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The Best Senior Travel Insurance for 2024
![amex travel insurance for seniors amex travel insurance for seniors](https://www.usnews.com/object/image/00000187-c49d-de53-a397-cfffc6500000/trawick-logo-full-color-rgb-900px-w-72ppi.png?update-time=1682631090160&size=responsiveFlow300)
Trawick International »
![amex travel insurance for seniors amex travel insurance for seniors](https://www.usnews.com/object/image/00000187-0fd0-df41-afef-eff365c90000/allianz-travel-pms151-c.png?update-time=1680904678792&size=responsiveFlow300)
Allianz Travel Insurance »
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AIG Travel Guard »
![amex travel insurance for seniors amex travel insurance for seniors](https://www.usnews.com/object/image/00000187-5d7b-dc31-addf-df7f25cf0000/nandeaglevertnw3c.jpg?update-time=1684254198308&size=responsiveFlow300)
Nationwide »
![amex travel insurance for seniors amex travel insurance for seniors](https://www.usnews.com/object/image/00000189-2731-d729-a9ed-a7335a6a0001/logo-medical-insurance-travel-worldtrips.png?update-time=1688579693018&size=responsiveFlow300)
WorldTrips »
![amex travel insurance for seniors amex travel insurance for seniors](https://www.usnews.com/object/image/00000188-dabe-d30b-a7ad-debee3a80001/geoblue-logo-credit-geoblue.jpg?update-time=1687981389170&size=responsiveFlow300)
GeoBlue »
Why Trust Us
U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees.
Table of Contents
- Trawick International
- Allianz Travel Insurance
- AIG Travel Guard
Key takeaways
- Senior travelers can benefit from a plan that offers coverage for emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation first and foremost.
- Other benefits to look for include coverage for lost or delayed baggage, trip delay protection, and coverage for trip cancellation and interruption.
- Older travelers may also want to look for travel insurance plans that cover preexisting medical conditions.
- Some plans for seniors let individuals add on cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage that reimburses up to 80% of prepaid travel expenses when a trip is canceled for any reason at all.
While anyone planning a trip overseas can benefit from having a travel insurance plan in place, older travelers need to prioritize this coverage more than others. The fact is, senior travelers and retirees have unique worries and risks to think about any time they travel far from home. These risks increase their need for travel health insurance and emergency medical coverage, as well as coverage for emergency medical evacuation that applies anywhere in the world.
U.S. News compared more than 20 of the top travel insurance companies to find the top plan options for seniors and retirees. This list does the heavy lifting for you as you search for the best senior travel insurance, so read on to learn about the top picks.
- Trawick International: Best Overall
- Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Cancel for Any Reason
- AIG Travel Guard: Best Annual
- Nationwide: Best for Cruises
- WorldTrips: Best Budget
- GeoBlue: Best Medical
Incredibly high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation
Customize plan with optional CFAR coverage
Coverage is for trips up to 30 days if you're ages 80 and older
- Up to $15,000 in trip cancellation insurance
- Up to $22,500 in trip interruption coverage
- Up to $1,000 for trip delays ($200 daily limit for delays of 12-plus hours)
- Up to $1,000 for missed connections
- Up to $150,000 for emergency medical expenses
- Up to $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage
- Up to $750 in emergency dental coverage
- Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
- Up to $400 for baggage delays of 12-plus hours
SEE FULL REVIEW »
High reimbursement for CFAR coverage
Coverage for preexisting conditions is offered
Relatively low limits for baggage delays
- Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
- Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
- Trip change protector coverage up to $500
- Emergency medical coverage up to $50,000
- Emergency medical transportation coverage up to $500,000
- Baggage loss coverage up to $1,000
- Baggage delay insurance up to $300
- Travel delay coverage up to $800 ($200 daily limit)
- $100 per day in SmartBenefits coverage per person for fixed inconvenience payments
- 24-hour hotline for assistance
- Concierge services
- Preexisting condition coverage (must be added to plan within 14 days of first trip deposit or payment)
Year-round comprehensive travel insurance coverage
Generous limits for medical and emergency medical evacuation
Does not include trip cancellation coverage
- Up to 100% of insured trip cost for trip interruptions (maximum of $2,500 per trip)
- Up to $1,500 for trip delays ($150 per day)
