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American Express

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Your Card insurance explained

Your American Express ® Card may include complimentary domestic and international Travel Insurance, as well as retail insurances like Card Refund and Purchase Cover, and/or Smartphone Screen Cover.

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). Use the dropdown menu below for more information.

You should review your Card Insurance T&Cs in the ‘ Insurance with your Card ’ section below, to understand when you are covered.

If you have Travel Insurance included on your Card - You, any Additional Card Members, your/their spouse and dependent children (aged 25 years or younger) are eligible for domestic or international Travel Insurance. You will need to use your eligible American Express Card or Membership Rewards Points to:

Domestic Travel Insurance:

• Pay $500 or more on accommodation, or,
• Pay the full amount of your outbound ticket for a flight, cruise, bus or train to your destination.

International Travel Insurance:

• Pay the full amount of your outbound ticket for a flight or cruise leaving Australia.

Other important things to know (both domestic and international insurance):

• You must be aged 79 years or younger at the time of the qualifying travel purchase to be eligible for insurance cover.
• Cover only applies to Australian residents
• There is no cover for one-way trips where you have no plans to return to your home or work in Australia.

Other Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).

You should review your Card Insurance T&Cs in the ‘ Insurance with your Card ’ section below, to understand when you are covered and what you are covered for.

If you have Travel Insurance included with your Card, see below for information about coverage when travelling in relation to COVID-19:

Domestic Travel

Cover may be provided:

• If you need to amend or cancel your trip because you or your travelling companion, close relative or a person you’re visiting for the main purpose of your trip are diagnosed with COVID-19.

Cover is not provided for:

• Cancellation or trip changes due to border closures or travel advisory warnings related to COVID-19; or
• Medical expenses related to COVID-19.

International Travel

• If you need to amend or cancel your trip as a result of border closures or upgraded travel advisory warnings related to COVID-19 that occur after you have booked your trip.
• For medical expenses you incur if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 during your trip.

Cover is not provided if:

• The country you’re travelling to is subject to a Government 'Do Not Travel' warning or if borders are closed before your trip starts – even if you have an exemption to travel from the Australian government. However, if you need to amend or cancel your trip due to such a situation, the costs of cancellation and amendment are covered if the warning or border closure occurred after you booked and met the eligibility criteria.

Benefit Exclusions

Claims arising from or caused by COVID-19 will not be paid if:

• You're travelling against a treating doctor's advice.
• You travel after the Australian government has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning or despite borders being closed, even if you have received an exemption from the Australian government to travel.
• You receive a refund, credit note or voucher for the amounts you’re claiming (for example, if an airline or hotel provide you with a credit refund). Please refer to 'Important things to Know About This Policy’ section within your Card Insurance T&Cs.

Retail Item Cover

If your Card has retail insurances - your eligible items are covered when you purchase them using your American Express ® Card and/or Membership Rewards ® Points.

Cover only applies to Australian residents. Other Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as cover limits, waiting periods and excesses).

Get your Confirmation of Insurance Benefit Letter

If you are a Card Member who has a Card with Complimentary Travel Insurance and need written confirmation that your American Express ® Card includes insurance benefits for border entry purposes, CHUBB Insurance can provide a letter confirming the travel insurance benefit on your Card.

IMPORTANT : This letter is not confirmation that you or anyone else is covered by the policy. To be eligible for cover, you must meet all the eligibility requirements of the policy.

As with all insurance policies - cover is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). For more information on eligibility, see the ‘ Your Card Insurance Explained ’ section above.

It is important that you read your Card Insurance Terms and Conditions before you travel, to determine if you and your travel plans are covered. You can find the Insurance Terms and Conditions in the ‘ Insurance with your Card ’ section below.

Once you have read the above, click here to access the tool

If you hold an American Express ® Platinum Rewards Credit Card or an American Express Velocity Gold Card, please call CHUBB Insurance on 1800 236 023 to get your Confirmation of Insurance Benefits Letter.

Please note that the email with your Confirmation of Insurance Benefit Letter could take up to 15 minutes to be received.

In the event of a medical emergency

Should the unexpected occur whilst you’re travelling make sure you contact Chubb Assistance soon as practicable on +612 9335 3492. Chubb Assistance will ensure you receive fast and effective treatment from a doctor who speaks your language. Your claim may be affected should you not contact us as soon as practicable.

Lodge your claim via the Chubb Claim Centre for American Express.

Advise all claims to Chubb within 30 days of a claim event or as soon as reasonably practicable. You must submit all supporting documentation e.g. Medical reports, police reports, declarations, receipts or other such evidence Chubb may request to assist Chubb in the prompt resolution of your claim.

For all other concerns, call the Chubb Claim Centre on +61 2 9335 3492

Insurance included with your Card

Please click on your Card below to view your insurance.

The American Express ® Platinum Card

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Terms and Conditions

The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read your American Express Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs. This insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy of insurance held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Access to this insurance is provided solely by reason of the statutory operation of section 48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Card Members are not a party to the group policy, do not have an agreement with Chubb and cannot vary or cancel the cover. American Express is not the insurer, does not guarantee or hold the rights under the group policy on trust for Card Members and does not act on behalf of Chubb or as its agent. American Express is not an Authorised Representative (under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) of Chubb.

American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085). AFSL No. 291313.

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For American Express® Westpac Altitude Black and American Express® Westpac Altitude Platinum Cards, The American Express® Westpac Altitude Card insurance is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits) - see the full terms and conditions available here. You must use your American Express Westpac Altitude Card to prepay $500 of travel costs in order to be covered under the overseas travel insurance. AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177, AFSL 245631 (trading as Allianz Global Assistance) under a binder from the underwriter, Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850, AFSL 234708, has issued an insurance group policy to Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714 (Westpac). This site does not take into account your objectives or financial situation.

Travel Alert – Important information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please  click here

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19

• Where there are no applicable advisories issued by the New Zealand government or a New Zealand government agency (such as MFAT) to “Do not travel overseas” or “Do Not Travel” or that borders are closed, this Policy will provide limited cover for costs incurred from having to cancel Your Journey or One Way Trip to an approved country because You contracted Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). The Policy also provides limited cover for Journey curtailment, overseas medical expenses, and mortal remains repatriation because You contracted COVID-19 in an approved country. The list of approved countries is specified below. See Section 19 – COVID-19 Cover of this Policy for full details of the cover, as well as the limits that apply as specified in the Schedule of Benefits.
• Apart from the limited cover provided in Section 19 – COVID-19, this Policy does not cover and We will not (under any other section of the Policy) pay for claims of any kind directly or indirectly arising from, relating to or in any way connected with the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) (or any mutation or variation thereof) and/or its outbreak. To the extent that any term or condition in the Policy may be inconsistent with this exclusion, this exclusion shall prevail.
• The approved countries are: Australia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Northern Cyprus, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam and Yemen.

AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL INSURANCE

Don’t travel without it

Cover for COVID-19

* This policy provides cover for costs incurred from having to cancel, curtail or change your trip because you contract COVID-19 and it is first diagnosed after the policy is issued. The Policy also provides cover for overseas medical emergency expenses incurred on your overseas trip, and transportation of remains or burial if you die during your trip, as a result of you having contracted COVID-19 which was first confirmed or diagnosed while on Your Trip (unless you were COVID-19 positive when your trip began, or you travel against a government issued “Do Not Travel” warning or border closure). 

We do not cover trip cancellation, curtailment or change due to border closures caused by COVID-19. Limits apply and vary with each plan. See Policy Wording and PDS for full terms, conditions and exclusions.

• What is covered

Cover for COVID-19 

Cover for overseas medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and trip cancellation, curtailment or change, due to your Covid-19 diagnosis. See details above.

Medical Expenses

Provides cover for repatriation/evacuation, cost of overseas emergency medical treatment, emergency dental treatment and extra accommodation costs, in the event of a medical emergency while on your overseas trip. Excludes claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions.

Travel Inconveniences

The Policy provides cover if you need to cancel, curtail or change your trip due to certain unforeseen circumstances including injury or illness (excluding pre-existing medical conditions). The Policy also covers trip delay by providing additional hotel accommodation (room only) if your flight is cancelled or extensively delayed (waiting periods apply), as well as cover for lost or damaged personal baggage and travel documents (theft report required, limits and sub-limits apply, excludes items stolen if left unattended in a public place).

24-hour Worldwide Assistance

We support you with advice and assistance services 24 hours a day, seven days a week for medical or other emergencies while on your overseas trip and which are covered by the policy. 

Optional add-ons 

Options include snow sports cover, cruise cover and rental vehicle excess cover (additional premiums apply).

Cover for accidental death, hijack and kidnap cover, and cover for personal liability incurred, while on your overseas trip (excluding liability for use of vehicles or watercraft). Cover also provided for loss of income due to an overseas injury causing temporary total disablement

Travelling against Government advice? We will not cover losses, pay or reimburse any costs, under any section of this Policy, arising from circumstances where: (a) prior to the Issue Date specified on Your Certificate of Insurance in the case of a claim for Cancellation; or (b) prior to You starting a Trip for all other claims under the Policy; an Australian State, Territory or the Federal Government or a government agency (such as DFAT) issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning or advising that borders are closed, for the destination You planned to travel to. Please refer to who.int, smartraveller.gov.au, dfat.gov.au or other government sites for further information.

Travel Insurance

Protect yourself and your belongings when you travel with American Express Travel Insurance. You can choose from a range of plans and cover options.

Single Trip Insurance

Our Single Trip policies are designed to provide cover for a single trip away. You can choose from a number of different plans, such as Essential, Comprehensive or Ultimate.

Coverage Optional Add-Ons

You can select from a range of optional extra covers to customise your policy. These include Rental Vehicle Excess, Snow Sports Cover and Cruise Cover.

This frequently asked questions (FAQ) document has been prepared to address some frequent coverage queries relating to the American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) . The FAQs are a summary only, they are not an exhaustive list of the coverage, terms, conditions or exclusions in the Policy.

Limits apply and vary with each plan. Please refer to the  Policy Wording and PDS  for further information on the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.

If I am diagnosed with COVID-19 during my overseas trip, will my overseas medical expenses be covered?

Yes, if you are first diagnosed with COVID-19 while on your overseas trip and require immediate medical treatment, cover is provided for the cost of medical treatment incurred overseas. Except where you were COVID-19 positive when your trip began, or you travel against a government issued “Do Not Travel” warning or border closure.

If I’m positive with COVID-19 when my trip begins, will I be covered for COVID-19 related medical expenses during my trip?

No, you’re not covered for medical expenses incurred during your trip if you were diagnosed with COVID-19 before your departure.

If I become ill with COVID-19 before or during my Trip, will I be able to claim for costs I incur for the Cancellation or Curtailment of my Trip?

Yes, cover is provided for costs arising from a necessary and unavoidable trip cancellation or curtailment as a result of an unforeseen illness (including COVID-19) where:

• you first contract and are diagnosed with COVID-19 after the policy is issued;
• a doctor confirms the illness in writing; and
• the illness is not a pre-existing medical condition.

I no longer want to travel because I am worried about the spread of COVID-19. Are my trip cancellation, curtailment or change costs covered?

No, cover is not available in this scenario. Simply no longer wishing to travel is not covered under the Policy.

If I need to cancel, curtail or change my trip due to a COVID-19 border closure as announced by any departure or destination government, am I covered?

No, cancellation due to COVID-19 government related travel advisories and/or border closures is not covered.

If I am diagnosed with COVID-19 after commencing my trip and subsequently issued with a quarantine order, will I be covered for the quarantine costs?

Yes, additional travel or accommodation expenses incurred are covered (within the benefit limitations) as a result of a mandatory quarantine order by a local government or public health authority. Except where you travel against a government issued “Do Not Travel” warning or border closure.

I have been classified by a public health authority as a close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 and have been required to isolate as a result of this contact. Is there any benefit that I can claim?

No, cover is not available in this scenario.

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to be eligible for the COVID-19 cover under this policy?

No, you do not need to have the COVID-19 vaccination to be eligible for cover under this policy. However, you will not be covered for any claim for cancellation, curtailment or trip change where you do not meet the vaccination protocols required by your transport provider or by any government authority (in Australia or at the destination) prior to departure.

Is there an option to purchase COVID-19 Cover on a stand-alone basis?

No, COVID-19 cover is not available on a stand-alone basis.

Are Pre-Existing Medical Conditions covered?

This policy does not cover any pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, this cover may not be right for you. Before you purchase a policy, you should consider whether a medical condition is considered pre-existing based on the definition of ‘Pre-Existing Medical Condition’ which is found on page 10 of the American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

What is a "Pre-Existing Medical Condition"?

A Pre-Existing Medical Condition generally means any medical or dental condition, illness, injury or disease that you previously required or continue to require treatment for, or that is under investigation at the time the policy is issued. It’s important to check the full definition of “Pre-Existing Medical Condition” on page 10 of the American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making your purchase, as variable limits and time restrictions apply to specified conditions.

