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Introduction to American Express Travel Protection

Types of travel protection offered, american express travel protection: a guide to your benefits.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, American Express® Green Card, The Plum Card® from American Express. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

  • Some American Express cards offer trip cancellation and interruption benefits .
  • You'll find these perks on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express.
  • If you're eager to sign up for a travel credit card with perks, compare each card's offerings.

Overview of Travel Protection Benefits

While credit card insurance and travel protection coverage are usually considered secondary to rewards programs and other cardholder perks, these benefits can be equally important if you travel.

When you pay for a trip with a credit card that offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, for example, you can get reimbursed for some of your travel expenses in the event your vacation is halted for reasons beyond your control. Meanwhile, trip delay insurance lets you apply for some reimbursement when a delay of your trip results in surprise expenses, such as an unplanned hotel stay near the airport when your flight is on hold.

Importance of Travel Insurance

Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card have really stood out for years in terms of the protections they offer, and with some of the highest limits out there. Still, American Express is still coming around — it recently added trip cancellation and interruption insurance, along with trip delay coverage, to many of its top rewards credit cards. 

If you're in the market for an American Express card and you're hoping to take advantage of important travel benefits, consider the cards below and their expanded travel protections.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

New trip cancellation and interruption insurance from American Express credit cards will provide you with up to $10,000 in coverage (and up to $20,000 per account per year) you can use for reimbursement of prepaid travel expenses like airfare and hotels. This coverage can come in handy if your trip is canceled for a covered reason beyond your control, or you're stuck in your destination and require an extended stay and additional costs before you can return home.

Note that this coverage is good for round-trip travel booked with your credit card, meaning you have to pay for travel expenses with a common carrier with your American Express credit card in order to be eligible.

American Express cards that qualify for this coverage include:

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

Other versions of the Amex Platinum card — including the Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and corporate flavors —  also offer this coverage, as do all versions of the Amex Centurion (black) card , which is invite-only.

Baggage Insurance Plan

Quite a few American Express credit cards also offer a baggage insurance plan, although this isn't a new or upgraded benefit from the card issuer. This coverage can come in handy if your luggage is lost or stolen during a covered trip. To be eligible for this coverage, you have to pay for travel with a common carrier (airfare, cruise fare, etc.) with your American Express credit card.

The amount of coverage you'll receive depends on the card you have. For example, baggage insurance from the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $3,000 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $2,000 per person in coverage for some types of checked baggage.

With baggage insurance from the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card , on the other hand, you'll only qualify for up to $1,250 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $500 for covered checked baggage, although an extra benefit of $250 is offered for qualified "high risk items" like jewelry or sporting equipment. 

American Express cards that come with baggage insurance include:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
  • American Express® Gold Card (including various versions)
  • American Express® Green Card (including various versions)
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
  • Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
  • Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
  • The Plum Card® from American Express

American Express business cards with baggage insurance include:

  • American Express® Business Gold Card
  • The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
  • The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
  • Lowe's Business Rewards Card from American Express
  • Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
  • Amazon Business American Express Card

Various versions of the Amex Centurion card and several Amex corporate cards also offer baggage insurance.

Travel Accident Insurance

Some American Express cards also offer secondary auto rental coverage, which means this coverage kicks in after other policies you have are exhausted, as opposed to primary car rental coverage.

While this benefit applies to many Amex cards, note that coverage limits can vary. With the Amex Gold card, for example, coverage is limited to $50,000 per rental agreement for damage or theft, yet the Amex Platinum card offers up to $75,000 in coverage. The insurance doesn't cover personal liability, either.

Also note that this coverage comes with a certain amount of Accidental Death or Dismemberment Coverage that varies by card. With , for example, you'll receive up to $200,000 in coverage per person and up to $300,000 in coverage per car accident for accidental death and dismemberment. Make sure to read your credit card's terms and conditions so you know exactly how much coverage you have. 

American Express cards that come with secondary auto rental coverage include:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
  • Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
  • Hilton Honors American Express Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy American Express® Card (no longer available to new applicants)
  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Amex Everyday® Credit Card from American Express

And business cards from Amex that offer secondary car rental insurance include:

While American Express did offer travel accident insurance on some of its cards, this coverage was effectively dropped as of January 1, 2020. The same is true for the American Express Roadside Assistance Hotline, which is no longer available.

Trip Delay Insurance

In January of 2020, American Express also rolled out an upgraded trip delay insurance benefit for many of its top rewards credit cards. While this perk may seem like an unusual one, there are so many scenarios where trip delay coverage could help you save money and avoid surprise expenses when travel is delayed beyond your control. 

With trip delay coverage from Amex, you can be reimbursed for up to $500 per trip for hotel stays, meals, and other miscellaneous required expenses when your flight or other trip plans are delayed by more than six hours. If you're sitting at the airport and your flight is suddenly delayed until the next morning, for example, you could use this coverage to get reimbursed for a nearby airport hotel and your dinner, then for an Uber or Lyft ride back to the airport.

To qualify for American Express trip delay coverage, you need to pay for your round-trip travel expenses with a common carrier with your credit card.

Amex cards that come with trip delay coverage include:

  • American Express® Gold Card
  • American Express® Green Card

Again, the various versions of the Amex Platinum and Amex Centurion cards also offer trip delay insurance.

Most travel protections are automatically activated when you use your American Express card to book your travel. However, specific activation steps, if any, depend on the benefit.

Covered reasons for trip cancellation or interruption typically include illness, severe weather, and other unforeseen events, reimbursing you for non-refundable travel expenses.