- Up to $500 for missed connections caused by delays of at least three hours
- Up to $2,500 for lost baggage
- Up to $1,000 for baggage delays of 12-plus hours
- Up to $50,000 for travel medical coverage ($500 dental sublimit)
- Up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains
- Up to $50,000 for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
- Up to $100,000 for security evacuation coverage
Cruise-specific coverages and benefits
High limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation
May be expensive compared to other coverage options
- Trip cancellation coverage up to 100% of prepaid trip cost
- Trip interruption coverage up to 150% of prepaid trip cost
- Trip interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage worth $1,000 if conditions are met
- Missed connection coverage up to $2,500 for delays of three-plus hours
- Trip delay coverage up to $1,000 for delays of six-plus hours
- Itinerary change coverage worth $250 to $1,000 (depending on reason for change)
- Emergency medical coverage up to $150,000 (secondary with $750 dental sublimit)
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million
- Up to $25,000 for AD&D
- Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost or stolen baggage ($1,000 maximum for special items and $500 limit per article)
- Baggage delay coverage up to $1,000 for delays of six-plus hours
- Nonmedical evacuation coverage up to $25,000
Customize your deductible and premiums
Generous medical limits for travelers ages 65 to 79
Limited medical coverage for travelers older than 80
- Up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage
- Medical benefits like hospital room and board, chiropractic care, and more
- Coverage for repatriation of remains
- Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
- Up to $10,000 in trip interruption insurance
- Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost checked luggage
- Up to $100 per day in coverage for travel delays of 12-plus hours
- Up to $1,500 in coverage for bedside visits
- Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions
Get comprehensive health insurance that applies overseas
Preventive and routine care included
Age limits apply for new applicants and renewals
Medical-only coverage
- Preventive and routine care
- Professional services like surgery
- Inpatient medical care
- Ambulatory and therapeutic services
- Rehabilitation and therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
You can purchase some travel insurance plans (but not all) if you're older than 80 years old. However, your premiums may be higher and you'll typically qualify for lower coverage limits overall. Make sure you compare the best travel insurance plans for seniors to find the right fit for your needs.
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered international travel and travel insurance for more than a decade. Johnson has researched and compared all the top travel insurance options for her own family for trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has successfully filed claims during that time. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg – a travel agent who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.
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Travel insurance
Best travel insurance for seniors in August 2024
Amy Fontinelle
![amex travel insurance for seniors Heidi Gollub](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/01/13152903/heidi-gollub-e1676302143600.jpg?width=200&fit=cover&format=webp)
Heidi Gollub
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
Updated 6:12 a.m. UTC Aug. 1, 2024
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Tin Leg and Trawick International offer the best travel insurance for seniors, according to our analysis of plans’ cost and coverage limits.
Best senior travel insurance plans of 2024
- Tin Leg: Gold
- Trawick International: Safe Travels First Class
- Seven Corners: Trip Protection Choice
- Generali Global Assistance: Premium
- Nationwide: Prime
Why trust our travel insurance experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 840 coverage details evaluated.
- 84 rates reviewed.
- 5 levels of fact-checking.
Travel insurance quotes comparison
Top-rated travel insurance for seniors.
![amex travel insurance for seniors Tin Leg](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/02/20154515/tin-leg.png?width=300&fit=cover&format=webp)
Best plan for seniors
Average cost for seniors, covers covid, medical & evacuation limits per person, why it made our list.
For the amount of coverage you get, Tin Leg’s Gold plan is competitively priced. It includes $500,000 in emergency medical benefits and another $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
Pros and cons
- Excellent $500,000 per person in primary emergency medical coverage.
