American Express travel insurance is a comprehensive coverage that offers a range of benefits to travelers. The insurance policy includes a 24/7 emergency assistance service, which is available to help with any travel-related issues.
To file a claim, you'll need to contact American Express as soon as possible after the incident. This is usually within 30 days of the incident, but it's best to check your policy documents for the specific deadline.
How It Works
American Express travel insurance works automatically for cardholders, activating as soon as you start using your card to purchase travel.
Card-based insurance typically doesn't include extensive medical coverage for emergencies while traveling in the US, so it's essential to review the details.
Standalone travel insurance from American Express can be purchased without being a cardholder, but it's not available in the US for cardholders.
These standalone plans may offer different levels of coverage, but they might not provide as much coverage as policies from other insurance companies.
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For most cardholders, the benefits of Amex travel insurance are provided automatically, so you don't have to spend extra time or money researching and buying separate travel insurance.
In some countries, you can buy standalone American Express travel insurance, but the coverage details can vary by location.
If medical protection is a priority, you might want to consider supplementing your default travel insurance with additional coverage to ensure you're fully protected during your travels.
Coverage and Benefits
American Express travel insurance offers a range of features and benefits to cardholders. These benefits can be activated automatically when you pay for travel with your Amex card.
Some of the main coverage features include baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage coverage, trip delay coverage, and global assist hotline. You can also enjoy trip cancellation and interruption insurance, medical and dental emergency coverage, and medical evacuation or repatriation.
To be eligible for travel protections, you need to pay for your travel using your American Express card. This includes expenses such as airfare, train tickets, hotel stays, vehicle rentals, and other travel-related costs.
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Here are some of the specific benefits you can expect with American Express travel insurance:
- Baggage Insurance: Covers lost, stolen, or damaged baggage while traveling on a Common Carrier Vehicle.
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Covers damage to or theft of a rental vehicle due to an event that occurs in a specific area, as long as you decline the rental company's collision damage waiver.
- Trip Delay Insurance: Compensates you if your trip is delayed for more than six or 12 hours, depending on your card's coverage limits.
- Global Assist Hotline: Provides 24/7 assistance for medical or legal services while traveling more than 100 miles from your home.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Reimburses you if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason.
It's essential to note that not all American Express cards include travel insurance, and those that do may not offer all the benefits listed above. The coverage and benefits also vary depending on your location and the specific card you use.
Cost and Pricing
American Express travel insurance costs vary depending on the card level, ranging from $150 to $5,000 or more per year.
Cardholders can purchase additional coverage, such as Trip Cancel Guard, for more extensive protection.
The cost of American Express travel insurance is determined by the card level, with higher-end cards providing more comprehensive coverage.
Travelers without an Amex card can buy insurance through four packages or the Build Your Own Coverage option.
Each package offers a different level of coverage, including Basic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
The price for American Express travel insurance is not explicitly stated for each package level, but it's clear that higher levels of coverage come with a higher price tag.
Travelers can choose from various levels of coverage to suit their needs and budget.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a vital component of American Express travel benefits. American Express offers both card travel benefits and standalone travel insurance that can cover international travel for U.S. citizens and customers in other countries.
You can buy additional coverage through American Express if your card doesn't provide travel coverage or only offers basic coverage. This extra coverage gives you additional benefits beyond what's included with your card.
The type of coverage you need will depend on your specific travel plans. For example, if you're concerned about trip cancellation, you can choose from various travel insurance packages, ranging from Basic to Platinum, or use the Build Your Own Coverage option.
If you're a cardholder, your travel is only covered if you've purchased the trip in full with your American Express card. This includes expenses such as airfare, train tickets, hotel stays, vehicle rentals, and other travel-related costs.
Here are some key details to keep in mind:
- Maximum trip cancellation coverage: $10,000 per covered trip and a maximum of $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period.
- Baggage insurance coverage: up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage.
- Medical coverage: may be limited, with many plans capping it at $7,500.
Cover International
American Express travel insurance covers international travel for U.S. citizens and customers in other countries.
However, if you're an American customer, your coverage may not apply if your travel violates official advisories or U.S. economic or trade sanctions.
You need to purchase your trip in full with your Amex card to be covered, including expenses like airfare, train tickets, hotel stays, and vehicle rentals.
To be covered, your travel usually needs to be more than 150 miles away from home.
Many trips are only covered for up to 60 days, unless you purchase an insurance extension.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
If your trip is canceled or interrupted, you can receive up to $10,000 per covered trip with the right credit card.
This type of coverage is known as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and it's designed to help you recoup prepaid, nonrefundable reservations.