Yes, baggage insurance plans come with coverage limits, which vary depending on the card and the type of loss (e.g., lost, damaged, or stolen baggage).

The Global Assist Hotline offers medical, legal, and other emergency coordination and assistance services, but financial costs for services rendered are typically the cardholder's responsibility.

Eligibility for specific travel protections varies by card. Premium cards often offer more comprehensive protections compared to basic cards.

amex travel protection

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

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. 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. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

amex travel protection

  • Main content

Comparing travel protections with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

Katie Genter

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the most popular travel rewards cards . After all, both cards offer valuable transferable rewards , lounge access and the ability to receive elite-like perks when booking hotels through Amex's Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection .

Like many of the top rewards cards , the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card also provide travel insurance when you use your card to book travel. In particular, these two premium travel rewards cards offer an excellent combination of trip insurance and bonus earnings on select travel purchases. So, in this guide, let's compare the travel insurance provided by these two cards.

Overview of the travel insurance provided by these cards

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. ^ Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. # Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. † Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

As you can see in the table above, the Amex Platinum doesn't provide baggage delay insurance , emergency medical and dental benefits , roadside assistance or travel accident insurance . For brevity, I won't discuss the types of insurance the Amex Platinum doesn't provide any further in this guide.

Instead, I'll compare the protections head-to-head for the types of insurance provided by both cards. You can find the guide to benefits for both cards as follows:

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits guide
  • Amex Platinum benefits guide

And to learn more about both cards, check out our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review and Amex Platinum card review .

Related: Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card is right for you?

Trip delay insurance

amex travel protection

Trip delay insurance may provide reimbursement for reasonable expenses during a delay when traveling on a common carrier. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's trip delay insurance.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

As you may gather from the above table, the primary differences in trip delay coverage are:

  • The Amex Platinum requires round-trip travel, which you must buy with your card (in whole or combination with other eligible methods).
  • The Amex Platinum doesn't cover overnight delays that are less than six hours.
  • The Amex Platinum caps your claims to two per 12-month period.
  • The Amex Platinum covers traveling companions as long as you pay for their round-trip common carrier fares with your card.
  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve explicitly covers delays due to strikes, while the Amex Platinum explicitly covers delays due to lost or stolen passports or travel documents.

Related: Chase paid for my $1,100-per-night hotel room thanks to built-in trip delay coverage

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may provide reimbursement for nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses when you must cancel or alter a trip due to a covered situation. In some cases, you may be covered for additional expenses. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's trip cancellation and interruption insurance:

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

As you can see in the above table and the related benefits guides, the primary differences in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage are:

  • The Amex Platinum requires round-trip travel , paid with your card (in whole or in combination with other eligible methods). Only travel expenses put on the card used for round-trip common carrier travel will be covered.
  • The Amex Platinum may cover the cost to return home or rejoin the trip if your trip is interrupted.
  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve may reimburse redeposit fees imposed by a rewards program if your trip is canceled or interrupted, as well as change fees and car positioning fees if your trip is interrupted.
  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers more types of losses, including if your accommodation at your destination is made uninhabitable or your host at your destination dies or is hospitalized.
  • The Amex Platinum excludes losses related to mental or emotional disorders unless hospitalized. The Amex Platinum also excludes losses that occur when you're intoxicated. The Chase Sapphire Reserve excludes any loss for any trip booked while on a waiting list for specified medical treatment.

Check out American Express' trip cancellation and interruption insurance coronavirus frequently asked questions if you're wondering whether the Amex Platinum's insurance will cover coronavirus -related cancellations or interruptions.

Related: Be careful: Avoiding outbreaks isn't covered by most travel insurance

Auto rental collision damage waiver

amex travel protection

The collision damage waiver offered by both cards can cover your rental car if you're in an accident or if it's stolen or damaged. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's rental car insurance.

^ Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in car rental collision damage protection are:

  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers more types of vehicles.
  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides primary coverage.
  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't have country exclusions.
  • The Amex Platinum offers coverage to spouses when payment is made with an eligible card.
  • While the Amex Platinum coverage specifically mentions peer-to-peer rentals, it's unlikely your Sapphire Reserve would cover Turo rentals .

If you'd prefer to get primary coverage for rental cars when using American Express cards , you can enroll in American Express' Premium Car Rental protection .

Related: 11 common rental car mistakes — and how to avoid them

Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance

The emergency evacuation and transportation insurance provided by these cards can arrange and pay for necessary emergency medical transport and evacuation under eligible circumstances. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's emergency evacuation and transportation insurance.

# Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in the emergency medical evaluation benefit are:

  • You're covered by the Amex Platinum even if you use another card to purchase your common carrier fare, whereas you must at least partially pay with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or associated rewards to be covered.
  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve has stricter requirements for trip length.
  • Both cards offer additional benefits that can bring a family member to your side or return now-unaccompanied minors home.

Related: A Medjet medical transport membership is different than travel insurance. Here's why you need both

Lost luggage reimbursement

amex travel protection

The lost luggage benefit offered by both cards may reimburse you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen during a trip. Here's a comparison of the lost luggage reimbursement provided by the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card .

† Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in lost luggage reimbursement are:

  • The Amex Platinum explicitly notes that losses due to confiscation by TSA aren't excluded.
  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers a broader selection of family members when you pay for their ticket using your card.
  • The cards exclude different types of items and types of loss.

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

When should I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. the Amex Platinum?

The Platinum Card from American Express earns 5 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) for an approximate 10% return based on TPG's valuations . The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 10 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on hotels and rental cars purchased through the Chase Travel portal , 5 points per dollar on flights booked through this portal, 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025 and 3 points per dollar on all other travel (bonus points earning comes into effect after exhausting the $300 annual travel credit ).

The Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550 while the Amex Platinum Card has a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

Related: Amex Membership Rewards vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards: Which is the best?

Despite the earning gap (which can sway one way or the other, depending on how you book your flights), you may want to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve when booking some common carrier travel. I recommend checking out the guide to both cards' benefits and considering which card is best for your travel expenses. To help, here are some reasons to consider each card.

Reasons to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve

  • Offers a baggage delay benefit , an emergency medical and dental benefit, and roadside assistance up to $50 up to four times a year.
  • Only a portion of your travel expenses must be charged to your card to unlock most benefits (whereas the Amex Platinum generally only provides benefits when you charge the entire common carrier fare to your card).
  • No requirement for round-trip travel.
  • Provides trip delay benefits if you're delayed overnight for less than six hours.
  • Provides primary car rental coverage.
  • Offers travel accident insurance (although the Amex Platinum provides some travel accident insurance on car rentals).
  • Includes strikes as an eligible reason for trip delay insurance.
  • May reimburse redeposit fees imposed by a rewards program under trip cancellation/interruption insurance .

OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Reasons to use the Amex Platinum

amex travel protection

  • Provides an emergency medical evacuation benefit to cardmembers regardless of whether you charged any trip expenses to the card.
  • Covers traveling companions for trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance when you purchase their round-trip fare with your card.
  • May reimburse additional transportation expenses to rejoin the common carrier covered trip or return to the place of origin; also may cover the purchase of tickets for a new departure, under trip interruption insurance.
  • Includes lost or stolen passports or travel documents as an eligible reason for trip delay insurance.
  • Has a higher cap on high-value items for lost, damaged or stolen baggage.
  • Some readers have found the claim process to be more straightforward and simple.

OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: The Platinum Card from American Express

Bottom line

Some travelers who have both cards put their flights on the Amex Platinum to earn 5 points per dollar and put other travel expenses on the Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3 points per dollar and activate their trip cancellation and interruption protections.

You might want to keep the Amex Platinum primarily for Centurion Lounge access , hotel elite status and access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts , as well as nearly $1,500 in annual credits available to cardmembers.

However, you might want to avoid booking flights with the Amex Platinum because of the round-trip requirement and the lack of baggage delay protection . Instead, you'd prefer to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve for common carrier fares and other travel expenses .

Additional reporting by Ryan Smith.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here .

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  • Amex Gold Card

Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Gold Card [2023]

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Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Gold Card [2023]

Why We Like the Card Overall

Car rental loss and damage insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance plan, travel accident insurance, emergency travel assistance, no foreign transaction fees, additional travel benefits, final thoughts.

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The American Express ® Gold Card is known for being a go-to card for everyday purchases at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets. The card also doubles as a travel rewards card offering elevated earnings on select flight purchases and a nice selection of flexible travel redemption options.

The card is far less known for its travel insurance benefits. Today, we’re turning the spotlight on some of the useful travel insurance benefits that come with the card and talking about how these benefits can add value to the cardholder.

First, let’s look at the overall earning and redemption features of the Amex Gold card, then jump right into the list of travel insurance benefits you can expect to find on the card.

Amex Gold Card — Snapshot

American Express® Gold Card

American Express ® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
  • Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com , Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
  • Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash : get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
  • No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees )
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
  • Access to American Express transfer partners
  • $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
  • No lounge access
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

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Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

We like that you can jumpstart your earnings with a generous welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements in the first 6 months after card approval.

The Amex Gold card also strikes a nice balance between functioning as an everyday spending card and offering accelerated earnings on flights. It also offers flexible travel redemption options.

You’ll earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases each year). Plus, you’ll receive 3x earnings on flights purchased directly with the airline and via AmexTravel.com .

With monthly statement credits for select purchases, it’s easy to find enough value to offset the annual fee.

When it’s time to use your rewards, you’ll have options such as redeeming points for flights via AmexTravel.com or transferring your points to the American Express transfer partners for even more potential value.

Amex Gold Card — Travel Insurance Benefits

Woman loading bag in car trunk

While the Amex Gold card doesn’t come with a long list of comprehensive travel benefits, you’ll find these core travel insurance benefits useful for saving money and for access to assistance should something go wrong during your journey.

Having car rental insurance can save you money and provide a level of peace of mind when renting a vehicle . The Amex Gold card comes with secondary car rental insurance that would require you to first file a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage kicks in.

Secondary coverage can still be valuable coverage, but there is another car rental coverage option included on the card that is a much better choice.

Premium Protection

The option to purchase Premium Protection car rental insurance on the Amex Gold card is a game changer.

You’ll pay one low price of $12.25 to $24.95 for the entire period, up to 42 total days, for primary theft and damage coverage. The actual rate will depend on your state of residence and the level of coverage chosen. Note that this is not a per-day rate like the car rental agencies charge.

Just enroll in the coverage via your online card account, then whenever you charge your rental car to your card, you’ll have the coverage automatically. You are not charged prior to renting a car.

There is no deductible. Accidental death/dismemberment coverage is included. Liability coverage, uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage, or disability coverage is not included.

Cardholders and authorized listed drivers are covered.

Applicable coverages for both secondary and Premium Protection include rental car damage, theft, and loss of use.

Coverage is not available when renting vehicles in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and New Zealand.

There are several additional exclusions, including the theft of an unlocked vehicle, illegal activity, intoxication of the driver, and war. Access the Guide to Benefits for a complete list of exclusions, terms, and conditions.