- Very good emergency medical coverage of $500,000 per person.
- Eligible for pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if conditions are met.
- “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
- No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
- Hurricane and weather coverage kicks in only after a 48-hour delay.
- Lowest baggage and personal item loss coverage of our top-rated senior plans.
- Lowest travel delay coverage of our top-rated senior plans.
- No rental car coverage option.
Trawick International
![amex travel insurance for seniors Trawick International](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/02/20174018/trawick.png?width=300&fit=cover&format=webp)
Trawick International’s Safe Travels First Class policy is a relatively inexpensive option that comes with $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage and a high per person limit for baggage and personal items loss.
- Second-cheapest of our best senior plans.
- Best-in-class medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.
- Pre-existing condition coverage available if conditions are met.
- Baggage loss coverage of $2,000 per person is the best among our top senior plans.
- No “interruption for any reason” coverage upgrade available.
- Travel delay benefit takes 12 hours to kick in.
- Lower emergency medical benefit of $150,000 is secondary coverage.
Seven Corners
![amex travel insurance for seniors Seven Corners](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/02/20153943/seven-corners.png?width=300&fit=cover&format=webp)
Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan has high emergency medical and medical evacuation limits, as well as rare coverage for non-medical evacuation. In addition to “cancel for any reason” coverage, you can also pay extra for “interruption for any reason” coverage.
- Excellent $1 million emergency medical evacuation coverage plus $20,000 for non-medical evacuation.
- Great “interruption for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
- The most expensive of our top-rated senior travel insurance plans.
Generali Global Assistance
![amex travel insurance for seniors Generali Global Assistance](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/12/01024644/Generali-Global-Assistance.png?width=300&fit=cover&format=webp)
Generali Global Assistance’s premium plan offers trip interruption coverage of up to 175% of your trip cost. Most top-rated competitors offer a maximum of 150%.
- Top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
- Solid baggage loss coverage of $2,000 per person.
- “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
- Baggage must be delayed for 12 hours before benefits kick in.
- Missed connection coverage of $1,000 per person only applies to cruises and tours.
- Emergency medical expense benefit is secondary coverage.
![amex travel insurance for seniors Nationwide](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/02/20151214/nationwide.png?width=300&fit=cover&format=webp)
Nationwide Prime travel insurance offers an exceptional 200% coverage for trip interruption.
- If you need to cut your trip short for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed up to 200% of your prepaid trip cost.
- High travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day limit).
- “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% is available.
- Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
- No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
Compare the best travel insurance for seniors
![amex travel insurance for seniors Trawick International](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/02/20174018/trawick.png)
Via Compare Coverage’s website
![amex travel insurance for seniors Seven Corners](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/02/20153943/seven-corners.png)
Methodology
Our insurance experts analyzed cost and coverage data from 21 plans to determine the best senior travel insurance. For this rating, we only scored travel insurance plans that offer the option to buy “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .
The benefits we scored out of a possible 100 points include:
Cost: 50 points. We scored the average cost for each travel insurance policy for a variety of international trips and traveler profiles.
Medical expenses: 15 points. Travel insurance plans that offer travel medical expense benefits of $500,000 per person were given the highest amount of points.
Medical evacuation: 15 points. Travel insurance plans with emergency medical evacuation benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest number of points.
What is covered by travel insurance for seniors?
The best travel insurance bundles several types of insurance to provide financial protection before and during your trip.
A comprehensive senior travel insurance plan will include the following coverage types:
- Trip cancellation insurance .
- Trip delay insurance.
- Trip interruption insurance.
- Travel medical insurance.
- Emergency medical evacuation .
- Baggage loss and delay coverage.
What’s the most important travel insurance coverage for senior travelers?
Health is a top concern for older travelers. Travel insurance for senior citizens should have high coverage limits for trip interruption, travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.