Some credit cards offer this protection, but it's essential to check your policy to see if your specific reason for cancellation or interruption is covered.
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With certain American Express cards, you can receive a maximum of $10,000 per covered trip and a maximum of $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period.
Here are some American Express cards that include this protection when you use them to purchase travel:
- The Centurion Card from American Express
- The Business Centurion Card from American Express
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- The Platinum Card from American Express for Goldman Sachs
- The Platinum Card from American Express for Morgan Stanley
- The Platinum Card from American Express for Schwab
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- The Corporate Platinum Card from American Express
- The Corporate Centurion Card from American Express
Baggage Plan
You can buy baggage insurance directly from American Express, even if you don't have one of their cards. This insurance applies to lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during travel on a common carrier vehicle.
Some American Express cards offer baggage insurance coverage of up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage. This is in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier.
For New York state residents, there's a $2,000 per bag/per suitcase limit for each covered person, with a maximum of $10,000 aggregate for all covered persons per covered trip.
Claims and Support
You can file a claim with American Express by calling 1-800-243-0198 in the U.S. and Canada or 905-475-4822 from anywhere else, or by filing online through the American Express insurance portal.
Save any documents that can be used to back up your claims, such as receipts, police reports, or bills, as your policy will specify the specific proof needed for each type of benefit.
File your claim as soon as possible, and be aware that the timeline for the claims process will vary based on the type of claim you're filing.
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Trip Delay
If you're planning a trip and worry about flight delays, you're not alone. Trip delay insurance can be a lifesaver.
This type of insurance covers you when you encounter travel delays due to mechanical issues or weather-related cancellations. Other reasons might be covered, but individual policies vary.
Assuming your policy doesn't explicitly mention your reason for delay, it's likely not covered. So, it's essential to review your policy carefully.
There are two levels of coverage, depending on the card you carry. Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card.
If you're using a card with trip delay protection, you can receive reimbursement for expenses like food, lodging, and transportation. However, policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, so terms and conditions apply.
To check the details of your card's benefits, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide.
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Filing a Claim
To file a claim with American Express, you can call 1-800-243-0198 in the U.S. and Canada or 905-475-4822 from anywhere else for most claims. You can also file online through the American Express insurance portal.
Notice of the claim should be filed with American Express within 30 days of the loss or as soon as possible for purchase protection or extended warranty claims. For return protection, you have to file a claim within 90 days of your original purchase.
You should save any documents that can be used to back up your claims, such as receipts, police reports or bills. However, your policy will also contain the specific proof you will need for each type of benefit.
Here are the contact numbers for filing different types of claims:
The timeline for the claims process will vary based on the type of claim that you file. You should file your claim as soon as possible, and specific time requirements for filing should be listed in your policy.
Credit Cards and Purchases
You can use your American Express card to make purchases and get protection for those purchases. This protection covers you against damage or theft, and you can get up to $10,000 in coverage per eligible purchase.
To qualify for this protection, you need to use your American Express card for the purchase. If you make a purchase without your card, you won't be covered unless the provider doesn't accept American Express.
Some American Express credit cards, like the Platinum Card, offer more generous coverage than others. For example, the Platinum Card comes with up to $10,000 in coverage per eligible purchase, with an annual limit of $50,000.
Here are some examples of purchases that might be covered:
- Purchasing a new set of home appliances, but they're damaged after delivery and installation
- Having a laptop stolen from your car
- Accidentally damaging a new home audio system
- Having a piece of artwork damaged in an earthquake
Keep in mind that coverage varies depending on the specific American Express credit card you have.
Car Rental Loss/Damage
Car rental loss and damage insurance can be a lifesaver when renting a car. This type of insurance applies to the theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use an eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the rental car company.
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Some American Express cards offer this protection, including the Platinum Card from American Express, which provides up to $75,000 in coverage for theft of or damage to eligible rental vehicles.
Other cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, offer up to $50,000 in coverage for theft of or damage to eligible rental vehicles.
Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. You can visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details on eligibility and benefit levels.
Here are some of the American Express cards that include this protection when you use them to pay for eligible rentals:
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- The Platinum Card from American Express for Schwab
- The Platinum Card from American Express for Goldman Sachs
- The Platinum Card from American Express for Morgan Stanley
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- Centurion Card from American Express
- Business Centurion Card from American Express
Credit Cards with Purchase Protection
If you're looking for credit cards with purchase protection, American Express has got you covered. Nearly all Amex rewards and travel credit cards come with this perk, including cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards points and cards co-branded with Delta Air Lines and Hilton Honors.
The Platinum Card from American Express offers up to $10,000 in coverage per eligible purchase, with an annual limit of $50,000. Coverage is good for up to 90 days from the date the covered purchase was made.