Filing a Claim

You can file a claim online or call 800-338-1670. You must file the claim within 30 days of the event and submit the required claim form within an additional 15 days. You’ll then have 60 days to submit the required documentation.

Bottom Line: The Amex Gold card comes with secondary car rental insurance with the option to purchase primary Premium Protection for one low rate that covers the entire rental period. 

United flight delay

To be eligible for trip delay insurance, you must pay for your entire trip with your Amex Gold card, associated rewards, or a combination of the 2. Using airline vouchers, certificates, or discounts, such as those associated with your frequent flyer account, in combination with your card, are also acceptable. Eligible travelers include family members, travel companions, and a spouse or domestic partner.

Trip delay insurance reimburses an eligible traveler for incidental expenses incurred after a 12-hour or greater trip delay. Eligible expenses can include lodging, meals, toiletries, medication, and necessary personal items.

Eligible Losses and Coverage Limits

The following types of losses are eligible covered losses :

  • Inclement weather preventing a traveler from beginning a trip or continuing on a trip
  • Terrorism or hijacking
  • A common carrier’s equipment failure (documented)
  • Lost/stolen travel documents, such as passports

You could receive up to $300 per trip with a limit of 2 claims per card, per 12-month period. Coverage is secondary to any other applicable coverage including reimbursement by the airline.

Loss exclusions include prepaid expenses, losses that were known to the public or the traveler prior to the trip, and intentional acts by the covered traveler. Access the card’s  Guide to Benefits for more details on loss exclusions under trip delay coverage.

You’ll have 60 days from the date of the loss to file a claim. You can do so by calling 844-933-0648 or the number on the back of your card to be directed to the claims department.

You’ll then have 180 days to submit the required documentation, which can include a statement from the common carrier validating the delay, receipts, your card statement showing the trip charge, and other requested supporting information.

Bottom Line: The Amex Gold card comes with trip delay insurance that provides up to $300 per trip for eligible expenses incurred after a 12-hour or greater delay due to a covered loss. 

Airport baggage claim

To be eligible for baggage insurance, pay for your common carrier ticket entirely with your Amex Gold card and/or associated rewards. Trips paid for, in full or in part, with non-American Express rewards such as airline loyalty programs are not eligible.

You, your spouse or domestic partner, children under 23, and certain dependent handicapped children are covered for baggage insurance as long as the trip is paid for in full with your card and/or associated rewards.

Lost, damaged, or stolen baggage is covered, except in the event of war, government confiscation, or acts arising out of customer actions, for the following coverage limits.

High-risk items such as jewelry, gold, silver, platinum, electronics, furs, and sporting equipment, are limited to $250 per item maximum, per trip. 

Certain items are not covered under baggage insurance — here is a condensed list of those items:

  • Credit cards, cash, securities, or money equivalents (such as money orders or gift cards)
  • Travel documents, tickets, passports, or visas
  • Plants, animals, or food
  • Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, and prescription or non-prescription drugs
  • Property shipped prior to departure

You’ll have 30 days from the date of the loss to file a claim. To file a claim, you can go online or call 800-228-6855 within the U.S. To call from outside of the U.S., call 303-273-6498 collect.

You’ll then have 60 days to submit supporting documentation including a list of items lost, receipts, a statement showing the trip was purchased with the card or associated rewards, and common carrier reports.

Please note that we have abbreviated coverage descriptions and all terms and conditions are not spelled out in their entirety. You’ll want to access the benefits guide for full information.

Bottom Line: You and certain family members are covered for baggage insurance of up to $1,250 per person when traveling with a common carrier. You’ll need to pay for your entire trip with your card or rewards associated with your card for coverage to be valid. 

Travel accident insurance that comes with the Amex Gold card pays a benefit in the unlikely event of accidental death or dismemberment of the primary card member, additional card member, spouse or domestic partner, or children under the age of 23.

The trip must be paid for with the Amex Gold card and/or associated Membership Rewards points (Pay With Points).

The coverage pays a benefit for death or severe injury suffered as a result of riding in, boarding, exiting from, or being struck by a common carrier.

The benefit paid is based on a table provided and can be up to $100,000.

Travel Benefits

While not travel insurance specifically, these additional benefits can provide assistance when planning a trip or if an unexpected event should disrupt your trip.

The Amex Global Assist Hotline provides important 24/7 assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home. Receive help finding medical, legal, and translation referrals as well as assistance securing emergency transportation.

In addition, you could receive help securing a replacement passport or finding missing luggage.

You can reach the Global Assist Hotline at 800-333-2639. Outside the U.S., call 715-343-7977.

Actual services provided by third parties that incur costs are the responsibility of the cardholder.

Services are also not available in areas such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or the Crimea region.

You’ll want to include the Amex Gold card during your next trip, as the card does not charge foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees ).

Receive help planning your trip with Insider Fares via AmexTravel.com, upgrade your flights with points , American Express Travel Insurance , onsite benefits at The Hotel Collection , Amex Offers , and more.

While the Amex Gold card comes with several valuable travel insurance benefits, you would not select the card for this specific reason. The card shines when it comes to earning on select everyday purchases, for purchasing airline tickets, and its flexible travel redemption options. Those should be key reasons for selecting the card.

The fact that there are travel insurance benefits that come complimentary with the card is just one more reason to consider the card.

If having premium travel insurance benefits is a priority for you, you might consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card , The Platinum Card ® from American Express , the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , all of which offer some of the best travel insurance benefits.