“Since Medicare doesn’t provide coverage abroad, it’s important for senior travelers to pay close attention to policies’ medical benefits, including emergency medical, medical evacuation and pre-existing conditions,” said James Clark, a spokesperson for the travel-insurance comparison site Squaremouth, the company behind Tin Leg travel insurance.
Older travelers should also pay attention to whether a travel insurance plan’s emergency medical coverage is primary or secondary.
“When traveling outside the U.S., seniors should know that it’s recommended to purchase a travel insurance plan that includes primary emergency medical coverage,” said Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection vice president, Carol Mueller.
“Senior travelers on Medicare who purchase a travel insurance plan with secondary medical coverage will need to first try to get Medicare to cover their emergency travel medical expenses, which in many cases is limited to no coverage,” said Mueller. “Avoid the hassle and choose a travel insurance plan with primary medical coverage.”
How to choose the best senior travel insurance
Senior travelers shopping for travel insurance should look for plans with these benefits:
- Emergency medical expense coverage of at least $250,000. This pays for emergency medical expenses you incur during your trip and includes medical coverage for COVID-19.
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $500,000. This pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility for you to get the care you require when a physician says your illness or injury is severe enough to warrant it. Emergency medical evacuation coverage may also pay to fly a loved one to be with you and to fly you home for further treatment or recovery.
- Preexisting condition coverage. Some plans include a preexisting condition waiver as long as you buy travel insurance within a certain number of days of making your first trip deposit, you insure the full value of your trip and you are medically able to travel at the time of departure. Having a waiver will give you coverage for medical conditions documented in your health history in the 60 to 180 days before you buy your plan, with some exclusions.
- Trip interruption coverage of 150%. Trip interruption insurance reimburses you for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if your trip is unexpectedly interrupted while you’re in transit or at your destination. It can also cover travel costs associated with having to change your plans, such as needing to buy a last-minute economy ticket for a one-way flight home. Buying an extra ticket can push your claim over 100% of your original trip expenses, so it’s wise to look for a plan that reimburses up to 150%.
- “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available. For an additional cost, you can sometimes add “cancel for any reason” coverage to your travel insurance plan. This typically reimburses up to 75% of nonrefundable trip expenses if you decide not to travel for a reason not covered by your policy, as long as you cancel at least two days before you’re scheduled to travel.
How much does senior travel insurance cost?
The average cost of senior travel insurance is $434 per trip , based on our analysis of rates for older travelers. For senior trips with “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage, the average cost of travel insurance increases to $629.
Travel insurance for seniors typically costs around 7% to 9% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. Adding CFAR coverage can add 45% or more to that cost.
How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on the age of you and your fellow travelers, the length of your trip and the total of your nonrefundable trip costs.
Compare senior travel insurance rates
![amex travel insurance for seniors Tin Leg](https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/images/uploads/2023/02/20154515/tin-leg.png)
Average senior travel insurance costs are based on rates for international trips for travelers ages 65 and 70, with CFAR coverage and without. Travel insurance plans have different levels of benefits, which can account for price differences.
Travel smart: Find cheap travel insurance that meets your needs.
How to save money on travel insurance for seniors
Travel insurance companies don’t typically offer discounts. But if you can get a senior discount on any of your travel itself, you’ll have a smaller trip cost to insure. This will lower the cost of your senior travel insurance.
Getting quotes from multiple travel insurance providers is also a great way to save money. Every policy offers more coverage in some areas and less in others. Depending on what coverage is most important to you, certain policies will give you more value than others.
Get the coverage you need: What does travel insurance cover?
Is CFAR worth it for senior travelers?
CFAR coverage adds to the cost of your plan, but older travelers may want to consider a travel insurance policy with both trip cancellation insurance and “cancel for any reason” coverage, said Clark.
CFAR benefits offer maximum flexibility to cancel your plans due to illness, injury or any other reason and will reimburse a percentage of your nonrefundable trip costs, usually 50% or 75%. The only caveat is that you’ll need to cancel at least two days before you plan to travel.
