protection.

For a detailed comparison, see our analysis: Capital One Venture vs. Venture X: Which Card is Best for You?

Current Offer: Apply for the Capital One Venture X and earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months, plus a $300 annual travel credit.

Strategic Use of Credit Card Benefits for International Travel

Maximizing Coverage for High-Value Trips

When booking expensive trips to destinations like Spain and Japan, strategic card use can maximize your protection. Here's how savvy travelers are approaching it:

For the initial booking: Use your premium travel card to charge the entire trip—flights, hotels, and prepaid activities. This triggers the trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Our guide on best credit cards for expensive flights can help you choose the right card for high-value bookings.

For on-the-ground expenses: Continue using your premium card for restaurants, activities, and shopping to maximize points earning while maintaining protection for trip delays and interruptions.

For rental cars: If you're renting a car in Spain, paying with a card that offers primary rental car coverage (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve) means you can decline the rental agency's expensive collision damage waiver, potentially saving $20-30 per day.

Understanding Coverage Limitations

While premium credit cards offer excellent travel insurance, it's important to understand what they don't cover. Most card-based travel insurance:

• Requires you to pay for the trip with that card (or with points from that card's program)
• Has coverage limits that may not be sufficient for extremely expensive trips
• Provides limited medical coverage compared to standalone international health insurance
• May not cover certain "adventure" activities

For a standard trip to Spain or Japan costing $5,000-$10,000 per person, credit card travel insurance typically provides adequate coverage. For more expensive trips or those involving activities like skiing, diving, or other adventure sports, supplemental coverage might be worthwhile.

The Economic Impact on Spain and Japan

How Travel Insurance Confidence Drives Spending

The presence of robust travel insurance through credit cards is having a measurable economic impact on destination countries. In Japan, foreign visitors spent a record $50.8 billion in 2024, with projections for 2025 expected to exceed that significantly. A portion of this increase stems from travelers feeling secure enough to extend their trips or upgrade their accommodations.

Spain is experiencing similar benefits. Premium tourism is growing faster than overall tourism, with high-spending visitors from long-haul markets like the US and Australia increasingly booking luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and high-end shopping experiences. The security of knowing they're protected against trip disruptions makes these expensive commitments easier to justify.

Regional Distribution and Overtourism Solutions

Interestingly, the confidence provided by travel insurance is also helping address overtourism concerns in both countries. When travelers feel protected by comprehensive insurance, they're more willing to visit lesser-known regions during off-peak seasons.

Japan's tourism authorities have been actively promoting regional destinations like Hokuriku, which saw a 93% increase in visitors in 2024. Spain similarly benefits when protected travelers venture beyond Barcelona and Madrid to explore regions like Galicia, Valencia, or the Canary Islands during shoulder seasons.

Practical Tips for Using Credit Card Travel Insurance

Before You Book

1. Verify coverage details: Review your card's Guide to Benefits document to understand exactly what's covered and what's not.
2. Check coverage triggers: Most cards require you to pay for the "entire trip" or "common carrier tickets" with the card. Understand your specific card's requirements.
3. Consider card combinations: Some travelers use different cards for different aspects of their trip to maximize coverage. For instance, booking flights with one card and hotels with another.

During Your Trip

1. Keep all receipts: If you need to file a claim, you'll need documentation of your original booking and any additional expenses incurred due to delays or cancellations.
2. Document everything: Take photos of lost or damaged luggage, save emails about flight cancellations, and keep records of any additional expenses.
3. Contact your card issuer promptly: Most credit card travel insurance requires you to notify them of a claim within a specific timeframe (often 20-60 days).

Understanding Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Your flight to Spain is cancelledWith trip delay insurance from the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you're covered for up to $500 per ticket for reasonable additional expenses like meals and hotel stays if your delay exceeds six hours or requires an overnight stay.

Scenario 2: Your checked bag is lost for 48 hours in JapanBaggage delay insurance typically covers $100 per day for up to five days to purchase essential items. Keep receipts for clothing, toiletries, and other necessities.

Scenario 3: You need to cancel your trip due to illnessTrip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses up to the coverage limit (often $10,000 per person) if you need to cancel for a covered reason.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Credit Card Travel Insurance

Evolving Benefits and Competition

As premium credit cards compete for high-spending travelers, we're seeing continuous improvements in travel insurance benefits. Recent enhancements include:

• Higher coverage limits for trip cancellation and interruption
• Expanded covered reasons for trip cancellation
• Better integration with travel booking platforms
• Faster, more streamlined claims processes

For travelers to Spain and Japan, this competition benefits everyone. The more comprehensive the coverage, the more confident travelers feel about booking expensive international trips. To stay updated on the latest offers, check our best credit card bonuses available right now.

The Sustainable Tourism Connection

Interestingly, the security provided by credit card travel insurance may support more sustainable tourism patterns. When travelers feel protected, they're more willing to:

• Book during off-peak seasons, reducing strain on popular destinations
• Visit emerging or lesser-known destinations
• Stay longer in fewer places rather than rushing through multiple cities
• Support local businesses with the confidence that they're protected

Both Spain and Japan are actively promoting sustainable tourism initiatives, and the psychological security of comprehensive travel insurance could play a supporting role in these efforts.

Conclusion

The tourism boom to Spain and Japan in 2025 represents a convergence of factors: these destinations' inherent appeal, favorable exchange rates, and improved connectivity. But the role of premium credit cards with comprehensive travel insurance shouldn't be underestimated. By providing built-in trip protection that rivals standalone travel insurance policies, these cards are making expensive international travel more accessible and less financially risky.

For travelers planning trips to Spain, Japan, or other international destinations, understanding and maximizing credit card travel insurance benefits can save hundreds of dollars while providing genuine peace of mind. Whether you're exploring Tokyo's temples, soaking in Barcelona's architecture, hiking through Japanese mountains, or savoring Spanish tapas, knowing you're protected against the unexpected lets you focus on what matters most: experiencing everything these incredible destinations have to offer.

Ready to protect your next international adventure? Consider applying for one of these premium travel cards to ensure your trip is covered from booking to return:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve for the most comprehensive coverage
• American Express Platinum for premium lounge access and evacuation protection
• Capital One Venture X for excellent value at a lower annual fee
• Chase Sapphire Preferred for solid protection with a $95 annual fee

For more guidance on choosing the right card, explore our best overall travel credit cards of 2025 guide.

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