You can read about more credit cards with travel insurance  in our article on this specific topic.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the American Express Gold Card, 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. 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 delay insurance benefit of the American Express Gold Card, 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. 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 American Express Gold Card, 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. 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 global assist hotline benefit of the American Express Gold Card, 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. 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. Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the amex gold card have travel insurance benefits.

While the list of travel insurance benefits on the Amex Gold card is not extensive, you will find coverage such as secondary car rental insurance, the option to purchase Premium Protection car rental insurance, trip delay, baggage insurance, a Global Assist Hotline, and travel accident insurance.

Does the Amex Gold card have trip interruption or trip cancellation insurance?

No. The Amex Gold card does not offer trip interruption or trip cancellation insurance. The card does come with trip delay insurance.

Does the Amex Gold card charge foreign transaction fees?

No. You will not be charged foreign transaction fees when using the Amex Gold card for foreign purchases ( rates & fees) .

Does the Amex Gold card cover lost luggage?

Yes, the Amex Gold card can cover lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. The coverage is secondary to any coverage or reimbursement received by the airline or other applicable insurance.

Does the Amex Gold card have good car rental insurance?

The Amex Gold card comes with secondary car rental insurance, which means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage kicks in. You will have the option, however, to purchase Premium Protection for one low rate that covers the entire rental period, up to 42 days.

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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.

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Amex rental car insurance: Get added protection for road trips and adventures

B esides generous rewards, the best credit cards offer several valuable perks to benefit cardholders. One of these perks is rental car insurance, which helps protect you when you use your credit card to rent a car. Several card issuers, including American Express, provide a rental car insurance benefit.

If you’re an Amex cardholder, here’s what to know about its rental car insurance, how it protects you, and how to file a claim.

What is the American Express rental car insurance policy?

American Express provides secondary rental car coverage as a complimentary benefit with many of its credit cards. This coverage serves as a backup to your primary insurance coverage when you use your card to rent a car and decline the rental car company’s collision damage waiver (CDW). 

“Generally, your personal auto insurance would need to be utilized first before submitting a claim with the insurance provided through your credit card,” says Kim Chambers, Product Manager, Credit Cards for Georgia's Own Credit Union . “The major benefit of secondary coverage is it often covers the deductible for your primary insurance.” 

Your credit card rental car insurance can also help cover the gap if another driver hits your rental car and the cost of the repairs exceeds your primary insurance policy’s limits. Certain premium Amex cards, like the The Platinum Card® from American Express, provide additional insurance coverage beyond coverage for damage or theft.

In addition to the secondary coverage benefit with many of its cards, Amex offers optional premium rental car coverage for a flat rate. This coverage also protects your rental if it's damaged or stolen, but it serves as primary instead of secondary coverage. This means you’d file a claim with Amex for damage or theft before contacting your personal insurance. While Amex’s premium coverage comes at a cost, you won’t pay a deductible before it kicks in. 

What is covered?

The complimentary coverage benefits you receive as an Amex cardholder will vary depending on your card. Most cards offer protection against theft or damage, though some may provide additional coverage, such as accidental injury or accidental death and dismemberment insurance.

Besides protecting your rental car if it’s damaged or stolen, premium rental car coverage from American Express provides these additional protections for drivers and passengers.

  • Secondary medical coverage
  • Secondary personal property coverage
  • Accidental death and dismemberment coverage

“There are limitations to be aware of with credit card rental car insurance,” warns Stuart Winchester, founder and CEO of digital insurance wallet Marble . “The amount of coverage may not be sufficient, and you might not be covered everywhere you travel. It’s important to read the fine print to understand potential exclusions.” 

Note that neither the standard rental car insurance nor the premium insurance provides liability coverage, which protects you if another driver or their passengers are injured or another vehicle is damaged due to an accident you cause.

Who does the policy cover?

Coverage varies slightly by card, but it applies to the following drivers in most cases. Certain cards, like the The Platinum Card® from American Express, also offer protections for passengers.

  • The cardholder’s spouse or partner
  • Authorized drivers on the rental contract

Amex rental car insurance pricing

As mentioned, American Express offers complimentary rental car insurance with many of its cards. You won’t pay anything out of pocket for this secondary coverage. But if you opt for its premium car rental coverage, you’ll pay a flat rate of $12.25 to $24.95 per rental period, depending on your coverage level. 

Amex rental car insurance coverage levels

  • Complimentary coverage: Up to $50,000 or $75,000 for theft or damage, depending on the card. Certain cards also provide additional accidental death and dismemberment, accidental injury, and car rental personal property coverage.
  • Premium coverage : Up to $100,000 for theft, damage, accidental death and dismemberment coverage; up to $15,000 for secondary medical expenses; and up to $5,000 in secondary personal property coverage.

Which Amex cards include car rental insurance? 

Over 60 American Express cards include car rental insurance, but coverage amounts vary by card. For example, the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $75,000 in coverage for damage or theft of a rental car. By comparison, the American Express® Green Card has $50,000 worth of theft and damage coverage. 

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see  this page .

To view rates and fees of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card , see  this page .

To view rates and fees of American Express® Gold Card, see  this page .

To view rates and fees of Blue Cash Everyday® Card, see  this page .

How do I file a claim?

Amex cards come with secondary rental car insurance, meaning you must first file a claim with your personal insurance company if your rental car is damaged or stolen. That said, primary coverage is available for an added cost with Amex premium rental car insurance. 

You can file a claim with American Express after a qualifying incident online or by calling 1-800-338-1670. Be prepared to provide copies of the following as part of the process:

  • Rental agreement
  • Police reports
  • Insurance coverage information
  • Relevant repair bills or receipts

Amex generally takes about 45 days to process claims, and you can check on your claim’s status anytime online or by calling (800) 338-1670. 