If I need medical treatment during my overseas trip, will my overseas medical expenses be covered?

Yes, if you suffer an unforeseen illness or injury on an overseas trip which requires immediate medical treatment, cover is provided for your medical expenses incurred overseas. It’s important to always check the American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) , which excludes claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions and participation in certain sports.

Is cover provided for trip cancellation, curtailment or change due to a natural disaster at my intended travel destination?

Yes, provided there had been no official publication (prior to the purchase of the policy) warning that the natural disaster had occurred or was likely to occur. Please note that natural disasters do not include epidemics or pandemics (which are excluded under the policy).

I am unable to obtain my passport, entry visa or other required documentation in time and need to cancel my trip. Is this covered?

No, failure to hold or obtain all required documentation for your trip is not covered.

If I need to cancel my trip due to an illness or injury before my departure, am I covered?

Yes, cover is provided for trip cancellation which is necessary and unavoidable as a result of an unforeseen illness or injury as confirmed by a doctor in writing. The illness or injury must first be contracted or occur after the policy is issued. It’s important to check American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for details on pre-existing medical conditions which are not covered.

Is a video camera (or any other item) on loan or hire for the trip covered?

No, any items loaned, hired or entrusted to you are not covered

What happens if my luggage is delayed by the airline when I’m on my trip?

We will reimburse essential emergency clothing and toiletry expenses incurred (as required for a 24-hour period, up to the benefit amount under ‘Delay of Personal Baggage’ applicable to your chosen plan) if your luggage is delayed for 12 hours or more. If your luggage is delayed for more than 36 hours, the limit is increased up to the benefit amount under ‘Extended Delay of Personal Baggage’ applicable to your chosen plan.

Who is eligible for cover under the policy?

All people covered under the policy must be Australian residents and 79 years of age or younger. You must purchase your policy before your trip commences, and the trip must start and end in Australia.

When can I purchase my American Express Travel Insurance policy?

You can purchase the policy up to 12 months before your trip commences.

Will my policy be valid if I start or end my trip outside of Australia?

No. Your trip must begin and end in Australia for your policy to be valid.

Is there a maximum age on the policy?

Yes. Covered persons must be 79 years of age or younger before the date your policy is issued.

Do I need to undergo a medical examination to apply for the policy?

No. However, please note that pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.

Will I be covered if I purchased the policy after the commencement of my trip?

No. Cover is only applicable if your travel insurance is purchased before you start your trip.

Is there a maximum travel period on the policy?

Yes. The maximum trip duration is 180 consecutive days.

Is pregnancy covered under the policy?

The policy provides limited pregnancy cover. Pregnancy related claims are covered under the following sections of the policy:

• Overseas medical expenses cover - If you have a sudden and unexpected pregnancy related injury or illness which occurs before the end of the 23rd week of your pregnancy
• Trip cancellation and amendment cover - If you have a sudden and unexpected injury or illness arising from your pregnancy that a doctor confirms will prevent you from commencing or continuing the trip.

There is no cover for costs associated with childbirth or the health of a newborn child, or for claims arising from any pre-existing medical condition (including any medical condition related to a previous pregnancy or if you have experienced pregnancy complications prior to purchasing the policy).

If my flight is delayed, am I covered?

Yes. We will reimburse additional accommodation expenses (up to the benefit amount under ‘Delayed, cancelled, overbooked or missed onward flight’ applicable to your chosen plan) if your flight is delayed for 6 hours or more. If your flight is delayed for more than 30 hours, the limit is increased up to the benefit amount under ’Extended Delayed, cancelled, overbooked or missed onward flight’ applicable to your chosen plan.

Is there a cooling off period?

Yes. You may cancel your policy for any reason within 14 days of issue (cooling-off period). You will receive a full refund of the premium you paid, provided:

• you haven’t started your trip; or
• you haven’t made a claim; or
• you don’t want to make a claim or exercise any other right under the policy.

What is Chubb Assistance? How does it work?

Chubb Assistance is an emergency assistance service. Support is available for emergency advice and assistance services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for medical or other emergencies while on your overseas trip and which are covered by the policy. In the event of a medical or similar emergency, simply call our emergency response team on +61 2 8907 5666 to get immediate assistance and help accessing vital services in your local area where covered by the policy

Further Questions?

Please contact Chubb on 1800 139 149 or email us on [email protected] for any questions you may have.

Any Questions?

Contact Chubb on 1800 139 149

(Monday - Friday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm)

American Express Travel Insurance is issued and underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL № 239687 (Chubb) and distributed by American Express Australia Limited, ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL № 291313 (American Express). Chubb and American Express only provide general advice and do not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. To decide if this product is right for you, please read the American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) . Terms, conditions, exclusions and sub limits apply. The Target Market Determination for this product can be found here . Please take this opportunity to also read the American Express Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Chubb Privacy Statement .

© American Express Company

Frequently Asked Questions

When can i purchase my american express travel insurance.

Single Trip:

You can purchase up to 9 months before your journey commences. Cover for Trip Cancellation and Amendment Cover is provided from the issue date (the date we agree to provide insurance) until the end of your period of insurance, as stated on your certificate of insurance.

All other cover starts from the start date (the date your journey begins) and continues until the end of your period of insurance.

What is the cooling off period?

You have fourteen (14) days from the time you are issued your certificate of insurance that you are covered under your policy to decide if this insurance meets your needs.

You may cancel it within the fourteen (14) days cooling-off period. You will receive a full refund of the premium you paid, provided:

If you request to cancel your policy outside the cooling-off period, we may:

• refund any unused proportion of your premium (from the date the refund request was received until the end date on your certificate of insurance); and
• minus any administration fee;

Are Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Covered?

This policy does not cover any pre-existing medical conditions . If you have pre-existing medical conditions, this cover may not be right for you. Before you purchase a policy, you should consider whether a medical condition is considered pre-existing based on within this policy.

Is there a maximum travel period that the American Express Travel Insurance Single Trip will cover?

Yes – the maximum journey period is 180 consecutive days.

Chubb Assistance is a 24 hour emergency help line. In the event of a medical or similar emergency overseas, you simply call (reverse charge) the number shown on the card (+61 2 8907 5666) and Chubb Assistance will assist in locating immediate assistance or vital services in your area.

We support you with emergency advice and assistance services 24 hours a day, seven days a week for medical or other emergencies covered by the policy. Our international resources and global network of skilled medical and travel specialists will be there for you in the event of an overseas emergency, giving you the help and support you need, when and where you need it.

In the event of a medical or similar emergency, simply call our emergency response team on +61 2 8907 5666 to get immediate assistance and help accessing vital services in your local area where covered by the policy.

