amex explorer hk travel insurance

Your guide to Amex's travel insurance coverage

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

American Express premium credit cards offer some of the best perks in the credit card space. While lounge access and travel credits are typically the highlights of these cards, some of the lesser-known benefits, such as trip delay reimbursement and trip cancellation and interruption insurance, are becoming hot topics as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the travel industry.

Want more credit card news and advice from TPG? Sign up for our daily newsletter!

As a result, many TPG readers have sent in questions about Amex's travel insurance protections. As travel restrictions change, policies and best practices will likely change as well. But this guide will walk you through which Amex credit cards have these benefits, what's currently covered and how you can file a successful claim.

Related: Best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Amex cards offering trip delay, cancellation or interruption insurance

Here is an overview of the Amex cards that offer trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance or both:

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card and American Express Corporate Platinum Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best credit cards with travel insurance

What is covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance?

You can find the full terms and conditions of what is generally covered on your respective card in your Guide to Benefits, which can be found through your online account. I'll use the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve as an example.

Here is a rundown of the "covered losses" provided by Amex's trip cancellation and interruption insurance:

• Accidental bodily injury or loss of life or sickness of either the eligible traveler, traveling companion or a family member of the eligible traveler or traveling companion
• Inclement weather, which prevents a reasonable and prudent person from traveling or continuing on a covered trip
• The eligible traveler or his or her spouse's change in military orders
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• Call to jury duty or subpoena by the courts, either of which cannot be postponed or waived
• The eligible traveler or traveling companion's dwelling made uninhabitable
• Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons

Related: Book carefully if you have multiple Amex cards that offer travel protections

Amex also provides an extensive list of things that are not covered by trip cancellation/interruption insurance:

• Pre-existing conditions
• The eligible traveler's suicide, attempted suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injury
• A declared or undeclared war
• Mental or emotional disorders, unless hospitalized
• The eligible traveler's participation in a sporting activity for which he or she receives a salary or prize money
• The eligible traveler's being intoxicated at the time of an accident. Intoxication is defined by the laws of the jurisdiction where such accident occurs
• The eligible traveler being under the influence of any narcotic or other controlled substance at the time of an accident, unless the narcotic or other controlled substance is taken and used as prescribed by a Physician
• The eligible traveler's commission or attempted commission of any illegal or criminal act, including but not limited to any felony
• The eligible traveler parachuting from an aircraft
• The eligible traveler engaging or participating in a motorized vehicular race or speed contest
• Dental treatment except as a result of accidental bodily injury to sound, natural teeth
• Any non-emergency treatment or surgery, routine physical examinations
• Hearing aids, eyeglasses or contact lenses
• One-way travel that does not have a return destination
• A counterfeit scheduled airline or train ticket; or a scheduled airline or train ticket which is charged to a fraudulently issued or fraudulently used eligible card.
• Any occurrence while the eligible traveler is incarcerated
• Loss due to intentional acts by the eligible traveler
• Financial insolvency of a travel agency, tour operator or travel supplier
• Any expenses that are not authorized and reimbursable by the eligible traveler's employer if the eligible traveler makes the purchases with a commercial card

If you do find yourself canceling or cutting a covered trip short, here are the basic guidelines provided by Amex on what types of expenses are covered for trip cancellation/interruption:

"If a Covered Loss causes an Eligible Traveler's Trip Interruption, we will reimburse you for the nonrefundable amount paid to a Travel Supplier with your Eligible Card for the following: 1. The forfeited, non-refundable, pre-paid land, air and sea transportation arrangements that were missed; and 2. Additional transportation expenses that the Eligible Traveler incurs less any available refunds, not to exceed the cost of an economy-class air ticket by the most direct route for the Eligible Traveler to rejoin his or her places of origin.

If a Covered Loss causes an Eligible Traveler to temporarily postpone transportation by Common Carrier for a Covered Trip and a new departure date is set, we will reimburse you for the following: 1. The additional expenses incurred to purchase tickets for the new departure (not to exceed the difference between the original fare and the economy fare for the rescheduled Covered Trip by the most direct route); and 2. The unused, non-refundable land, air, and sea arrangements paid to a Travel Supplier with your Eligible Card."

What is covered by trip delay insurance?

Trip delay coverage provides reimbursement for reasonable additional expenses incurred when your trip is delayed due to a covered hazard for more than six hours.

Coverage is limited to $500 per trip and cardmembers are only eligible for two claims each 12 consecutive month period.

Amex outlines what is not covered, which includes the following:

• Covered losses that are made public or known to the eligible traveler prior to the departure for the covered trip
• An eligible traveler's expenses paid prior to the covered trip

Filing a claim

When you have a delay or trip cancellation/interruption that you think qualifies for coverage, you can file a claim by calling Amex at 1-844-933-0648 within 60 days of the covered loss.

Trip delay reimbursement requires the following documentation:

• Proof of loss – You must furnish written proof of loss to Amex within 180 days after the date of your loss
• Receipts - Acceptable documentation includes the following:
• A statement from the common carrier that the covered trip was delayed
• Charge receipt
• Copies of common carrier ticket(s)
• Receipts for travel expenses

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance requires slightly different documentation.

• Proof of loss – You must furnish written proof of loss to Amex within 180 days after the date of your loss. Acceptable documentation includes:
• Court subpoenas, orders to report for active duty, physician orders, etc.
• Copies of your common carrier tickets and travel supplier receipt
• Your eligible card billing statement showing the charges for the covered trip
• Copy of travel supplier's cancelation policy

After Amex receives notice of your claim, instructions will be sent on how to send the proof. Typically, you have up to 180 days to file a claim after a delay or cancellation.

Proof of flight delay or cancellation

One of the documents required to file for trip delay reimbursement is a verification form that outlines the reason for the delay or cancellation by the carrier. You can typically get this at the airport when the delay or cancellation is announced, but keep in mind that it may require a supervisor. Each U.S. major airline also has a process for requesting this information after the fact.

Here is an overview of the process that major U.S. airlines require for you to receive a delay or cancellation verification form:

Amex cards that offer car rental insurance

Unfortunately, no American Express credit cards offer primary car rental coverage, although most offer secondary coverage. You can see the entire list of cards that offer secondary car rental protection on the American Express website . However, all American Express credit cards offer an optional "Premium Car Rental Protection policy" that can be added to rentals made using the card for a small fee.

Read our guide on when to use American Express' Premium Car Rental Protection for more details on this coverage option.

You can add Premium Car Rental Protection to any American Express card . TPG has a guide of the best American Express cards , but here are some of the best cards in terms of the return you could receive when renting a car. Note, the estimated return rate for these cards is based on TPG's latest valuations:

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $450 annual fee (see rates and fees); 4.2% return on car rentals booked directly from car rental companies; no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: $0 annual fee (see rates and fees); 4% return on general spending on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year and 1x thereafter; 2.7% foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees)
• The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express: $95 annual fee; 3% return on general spending in billing cycles where you make 30+ purchases; 2.7% foreign transaction fee

The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Amex cards that offer baggage insurance

If you're a frequent traveler, you've likely run into this situation at some point (it's the worst). Over the years, airlines have been working on improving the baggage system by introducing live bag tracking. Regardless, it's still a smart idea to have some protections in place, like baggage insurance.

Related: Everything you need to know about Amex's baggage insurance plan

This is why you need to pay attention to the benefits each of your travel rewards cards offers. Nearly all of Amex's premium rewards cards offer baggage insurance. You can check out the full list of cards and details on American Express's website.

The types of losses it covers: You're covered for losses resulting from damaged, stolen or lost baggage, including both carry-on and checked bags.

