What does American Express trip insurance cover and is it worth getting?

American Express offers several levels of trip insurance plans, from a basic plan to a more comprehensive platinum plan, allowing you to choose the coverage that best fits your needs and budget.

The trip cancellation and interruption coverage can reimburse you up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to covered reasons like illness or injury.

Baggage insurance provided by American Express can cover up to $2,000 for checked bags and up to a combined $3,000 for checked and carry-on bags, which exceeds the coverage provided by most common carriers.

Some American Express credit cards, like the Platinum Card, automatically include various travel insurance benefits, potentially making a separate trip insurance policy unnecessary for certain travelers.

The trip delay insurance can provide reimbursement of up to $500 per trip if your common carrier is delayed by more than 6 hours, covering expenses like meals and accommodations.

American Express's travel insurance plans often cover a wider range of trip interruption scenarios, including issues like jury duty, employment termination, and even the financial default of a travel provider.

The "cancel for any reason" upgrade available on some American Express trip insurance policies can provide more flexibility, allowing you to cancel your trip for reasons not typically covered.

American Express travel insurance policies may offer higher coverage limits and more comprehensive benefits compared to the basic trip protection provided by some credit card issuers.

Certain pre-existing medical conditions may be waived if you purchase the travel insurance within a specified timeframe, typically 15-21 days, of your initial trip deposit.

The travel insurance plans can provide coverage for adventure sports and activities, which may not be included in basic trip protection policies.

American Express's global assistance hotline is available 24/7 to help with a variety of travel-related emergencies, from medical assistance to legal referrals.

The cost of American Express trip insurance can vary greatly depending on the level of coverage, the trip duration, and the age of the traveler, so it's important to compare the premiums with your potential needs.

American Express trip insurance may provide primary coverage, meaning it pays out first before any other insurance you have, potentially saving you from having to file multiple claims.

Some American Express travel insurance plans include rental car collision damage waiver coverage, which can be a valuable addition for those renting cars on their trips.

The trip insurance policies can cover the cost of changing your travel plans if you need to adjust your itinerary due to a covered reason, such as illness or weather-related issues.

American Express's travel insurance benefits are often designed to complement the coverage provided by your health insurance, potentially filling gaps in your primary medical coverage while traveling.

The trip insurance can provide reimbursement for the cost of replacing your passport or other travel documents if they are lost or stolen during your trip.

American Express travel insurance policies may offer coverage for travel supplier financial default, protecting you from losing your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if a tour operator, airline, or hotel goes out of business.

The travel insurance can provide 24/7 access to medical professionals, who can provide advice and assistance in the event of a medical emergency while you're traveling.

American Express's travel insurance plans may include coverage for missed connections, allowing you to be reimbursed for expenses incurred if you miss a connecting flight due to a covered delay.