The takeaway 

Amex has two rental car insurance options for cardholders: secondary coverage, a free perk with many of its cards, and optional primary coverage available for a fee. The secondary coverage benefits will vary depending on your card, with premium cards like the Platinum Card® from American Express offering more comprehensive coverage. 

But both its secondary and primary rental car coverage provide valuable protection. The secondary coverage available to cardholders can reimburse you for the deductible on your primary insurance, as well as any costs exceeding your personal policy limits. If you opt for its primary coverage for a fee, you’ll get up to $100,000 in theft and damage insurance, plus other coverages for added protection.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

Many Amex credit cards include secondary insurance coverage for rental cars, but carrying personal insurance is still crucial.

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AIG Travel Guard insurance review: What you need to know

Whether you need an annual plan or a policy for a last-minute trip, travel guard can deliver..

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Travel Guard is one of CNBC Select 's picks for best travel insurance , thanks to its wide range of customizable policies. But are any of them right for you? Below, we review the provider and its offers and how they compare to the competition to help you choose the right travel insurance for your next trip.

Travel Guard review

Other insurance offered, how it compares, bottom line, travel guard® travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

24/7 assistance available

  • A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
  • Not all products are available for purchase online

Travel Guard® is a global travel insurance provider specializing in plans for leisure and business travelers. Its online travel insurance packages include five options, from basic and last-minute trip coverage to more comprehensive plans. This allows travelers to pick a plan that best matches their situation.

For example, budget-minded travelers might go for the Essential Plan which offers basic protections, such as trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance, coverage for lost, damaged and delayed baggage, and medical, evacuation and death coverage.

On the other hand, the Deluxe Plan — the most comprehensive option — adds such extras as missed connection coverage, security evacuation, travel inconvenience benefits and more. It also boosts high limits for essential coverages.

Last-minute travelers can opt for the Pack N' Go Plan which only includes certain post-departure coverages. Or, if you travel often, the Annual Plan can cover your trips throughout the year.

Finally, Travel Guard offers "offline" travel insurance packages, meaning you'll have to call if you're looking for a specialty plan.

Coverage types

Depending on the plan, here are the types of protection Travel Guard can include in your package:

  • Trip cancellations
  • Trip interruption
  • Baggage coverage
  • Baggage delay
  • Travel medical expenses
  • Travel inconvenience benefits (reimbursement for such situations as runway delays, cruise diversion and other unforeseen situations)
  • Medical evacuation
  • Trip Saver (reimbursement for meals, hotels and transportation if you need to begin your trip sooner due to weather or airline changes)
  • Trip exchange (reimbursement in case you have to cancel your trip and book a new one due to covered unforeseen circumstances)
  • Security evacuation (due to a riot or civil disorder)
  • Flight guard (coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs when traveling by plane)
  • Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver

You can also customize your plan with add-ons, such as car rental insurance and "cancel for any reason" coverage .

Travel Guard landed on our list of the best travel insurance companies thanks to its variety of coverage. With plenty of options to choose from, both online and offline, it's easy to build a policy that meets your needs.

Travel Guard also features 24-hour concierge services that you can use to book a new flight in case of an emergency or delay.

The provider's website also offers informational resources — here, you can check travel news, read safety tips and find general travel advice. Additionally, the website lets you modify your plan, file a claim and check its status, or apply for a voucher or refund.

As of writing, Travel Guard doesn't offer any discounts. That's common for travel insurance — you're more likely to find deals when shopping for other types of insurance, such as home and auto insurance .

Travel Guard is a portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services offered by AIG Travel, a member of American International Group (AIG). AIG also offers life insurance and a variety of business insurance products.

Travel Guard makes it easy to get a travel insurance policy customized to your needs. But before you purchase coverage, it's always a good idea to shop around.

For example, if you're going on a cruise, you might want to look at Nationwide Travel Insurance . The provider advertises cruise-specific insurance with three plan options available. This type of coverage is designed with issues unique to cruises in mind — from ship-based breakdowns to missed pre-pard excursions.

If you're planning a more active trip filled with rock climbing or sky diving, Berkshire Hathaway offers the AdrenalineCare® plan which features coverage for unforeseen costs that result from participating in extreme sports on your trip, as well as reimbursement for sporting equipment delay. Pre-existing conditions are covered under this plan (if you meet qualifying conditions).

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

As you can see, offerings vary by provider. It can be helpful to compare multiple companies and the plans they offer to find what works best for you. It's even better if you gather several quotes to ensure you're getting a good price for your policy.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Travel Guard offers plenty of ways to customize your policy, making it a solid choice for travel insurance. You can also access additional options by giving Travel Guard a call. However, make sure to check out other travel insurance companies too — comparison shopping is essential when picking any type of financial product.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

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The Guide to AmEx Purchase Protection on Travel Cards

JT Genter

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

How does AmEx purchase protection work?

Which cards have amex purchase protection, how to file an amex purchase protection claim, amex purchase protection review.

From porch pirates to Murphy's law, a lot can go awry between the time you buy an item and make use of that purchase. Thankfully, many credit cards offer so-called "purchase protection" that covers theft, damage and loss within a set time after purchase. For example, if you have an American Express card, the chances are that card provides AmEx purchase protection.

However, not all purchases and losses are covered by AmEx purchase protection. Let's look at how Amex purchase protection works, which AmEx cards feature it and the limitations and exclusions of this coverage.