When you're covered: To be eligible for coverage, you have to travel on a common carrier, which Amex defines as any air, land or water vehicle (other than a personal or rental vehicle) that is licensed to carry passengers for hire and available to the public. Your rental car, as well as taxis and ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, would be excluded from this protection.

To receive coverage, you also need to pay for the entire fare with an eligible American Express card or by using Membership Rewards points to book tickets through Amex Travel . Trips booked with miles from other sources — even the cobranded Delta SkyMiles cards from Amex — are excluded. Your trip also isn't covered if you used a combination of miles and dollars unless the miles came from a Membership Rewards transfer. This is a welcome change. A few years ago, a TPG staffer found out the hard way that Amex's policy didn't cover frequent flyer mile awards.

Who's covered: This policy covers both primary and additional cardholders, as well as cardmembers' spouses or domestic partners and any dependent children under 23 years old. In addition, travelers must be permanent residents of one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How much it covers: Most American Express credit cards will cover replacement costs for checked bags and their contents up to $500 per person, although so-called "high-risk items" are only covered for a maximum of $250. These items include jewelry, sporting equipment, photographic or electronic equipment, computers and audio/visual equipment. Carry-on bags are covered for up to $1,250, which is good to know since your belongings could be stolen from the overhead bins.

You'll enjoy additional coverage if you use The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, the Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz and Morgan Stanley-branded Platinum Card (but not the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card).

The information for the Amex Platinum Mercedes-Benz and Morgan Stanley Platinum card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Amex cards that offer medical assistance

One of the lesser known benefits of some of Amex's most premium cards is its Premium Global Assistance. This benefit can quite literally be a lifesaver if you or an immediate family member run into any unexpected issues or accident on your trip. For example, this service can help you arrange emergency medical referrals.

All Amex cards have access to Amex's Global Assist Hotline, but the Premium Global Assist Hotline and higher level of coverage are reserved exclusively for the Amex's premium cards:

• The Platinum Card from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card from American Express
• American Express Corporate Platinum Card
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• American Express Centurion Card
• American Express Business Centurion Card

The information for the Amex Centurion and Amex Business Centurion cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

Having a card with trip insurance can save you hundreds of dollars when unexpected hiccups happen in your travel plans. Still, it can be confusing to know what is covered and the right documentation you need to file a claim.

Nothing is worse than getting through an entire claims process only to be denied or have to start over because you don't have the required documentation for the insurance provider. Before you start filing a claim, make sure you have the documents listed above. Keep in mind that a provider may ask for additional documentation related to the incident, so you may have to collect receipts and other forms to help your case.

If you're starting to travel again, it's also a good idea to consider booking refundable travel . Some airlines and hotels even waive cancelation fees and/or change fees for certain fares, which can make last-minute adjustments in the case of emergencies.

Additional reporting by Stella Shon and Madison Blancaflor.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Green card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

The Guide to American Express Travel Insurance

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

American Express travel insurance vs. coverage provided by AmEx cards

Complimentary travel insurance provided by amex cards.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Trip delay insurance

Car rental loss and damage insurance

Baggage insurance

Premium global assist.

Global Assist Hotline

Standalone American Express travel insurance plans

Should you use the complimentary benefits or purchase a policy, amex travel insurance recapped.

You can get AmEx travel insurance via your card or as a standalone policy.

AmEx cards typically include coverage for trip delays, interruptions, cancellations, baggage and car rentals.

Coverage tends to be secondary.

Policies vary by card.

American Express has two different types of travel insurance offerings: standalone travel insurance plans that customers can purchase and travel insurance that is included as a complimentary benefit on certain cards. 

So if you’re thinking about getting travel insurance before a trip, get familiar with American Express travel insurance benefits that are included on your credit cards. Knowing what protections you already have will prevent you from spending money on a separate policy with benefits that overlap.

A standalone travel insurance policy from American Express may offer more robust coverage, but depending on your needs, the travel insurance perks provided by your AmEx card may be sufficient. 

If you primarily want specific coverage for cancellations, delays or rental cars and baggage, it’s likely your card will be enough.

If, however, you’re mainly concerned with emergency health coverage while traveling , you’re better off with a separate medical insurance policy because the benefits provided by credit cards are limited in those areas. You can purchase this from American Express directly or shop around other travel insurance companies .

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

There are six travel insurance benefits offered on many American Express cards:

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance .

Trip delay insurance .

Car rental loss and damage insurance .

Baggage insurance plans .

Premium Global Assist Hotline .

Global Assist Hotline .

Here's a closer look at each.

Trip cancellation will protect you if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason (more below), and you will be reimbursed for any nonrefundable amounts paid to a travel supplier with your AmEx card. Bookings made with Membership Reward Points are also eligible for reimbursement. Travel suppliers are generally defined as airlines, tour operators, cruise companies or other common carriers.

Trip interruption coverage applies if you experience a covered loss on your way to the point of departure or after departure. AmEx will reimburse you if you miss your flight or incur additional transportation expenses due to the interruption. American Express considers the following to be covered reasons:

Accidental injuries.

Illness (must have proof from doctor).

Inclement weather.

Change in military orders.

Terrorist acts.

Non-postponable jury duty or subpoena by a court.

An event occurring that makes the traveler’s home uninhabitable.

Quarantine imposed by a doctor for medical reasons.

There are many reasons that are specifically called out as not covered (e.g., preexisting conditions, war, self-harm, fraud and more), so we recommend checking the terms of your coverage carefully.

If you want a higher level of coverage for trip cancellation, consider purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance . CFAR is an optional upgrade available on some standalone travel insurance plans. This supplementary benefit allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get a partial refund of your nonrefundable deposit.

Alternately, if you want what essentially amounts to CFAR insurance on your flights specifically, purchase your fares through the AmEx Travel portal and tack on Trip Cancel Guard for an extra fee. Trip Cancel Guard guarantees you an up to 75% refund on nonrefundable airfare costs when you cancel at least two days before departure, regardless of why. This isn't as comprehensive as other CFAR policies, but it can add some peace of mind for people who want the cash back (as opposed to a travel credit) for flights they may not take.

AmEx cards with trip cancellation, interruption coverage

The following American Express credit cards offer trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage:

on American Express' website

Additional AmEx cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage include:

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express .

Centurion® Card from American Express.

Business Centurion® Card from American Express.

The Corporate Centurion® Card from American Express.

The Platinum Card® from American Express for Ameriprise Financial.

The American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab.

The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs.

The Platinum Card® from American Express for Morgan Stanley.

Corporate Platinum Card®.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card .

Terms apply.

Covered amount

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Coverage is secondary and applies after your primary policy provides reimbursement. Claims must be filed within 60 days. To start a claim, call 844-933-0648.

This benefit will reimburse you for reasonable, additional expenses incurred if a trip is delayed by a certain number of hours. Examples of eligible expenses include meals, lodging, toiletries, medication and other charges that are deemed appropriate by American Express. It makes sense to use your judgment in terms of what will get approved based on your policy's fine print.

Acceptable delays include those that are caused by weather, terrorist actions, carrier equipment failure, or lost/stolen passports or travel documents. There are also plenty of exclusions, such as intentional acts by the traveler.

AmEx cards with trip delay insurance

The reimbursable amount depends on which card you hold.

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Up to $300 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

As expected, the more premium travel credit cards offer higher compensation for shorter delays. Trip delay insurance is offered on the following American Express credit cards:

When you decline the collision damage waiver offered by the car rental agency, you will be covered if the car is damaged or stolen through your AmEx Travel Insurance. Depending on the card you have, the coverage is $50,000 or $75,000.