I’m pregnant - Can I get cover?

If you are or become pregnant after the issue date on your certificate of insurance, you are covered for claims that arise from your pregnancy, under:

• if you have no elevated clinical risk factors: This injury or illness occurs before the end of the 23rd week of your pregnancy, which is calculated from the last known date of your menstrual period or calculated from staging ultrasound; or
• If you have elevated clinical risk factors: This injury or illness occurs before the end of the 19th week of your pregnancy, which is calculated from the last known date of your menstrual period or calculated from staging ultrasound; and
• is not otherwise excluded within the policy
• you have a sudden and unexpected injury or illness that prevents you from going on the trip, and
• such injury or illness is confirmed by medical evidence provided by a treating doctor, and
• is not otherwise excluded within the policy.

• United States
• United Kingdom

American Express Travel Insurance Review

Our verdict: american express travel insurance covers all the basics but excludes pre-existing medical conditions so if you have one, you might want to look elsewhere..

In this guide

Summary of American Express International Comprehensive policy

How does american express travel insurance cover covid-19, what policies does american express offer, here's a breakdown of american express travel insurance features, standard features, optional add-ons, how to make an american express travel insurance claim, here's the bottom line about american express travel insurance, frequently asked questions, request travel insurance quotes and compare policies.

Destinations

• American Express makes claiming easy, with an online portal, email and phone options.
• The loss of income benefit is particularly strong, paying a monthly benefit of up to $2,000 for a maximum of 5 months if you're seriously injured while on holiday and subsequently unable to work.
• Pre-existing medical conditions are excluded and there's no option to add them on for an additional fee. Even American Express warns that its policy might not be right for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.
• Even the most comprehensive American Express policy, Ultimate Plan, has a $20,000 limit on cancellation costs. There are many brands which offer unlimited cancellation cover .

Compare other options

Table updated August 2023

American Express has you covered if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 before you head on holiday or while you're away. Here's what you can expect:

• Any costs incurred from having to cancel, delay or change your trip because you or a travelling companion are diagnosed with COVID-19 - that includes additional accommodation and travel expenses.
• Overseas emergency medical costs if you need treatment for COVID0-19 while on your trip
• Transport of your remains or burial costs if you die as a result of COVID-19 during your trip.

There are some scenarios that are not covered by American Express including costs incurred as a result of mandatory quarantine or isolation, border closures or government travel bans.

Also, if you were diagnosed with COVID-19 before heading on your trip but you went anyway, you won't be covered for any COVID-related overseas medical expenses.

American Express offers four insurance policies to travellers. The Essential, Comprehensive and Ultimate plans are available to travellers heading overseas while the Domestic plan is for travellers staying in Australia.

Comprehensive

The insurer of this product is Chubb Insurance Australia Limited. It comes with a cooling-off period of 14 days and choice of $200 standard excess for international plans.

These are some of the main insured events that American Express will cover. These benefits apply across all international policies.

• Overseas medical treatment
• Lost, damaged or stolen property
• Trip cancellation or amendment
• Additional accommodation and transport
• Theft of money
• Luggage and travel delay
• Kidnap and hijack
• Personal liability
• Accidental death

American Express also offers three add-ons that provide cover for a wider range of risks.

• Rental vehicle excess cover. If your rental vehicle is damaged, this benefit will cover the cost of the insurance excess. Does not apply to campervans, motorbikes or scooters.
• Snow Sports Cover. Cover for equipment and cancellation expenses if you're going skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or snowmobiling. .
• Cruise Cover Extends your insurance policy to cover cruises and any cruise-related claim.

Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn't cover everything. Generally, American Express will not pay your claim if it relates to:

• Unlawful, wreckless or unreasonably unsafe behaviour by you
• Behaviour while you were drunk or under the influence of drugs
• Expenses related to a pre-existing medical condition
• An act of war, invasion or revolution
• Insolvency of a travel agent , tour operator or accommodation provider
• Mandatory quarantines or isolations
• You being unfit to travel or travelling against medical advice
• Childbirth or pregnancy complications after the 24th week of gestation or if you have had previous pregnancy complications
• A multiple pregnancy or one where the conception was medically assisted
• An elective medical or dental treatment , cosmetic procedure or body modification (including tattoos or piercing)
• Self-inflicted injury or illness, suicide or attempted suicide

Make sure you review the American Express PDS for a detailed breakdown of what won't be covered, found under its list of general exclusions .

You can submit your claim online via the Chubb Claims Centre for American Express .

Alternatively, you can phone Chubb on 1800 139 149, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST.

Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions might want to look elsewhere as they won't be covered by policies and American Express won't consider adding them for an extra fee.

Further, there appears to be no cover available for travellers wishing to ride a motorbike or scooter, even if you have a valid licence.

If you're still not sure about American Express, you can compare other travel insurance companies here .

How long do I have to make a travel insurance claim?

You have 60 days from your return date to submit your travel insurance claim. If you're still waiting on documentation to support your claim but worried you won't make the deadline, you can start the process and submit the additional documentation later.

Is there an age limit for American Express travel insurance?

Yes, American Express does not offer travel insurance to people over 80. However, there are plenty of other providers that offer travel insurance to over 80s ..

Do I have to have an American Express credit card to get American Express travel insurance?

No, you do not have to be an American Express customer to take out a travel insurance policy.

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Nicola Middlemiss

Nicola Middlemiss is a contributing writer at Finder, with a special interest in personal finance and insurance. Formerly a business and finance journalist, Nicola has written thousands of articles helping Australians better understand insurance and grow their personal wealth. She has contributed to a wide range of publications, including Domain, the Educator, Financy, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Insurance Business, MoneyMag, Mortgage Professional, Yahoo Finance, Your Investment Property, and Wealth Professional. Nicola has a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds.

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24 Responses

We are planning a trip to Switzerland and Italy June 2019 for about 3 weeks. My mother has just turned 85 and still lives independently at her home. Would we be covered if during our time away, she passed away and we needed to fly home? She has the normal age related issues but does not have any other issues other than old age. We have heard that a lot of insurers do not cover this. Thanks

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

The American Express travel insurance offer cover in case of death of a relative during the trip.

If you are looking for a travel insurance that can help you recover your cancellation costs including pre-booked tickets and hotels, costs associated with returning home at short notice and costs associated with resuming your journey at a later date due to family/relative emergency at home, please refer to our travel insurance for family emergency to start comparing your options.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers, Jeni

Hi I’m heading to Bali and wondering if your Ultimate policy cover the Volcano if it goes off

Thank you for your question.