When shopping for travel insurance, look for CFAR-related fine print. You often must buy CFAR within a certain number of days of making your first trip deposit, such as 14 days. You are also usually required to insure the full value of your nonrefundable trip expenses.
More travel insurance for seniors resources
- What is travel insurance ?
- What does travel insurance cover ?
- Average cost of travel insurance
- Is travel insurance worth it ?
- Best cruise travel insurance
Best senior travel insurance FAQs
If you rely on Medicare for health insurance and you’re traveling internationally, buying senior travel insurance with excellent emergency medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation benefits is a good idea.
“One of the most important considerations for travelers with existing health issues is to find a plan that offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver,” said Stan Sandberg, cofounder and CEO of TravelInsurance.com.
To qualify for the waiver, you’ll usually need to purchase your trip insurance policy within seven to 14 days of making your initial trip payment. Some premium policies may extend this coverage if you buy them before or within 24 hours of making your final trip payment, he said.
Even with a waiver, medical bills related to certain excluded conditions such as dementia or depression may not be covered, so read the policy carefully to see if your preexisting conditions qualify.
More: Is travel insurance worth it?
Tin Leg’s Gold plan and Trawick International’s Safe Travel First Class plan provide the best travel insurance for seniors for the price, according to our analysis. These are the only plans to merit 5 stars in our rating.
Yes, you can get travel insurance over 80, but it will cost you more.
Yes. If you’re shopping for travel insurance over 80, for instance, you’ll pay an average of 18% of your total trip cost. That is considerably higher than the average cost of travel insurance for a 30-year-old, which is only 5%.
Travel insurance for the elderly varies by insurer when it comes to upper age limits . If you are concerned about finding the best travel medical insurance for seniors over 7 0 , start with an online comparison site like Squaremouth where you only have to enter your age and trip details once to see which policies are available to you.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.
Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.
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The Guide to Senior Travel Insurance
![amex travel insurance for seniors Profile photo of Ramsey Qubein](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Ramsey-160x160.jpg)
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .
Table of Contents
The best senior travel insurance options
Tips for selecting travel insurance for seniors, what else seniors need to know about travel insurance, travel insurance for seniors, recapped.
Travel insurance is a smart way to protect the money you have invested in a big trip in case unforeseen hurdles stop you from traveling. Seemingly now more than ever, last-minute changes can disrupt a trip, and in some cases, the money spent on nonrefundable purchases is at risk. There are numerous travel insurance options for people older than 65, but it is important to understand the nuances of senior travel insurance.
Medical issues or situations at (or en route to) your destination can stifle even the best-laid plans. Many credit cards include travel insurance as one of their benefits. These plans can assist in the event of lost or delayed baggage, flight delays and cancellations, and other adjustments to a trip paid for with that particular card.
When buying supplemental senior citizen travel insurance, don’t rely on the default option presented by your travel provider. There are many considerations to take into account, like how far from home you plan to be, the potential for injury or sickness (including your pre-existing medical conditions), and what may already be covered by other insurance plans you have.
For example, medical evacuation may not be covered, but local transportation to a hospital may be. And remember that U.S. health plans or Medicare coverage are especially limited outside of the country.
Here are some options worth reviewing from a handful of insurance providers: Allianz, Medjet, Travelers and your specific travel provider.
Here are a select few senior travel insurance options for people 65 and older.
![amex travel insurance for seniors](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screen-Shot-2022-08-29-at-9.57.40-AM-320x83.png)
Allianz offers excellent coverage for travelers over 65. It can help make payments for medical treatments overseas, even in the local currency and their preferred payment methods, to keep you from paying out of pocket.
For longer trips, it offers an AllTrips Prime Plan in increments of three, six or 12 months (ideal if you plan to vacation elsewhere during the winter months, for example). This plan covers emergency medical transport. The company takes into account certain pre-existing medical conditions so be sure to read the fine print.