» Learn more: How AmEx car rental insurance works

In addition, the cards offering car rental damage and theft insurance up to of $75,000 also provide secondary benefits:

Accidental death or dismemberment coverage.

Accidental injury coverage.

Car rental personal property coverage.

To qualify, you must decline the personal accident coverage and personal effects insurance provided by your car rental company.

The entire rental must be charged on the American Express credit card to receive coverage for car rental loss and damage. And keep in mind that you do still need liability insurance when making your rental car reservation (you may have this through your personal auto insurance policy), as these credit card-provided coverage options don't include personal liability.

AmEx cards with car rental coverage

American Express lists over 50 different cards on its site that come with one of the two forms of car rental insurance. Cards that link to the Tier 1 policies are the $50,000-coverage cards, and Tier 2 policies are the $75,000 cards.

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

The amount reimbursed is calculated as whichever is lowest:

The cost to repair the rental car.

The wholesale book value (minus salvage and depreciation).

The invoice purchase price (minus salvage and depreciation).

Here are some key exclusions to be aware of with this coverage:

These policies don't cover theft or damage that was caused by a driver’s illegal operation of the car, operation under the influence of drugs/alcohol or damage caused by any acts of war.

Policies don't cover drivers not named as "authorized drivers" on your rental agreement.

The benefit only covers car rentals up to 30 consecutive days.

Not all cars are included in the policy. Certain trucks, vans, limousines, motorcycles and campers are excluded from coverage.

Insurance protection doesn't apply in Australia, Italy, New Zealand and any country subject to U.S. sanctions .

You can file a claim online or call toll-free in the U.S. at 800-338-1670. From overseas, call collect 216-617-2500. Your claim must be filed within 30 days of the loss. Additionally, some benefits vary by state, so check the policy for your specific card.

» Learn more: The guide to AmEx Platinum’s rental car insurance

As an American Express cardholder, you are eligible to receive compensation if your luggage is lost or stolen. This benefit is in addition to what you may receive from the carrier. However, the AmEx policy is secondary, which means that it kicks in after the carrier provides any compensation for losses.

AmEx provides this insurance to "covered persons," who are defined as:

The cardmember.

Their spouse or domestic partner.

Their dependent children who are under 23 years old (there are age exceptions for handicap children).

Some business travelers (Tier 2 coverage only).

To qualify, all covered individuals need to be traveling on the same reservation and must be residents of the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AmEx cards with baggage insurance

Naturally, the higher-end cards offer more protection — but even the basic cards have decent coverage. The compensation limits per person are as follows (note that the maximum payout per covered person for lost luggage is $3,000 on all of these cards).

Below are the limits for cardholders of the The Platinum Card® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , The American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Morgan Stanley, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card , Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, Centurion® Card from American Express and Business Centurion® Card from American Express:

Baggage in-transit to/from common carrier: $3,000.

Carry-on baggage: $3,000.

Checked luggage: $2,000.

Combined maximum: $3,000.

High-end items: $1,000.

Disclosure: Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

And here are the coverage limits for cardholders of the American Express® Gold Card , American Express® Business Gold Card , American Express® Green Card , Business Green Rewards Card from American Express , Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card , Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card , The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card :

Baggage in-transit to/from common carrier: $1,250.

Carry-on baggage: $1,250.

Checked luggage: $500.

High-end items: $250.

Disclosure: Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

AmEx also offers limited reimbursement for high-end items (coverage varies by card), such as:

Sports equipment.

Photography or electronic equipment.

Computers and audiovisual equipment.

Wearable technology.

Furs (including items made mostly of fur and those trimmed/lined with fur).

Items made fully or partially of gold, silver or platinum.

Claims must be filed within 30 days of your baggage loss. To file a claim, call 800-645-9700 from the U.S. or collect to 303-273-6498 if overseas. You can also file a claim online.

» Learn more: Compare travel insurance options: airline or credit card?

This benefit helps with events like replacing a lost passport, missing luggage assistance, emergency legal and medical referrals, and in some instances, emergency medical transportation assistance.

The service can also help you figure out important travel-related details like customs information, currency information, travel warnings, tourist office locations, foreign exchange rates, vaccine recommendations for the country you’re visiting, passport/visa requirements and weather forecasts.

AmEx cards with Premium Global Assist

Premium Global Assistance is offered on the following American Express credit cards:

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.

Services provided by Premium Global Assist Hotline

You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, the Premium Global Assist Hotline may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility.

The hotline isn’t so much a concierge as a service that provides logistical assistance, which can include the following:

General travel advice

Emergency translation if you need an interpreter to help with legal or medical documents (cost isn't covered).

Lost item search if your belongings are lost while traveling.

Missing luggage assistance if an airline loses your luggage. The hotline will contact your airline on a daily basis on your behalf to help locate your bags.

Passport/credit card assistance if your credit card or passport is lost or stolen.

Urgent message relay if you need to contact a family member and/or friend in the event of an emergency.

Medical assistance

Emergency medical transportation assistance if the cardmember or another covered family member traveling on the same itinerary gets sick or injured and needs medical treatment (there are many conditions for this coverage; review your policy’s fine print).

Physician referral if you need a doctor or dentist (cardmember is responsible for costs).

Repatriation of remains in the event of death.

Financial assistance

Emergency wire service to get help obtaining cash (fees will be reimbursed).

Emergency hotel check in/out if your card has been lost or stolen.

Legal assistance

Bail bond assistance if you need access to an agency that accepts AmEx (cardmember is responsible for paying bail bond fees).

Embassy and consulate referral if you need help finding or accessing local embassies.

English-speaking lawyer referral if you’re traveling and need a list of available attorneys (cardmember is responsible for any legal fees).

To use this benefit, call the Premium Global Assist Hotline toll-free at 800-345-AMEX (2639). You can also call collect at 715-343-7979.

The main difference between the Global Assist Hotline and the Premium version is that some of the services that are fully covered by Premium Global Assist aren't covered in the more basic version (cited examples include emergency medical transportation assistance and repatriation of mortal remains).

You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility.

AmEx cards with Global Assist Hotline access

The Global Assist Hotline is available to holders of the following cards:

American Express® Gold Card .

American Express® Business Gold Card .

American Express® Green Card .

Business Green Rewards Card from American Express .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Card .

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card .

Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card .

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express .

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card .

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express .

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card .

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

You can call the Global Assist Hotline toll-free at 800-333-AMEX (2639), or collect at 715-343-7977.

If you don’t have any of the credit cards above and are thinking about purchasing a policy from American Express or just simply want to price compare to see if you get better perks by purchasing a policy, you can go to the AmEx travel insurance website and input your trip plans to build a quote. You’ll need to provide your departure and return date, state of residence, age of traveler, number of travelers covered by the policy and the trip cost per traveler. Then, you can select the option of choosing a package or building your own.

To see which plans are available, we input a sample $3,000, one-week trip by a 35-year-old from South Dakota. Our search result yielded four different plans ranging from $59 for a Basic plan to $208 for a Platinum plan.

Global medical protection (not included on AmEx cards)

Medical protection includes coverage for emergency healthcare and dental costs as well as medical evacuation and repatriation of remains . The limits increase as the plans become more expensive. Although AmEx cards offer an array of travel insurance benefits, medical coverage isn't included. So if medical protection benefits are important to you, a standalone travel insurance policy is what you’ll want to look for.

Travel accident protection (not included on AmEx cards)

Another benefit not included with AmEx cards is travel accident protection. This benefit provides coverage in case of death or dismemberment while traveling . Although this is a topic no one wants to think about, it's good to be familiar with this coverage. While travel accident protection isn’t offered on the Basic plan, all of the higher plans offer it.