AmEx purchase protection covers lost, stolen or damaged items within the first 90 days after purchase.

This coverage is complimentary on most AmEx cards — including some debit, prepaid and reloadable AmEx cards. All you need to do to get this coverage is to use your eligible AmEx card to make a covered purchase of a tangible item.

If that item is lost, stolen or damaged within the first 90 days, file a Notice of Claim within 30 days to start the claims process. Here, you'll need to provide a copy of the purchase receipt and proof of loss.

That proof of loss depends on the circumstances.

If a loss is due to theft, you may need to provide a copy of the police report.

In the case of a damage claim, you may need to send in the broken item.

amex travel protection

Dozens of AmEx cards offer purchase protection benefits.

Personal cards with purchase protections from AmEx include:

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

American Express® Gold Card .

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express .

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card .

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express .

Hilton Honors American Express Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card .

Terms apply.

Meanwhile, here's the list of small business cards from AmEx with this benefit:

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express .

American Express® Business Gold Card .

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

Business Green Rewards Card from American Express .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card .

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card .

However, the purchase protection coverage amounts and limitations vary between AmEx cards. Plus, AmEx can change the coverage at any time. So, checking the terms for your AmEx card when you need coverage is essential. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Limitations and exclusions on AmEx cards

As with any insurance or coverage product, AmEx purchase protection comes with limitations and exclusions. Let's take a look at the current coverage on The Platinum Card® from American Express as an example. Terms apply.

At the time of writing, The Platinum Card® from American Express holders are covered for up to 90 days from the date of a covered purchase of an eligible item. Big spenders should note that the purchase protection on The Platinum Card® from American Express only covers up to $10,000 per covered purchase. Each eligible AmEx card is covered for up to $50,000 in claims per year. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

Unfortunately, if you're affected by a natural disaster , AmEx purchase protection only covers a maximum of $500 in claims per event.

AmEx purchase protection excludes a long list of types of purchases, including:

Animals or living plants.

Antiques, artwork and previously used items.

Cash and cash-like items — including gift certificates, stamps and coins.

Intangible items — such as software.

Land, buildings, or permanent fixtures.

Medical or dental devices.

Motorized vehicles.

Plus, not all damage and losses are covered. For example, AmEx won't approve a claim for damage to an item "purchased for play." So, you can't claim purchase protection if your baseball bat or hockey stick breaks. AmEx purchase protection also doesn't cover losses when the item isn't "reasonably safeguarded" — such as leaving it in an unlocked car or publicly unattended. Terms apply.

AmEx makes it easy to file a purchase protection claim on its website. To start the process, log into your AmEx account and go to the claims center page .

amex travel protection

Click "file a claim" and select the card for which you're filing a claim, enter your date of purchase and click "continue."

amex travel protection

Select "purchase protection" on the next page and continue the process.

amex travel protection

Yes, cardmembers of the American Express® Gold Card are covered by AmEx's purchase protection coverage. However, this card is so packed with benefits that this coverage doesn't make the card's highlights on the AmEx website. Instead, check the benefits guide to see the card's purchase protection coverage.

In short, covered purchases are covered for up to 90 days from the date of purchase for up to $10,000 per covered purchase and up to $50,000 per eligible card per calendar year. Terms apply.

In addition to stolen and damaged items, AmEx purchase protection also covers items lost within the coverage period. Just make sure to file a notice of claim within 30 days of the loss. Also, note that some losses are excluded — such as if you left the item in an unlocked car.

Eligible AmEx cardmembers can still file a purchase protection claim for a covered loss even if you've redeemed Membership Rewards points for all or part of that purchase — including Pay With Points redemptions.

Yes, cardmembers of the

American Express® Gold Card

are covered by AmEx's purchase protection coverage. However, this card is so packed with benefits that this coverage doesn't make the card's highlights on the AmEx website. Instead, check the benefits guide to see the card's purchase protection coverage.

AmEx purchase protection is complimentary coverage provided on most AmEx cards that covers theft, loss and damage to eligible items within the first 90 days of purchase. Terms apply.

Like insurance, purchase protection is one of those things that you hope you never have to use. Check the details of your card's coverage to see if your incident is covered. Remember you need to provide a copy of the purchase receipt and file a Notice of Claim within 30 days of the loss or damage. Terms apply.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet . Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about Business Green Rewards Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. Business Green Rewards Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.

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 a similar note...

amex travel protection

IMAGES

  1. American Express Travel Protection: Insurance Benefits and How to Use Them

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  2. Amex Adding Travel Protections To The Platinum Card® from American

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  3. American Express Platinum Card Travel Protections Explained!!!

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  4. Ultimate Guide to AMEX Travel Protection: Everything You Need to Know

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  5. American Express Travel Insurance

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  6. The American Express Platinum Card

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: Card Terms

    Learn how to access the Guide to Benefits of your eligible Card to see what Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance covers. This benefit provides secondary coverage for round-trip purchases made entirely with your Card and protects against Covered Losses.

  2. Your complete guide to travel protection on American Express cards

    If your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason, you can receive a maximum of $10,000 per covered trip and a maximum of $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period. Here are the cards that include this protection when you use them to purchase travel: The Centurion® Card from American Express**.

  3. Travel Insurance

    American Express Travel Insurance is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company. Inc., California license number 0649234. Enrollment is limited to permanent residents of the 50 United States or D.C. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., which is the licensed insurance agency offering you this coverage ...

  4. Your guide to Amex's travel insurance coverage

    5x on flights booked directly or with Amex Travel, 5x on hotels booked through Amex Travel, 1.5x points on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more; on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year), 1x on all other purchases. Terms apply. Trip cancellation, interruption and delay Insurance.