If you fall ill or need assistance during your travels, Medjet ’s supplemental coverage for medical transportation helps you get to your home or the hospital of your choice. It includes air medical transport. This is a membership program that covers emergencies and can be tacked onto trips or purchased annually. While not technically travel insurance, this company offers an additional medical transport option for emergencies.
This coverage can be helpful if you're planning to travel in remote or unfamiliar areas, such as on safaris, to secluded islands and other far-flung destinations.
» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?
Most other travel insurers might only get you to the nearest appropriate hospital facility. For travelers younger than 75, Medjet offers no pre-existing medical condition exclusions and it doesn't rule out the same number of activities that other providers might.
3. Travelers
With the option to buy an annual, multi-trip protector, Travelers insurance covers a whole year of trips with the option to upgrade several features. The add-ons include “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance and trip interruption coverage.
4. Your travel provider’s own plan
On certain types of trips, say a cruise or a Caribbean resort that is prone to hurricanes, using the travel provider’s recommended insurance can be a good bet. This coverage is usually offered as an add-on during the booking process, but it can also be added after the reservation.
Most likely, these policies are designed to cover delay or cancellation issues, but be sure to read the fine print to see if medical transportation or trip interruption is also included.
Choosing a provider of your own can make sense when planning your own travel (let’s say a honeymoon to Paris or the Maldives). If a cruise line or safari outfitter offers insurance of its own, that might be the most comprehensive when it comes to that particular provider’s operations.
» Learn more: The best cruise insurance
Deciding if you need travel insurance is the first hurdle. Next comes the task of selecting the right one without spending more than the cost of what you are actually trying to protect. These are some important tips to consider.
Compare plans
It is wise to compare the options available using aggregator websites like SquareMouth (a NerdWallet partner) and InsureMyTrip.com. These sites compare the options from dozens of different providers detailing what they do and do not cover.
Seeing the exclusions as well as considering them within the framework of your trip can help you select the best plan for your travel needs.
Consider existing coverage
Review your existing coverage, whether that is via your health insurance or any credit card protections you may have. Some of the benefits you might be paying extra for when getting supplemental travel insurance may already be covered.
Read the fine print
Don’t base your final decision on price, as sometimes the cheapest policy may be the most restrictive — and the most expensive policy may give you coverage for activities you won't even be doing.
What may seem like an inclusion may actually be disallowed due to a technicality (terrorist attack or war). If you’re not sure, pick up the phone and ask if your specific situation is covered.
Timing is key. The sooner you buy your travel insurance coverage, the more time you have to benefit from it. The price could also rise the closer you get to departure. If you wait until the departure date to buy it, you would be out of luck if the week before you get sick or the destination closes its borders. Buying insurance after an issue arises won't help you.
Travel insurance is a safe way to protect that sunken cost. Spending money on travel, even with the benefit of loyalty program miles and points to offset some of the cost, can be a significant investment. Chances are that you won’t even need it, but like other insurance policies, it can pay off in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Weigh the cost of potential expenses with the insurance plan. Canceling a rental car for a road trip may not be a big deal, but business class flights and a nonrefundable cruise might be.
Credit card coverage only protects you if you use that card to pay for your travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express also offer travel insurance benefits when paying with points, too. Terms apply. Using the right card for your trip can help save money on other potential travel insurance costs.
» Learn more: Best travel insurance options for older adventurers
What may seem like an unnecessary extra cost can actually help save the day in certain circumstances.
It can pay dividends to understand what your existing coverage includes (especially via a particular credit card) so that travelers over 65 make the most advantageous insurance decision for their trips.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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
![amex travel insurance for seniors Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1800,quality=85/cdn/images/marketplace/credit_cards/d89e10ed-e781-4d28-ae74-205056a10244/1cff93e8f8a62d1b2764b6845591fb1978a67de54a380773b1b72d9e12cd33de.jpg)
on Chase's website
1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
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1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
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1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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Personal Finance
Best travel insurance for seniors for 2024.