Standalone policy benefits that are also included on AmEx cards

These elements of coverage are offered on the AmEx cards mentioned, although in some, the limits may be higher or lower.

Trip cancellation

The Basic plan only covers a trip up to $1,000, however, all the other plans cover 100% of the trip cost. To compare this with the perks included as a benefit on the cards, all AmEx cards that include trip cancellation coverage provide up to $10,000 per covered trip.

Keep in mind that, all the cards included have annual fees and the card with the lowest fee is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card , with a $550 annual fee. 

Trip interruption

Trip interruption coverage ranges from $1,000 on a Basic plan to 150% of trip cost on the Gold and Platinum plans. The trip interruption benefit offered by the AmEx cards is included on all the same cards that offer trip cancellation insurance, with the trip interruption limit capped at $10,000 per covered trip.

Global baggage protection

If your luggage is lost or stolen this benefit will provide monetary compensation to reimburse you for your lost items. AmEx cards offer baggage coverage as a complimentary benefit, with the higher-end cards naturally providing higher limits. Interestingly, the cards with the lower annual fees (i.e. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , annual fee $150 ) have a high limit as well, offering a total combined limit for lost luggage of $3,000, which is higher than the coverage offered by the standalone Platinum plan.

Global trip delay

If your trip is delayed, you’re eligible for reimbursement of any necessary expenses incurred up to a specific limit. The Basic plan doesn’t offer this benefit, but all the other plans do, with the Platinum plan providing up to $300 per day (maximum of $1,000 per trip). This coverage is also included on the higher-end AmEx cards.

AmEx cards offer key travel insurance benefits: trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, Premium Global Assist Hotline (or Global Assist Hotline). However, they don't offer any sort of emergency medical coverage. This is pretty typical of travel credit cards, as the travel insurance perks they offer don't provide coverage for emergency health care costs.

If you’re looking for emergency medical coverage, you’ll need to purchase a separate policy, such as the standalone one offered by American Express. The other limits provided in the American Express travel insurance policy are comparable to what you get on the AmEx cards, so it makes sense to shop around to make sure that the benefits you’re paying for are sufficient for your needs.

» Learn more: What to know about American Express Platinum travel insurance

Yes, if you have one of the cards listed above. If you have a credit card that isn’t listed in this guide or the card is no longer available by American Express, call the number on the back of your card for more information. Generally, AmEx offers a number of travel insurance benefits on its credit cards that shouldn't be overlooked.

Yes, but it depends on which card you have. To qualify for reimbursement, the trip cancellation must be for a covered reason. Refer to the section "Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance" for a list of cards and explanations of covered reasons.

American Express offers a solid range of travel insurance protection across its credit cards, with the premium cards providing the most coverage. However, if you need insurance benefits with higher limits, we recommend purchasing a separate travel insurance policy . If you only need emergency medical coverage , there are policies that provide that as well.

Call the number on the back of your card to ask for guidance. Some benefits may require authorization from American Express before coverage kicks in, so make sure you follow all the correct steps for reimbursement.

Refer to the AmEx credit card policy for the specific benefit because it will include instructions for submitting a claim. If you cannot find the policy, you should call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card for more assistance.

Yes. American Express offers travel insurance as a benefit of some of its cards, but it also sells standalone coverage that you can purchase out-of-pocket. The latter tends to be more comprehensive and customizable to your needs.

No, you do not get automatic travel insurance with American Express. It is available as a benefit on certain cards. Refer to your terms and conditions to learn if you are covered.

American Express cards do not include medical coverage; instead, you will want to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy with medical protections, such as repatriation of remains or medical evacuation coverage .

American Express offers a solid range of travel insurance protection across its credit cards, with the premium cards providing the most coverage. However, if you need insurance benefits with higher limits, we recommend purchasing a

separate travel insurance policy

. If you only need

emergency medical coverage

, there are policies that provide that as well.

American Express cards do not include medical coverage; instead, you will want to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy with medical protections, such as

repatriation of remains or medical evacuation coverage

American Express travel insurance offers a wide array of benefits, especially on its premium cards. Knowing what benefits are available to you is important in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Determine whether an individual policy is a better fit for your risk tolerance than coverage that is included on an eligible card, then go from there.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Baggage insurance plans

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefit sguide for more details.

Premium Global Assist Hotline

If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

• Credit Cards ›
• Amex Platinum Card

Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

306 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98 U.S. States Visited: 45

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

90 Published Articles 660 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 41 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3130 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Amex Platinum Card Overview

Standard car rental coverage, premium car rental protection coverage, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage insurance, emergency medical transport and evacuation — complimentary coverages, additional medical assistance, other hotline services, filing a claim, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Frequent travelers who are interested in premium travel benefits and solid reward-earning opportunities gravitate to The Platinum Card ® from American Express . The card, as well as The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , has been the go-to card for meeting travelers’ earning, redemption, and benefits needs.

We frequently cover Membership Rewards points-earning opportunities , as well as a multitude of ways to maximize the redemption options . We’ve even done a deep dive into getting the most from statement credits offered by Amex cards.

Next up in our collection of articles focusing on the valuable perks that come with the Amex Platinum card is the card’s travel insurance benefits. Insurance can be inherently confusing in general and the insurance coverages that come with credit cards can be equally so.

Fortunately, even a quick overview will give you some insight as to the insurance coverages you can expect on the Amex Platinum card. So, right here and now, we’re stepping up to deliver just that.

Let’s take a look at exactly which insurances come with the card, how these benefits can provide a level of peace of mind, and find out what situations might trigger the coverage to provide economic value.

It’s important to have a little background on the card to put its coverage into context. Here are important card details, including the current welcome bonus and annual fee.

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

• Amex Platinum 150k Welcome Bonus Offer
• Benefits of The Amex Platinum
• How to Use 100,000 Amex Platinum Points
• Amex Platinum Card Requirements
• American Express Platinum Military Benefits
• Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Lounge Access
• Amex Platinum Benefits for Authorized Users
• Amex Platinum vs Delta Platinum
• Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Capital One Venture X vs Amex Platinum
• Amex Platinum vs Delta Reserve

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard car rental insurance that provides secondary coverage when using your card to reserve and pay for your entire rental car contract. You also have the option to purchase premium primary car rental coverage .

For either coverage to be valid, you must decline the rental car agency’s LDW (loss damage waiver) or CDW (collision damage waiver) coverage when renting the vehicle.

Here’s an overview of how both of these coverages work:

Secondary (standard) coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance you might have before the card coverage applies.

You can expect to receive excess secondary coverage for these losses:

• Damage to and theft of the vehicle
• Personal property up to $1,000 per person/$2,000 per accident
• Accidental injury up to $5,000 per claimant
• Accidental death/dismemberment up to $300,000

This is just a snapshot of the standard secondary car rental coverage; several terms and conditions apply. You should access the official guide to benefits or call your benefits administrator for specific information.

One of the real car rental insurance perks of holding the Amex Platinum card is having access to Premium Car Rental Protection coverage for just 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period, not a per-day charge like the rental agency charges.

Although there are some credit cards with primary rental car insurance , the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection coverage, in some circumstances, can provide equal or better coverage and elevated peace of mind. Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: Consider Amex Premium Car Rental Protection if you don’t have a credit card that provides primary car rental insurance. Additionally, if you are renting an expensive vehicle that exceeds your card’s limit of coverage or the maximum length of the rental period on your other card is limited to less than 42 days, the Amex Premium Car Rental Protection could also be a prudent choice. 