You have contacted finder.com.au, a comparison and information service and not actually an American Express Travel Insurance.

American Express Travel Insurance covers medical emergency expense cover, travel cancellation cover, transport accident cover, travel inconvenience insurance and baggage, money and documentation cover.

It would be best to contact American Express directly as this would require for you to check the complete coverage of the insurance.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,

Is AMEX Travel Insurance available for Cruise travel to an Island within Australia?

Thank you for your inquiry.

According to the American Express Travel Insurance product disclosure statement (PDS), “cover for any cruise travel will be based on Your chosen geographical region.” Meaning that you should be covered by your standard policy. However, you should review the PDS for the exact costs covered for cruise related claims. For more information about the costs covered by AMEX or the definitions related to Australian waters, you should contact them directly.

I hope this information has helped.

Cheers, Harold

Do you insure travellers age 80 and 93

American Express Travel Insurance has different age limits for different policies:

• Ultimate and comprehensive policies have a maximum age limit of 89 years old.
• Essential policy has a maximum age limit of 79 years old.
• Basic policy has a maximum age limit of 69 years old.
• Domestic policy has a maximum age limit of 79 years old.

If you would like to check which insurers provide cover for 80 and 93 year old travelers, please head to our seniors travel insurance page.

All the best, Zubair

I am a 45yo male and had a stroke just over 12 months ago. Although my stroke was not for medical reasons (I have no risk factors) and I have been advised by my neurologist that everything has healed and I now have no more likelihood of having another stroke than the average person, it is still considered a pre-existing condition by the insurers I have spoken with. Are you aware of any travel insurance policies that would provide me with cover?

Thanks for your question. Both Cover-More and InsureandGo consider most conditions after a medical assessment. They may be a good starting point.

I hope this was helpful, Richard

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Travel Insurance

Hold tight!

We're currently revamping our travel insurance vertical. In the meantime, you can get a free online travel insurance quote through Fast Cover today!

Disclaimer:

We’ve partnered with Fast Cover, however, we do not act on their behalf. For questions relating to travel insurance policies, contact Fast Cover directly.

If you click on an affiliate link on our website and then make a purchase of the product or service, we may receive monetary compensation.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance provides travel insurance for a variety of trip types. You can get a travel insurance quote at fastcover.com.au or call 1300 409 322.

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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.

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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 .

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American Express Travel Insurance Coverage Review – Is It Worth It?

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Why Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel insurance and the covid-19 virus, package policy options, custom select coverage options, pricing by age, cancellations and changes, to other travel insurance companies, to credit card travel insurance, travelinsurance.com, insuremytrip, squaremouth, 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.

We frequently discuss the travel insurance coverages that are offered complimentary on most credit cards . We do so because these benefits, especially the long list of travel insurance coverages on premium cards, can save you money, offer peace of mind during your travels, and provide help if something goes wrong.

These complimentary coverages are useful and can offer more than adequate coverage for most trips. However, if you’re investing in an expensive trip or 1 that involves multiple travel providers, purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy is a prudent move. You’d also want a travel insurance policy if your trip has a complicated itinerary or if you’re anxious about the possibility of having to cancel any portion of the journey.

Additionally, it’s imperative that if you’re worried about having medical coverage while traveling, you’d want to purchase a travel insurance policy that provides medical coverage.

Fortunately, travel insurance is widely available, reasonably affordable, and simple to secure. There are several reputable travel insurance companies , highly-rated by financial rating organizations such as AM Best , that offer nearly endless options from which to choose.

American Express Travel Insurance , underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, is one of those highly-respected, highly-rated, established companies offering comprehensive travel insurance solutions.

Join us while we check out the types of policies the company offers, any limitations of which to be aware, and additional options for protecting your next trip appropriately.

Travel insurance can help you avoid losing the investment you made when booking your trip, reimburse you for covered expenses should your trip be disrupted due to a covered event, or pay for emergency medical services.

Policies are designed to cover disruption due to the reasons listed in the policy you purchased. These reasons consist of events that are unforeseen and unexpected.

Here are a few situations where travel insurance could cover your loss:

• You or a covered family member become ill and you must cancel your trip. Trip insurance can cover prepaid non-reimbursable expenses.
• You are injured in an accident during your trip and need to be evacuated to a hospital by air ambulance.
• You become ill during your trip and must return home versus continuing on your journey.
• Your flight is delayed or canceled and you must stay at a hotel and incur expenses for lodging and incidentals.

Whether you should purchase travel insurance or not is a personal decision. If losing your trip investment or having to pay for extra expenses if the trip is disrupted makes you uncomfortable or would present a financial burden, then you should purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

If worrying about having to cancel your trip or having it disrupted during your journey is an issue, purchasing a travel insurance policy will definitely deliver some peace of mind, both prior to and during your trip.

For more tips on buying travel insurance in general, you’ll find valuable information in our guide to buying the best travel insurance .

Bottom Line: The longer, more expensive, and more complicated your trip, the greater the need for a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

When you purchase travel insurance and your trip is canceled, you expect to have coverage. However, not all cancellations are covered — only those specifically listed in your policy.

Once COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it became a known event and therefore is not covered on travel insurance policies. While it’s reasonable to want to cancel your trip due to fear of COVID-19, canceling a trip due to the fear of any illness is not a covered reason on any travel insurance policy.

There is also no coverage for canceling a trip due to a U.S. State Department announcement warning of COVID-19 in a particular area.

In order to have coverage for voluntary trip cancellations, you would need to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason Insurance” (CFAR) . CFAR is not a stand-alone insurance policy — it is an add-on coverage you select when you purchase a travel insurance policy or coverage you may be able to add to a travel insurance policy after purchase, within an initially specified timeframe.

CFAR insurance is expensive, does not cover the entire cost of your trip, and not all companies sell the coverage, including American Express Travel Insurance.

Additionally, there is a small window of time when you are able to purchase the coverage, including during your initial purchase or up to 10 to 21 days after the purchase, depending on the company.

While American Express Travel Insurance does not cover trip cancellation due to fear of contracting COVID-19, there may be coverage in certain circumstances. For example, if you become sick with the virus and have to cancel your trip as a result, you may have coverage under trip cancellation insurance.

Additionally, if you become ill with the virus during your travels, you may have coverage under Travel Medical Protection. Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: Travel insurance does not cover canceled trips due to fear of getting COVID-19 or a government declaration that a specific destination is unsafe. Cancel for Any Reason Insurance must be purchased to cover these voluntary cancellations. 

