American Express is one of the most popular credit card companies in the United States and around the world. Many cardholders enjoy robust rewards programs and other benefits with their American Express cards. One key benefit that American Express offers is complimentary travel insurance on certain cards.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance services for travelers before and during a trip. Policies can cover costs related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, lost/damaged/stolen baggage, medical expenses, and more. It gives travelers peace of mind that they will be covered financially if something unexpected happens during their trip.
There are different types of travel insurance policies offering various levels of coverage. Policies can be purchased for individual trips or as an annual plan covering all trips taken during the year. Travel insurance can be purchased from third-party insurance companies or directly from travel booking sites and travel agencies.
Does American Express Provide Free Travel Insurance?
Yes, many American Express cards come with free travel insurance coverage as a built-in card benefit. However, the coverage varies depending on the specific card. Here is a breakdown of which American Express cards offer complimentary travel insurance:
Personal Cards With Free Travel Insurance
- Platinum Card® from American Express – Provides trip cancellation/interruption insurance, travel accident insurance, baggage insurance, and premium global assist hotline.
- Centurion® Card from American Express – Same coverage as the Platinum Card.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Same coverage as the Platinum Card.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card – Provides trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage insurance.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card – Same coverage as the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card.
- Marriott Bonvoy BrilliantTM American Express® Card – Provides trip delay and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Business Cards With Free Travel Insurance
- Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Same coverage as the personal Platinum Card.
- Business Centurion® Card from American Express – Same coverage as the personal Centurion Card.
- The Business Gold Card from American Express – Provides baggage insurance and travel accident insurance.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card – Provides trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage insurance.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card – Same coverage as the personal Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card.
- Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card – Provides trip delay and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
As you can see, American Express offers fairly robust complimentary travel insurance on its premium and co-branded cards. However, the entry-level Everyday cards do not include travel insurance.
What Does American Express Travel Insurance Cover?
While the specific coverage varies by card, most American Express travel insurance policies cover the following:
Trip Cancellation
Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as illness, injury, or death of you, a traveling companion or family member.
Trip Interruption
Reimburses for the unused portion of your trip costs if you need to cut your trip short due to a covered reason. Also covers increased transportation costs to return home.
Trip Delay
Provides reimbursement for additional costs such as accommodations, transportation, and meals if your trip is delayed for a covered reason like severe weather or equipment failure.
Baggage Protection
Provides coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen checked or carry-on baggage during travel. Reimburses you for the cost to repair or replace your baggage and personal effects.
Travel Accident Insurance
Provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs during travel via a common carrier such as a plane, train, or bus.
Global Assist Hotline
Provides 24/7 access to assistance coordinating medical, legal, and travel services while away from home. Available on American Express Platinum and Centurion cards.
Rental Car Protection
Provides coverage for damage or theft when renting a car paid for with your eligible American Express card. Available as a premium benefit on certain cards like the Platinum.
What is NOT Covered by American Express Travel Insurance?
American Express travel insurance policies do not cover everything. Here are some key exclusions to be aware of:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Mental or emotional disorders unless hospitalized
- Pregnancy and related complications
- Expenses related to alcohol or substance abuse
- Participating in high-risk or extreme sports
- International travel lasting longer than 60 days
- Travel to countries under full or partial advisory
It’s important to read the full policy documents to understand exclusions and coverage limits, which vary by card. For example, maximum coverage amounts and trip duration limits apply.
How to File an American Express Travel Insurance Claim
To file a claim under your American Express travel insurance policy, follow these steps:
- Gather supporting documentation such as receipts, reports, cancellation policies, and proof of payment.
- Open a claim online or call the number on the back of your card.
- Provide details about what happened and the expenses incurred.
- Submit your supporting documentation.
- The claims team will review your documentation and process the reimbursement if approved.
- You can expect to receive your reimbursement deposit in 1-2 billing cycles.
It’s important to file your claim as soon as possible after the trip interruption or cancellation. There are deadlines to submit claims, so don’t delay.
Pros of American Express Travel Insurance
There are many advantages to having American Express provide your travel insurance:
- Free coverage – No need to pay extra for a policy if you have a premium card that includes the benefit.
- Convenient – Coverage is automatic with eligible purchases and travel. No need to purchase a separate policy.
- Robust coverage – American Express policies provide generous coverage amounts and services.
- Easy claims – You deal directly with American Express who already has your payment information.
Cons of American Express Travel Insurance
However, there are some downsides to relying solely on American Express for travel insurance:
- Limited cards eligible – Only premium and co-branded cards get coverage, not entry-level cards.
- Must charge travel to card – Travel and other covered purchases must be charged to the card to get coverage.
- Varying coverage – Each American Express card offers different coverage so it can be confusing.
- No customization – You can’t select desired coverages and limits like with third-party policies.
Alternatives to American Express Travel Insurance
If you don’t have an eligible American Express card or want to customize your coverage, consider purchasing a policy from a third-party travel insurance provider like:
- Allianz
- Travelex
- Travel Guard
- WorldNomads
- InsureMyTrip
- Generali Global Assistance
- RoamRight
These companies allow you to select specific coverages, limits, and trip durations to tailor the policy to your exact needs and budget.
Comparison of American Express vs. Third-Party Travel Insurance
Here is a comparison of some key differences between American Express and third-party travel insurance providers:
Feature | American Express | Third-Party Insurer |
---|---|---|
Cost | Free for eligible cards | Varies, typically 4-10% of trip cost |
Customization | Pre-set coverage only | Select specific coverages and limits |
Trip Duration Limits | Typically 60 days max | Can buy coverage for longer trips |
Cancellation Reasons | Limited specified causes | More flexible cancellation reasons |
Claims Process | File directly with American Express | File with third party insurer |
As you can see, third-party providers offer more flexibility and customization options. But if you have an eligible American Express card, the free coverage is hard to beat.
Should You Purchase Additional Travel Insurance?
If you have a premium American Express card that includes free travel insurance, you may be tempted to skip buying additional coverage. However, there are some cases where you may want to consider purchasing an additional policy:
- Taking a long international trip beyond 60 days
- Wanting cancellation coverage for any reason
- Needing higher coverage amounts for expensive trips
- Traveling to high-risk locations
- Engaging in adventure sports or activities
- Having pre-existing medical conditions
Carefully review your American Express coverage and speak to a travel insurance agent to identify gaps. You can then purchase supplemental coverage as needed for added protection.
Tips for Using American Express Travel Insurance
Follow these tips to make sure you can use your American Express travel insurance coverage effectively if needed:
- Review policy details – Read the full coverage terms so you understand inclusions, exclusions, and limits.
- Save documentation – Keep receipts, itineraries, and proof of covered expenses and loss.
- Act promptly – File claims and contact the assistance line right away if an issue arises.
- Pay with the card – Charge all travel expenses to the eligible American Express card.
- Check coverage for rentals – Rental cars may need additional insurance coverage.
Conclusion
American Express provides robust complimentary travel insurance as a key value-added benefit on many of its premium cards. The coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, baggage, accidents, and more can provide substantial financial protection while traveling. However, it’s important to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered under your specific card’s included policy.
For high-end trips or complex international travel, purchasing additional coverage from a third-party insurer can fill in gaps and maximize your protection. But for routine vacations and business trips, American Express travel insurance serves as an excellent safety net that provides significant peace of mind.