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance are designed to cover unexpected, unforeseen events that may cause you to have to cancel your trip or that cause a disruption in a trip you’re already started.

To be eligible for coverage, purchase your entire round-trip common carrier ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

American Express has a broad definition of who is covered under this benefit. Eligible travelers can include the cardholder, traveling companion, family member of the eligible traveler, or family member of the traveling companion.

Examples of events that could be covered include the following:

• Bodily Injury or Illness — If you, a traveling companion, or a family member of either, experience an accidental injury or become ill, causing you to cancel your trip, you may have coverage
• Bad Weather — If extreme weather causes your trip to be canceled or disrupted, there could be coverage
• Change in Military Orders —Applies to cardmember and/or spouse (spouse definition includes domestic partner)
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• Jury duty or other qualifying legal obligation
• Uninhabitable dwelling of either the cardmember or traveling companion
• Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons

You can expect coverage of up to $10,000 per trip , and a maximum limit of $20,000 per card per 12-month period.

Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: While the trip cancellation/trip interruption benefit covers specifically stated reasons for trip cancellation/interruption, there is no coverage for voluntary cancellations, disruptions due to known events, or for preexisting conditions. Additional terms and conditions can be found in your guide to benefits or call the benefits administrator prior to your trip.

Experiencing a trip delay is inevitable so having coverage for added expenses as a result of that delay could be a welcome economic benefit. To qualify for trip delay coverage, just pay for the full amount of your common carrier round-trip transportation ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

The delay must be for more than 6 hours for you to be eligible for reimbursement for necessary incidentals, meals, and lodging.

Coverage limits are $500 per covered trip and a maximum of up to 2 covered trips in each consecutive 12-month period. Coverage is secondary to other coverage that applies and does not include expenses that are reimbursed by the airline or other entities. Additional terms and conditions also apply.

Losing a checked bag used to be a very common occurrence. With new technology and tracking mechanisms, however, incidents have declined, but they still happen. If you do happen to experience lost bags, however, you can count on the baggage insurance found on the Amex Platinum card.

To activate the coverage , simply pay for your common-carrier fare with your card and/or Membership Rewards points.

Here’s the coverage you can expect for lost luggage:

• Checked Bags — Up to $2,000 per covered person, per trip
• Carry-on Bags — Up to $3,000 per covered person, per trip
• Specialty High-value Items — Up to $1,000 per person, per covered trip ($2,000 for New York residents, maximum $10,000 per trip)
• Combined Limit — The limit for all baggage, including high-risk items, is $3,000 per covered person, per single trip

Checked baggage is covered only while traveling on a common carrier . Carry-on baggage is additionally covered while traveling to , from , and when waiting at the carrier terminal.

Note that the coverage on the card is secondary to any other insurance or reimbursement you might receive from the airline. There is no coverage for delayed baggage , but several other credit cards do offer this coverage .

Premium Global Assist Hotline

While technically not insurance coverage, having access to help when you’re traveling, 24/7, is sure to provide additional peace of mind. The Amex Platinum card offers a premium version of a dedicated helpline that serves as a welcome resource should things go wrong during your travels.

Here are the types of assistance you can expect from the service:

One of the premium services offered on the card is complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation . If you or a covered family member becomes injured or ill during your travels, you could receive emergency medical transportation or evacuation , if necessary.

You can expect to receive the following services without charge when arranged via the hotline:

• Emergency Transport or Evacuation — Transport to the nearest medical facility or transport from an inadequate medical facility
• Transport of Family Member — Transport may be covered for an adult member to be by the bedside of the cardmember or for the cardmember’s minor child (who had been traveling alone with the cardmember) to be transported back to the U.S.
• Transport of Remains — Amex will pay for the transport of remains back to the U.S.
• Post-Evacuation Assistance — If you’re evacuated and your return ticket back to the U.S. has become invalid, Amex will arrange and pay for transportation back to the U.S.

Please note that the Premium Global Assist Hotline does not cover any medical expenses or emergency transportation services arranged outside of the hotline. Several terms and conditions apply to these coverages.

In addition to the complimentary coverages offered by the hotline, you’ll find these additional medical services:

• Medical Referrals — Receive help finding an English-speaking doctor, a hospital, or other needed medical services
• Prescription Replacement Assistance — Get help with replacing lost or forgotten medications

There is no charge for the referral service but cardmembers are responsible for actual services received from the provider.

• Passport/Visa Assistance — Whether you need help replacing a passport or have a need to contact the U.S. consulate, the hotline can assist
• Emergency Translation Services — Receive over-the-phone services or written language translation assistance
• Legal Referrals — Should you need legal services during your trip, the hotline can help you find local bail bond services that accept Amex or refer you to other legal personnel
• Financial Assistance — The hotline can help you arrange cash wire services, help you check out of your hotel remotely, or assist with lost card situations
• Emergency Message Relay — In the event of an emergency, the hotline can send a message to a family member, friend, or another recipient on your behalf
• Lost Items — Should you lose an item, your baggage gets lost, or other missing possession, the hotline can help track it down
• Trip Planning Services — Access information such as weather, currency exchange rates, passport/visa requirements, customs information, travel warnings, and more

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary emergency transportation and evacuation services with no stated limit. Additional medical, legal, and travel service referrals are also complimentary, but other than the emergency medical transportation and evacuation, services rendered must be paid for by the cardholder. 

As with any insurance claim, you’ll need to report any event as soon as possible, provide supporting documentation, and follow up after the claim has been filed.

You could be expected to submit any, or all, of the following:

• Copies of your common carrier ticket
• Copies of your credit card statement showing the expenses
• Proof of the loss (i.e. a copy of physician’s quarantine order, military orders, etc.)
• Copy of the travel supplier’s cancellation policy
• Any other supporting documentation requested by the claims administrator

Claims must be reported within 60 days but it is best to do it as soon as possible. Once you report the claim, you’ll receive instructions for completing the next steps in the process.

Hot Tip: Be sure to take photos and videos, keep receipts, secure any applicable police report, and hold on to other documentation that might be needed to support your claim. Keep in mind that supporting information can be difficult to obtain after the fact but may be readily secured at the time of the claim. 

While the insurance that comes with the Amex Platinum card won’t take the place of a comprehensive travel insurance policy , you’ll find value in several of the benefits.

Utilizing Premium Car Rental Protection, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could save you more than you could imagine in certain circumstances.

Additionally, knowing the coverages you have in advance has tremendous value. You’ll be armed with information to make educated decisions that can protect each aspect of your trip and be better prepared for how you might handle a covered incident during your travels. If you’re looking for other card options, see our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance .

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, you can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the amex platinum card travel insurance any good.

While the insurance that comes on your Amex Platinum card does not replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy, there is value in the coverages that come complimentary on the card.

Benefits such as trip interruption/cancellation/delay insurance and Amex Premium Car Rental Protection can provide economic value by saving you money should something go wrong during your travels.

Having access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could render peace of mind knowing you have the coverage should you need it.

Does the Amex Platinum card cover flight cancellations?

The Amex Platinum card comes with trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay insurance that can cover flight cancellations for only the specific (limited) reasons listed in the terms and conditions.

As with most insurance, the coverage that comes on your card is not meant to cover voluntary flight cancellations.

For these types of cancellations, you would need to purchase Cancel for Any Reason Insurance , which can be added to some comprehensive travel insurance policies.

Does the Amex Platinum card come with primary car rental insurance?

No. The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard secondary car rental insurance, which means you must first file a claim with any other insurance that may apply before the card coverage is valid.

However, the card does offer a unique benefit that allows you to purchase premium primary car rental insurance for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period.

