Jeffrey Wade
American Express, or Amex, offers travel insurance via credit cards or as a standalone policy. Amex cardholders can benefit from complimentary travel insurance, which includes coverage for trip delays, interruptions, cancellations, baggage, and car rentals. However, the level of coverage varies depending on the card. For example, some cards offer secondary car rental insurance, while others provide primary rental car insurance. Additionally, cardholders can purchase standalone travel insurance plans directly from American Express or other travel insurance companies, which may offer more comprehensive coverage. While Amex travel insurance provides benefits, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the claims process, citing issues with reimbursement and customer service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | Covered reasons include inclement weather, terrorist action, jury duty, sudden illness, or injury to the traveller or travelling companion. |
| Trip interruption | Covered reasons are the same as trip cancellation. |
| Trip delay | Two tiers of coverage: up to $500 for delays of more than 6 hours, and up to $300 for delays of more than 12 hours. |
| Baggage | Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage. Ultra-premium cards offer up to $2,000 for checked luggage, with a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage per covered person. Premium cards offer up to $500 for checked luggage, with a combined maximum of $1,250 for checked and carry-on baggage per covered person. |
| Car rental | Secondary car rental insurance is included with most cards. |
| Medical | Coverage is limited; it is recommended to purchase a separate medical insurance policy. |
| Customer service | Multiple reviews mention poor customer service and difficulty getting claims approved. |
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What You'll Learn
Trip cancellation and reimbursement
Trip cancellation insurance is often grouped with trip interruption insurance, but they are distinct. Cancellation insurance reimburses travellers when a trip is cancelled for eligible reasons before it has started, whereas interruption insurance covers reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses when a trip is interrupted after commencing.
To be eligible for reimbursement, the cancellation must be beyond the traveller's control. This includes unforeseen illness, injury, or death of the traveller, their travelling companion, or a non-travelling family member. Natural disasters, the cessation of services by travel carriers, and financial default by travel providers are also usually covered.
To make a claim, you must notify your insurance provider of the cancellation and confirm your coverage. They will guide you through the claims process, which may be lengthy and require significant documentation.
It is important to note that trip cancellation insurance does not cover all reasons for cancellation. For example, American Express (AMEX) Travel Insurance has received negative reviews for its strict conditions and exclusions, including pregnancy complications and dental emergencies. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.
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Trip interruption
Amex Travel Insurance covers non-refundable and non-transferable prepaid travel expenses if you have to interrupt your trip due to unexpected or unforeseen events, up to a maximum of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per family (Per Trip Plan). It also covers the non-refundable and non-transferable unused portion of your prepaid travel arrangements for a trip interruption or delay, up to the same maximum amount.
For trip delays, out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed up to $100 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 per person and $3,000 per family (Per Trip Plan).
Amex Travel Insurance provides flexible coverage to fit your travel plans and budget, with four pre-packaged plans that can be topped up or extended based on your needs. You can get a free, no-obligation quote online or by calling +1-844-200-8959, and you may even receive the insurance documents immediately when purchasing online.
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Trip delay
AmEx trip delay insurance reimburses reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as meals and lodging, medication, toiletries, and transportation to and from your hotel, incurred when a trip is delayed due to specific covered reasons. These reasons include inclement weather, terrorist action or hijacking, equipment failure by the common carrier (e.g. airline or train company), and lost or stolen passports or travel documents.
To qualify for reimbursement, the delay must be unexpected and at least six or twelve hours long, depending on your specific AmEx card. The maximum reimbursement is up to $500 per eligible trip for AmEx Plat cardholders, while other AmEx cards may offer up to $100 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 per person or $3,000 per family.
It is important to note that not all delays qualify for reimbursement. Delays that are made known before your trip, such as a flight schedule change communicated in advance, are typically not covered. Additionally, some delays due to technical or mechanical issues may not be covered, as these could fall under "equipment failure" exclusions.
To make a claim for trip delay reimbursement, it is recommended to first file a claim with the airline. Any expenses not covered by the airline may then be potentially covered by your AmEx card's trip delay insurance. Reviewing the policies and benefits of your specific AmEx card is essential to understanding your coverage.
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Baggage insurance
American Express, or Amex, offers travel insurance to its customers. However, reviews of Amex's travel insurance are mixed. While some customers claim that the company offers a "customer first" approach, others have criticised the company for having too many loopholes to avoid paying claims.
Some comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for baggage loss and, if your baggage is not permanently lost or damaged, baggage delay. Certain items may be excluded from coverage, and it is important to understand the coverage details before purchasing a plan. Additionally, some premium travel credit cards offer baggage insurance benefits.
Before filing a baggage loss insurance claim, you should first file a lost report with the airline and visit the airline's customer service desk to file a property irregularity report (PIR). The airline will then begin searching for your luggage and will contact you if they find it. If your bag is considered officially lost, you can then file a claim for your lost belongings and any baggage fees you paid.
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Car rental insurance
Rental car insurance covers you in case of damage to or theft of the rental car. It also covers injuries to you and your passengers while driving the rental car.
If you already have personal auto insurance, review your policy to see if it covers rental cars. If it does, you may not need to purchase separate rental car insurance. However, credit card rental insurance usually only kicks in after you've made a claim through your personal auto insurance, which may lead to a rate increase. Additionally, credit card coverage often has many exclusions, such as damage caused by additional drivers, lost keys, roadside repair costs, and damage to certain parts of the car.
If you don't have personal auto insurance, you will likely need to purchase liability coverage through the rental car company or a third-party provider. Allianz Global Assistance, for example, offers rental car insurance for $11 per calendar day, which covers collision, loss, and damage to the rental car, as well as 24-hour emergency assistance. RentalCover.com is another option that covers a wide range of vehicles that your personal car insurance or credit card may exclude, such as pickup trucks, recreational vehicles, and camper vans.
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Frequently asked questions
Am Ex travel insurance covers trip delays, interruptions, cancellations, baggage and car rentals. The coverage tends to be secondary and policies vary by card.
You can get Am Ex travel insurance via your card or as a standalone policy.
Am Ex will reimburse you for prepaid travel expenses like airfare and hotels if your trip is cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason. This includes sickness or injury to the traveller or travelling companion.
The Baggage Insurance Plan covers you if your luggage is lost or stolen during a covered trip. The amount of coverage depends on the card you have.
The Travel Accident Insurance covers accidental death or dismemberment while travelling on a common carrier conveyance (plane, train, ship or bus) when the entire fare has been charged to the Platinum Card.