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Older people are among the country’s most frequent travelers. According to Squaremouth , an online travel insurance marketplace, age 60 and above is the most active age group for travel, with a nearly 37% share.
If you’re a senior—and whether you’re planning the trip of a lifetime or a short getaway—you may want to consider travel insurance. Travel is costly and can be complex. New concerns, such as COVID-19, add to traditional concerns, such as losing your luggage or having a problem with a tour provider. An insurance policy can protect your travel investment and ensure you have the coverage you need when far from home.
Travel insurance for seniors can be much more expensive than for younger travelers. A quote from Nationwide was 161% more expensive for a pair of 65-year-olds than for a pair of 30-year-olds. A quote from Seven Corners was 212% more expensive for the older couple! So you do owe it to yourself to shop around and make sure the policy you choose offers the coverages you need at a price that works for your travel budget.
Compare the best travel insurance for seniors
Our recommendations for the best travel insurance companies for seniors, best for spontaneous travel: aig travel guard.
![AIG AIG](https://time.com/personal-finance/static/bebe69ec402871c7626bc3ef8fa9adf6/3bdde/aig.png)
AIG Travel Guard
Pros & cons:.
- Pack N’ Go plan helps spontaneous travelers save money.
- Amount of medical coverage is on the lower end.
One of the great things about retirement is the ability to get up and go when you please. If spontaneous travel is your thing, AIG Travel Guard could be a great choice. Its Pack N’ Go plan helps you save money off the company’s already competitive pricing by eliminating trip cancellation coverage.
Best for annual plans: Allianz
![Allianz Allianz](https://time.com/personal-finance/static/7dccce21bb66a8710c8394c22d3ff25d/30a2e/allianz-logo.png)
Allianz Travel Insurance
- Wide variety of travel insurance plans, including annual plans.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions is included with all plans.
- Medical coverage is lower than that offered by other providers.
- Baggage coverage is lower than that offered by other providers.
If you travel a lot, you might consider purchasing an annual travel insurance plan. This provides coverage for all your travels in a 12-month period. And a great company to check with would be Allianz, which offers four levels of annual plans (in addition to five single-trip plans). With so many plan choices, you can likely find a policy that works for your coverage needs and budget.
Best for cruises: Berkshire Hathaway
![Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway](https://time.com/personal-finance/static/aef44afabdb7e70a113447d7608cadc9/920b1/berkshire-hathaway-logo.png)
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance
- Available travel insurance plan with cruise-specific coverages.
- Medical coverage is lower than that offered by other providers in our review.
If you’re planning to take a cruise, you’re not alone. The cruise industry is booming . Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance offers a cruise package that accounts for the financial risk of booking a cruise, including coverage for missed connections, cruise disablement, and cruise diversion. The plan also includes medical coverage and emergency evacuation coverage at higher levels than what is available with the company’s most economical travel insurance plan.
Best for medical coverage: Generali
![Generali Global Assistance Generali Global Assistance](https://time.com/personal-finance/static/23d5d88f6e98f90a68018f0844aacc78/4a56a/generali.png)
Generali Travel Insurance
- Up to $250,000 of medical expense coverage is available.
- Medical evacuation coverage is among the highest.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions not available with its most economical plan.
If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to pay close attention to your travel insurance medical coverage. The fact is, U.S. private health insurance does not typically provide coverage outside of the country and neither does Medicare. So if you become ill or get injured while traveling, you’ll need to rely on your travel insurance to cover the costs of any medical care.
Generali ’s most economical plan provides a generous $50,000 worth of medical coverage. This can be bumped up to $150,000 by choosing its mid-range plan or $250,000 with its top plan. The company also provides $250,000 of coverage for medical evacuation, which is among the highest levels of coverage in the plans we reviewed.
Best for budget travel: Nationwide
![Nationwide Nationwide](https://time.com/personal-finance/static/01fc1543c2ebcd9584ed2506c8308954/773f0/nationwide.png)
Nationwide Travel Insurance
- Lowest cost plan in our review.