This coverage is valid for rental periods up to 42 days in length and costs $12.25 to $24.95 per period, depending on the state in which you reside and the coverage limit you select.

Does the Amex Platinum have delayed baggage insurance?

While the Amex Platinum card comes with lost, stolen, or damaged luggage coverage, it does not offer a delayed baggage benefit.

Was this page helpful?

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

• Entertainment

• Press Releases
• Personal Finance
• UK local news
• Hotels in Georgia
• Tours in Georgia
• Soundslides
• TheHoteliers
• TheUniversities
• BestWorkplaces
• VISA Editorial
• Book reviews
• Coronavirus
• Celebrities

American Express Introduces the American Express Explorer™ Credit Card to Meet Hong Kongers’ Changing Lifestyle Needs

Related Posts

Imf and ukrainian authorities reach staff level agreement on the third review of the extended fund facility (eff) arrangement, nvidia stock drops ahead of high-stakes earnings, good news for student loan borrowers saving for retirement:, unlocking intrinsic value: analysis of nvidia corp.

The FINANCIAL — American Express announced the launch of the American Express Explorer Credit Card (“The Explorer Card”); a new product to meet the changing needs of customers in Hong Kong, today and in the future.

According to AMEX, the Explorer Card offers members a variety of lifestyle privileges, along with the ability to earn 5X Membership Rewards® points when they spend at selected popular online merchants, food delivery services, and home entertainment platform. Importantly, as the world gets back to travelling again, the product allows customers to redeem air miles and hotel stays, and gives airport lounge access, as well as other premium travel benefits backed by American Express. There is no set limit on the amount of rewards customers can earn.

Susanna Lee, Managing Director, Hong Kong and Taiwan and General Manager, Insurance Asia, American Express said, “As consumers adapt to the ‘new normal’ in their lives, they are switching to online purchases and digitized services. We are launching this product to help them make the most out of their spending, whether online or in physical locations, at home or abroad. This is a product that will give them what they need today, while getting them ready for the next adventure they have been longing for.”

The American Express Explorer Credit Card takes on the iconic classic American Express card design glazed with a space blue tone, preserving the brand’s expression for sophistication and quality, while projecting a sense of positive change for the future AMEX notes.

Key card benefits and rewards include:

The ability to earn rich rewards with no expiration and no points limits:

3X Membership Rewards points for every HK$1 spent (HK$5 = 1 Mile)1 on eligible local transaction. 5X Membership Rewards points for every eligible HK$1 spent online (HK$3 = 1 Mile)1 on selected e-commerce platforms, food delivery services and home entertainment platform2. 3.75X Membership Rewards points for every HK$1 equivalent spent in eligible foreign currencies (HK$4 = 1 Mile)1. Attractive and flexible rewards:

Pay with Points – Cardmembers can choose to offset purchases or items on their Card statement using points they have earned. This is equivalent to 1% cash back for eligible local spending, 1.25% cash back for eligible foreign currencies spending, and 1.67% cash back for eligible spending at selected online and travel merchants.

Flexible redemption of miles and hotel points – With no administration fee, Cardmembers can transfer their points to 10 airlines and 2 hotel loyalty programs, giving Cardmembers a seamless and flexible redemption experience. For more details, please visit americanexpress.com.hk/AirMiles. Premium rewards – Cardmembers can also redeem from a wide collection of more than 150 rewards, including gift cards and premium merchandise such as dining vouchers, home electronics and kitchenware. Make your next adventure more rewarding:

5X Membership Rewards points for every eligible HK$1 spent (HK$3 = 1 Mile)1 on all American Express accepted airlines and selected popular online travel portals2 with no maximum limit;

Complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounge for Basic and Supplementary Cardmembers for a total of 10 times per year. To celebrate the launch of the American Express Explorer Credit Card, American Express will waive the first-year annual fee in addition to exciting welcome offers worth up to HK$4,200 for successful applications from now until May 31, 2021. Terms and conditions apply.

· The International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff and the Ukrainian authorities have reached staff-level agreement (SLA) on an updated set...

Best Travel and Overseas Spending Credit Cards in HK | MoneySmart

Find a Overseas Spending Credit Card for your vacation to enjoy air miles, cash rebate and all sorts of travel benefits, including free airport lounge access, travel insurance and overseas spending offers.

Looking For The Right Credit Card?

Create a free account, do a 1-min quiz and we'll match you with your perfect card..

• Welcome Offers
• Online Shopping
• Overseas Spending
• Best Credit Cards
• Octopus Card AAVS
• Annual Fee Waiver
• Bill Payment
• Digital Wallets
• Business Card
• Supermarket
• Entertainment

Refine Your Results

Standard Chartered Smart Card

Looking for Rewards? You Came to the Right Place.

Sign up for free to explore our selection of gifts and claim yours today..

By continuing I agree to MoneySmart.hk’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Login

【Free AirPods 3 !】From now until 30 April 2024, New Cardholders who successfully apply for Standard Chartered Smart Card now via MoneySmart to get AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case (value: HK$1,399)   or   $1,200 ParkNshop vouchers or $1,200 Apple store gift card !

【Smart Card x The Coffee Academics - Blue Monday no more! 】Enjoy Buy-1-Get-1-Free offer of any beverage on HK$45 or below EVERY MONDAY!

Are all your details correct?

Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard

【Free BRUNO Oval Hot Plate!】From now until 30 April 2024, new Cardholders who successfully apply for for Standard Chartered Cathy Mastercard now via MoneySmart to get BRUNO BOE053-BGY Oval hot plate (Value: $1,598)   or $900 ParkNshop vouchers / $900 Apple store gift card / AirSim sim card with $900 value!

DBS Black World Mastercard

【 Quick! Apply Today for Exclusive HomePod mini! 】 From now until 30 April 2024, customers who  successfully apply for DBS Blackworld Mastercard via  MoneySmart, can enjoy a HomePod mini (retail price: HK$749) or HK$500 Apple Store Gift Card/ Klook Voucher/ PARKnSHOP Supermarket Voucher!  You can also earn the bank welcome offer of up to 42,000 miles at the same time!

American Express Explorer® Credit Card

WeWa UnionPay Diamond Card

【MoneySmart Exclusive Offer】Want to get extra $300 vouchers from MoneySmart?  From now until 30 April 2024, new customers who successfully applied for WeWa UnionPay Diamond Card via MoneySmart, can enjoy 3,000 SmartPoints without further spending! Use your SmartPoints to redeem vouchers of your choice worth HK$300 in the Rewards Store   (over 20+ brand vouchers including Apple / Wellcome/ HKTVmall etc)!. Click here for more details. T&C applied. (fulfilled by MoneySmart)

【PrimeCredit x MoneySmart】From now until June 30 2024, s uccessfully applied WeWa UnionPay Diamond Card through MoneySmart and earn extra HK$200 cash rebate + Welcome offer: Delsey S-Series 30 inch Front Loader Expandable Suitcase or Panasonic nanoe® Hair Dryer (EH-NA9K) or HK$500  Cash Rebate or up to HK$90,000 Interest-free and Handling Fee-free Cash  Instalment Program or Tertiary Student: HK$400 Klook e-Gift Card (Extra reward will be fulfilled by PrimeCredit)

AEON CARD WAKUWAKU

【Limited Time Offer】From now until 30 April 2024, apply for the AEON CARD WAKUWAKU through MoneySmart, you can exclusively enjoy extra 3,000 SmartPoints and free to redeem HK$300 vouchers (over 20+ brand vouchers including Apple / Wellcome/ HKTVmall etc). Alternatively, you can convert them into HK$200 cash and cash out directly! Click  here  to explore limitless possibilities (T&C applied)!