American Express Travel Insurance Options

American Express offers you 2 options when it comes to purchasing travel insurance. You can select a package policy that includes several types of coverages in 1 plan or you can build your own travel insurance plan and select just the coverages that are important to you.

Coverage is worldwide except for where it would violate U.S. trade or economic sanctions. All permanent U.S. residents are eligible to purchase travel insurance with American Express.

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. Prices ranged from $59 to $208 to cover the entire trip.

With package policies, you can expect to find the following coverages. The limits of coverage differ based on the policy plan you select.

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption — Receive reimbursement for prepaid non-refundable expenses due to cancellation for covered reasons and additional costs if your trip is disrupted, also for covered reasons.
• Global Medical Protection — Receive worldwide emergency medical and dental coverage for the first 60 days of your trip and access to emergency evacuation/repatriation services.
• Travel Accident Protection — Receive coverage for accidental death/dismemberment from the time you leave on your trip until the time you arrive home.
• Global Baggage Protection — Coverage varies from $250 to $2,500 for lost luggage depending on the level selected. Baggage delay coverage starts from 3- to over 24-hour delays, depending on the policy plan selected.
• Global Trip Delay — Receive up to $300 per day, $1,000 per trip, depending on the level of coverage selected. Coverage is valid for delayed/canceled flights or involuntary-denied boarding.
• 24-Hour Travel Assistance — Have global access to planning and emergency assistance before and during your trip.

Bottom Line: American Express Travel Insurance offers 4 different levels of package policies, each comprising a collection of coverages most travelers look for. The plan you select and the level of coverage limits chosen determine the amount of the premium cost. 

If some of the coverages in the package plan are not important to you, you can select only the coverage(s) you want and pay accordingly. Perhaps, for example, you have a need for just medical coverage while traveling abroad. You have the option to select just that coverage.

This example shows the levels of coverage available and the associated premium costs. The Gold Plan selected offers up to $100,000 in emergency medical, up to $750 in emergency dental, and up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation/repatriation. The price of this plan would be $32 for the entire trip.

Bottom Line: Having the option to select only the coverages you want allows you to save money by not paying for coverages you don’t need. This is a key benefit of purchasing travel insurance through American Express Travel Insurance. Few travel insurance companies offer the option to purchase stand-alone travel medical coverage. 

Additional Information — American Express Travel Insurance

Like most travel insurance companies, American Express Travel Insurance prices its products within age brackets. The price for coverage is the same for everyone in that specific age bracket.

Based on dozens of quotes obtained, pricing brackets were determined to be as follows:

• Age 17 to 40
• Age 41 to 65
• Age 66 to 70
• Age 70 to 80
• Age 81 or over

Knowing this upfront can help you determine if you’re at the beginning of the highest price bracket or the end. For example, if you are 40 years old, you’re going to pay less than a 41-year-old in the next pricing bracket but the same as a 17-year-old.

If you’re a senior and want to learn more about purchasing travel insurance in your 60s, 70s, and beyond , the tips in our article will help guide you in the right direction.

Bottom Line: Knowing a travel insurance company’s age pricing brackets can help you determine which company offers you the best value for your money.

Here is some information you should know about cancellations and changes to an American Express Travel Insurance policy.

• You can change or modify your policy prior to your trip.
• You can request a full refund within 14 days after receiving your policy documents. Some restrictions vary by state.
• If you have purchased American Express Travel Insurance and your trip was canceled due to COVID-19, you may qualify for a policy refund . Contact AMEX Assurance Company for details at [email protected]. Terms apply.
• Once your trip is completed, you cannot request a refund.

Hot Tip: Due to the overall decrease in travel, many travel insurance companies now allow you to cancel your travel insurance and receive a full refund or extend your policy without extra charges. 

How Does American Express Travel Insurance Compare

When comparing other package policies to American Express Travel Insurance, the company’s premiums came up higher overall for this specific trip and traveler (1-week trip, 40-year-old, total value $3,000).

The first policy above with Assistance USA for $77, for example, has coverages similar to the Silver Amex plan which has a premium of $133. The coverage on the $102 Assistance USA plan above compares more with the Amex Gold plan at $157.

Prices will vary considerably based on the types of coverages selected, age, and limits of each coverage. We used policy comparison websites and found similar but not identical policies. With so many different coverage options, it’s difficult to compare apples to apples.

This is a very limited comparison — your results will be different based on your specific details. The most important factors to consider are that you’re purchasing from a highly-rated company, the coverages are a match for your needs, and the premium is one with which you’re comfortable paying.

The travel insurance coverages that comes complimentary on your credit card can serve to provide coverage for some trips. For example, if you book a domestic round-trip flight, a hotel, and a rental car, you may have sufficient coverages on your credit card to cover that trip.

Credit card travel insurance coverage, however, is not a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy , for these reasons:

• Most credit card travel insurance coverage is secondary and in excess of other coverage you might have. You’ll normally be working with 2 (or more) entities to get your claim resolved.
• Credit card travel insurance is administered by a third party, not by the issuing financial institution, thus making the claims process potentially redundant and complicated.
• You generally won’t find medical coverage on a credit card. The Platinum Card ® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® offer emergency medical evacuation and there is a small medical benefit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
• Coverage limits are set on credit card travel insurance. Travel insurance policies can offer higher limit options.
• Credit card travel insurances have requirements such as purchasing the trip with the associated credit card.
• Additional coverages can be added to travel insurance policies such as CFAR insurance, a preexisting conditions waiver, and other benefits not available with credit cards.

Bottom Line: While the travel insurance coverages that come with credit cards may be sufficient to cover a simple trip where there is no large investment at stake, these coverages are by no means a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. 

The Value of Travel Insurance Comparison Sites

Because travel insurance is widely available and quite competitive, you may find drastic differences in the price you’ll pay between companies and policy offerings. Selecting a company is not difficult as there are dozens of reputable, highly financially-rated, established companies, but comparing policies is essential for getting the best value for your money.

One way to easily compare pricing and coverages is to utilize a travel insurance comparison site to narrow down the appropriate options for your situation.

Here are some of the most popular, easy-to-use comparison sites that only feature highly financially-rated travel insurance companies.

• Coverage is available instantly
• The comparison tool is easy to use
• The company has a “best price guarantee”
• Calls are handled by licensed agents
• The website contains educational information for understanding travel insurance coverages and policies
• Features nearly 2 dozen companies
• Compare 90 different policies from over 20 different companies
• Customer service receives high accolades
• Over 86,000 reviews

Bottom Line: Utilizing a travel insurance comparison website can help you quickly narrow your choices to policies that fit your needs and your budget. 