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The American Express Gold Card also offers the same level of coverage as the Platinum Card. You'll get $10,000 in coverage per covered purchase within 90 days of when the purchase is made, with a $50,000 annual limit.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers the same terms as the Platinum Card, making it a great option for business owners.
To qualify for purchase protection, you'll need to make the purchase using an American Express credit card that offers this coverage. Even if you only charge a portion of your qualifying purchase to your American Express card, you are still eligible for the purchase protection benefits.
Here are some examples of credit cards with purchase protection:
Remember, purchase protection can come in handy in unexpected situations, such as damage to a new purchase or theft of an item.
Specific Cards
If you're an American Express cardholder, you're likely wondering which specific cards offer travel insurance. The American Express Gold Card offers basic coverage with no trip cancellation benefits, $300 for trip delays per trip, and limited baggage insurance.
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The Platinum Card from American Express, on the other hand, provides up to $10,000 in coverage per eligible purchase with an annual limit of $50,000 per eligible card. Coverage is good for up to 90 days from the date the covered purchase was made.
The Amex Gold Card and Platinum Card are particularly well-known for their comprehensive travel insurance benefits. However, be aware that supplementary cards that are linked to an existing account may not include travel insurance.
Here are some specific cards that offer Amex purchase protection, including their coverage limits:
It's also worth noting that some American Express cards, such as those issued in partnership with retailers, may not include travel insurance coverage.
Covid-19 and Travel
Traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a concern for many. American Express does offer coverage for COVID-19 medical emergencies, but it's essential to understand the limitations of this coverage.
If you travel to a destination with a travel advisory to avoid travel because of COVID-19, your travel will not be covered for COVID-19. This means you'll need to carefully review travel advisories before booking your trip.
American Express also does not cover trips that are cancelled due to fear of catching COVID-19. This is a crucial point to consider when deciding whether to cancel a trip due to COVID-19 concerns.
Some other insurance providers do provide coverage for medical reasons and changes due to COVID-19 cancellations. If you're considering purchasing travel insurance, it's worth exploring these options.
Comparison and Review
American Express travel insurance can be a bit pricey, but it offers comprehensive coverage. For a 45-year-old traveling for a week in August 2024 with a trip cost of $5,000, the Amex Platinum plan costs $381.
Travel insurance from specialized insurers, however, can often provide equal or greater benefits at a lower cost. For example, World Nomads Standard plan costs $93, while the World Nomads Explorer plan costs $158. Trawick International Safe Travel plan is even more affordable at just $30.
If you're already an American Express card member, you may find that your travel protection benefits are sufficient for your travel needs. However, if you're not a card member or if you want higher coverage limits, purchasing a travel insurance policy may be a good option.
Comparison to Other Providers
American Express travel insurance can be pricey, but does it offer the best benefits? Let's take a closer look. Travel insurance from specialized insurers like World Nomads and Trawick International often costs less than Amex coverage while providing equal or greater benefits.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider World Nomads. Their Standard plan costs just $93 for a week-long trip in August 2024, which is a significant saving compared to the Amex Platinum plan's $381.
World Nomads also offers an Explorer plan for $158, which may be worth considering if you want more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Trawick International's Safe Travel plan is a budget-friendly option at just $30.
Here's a quick comparison of the prices:
- World Nomads Standard plan – $93
- World Nomads Explorer – $158
- Trawick International Safe Travel – $30
The Bottom Line
American Express offers valuable benefits for cardholders, including purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranties. These benefits can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong with a purchase.
Most American Express cards offer coverage in amounts up to $50,000 per year, which is a significant amount of protection. The coverage limits vary depending on the specific card you have, so make sure to check your card's details.
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American Express travel insurance policies also offer higher coverage limits compared to the credit card travel protection benefits. However, there have been customer complaints about claims being denied or poor customer service.
To make the most of American Express benefits, it's essential to understand the fine print, including any exclusions that apply. This way, you can avoid any surprises if you need to make a claim.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Purchase protection is available with most American Express cards, with coverage up to $50,000 per year.
- Return protection and extended warranties are also offered by American Express.
- Travel insurance policies offer higher coverage limits, but may have different terms and conditions.
- Understand the fine print, including exclusions, to avoid any surprises.
Sources
- https://www.internationalinsurance.com/news/american-express-travel-insurance.php
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/american-express-cards-travel-protections/
- https://www.gobankingrates.com/credit-cards/advice/american-express-travel-insurance/
- https://viewfromthewing.com/know-benefits-amex-platinum-medical-evacuation-claim-award-ticket-saves-275000/
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/issuers/american-express-purchase-protection/
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