New AEON Customers successfully applied AEON CARD WAKUWAKU through “AEON HK” Mobile App and input the welcome offer code “MSWAKU”   to enjoy an extra HK$200 cash rebate (Offer by AEON) and  up to 16% cash rebate + HK$400 cash rebate ! Enjoy a  6% cash rebate on online spending ! Earn  3% cash rebate on purchases in Japan  and  enjoy waived transaction fees on foreign currency  transactions (except charges imposed by Cards Associations)!

Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard - Priority Banking

Fubon Visa Platinum Card

Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard - Priority Private

CNCBI GBA Dual Currency Credit Card

Citi Prestige Card

DBS LIVE FRESH

From now until 30 April 2024, apply for designated cards through MoneySmart（ DBS Eminent Card/  DBS Live Fresh/ DBS Compass Visa）successfully to get HK$200 Apple Store Gift Card  or HK$200 Klook Voucher or HK$200 ParknShop Voucher!  

Citi The Club

WeWa UnionPay Diamond Card (applicable to designated Full-time University /Tertiary Students)

AEON UnionPay Credit Card

Citi PremierMiles Card

The Platinum Card

American Express Gold Business Card

CNCBI Motion Credit Card

Dah Sing United MileagePlus World MasterCard

【MoneySmart Exclusive】From now until 30 April 2024, New Dah Sing Credit Cardholders are entitled to get an extra HK$100 PARKnSHOP supermarket voucher/ HKTVmall e-Voucher  upon approval on the designated credit card (Dah Sing British Airways Platinum Card/ Dah Sing ANA World Mastercard. Dah Sing United MileagePlus World MasterCard)!

Disclaimer: At MoneySmart.hk, we strive to keep our information accurate and up to date. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. For any discrepancy in product information, please refer to the financial institution’s website for the most updated version. All financial products and services are presented without warranty. Additionally, this site may be compensated through third party advertisers. However, the results of our comparison tools which are not marked as sponsored are always based on objective analysis first.

Best Travel / Overseas Spending Credit Cards in Hong Kong 2023

Foreign transaction fee.

Credit cardholders will be charged foreign transaction fees for transactions made in foreign countries during your travel and through online shopping. The charge ranges from 1-2%, depending on the card issuer. JCB charges 1-1.95%, American Express charges 2% while Visa/ Mastercard issued by local banks charge 1.95% for each foreign transaction.

While most of the Union Pay credit cards (excluding Hang Seng and HSBC) exempt cardholders from overseas charges, the exchange rate is usually higher than Visa/ Mastercard. Moreover, the rewards of Visa/Mastercard are often more attractive. Therefore, when deciding which credit card to use during your travel, it is not wise to only consider the transaction fee. It is best to consider all factors including transaction fee, exchange rate, card rebate, etc. to be smart with money.

Credit Card Overseas Charges- DCC Markup Fee

Credit card overseas charges do not only apply to foreign transactions made in foreign countries while travelling, and it also applies to transactions made online from your home country where the vendor is in an oversea country. Very often, merchants will provide you with the option to either pay in local currency or Hong Kong currency. If you decide to pay in Hong Kong currency, you will be charged at least a 4% DCC markup fee (Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Service Charges). To avoid that, you should always pay in local currencies wherever possible.

Credit Card Travel Promotions

Hang Seng Credit Card

From now until 31 December 2022, spend HK$5,000 or above with the registered Hang Seng Credit Card including Hang Seng Visa Infinite Card / Hang Seng Prestige World to enjoy up to 6% Cash Dollars rebate.

BOC Credit Card

With BOC Travel Rewards Visa Signature Card, you can enjoy up to 8% rebate for overseas spending throughout the year, and a maximum of HK$500 cash rebate per month.

Things you need to know about credit cards for foreign transactions

Location limits, unionpay may not be the best option.

Travel/ Overseas Spending Credit Cards Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any charges using unionpay credit cards overseas, what currency should i use in foreign transactions, do cardholders get the exchange rate on the day of spending, what do cardholders need to pay attention to on overseas spending.

American Express Platinum Card Review: Is It Worth The HK$9,500 Annual Fee?

The American Express Platinum Card comes with a high annual fee of HK$9,500. You might be wondering if this fee is worth it. In this blog post, MoneySmart will take a closer look at the details of AE Platinum Card offers overview and annual income requirements to help you find the answer.

Now, let’s explore the exciting features of the American Express Platinum Card!

• American Express Platinum Card: Is it worth applying? MoneySmart credit card rating

The Platinum Card

Key features.

Enjoy over 1,400 lounges access over the world and exclusive access to the Centurion Lounges

Complimentary hotel membership to world’s leading hotels with benefits with an average total value of HK$4,680

Complimentary Travel Insurance that includes Travel Accidents coverage of up to HK$4,000,000 and Medical Assistance and expense up to HK$1,000,000

Table of contents: American Express Platinum Card review

American express platinum card: charge card vs. credit card, american express platinum card: annual fee, american express platinum card: welcome offers, american express platinum card: perks, american express platinum card: membership rewards points, american express platinum card: miles redemption, american express platinum card: eligibility, frequently asked questions: american express platinum card review.

The Amex Platinum Card has 2 types of cards: a charge card and a credit card. The difference between these 2 cards lies in the credit limit.

Charge Card

This card has no pre-set spending limit and no interest charges. However, you must pay the balance in full each month. Your spending limit is determined by factors such as your card usage, payment history, credit record, and financial resources.

Credit Card

When you open an account, you are offered a line of credit limit that allows you to make purchases and pay back the amount later. If you pay less than the full balance, you will be charged interest on the amount owed.

The Amex Platinum Card has one of the highest annual fees among all credit cards, charging HK$9,500 with 2 included supplementary Platinum cards. However, there is no annual fee waiver.

Why does it charge such a high fee? And is it worth it? Take a look at the combined value of the following perks offered by this card to determine if it’s worth the cost!

  Is it worth the annual fee of HK$9,500? It is not that complicated to earn the HK$9,000 welcome bonus and enjoy the other benefits of the card, earning up to HK$20,880. So, if you are a frequent traveller, Amex Platinum Card can be your travel companion to get the most out of it!

The Amex Platinum Card offers an enhanced, comprehensive package for new cardholders. You will receive Membership Rewards Points that can be converted into miles with this amazing welcome offer. Please see the following for more details on the points offered:

You can redeem the total of 1,000,000 Membership Reward Points for 55,555 miles, which is enough for round-trip tickets for 2 guests to Tokyo, Osaka, or Seoul! (At the rate of 18 Membership Reward points per mile.) The cost of a double round-trip ticket is approximately HK$9,000, which covers most of the first-year annual fee of HK$9,500.

The American Express Platinum Card offers an impressive array of benefits that cater to various aspects of your lifestyle. From travel perks to dining privileges and even exclusive movie offers, this card has it all. 

Amex Platinum Card Travelling Perks: American Express Global Lounge Collection®

With the Amex Platinum Card, you can now enjoy access to over 1,400 lounges in 650 cities across 140 countries and counting.

Platinum Card membership includes access to the following privileged lounges:

The Centurion® Lounge

Introduced in 2013, the Centurion Lounge offers a competitive alternative to international airline lounges. These luxurious lounges, available only to departing passengers, have gained immense popularity.

Experience exquisite Centurion Lounge amenities, with perks like tarmac views, conference and phone rooms, spas, and relaxation rooms. Enjoy impeccable service at the member services desk, indulge in locally inspired cuisine by renowned chefs, and relax in the family room with high-speed Wi-Fi. Engage in leisurely reading with a variety of magazines and newspapers. Savour curated cocktails and exceptional wines.