There is no doubt that American Express is a financially-stable, established, and well-respected travel insurance company.

One of the company’s strengths is that it offers the consumer the ability to purchase needed coverages separately , such as medical insurance for an international trip. The premiums for such coverage are also very competitively priced. This could be a huge plus if you are not interested in duplicating credit card travel insurance coverages or in having just secondary or excess coverage.

One downside, especially in today’s environment, is that American Express Travel Insurance does not sell CFAR insurance. If this is important to you, you should attempt to find the coverage elsewhere by using comparison sites.

Another downside that may or may not be important is that American Express Travel Insurance does not sell annual or multi-trip policies. You must purchase a new policy for each individual trip.

Also, like several other travel insurance companies, high-risk adventurous activities may not be covered with American Express Travel Insurance. You might look to a company specializing in insuring these activities such as World Nomads .

If you want to make sure you’re purchasing from an established company and have specific coverages you’re more interested in than others, American Express Travel Insurance is a solid decision . For package travel insurance policies, you might be able to realize modest savings by shopping around, but you won’t go wrong with the company selection of choosing American Express 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 rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is american express travel insurance worth it.

Yes, overall. American Express Travel Insurance is backed by AMEX Assurance Company which is highly-rated, established, and reputable.

The company offers competitive travel insurance package policies but also allows the traveler to build their own policies with only the coverages they deem necessary. This option can save the traveler money.

If you’re looking for medical coverage for an international trip, for example, purchasing with an established company at a reasonable price makes American Express Travel Insurance a worthy choice.

Do I have to have an American Express credit card to purchase American Express travel insurance?

No, you do not need to be an American Express cardholder to purchase a travel insurance policy from American Express Travel Insurance.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Travel insurance does not cover canceling your trip due to fear of getting sick. It also does not cover canceling your trip due to a government shutdown due to COVID-19, or a surge in cases in a particular area.

You may have coverage if you become ill due to COVID-19 and need to cancel your trip, depending on the terms of your policy.

You may also have coverage if you become ill due to COVID-19 during your travels.

Is credit card travel insurance any good?

The travel insurance coverages that come with your credit card can be sufficient to cover simple trips. If you’re booking a trip that has a complicated itinerary, involves several travel providers, or is more than a week in length, you might consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

In addition, if your trip is an expensive one, even if it’s simple and short, it would be prudent to cover your investment with a travel insurance policy.

Finally, credit cards do not come with medical insurance coverage. If you need this coverage while traveling, you’ll want to purchase a separate policy.

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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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Table of Contents

When does the AmEx Platinum travel insurance kick in?

Amex platinum travel insurance benefits and limits, how to make an amex travel insurance claim, what if the card’s insurance benefits are insufficient, the platinum card® from american express travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind when you’re away from home, especially when you’ve spent significant money on your vacation. Although you can choose to buy a separate travel insurance policy, not everyone wants or needs to do so.

Many travel credit cards offer complimentary insurance for a variety of occurrences. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers travel insurance with a suite of benefits for eligible travelers, including coverage for trip interruption, rental car damage and lost luggage.

Let’s take a look at travel insurance on The Platinum Card® from American Express , its limits and the benefits it provides.

» Learn more: What is travel insurance?

So, does The Platinum Card® from American Express have travel insurance? The short answer to this is yes, but you’ll need to meet specific requirements for it to apply.

To get coverage from your card, you’ll need to use it to pay for your trip in its entirety. This is true whether you’re looking to utilize the trip insurance or the rental car insurance — you must pay for the full cost with The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Be aware of coverage limitations if you’re traveling using points or miles. While it’s possible to receive benefits when using your card to pay the taxes and fees on a reward redemption, coverage may not always apply.

You may still be covered for trip interruption, delay, and cancellation insurance when using points or frequent flyer miles.

However, rental car and baggage insurance only apply when you’ve used your card to pay for the full cost of whatever you’re buying — no points allowed. The exception is if you redeem American Express Membership Rewards to pay for some or all of the booking.

» Learn more: How does credit card travel insurance work?

We’ve included a breakdown of all the insurance benefits and other travel protections provided by The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Trip cancellation protection

The trip cancellation insurance you’ll receive will pay for any nonrefundable losses you incur due to a covered event.

Given the current climate, you may also be wondering: does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance cover COVID? It can, depending on the reason you need to cancel. Covered events include quarantine imposed by a physician or illness for you, your family members or a traveling companion.

Other eligible events include a change in military orders, inclement weather or jury duty.

If you need to cancel your trip, AmEx will provide up to $10,000 per trip and a maximum of $20,000 every 12 months. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The guide to American Express travel insurance

Trip interruption coverage

As with trip cancellation protection, trip interruption insurance will reimburse you for nonrefundable losses by a covered event.

If your trip is interrupted, American Express will cover you for prepaid land, air and sea travel bookings you’ve missed. They’ll also pay for the cost of an economy-class ticket on the most direct route to rejoin your covered trip (or take you home).

The maximum benefit you’ll receive is $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 every 12 months. Terms apply.

Trip delay insurance

As it sounds, trip delay insurance will reimburse you for expenses incurred when your trip doesn’t go as scheduled. In the case of The Platinum Card® from American Express , coverage kicks in after you’ve been delayed by at least six hours for a covered reason.

Covered purchases may include food, toiletries, lodging, medication and other personal use items. You’ll be reimbursed for up to $500 on a covered trip and can make two claims within a 12-month period. Terms apply.

Rental car insurance

The Platinum Card® from American Express provides secondary rental car insurance . This means it’ll kick in after other claims — like those made to your personal insurance — have been paid. To activate coverage, you’ll need to decline the insurance offered by the rental car company.

AmEx will provide up to $75,000 due to damage or theft of the rental vehicle, but be aware that the policy doesn’t provide liability insurance.

It’ll also give you up to $1,000 per person (max of $2,000) for personal property lost in the incident and up to $5,000 for accidental injury. Finally, you’ll receive up to $300,000 for accidental death or dismemberment, though the rates will vary depending on the severity of your injuries.

This rental car insurance is valid worldwide with a few notable exceptions, including Australia, Italy and New Zealand. Terms apply.

» Learn more: Credit cards that provide travel insurance

Baggage coverage

Cardholders and their families are eligible for baggage insurance provided they’ve paid for the fare using The Platinum Card® from American Express . This benefit is only for lost baggage; delayed luggage is not protected.

Coverage limits vary depending on whether you’ve checked your bag or carried it on:

Checked bags: Up to $2,000 per person.

Carry-on: Up to $3,000 per person.