  5. Amex Travel Benefits and Resources

    Book travel with American Express and enjoy exclusive benefits, such as travel insurance, lowest hotel rates guarantee, and points redemption. Learn how to plan, save, and protect your trips with your Card.

  6. American Express Travel Insurance Review

    American Express Travel Insurance offers 4 levels of travel insurance package policy plans — a Basic Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan. Each has its own levels of coverage and associated premium cost. Let's take a look at the package policy offerings and pricing. We chose a week-long trip for a 40-year old that cost $3,000.

  7. The Guide to American Express Travel Insurance

    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 ...

  8. AmEx Trip Cancellation Insurance: What to Know

    Terms apply. Generally speaking, trip cancellation insurance from AmEx will cover your trip's prepaid, nonrefundable costs under eligible circumstances. The coverage maximum for reimbursement is ...

  9. PDF Guide to Benefits for American Express® Card Member

    means a period of round-trip travel to one or more destinations other than an . Eligible Traveler's. city of residence at the time of departure where: (1) The . Eligible Traveler. departs by . Common Carrier. to begin the period of round-trip travel; (2) the period of round-trip travel ends when the . Eligible Traveler. returns by . Common ...

  10. American Express Travel Protection: A Guide to Your Benefits

    To be eligible for this coverage, you have to pay for travel with a common carrier (airfare, cruise fare, etc.) with your American Express credit card. The amount of coverage you'll receive ...

  11. American Express Travel Insurance Benefits

    For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express has a coverage limit of $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per 12-month period. That means you could receive up to $20,000 for canceled trips and ...

  12. AmEx Platinum Travel Insurance: What to Know

    How to make an AmEx travel insurance claim. To file a claim, you'll need to contact your benefit administrator. The phone number and timeframe will vary according to the type of insurance you ...

  13. American Express Cards: Travel Insurance Benefits Guide [2024]

    Up to $2,000 per person for checked bags and $3,000 per person for carry-ons, up to $3,000 per person. N/A. Premium Global Assist. The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express. $10,000 per covered trip, up to $20,000 in a 12-month period. Up to $500 per trip for delays above 6 hours. Secondary.

  14. Amex Platinum: Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits [2024]

    Premium Car Rental Protection at $12.25 to $24.95 per rental period (depending on the state of residence and coverage options) Type of Insurance. Primary. Primary. Maximum Rental Period. 31 consecutive days. 42 consecutive days (30 days for Washington state residents) Maximum Benefit. $50,000/$75,000.

  15. Comparing travel protections with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex

    Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's trip delay insurance. Up to $500 per ticket when you're delayed by six-plus hours or overnight. Up to $500 per covered trip when you're delayed by six-plus hours, with a maximum of two claims per eligible card within a 12-month period.*.

  16. AmEx Gold Travel Insurance: What to Know

    AmEx Gold travel insurance will get you baggage, trip delay and car rental protection, plus access to a Global Assist hotline, but you must book with your card.

  17. Gold Travel Protection

    Gold travel protection service. +44 (0) 1273 868 900. Contact your Gold travel protection service to find out more. Available UK Time: 8.00am - 8.00pm, Monday - Friday and 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday. (Press option for protection) Global Assist emergency helpline. Your 24/7 medical emergency and legal contact to ensure you get all the help and ...

  18. Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Gold Card

    The option to purchase Premium Protection car rental insurance on the Amex Gold card is a game changer. You'll pay one low price of $12.25 to $24.95 for the entire period, up to 42 total days, for primary theft and damage coverage. The actual rate will depend on your state of residence and the level of coverage chosen.

  19. Travel Insurance: Trip Interruption, Medical & More

    With us, you can get a free, no-obligation quote online in minutes and you could receive policy documents immediately when you buy online. Contact us: 1-844-200-8959. Mon - Fri: 8am-8pm (EST); Sat: 9am-5pm (EST) Legal. Whether You're Traveling In Canada Or Across The Globe On Business AMEX® Travel Insurance Can Be There For You Along The Way.

  20. Amex rental car insurance: Get added protection for road trips and

    You won't pay anything out of pocket for this secondary coverage. But if you opt for its premium car rental coverage, you'll pay a flat rate of $12.25 to $24.95 per rental period, depending on ...

  21. AmEx Green Card Travel Insurance: What to Know

    Baggage insurance. Obviously, no one wishes for delayed or lost bags, but with the American Express® Green Card, you can travel more confidently. For common carrier ticket fares purchased fully ...

  22. AIG Travel Guard Review 2024

    Cons. Travel Guard® is a global travel insurance provider specializing in plans for leisure and business travelers. Its online travel insurance packages include five options, from basic and last ...

  23. Travel Protection

    American Express Services Europe Limited (AESEL) is the relevant Card Issuer in respect of Cardmembers who apply for the UK issued American Express ICC Card. Applicants must be 18 or over. Subject to status. American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9AX,United ...

  24. AmEx Purchase Protection: What You Need to Know

    AmEx purchase protection review. AmEx purchase protection is complimentary coverage provided on most AmEx cards that covers theft, loss and damage to eligible items within the first 90 days of ...

  25. PDF Purchase Protection Plan Documents

    (2) Card Member Name as listed on the American Express Card; (3) Email Address or Telephone Number on file with American Express; (4) The last 5 digits of the Card Number; and (5) Product Name of the Retail or Travel Protection (ex., Purchase Protection) being requested . If you have any questions or require assistance, please call 1-800-228-6855.

  26. American Express

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