The Centurion Lounges are exclusively designed for discerning travellers like yourself. Access is reserved for esteemed American Express credit card holders, who can bring 2 guests. You can access the lounge up to 3 hours before your departure time on the same day. Remember, it’s first-come, first-served, so be sure to enter the lounge once you’ve checked in to fully enjoy the experience!

Amex Platinum Card travel perks: Fine Hotels + Resorts®

Explore over 1,300 extraordinary properties worldwide and elevate your travel experience. When you make your booking with Fine Hotels + Resorts through American Express Travel Online, you will receive a range of complimentary benefits with an average total value of HK$4,680, not limited to the following perks:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 people.
• Up to US$100 experience credit to use towards food and beverage or spa.
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout and noon check-in when available.
• Room upgrade upon arrival, if available.

Amex Platinum Card travel perks: The Hotel Collection

When staying for a minimum of 2 consecutive nights at the designated hotels, Platinum Card Members will receive access to the following benefits at over 700 participating hotels and resorts:

• Up to US$100 in experience credit can be used towards food and beverage or spa services.
• Room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)

Amex Platinum Card travel perks: Hotel premium membership

Platinum Card members can apply for complimentary hotel elite memberships, including Hilton Honors Gold membership , Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite membership, and Radisson Rewards™ Gold membership. These memberships provide various benefits, such as room upgrades, additional booking points, welcome gifts, and complimentary breakfast when available.

Note that the offer is exclusive to Platinum Card members and cannot be transferred.

Amex Platinum Card travel perks: Complimentary travel insurance

Travel worry-free! With your Platinum Card, you can enjoy up to HK$4,000,000 coverage for travel accidents and HK$1,000,000 coverage for Chubb yearly travel coverage. This coverage is worth HK$1,000 for each of the following members:

• Basic Platinum Card members
• Spouse of Basic Platinum Card members (regardless of whether they are a Supplementary Cardmember)
• Child(ren) of Basic Platinum Card members over thirty (30) days and under the age of twenty-one (21), regardless of whether the child is a Supplementary Cardmember
• Supplementary Platinum Card members under the Basic Platinum Card members’ card account

Amex Platinum Card travel perks: Special offers on airfare

When you choose The Platinum Travel Service to purchase an eligible First or Business Class full-fare ticket with one of our partner airlines (including Air Canada, Emirates, Etihad, etc.), you can take advantage of significant savings. Whether you’re travelling alone or with companions, we’re here to make your journey more affordable and enjoyable.

Amex Platinum Card cashback: Exclusive travel and dining cashback of HK$4,200

With the Amex Platinum Card, you can get up to HK$4,200 in spending credit for travel and dining.

American Express Travel Online Offer

Through American Express Travel Online (ATO), you can enjoy up to HK$2,200 in cashback for prepaid hotel and car rentals. For more details, please visit the ATO official website .

American Express Global Dining Credit

The Global Dining Privileges offer provides up to HK$2,000 in cash back at over 1,400 restaurants worldwide.

• Local Dining Credit: Up to HK$1,000 statement credit for local dining annually for over 30 local restaurants
• Abroad Dining Credit: Up to HK$1,000 statement credit for abroad dining annually in over 1,400 abroad restaurants around the world

Amex Platinum Card shopping perks

Broadway cinemas offer

The AE Platinum Card cinema offers include regular-priced tickets for Hong Kong Broadway cinemas in 3D, 2D, and IMAX formats. On Fridays, it’s a buy one, get one free promotion, and on other days, there is a 20% discount.

Gourmet Club

Enjoy up to 40% off on the dine-in dinner menu at specific Maxim’s Chinese Cuisine & Western Restaurants and selected restaurants from Cafe Deco Group.

30% off discount for LKF Concepts and S&S Hospitality

Get 30% off on a la carte food menu items when dining in all day at participating restaurants of LKF Concepts. and S&S Hospitality’s participating restaurants.

The American Express Platinum Card offers a rewards programme called “Membership Rewards Points,” which is similar to other American Express credit cards. You have the option to convert these points into 10 different choices, such as air miles, cash vouchers, or gifts, through the online platform.

Platinum Card members will earn 1 American Express point for every HK$1 spent. For overseas transactions in foreign currency (online or otherwise), members will earn 3 American Express points for every HK$1 (or equivalent) spent.

Tips: The points do not expire, but there is a HK$300 handling fee for each point-to-mile conversion. It is advisable to accumulate a substantial number of points before initiating a conversion.

AE Platinum Card Membership Rewards points: Cashback redemption

With “ Cover it with Points ,” you can offset eligible transactions at a rate of 300 points for every HK$1 spent. This is just one of the ways you can make every day count with Amex!

AE Platinum Card Membership Rewards points: Shop with points

In addition to redeeming for air miles, gifts, and cash vouchers, AE Platinum Cardholders can use American Express points to offset designated purchases, such as “Shop with Points.”

The general conversion rate is 300 points/HK$1, while some merchants offer a conversion rate of 240 points/HK$1.

AE Platinum Card Membership Rewards points: American Express Travel Online (ATO)

American Express Travel Online is a travel agency exclusively for cardmembers. You can book hotels and car rentals and pay using your Membership Rewards® points at a rate of 150 points/HK$1.

Here are the main partners with whom you can redeem your Membership Rewards points:

AE Platinum Card allows you to convert American Express Membership Rewards points into miles with 10 airline partners, including Asia Miles, Avios, Dynasty miles, Skywards miles, Finnair Plus, Infinity MileageLands, Enrich, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and KrisFlyer miles. Each conversion incurs a fee of HK$300.

Tips: Since American Express points have no expiration date, you don’t have to worry about travel restrictions or the miles expiring!

To apply for the Amex Platinum Card, there is, surprisingly, no annual income requirement. As long as you meet the following criteria, you are eligible to apply for the card:

• You are 18 years of age or older.
• You are a resident or citizen of Hong Kong or Macau.
• You are willing to pay a HK$9,500 annual fee.

When applying for the Amex Platinum Card, you will receive 1 primary card and 2 complementary supplementary cards.

Final verdict: Is the Platinum card worth it?

The Platinum Card is one of the most prestigious American Express cards, second only to the Black Card. Despite the annual fee of HK$9,500, it offers a wide range of privileges, including unlimited access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and hotel membership.

The earning rate of miles or cashback is not that appealing. However, as a Platinum Basic Card Member, you can enjoy an annual statement credit of up to HK$2,200 for pre-paid hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online. Plus, there are other travel perks such as lounge access, hotel premium memberships, ATO, and more travel discounts.

These travel perks are the standout features of the Platinum Card. Additionally, American Express provides 24/7 world-class service and yearly travel insurance coverage to ensure that you can travel without any worries.

So, this card deserves a special place in your wallet if you are a frequent traveller! It will definitely enhance your travel experience to another level!

Is the AE Platinum Card a credit card?

The AE Platinum Card is a Charge Card that requires full payment of the billed amount each month without a minimum repayment requirement. It does not have a preset spending limit. For large purchases, contact customer service or check the card’s spending limits online.

Can the AE Platinum Card waive the annual fee?

The annual fee of HK$9,500 cannot be waived, but you can inquire with customer service about point rebates during renewal, typically offering at least 300,000 American Express Membership Rewards points.

Can the AE Platinum Card access lounges?

Related articles.

Want to stay ahead of the crowd? Visit the MoneySmart blog for more financial tips!

MoneySmart—Your One-Stop Financial Products Platform

Homepage: www.moneysmart.hk/en/