Note also that checked baggage is only covered when you’re actually traveling with a common carrier. Meanwhile, carry-on luggage is also covered when traveling to and from or waiting at the terminal.

There are also specific limits for high-risk items such as jewelry and electronic equipment. For these items, you’ll receive a maximum of $1,000 per person per trip. Terms apply.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Premium Global Assist

What else does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance cover? Although this last benefit isn’t technically a type of travel insurance, it’s worth including as it can offer help while you travel.

AmEx’s Premium Global Assist hotline is a 24/7 service that can assist you in various ways, such as helping you get a new passport, finding translation services and even arranging for emergency medical evacuation.

Although using Premium Global Assist is free, the services that you may end up using are not necessarily covered by AmEx.

There are exceptions to this — if you need repatriation of mortal remains, emergency medical evacuation or if a child under 16 is left without care, AmEx will provide aid at no additional cost. Terms apply.

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’re using:

Trip cancellation, interruption or delay insurance: Within 60 days, call 844-933-0648.

Baggage insurance: Within 30 days, call 800-228-6855 or online .

Rental car insurance: Within 30 days, call 800-338-1670 or online .

» Learn more: The guide to AmEx Platinum rental car benefits

If The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance doesn’t seem like it’ll be enough for your trip, or if its coverage doesn’t include features that you’d like to have, consider purchasing a separate travel insurance policy before you travel.

Several companies allow you to compare various policies for any vacation and modify inclusions as you shop.

» Learn more: How much is travel insurance?

The travel insurance offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express includes some pretty generous benefits for travelers, especially since it’s complimentary (the $695 annual fee notwithstanding). Terms apply.

If you want to take advantage of this insurance, pay for your trip using your AmEx card and double-check any other stated requirements before heading out to ensure coverage.

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

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Travel Insurance For Canada: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Updated: Apr 30, 2024, 1:13pm

Table of Contents

Do you need travel insurance for canada, what type of travel insurance do you need, what does travel insurance for canada cover, what does travel insurance exclude, best travel insurance for canada, frequently asked questions (faqs).

From hiking trails in Ontario to traversing the slopes of the famous ski resort town of Whistler, there is no shortage of places to visit in Canada.

The vast North American country is a popular destination for travel-loving Aussies. In addition to a growing share of business travelers, more than 350,000 Australian tourists typically visit Canada each year.

While visitor numbers faded during the Covid-19 pandemic, the multitude of Australians heading to the Great White North has picked up in the last two years, particularly to experience the country’s stunning landscape.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t compulsory, but it’s highly recommended to cover for any lost or stolen baggage, the possibility of your trip getting cancelled due to an emergency, illness such as Covid-19 or bereavement, and to cover medical expenses.

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website recommends that travellers purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip.

As in any foreign country, medical care in Canada can be expensive for visitors, with a visit to a doctor potentially setting you back by hundreds of dollars.

The Australian government won’t cover these costs, and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Canada, so you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare either.

In addition, given the large geography of the country covering a variety of destinations from beaches to mountains to national parks, it is wise to hold insurance cover for a multitude of events and a variety of potential risks including natural disasters, crime or other types of emergencies.

International travel cover for Canada is generally available in the following ways:

Basic travel insurance

This type of policy is broadly focused on cover for unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses, but also includes insurance for luggage, personal liability and other essential benefits. It is usually the cheapest option available and is suitable for those traveling on a budget or for single trips.

Comprehensive travel insurance

This type of insurance typically includes higher amounts of cover for the essentials benefits such as medical expenses, luggage, personal liability, and so on. In addition, it includes cover for travel delays, rental vehicle excess, loss of passports and credit cards, hijacking, disability, accidental death, and more, depending on your policy.

Some insurers offer variations of the comprehensive policy that are suitable for multiple trips within a 12-month period.

Optional add-on policies

Given the growing number of Australians heading to Canada for cruises, road trips or to the ski slopes, some insurers have come up with add-on policies specifically tailored for a variety of adventure sports and transport options available. These include cruise packs, winter sports packs and even higher cover for rental vehicles.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Most international travel insurance policies will cover medical and hospital expenses, ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, as well as personal liability if you injure someone, or damage property while you’re in the country.

Policies will also cover, within limits, lost or delayed luggage and possessions, the costs of trip delays, interruptions or cancellations, and lost or stolen travel documents.

Comprehensive policies usually offer a broader cover to include personal accident cover in case of an injury during your trip that leads to permanent disability or death, and insurance excess payment if your rental car meets with an accident.

If you are planning to take advantage of Canada’s vast offering of adventure sports and activities, make sure these are covered by your policy—or that there is an option to add it on.

Most comprehensive policies will include popular sporting and leisure activities such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, and so on. However, more extreme activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, snow skiing or snowboarding will generally require an additional adventure sports cover at extra cost.

Most travel insurance policies to Canada will not provide cover in the following cases:

• Illegal activities: Insurers will reject any claims arising if you knowingly act illegally or dangerously.
• If you are under the influence: Insurance cover is specifically void if you cause a disturbance through drunken behaviour or under the influence of drugs.
• Unattended luggage: Insurers will ignore any claim for loss if your luggage is stolen while it was left unattended in public.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Insurers can avoid claims for any major medical conditions, if they have not been made aware of these before taking out a policy.
• Extreme sports: International travel insurance policies generally don’t provide automatic coverage for things like extreme sports, snowboarding or surfing. An optional add-on cover is required for these activities.

Most travel insurers in Australia offer insurance policies for travel to Canada. What policy suits you best will depend on your requirements including duration, age, and the type of cover.

It will also be determined by your specific needs, such as whether you are taking part in snow sports or other adventure activities.

An easy way to compare travel insurance policies is to use an online comparison tool, or read through our leading picks of travel insurance policies for Australians . However, always consider whether or not they include the extras you will require for your trip, and any pre-existing medical conditions you would require cover for.

Featured Partners

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Canada?

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t mandatory, but is highly recommended.

The Australian Government urges travellers to purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip, especially for medical cover.

Medical costs can be extremely expensive in a foreign country, especially if you have to visit a doctor, dentist or hospital in an emergency, so travel insurance is very handy.

Does my visa card have travel insurance?

Not every credit card comes with travel insurance. Complimentary travel insurance is typically offered on premium credit or rewards cards that have higher annual fees. In addition, this may not cover all circumstances or emergencies. By comparison, a travel insurance policy will offer more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.

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Prashant Mehra is a freelance journalist based in Sydney. He has more than 20 years of international experience covering financial news, including with Reuters and the Australian Associated Press (AAP). He writes about business, markets, the economy and investing.