- High level of medical coverage.
- Cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage is only available with its most expensive plan.
ons is included with all plans.
Nationwide is another company that offers multiple plan options (including annual), ensuring you find the coverage you need at a price that works for your budget. The company was also the lowest-cost provider in our review, making it a good choice for budget travel.
And with Nationwide, low cost doesn’t mean less coverage. Its $75,000 of medical coverage and $250,000 of medical evacuation coverage are on the high side.
Best for cancel-for-any-reason coverage: Seven Corners
![Seven Corners Seven Corners](https://time.com/personal-finance/static/4bde268b4cd3fa1d8c112502845afa0e/fce63/seven-corners-logo.png)
Seven Corners
- Optional CFAR coverage reimburses up to 75% of prepaid expenses.
- Medical coverage available with the most economical plan is the highest of any in our review.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available only with more expensive plans.
- Most expensive plan in our review.
COVID-19 remains a concern for many seniors. Most plans’ standard trip cancellation coverage doesn’t pay if you decide to cancel because COVID has flared up at your destination. For that kind of flexibility, you need cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage. CFAR can be added to Seven Corners ’s most economical plan for an extra fee ($204 in our quote). It provides reimbursement of up to 75% of your non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you decide to cancel because of concerns about COVID or any other reason not covered by your trip cancellation coverage.
Best for car damage insurance: John Hancock
![Travelex Travelex](https://time.com/personal-finance/static/0fb82a52e0d69558987d8dd0caca4120/3bdde/travelex-insurance.png)
Travelex Travel Insurance
- $50,000 car rental coverage available with all plans
- Optional cancel-for-any-reason coverage available with all plans for 50% of the plan cost
- John Hancock’s plan is one of the more expensive in our review
If your international trip includes driving, you’ll want to be sure you have coverage in case something happens to your rental car. While your personal car insurance policy may include coverage for driving a rental in the U.S. and Canada, it likely provides no coverage in other countries. (Be sure to talk to your agent or car insurance company before you travel to understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover.)
Most of the companies in our review offer optional rental car coverage; this includes John Hancock . Its generous $50,000 of coverage is available with even its cheapest travel plan, at an affordable $9 per day. That can help cover the cost of any damage that occurs while you’re out exploring.
Best for traveling with children: Travelex
- Children can be covered for no additional cost with the Travelex Select plan.
- Can upgrade to include car rental coverage.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions is not available with its most economical plan.
What better way to spoil your grandchildren than to take them on vacation? If you’re traveling with minor children, consider Travelex for your insurance needs. The Travelex Select plan includes free coverage for children under age 17, provided their costs do not exceed those of the adults on the policy.
Methodology
We reviewed plans from several leading travel insurance companies, relying on information gathered from company websites. Our review focused on trip coverages, medical expense coverages, and baggage coverages. We also noted which companies offered options such as coverage for pre-existing conditions and cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage. Be sure to check your policy to confirm which coverages and features are available with your plan.
Our cost information is based on quotes for each company’s lowest-cost policy. We quoted two 65-year-old travelers for a five-day trip to Hawaii in December 2023 valued at $8,000. These costs are provided for comparison purposes only. Your travel insurance costs will vary based on factors such as your number of covered travelers, destination, plan choice, and optional coverages.
How to choose the best travel insurance for seniors
Choosing travel insurance as a senior means paying attention to many of the same features and benefits as any other shopper. However, there may be some aspects of a policy that you’ll want to pay particular attention to, depending on your needs. Always be sure to review your policy documents carefully to understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover.
Here is a rundown of the main features of a travel insurance policy:
Trip coverages
The standard trip coverages are trip cancellation and trip interruption. These help reimburse your costs if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to an illness, accident, or other reason outlined in the policy. These coverages typically apply if a family member becomes ill, prompting you to cancel or cut short your trip—but check how “family” is defined, if you’re worried about a cousin or someone else not in your immediate family.
Note that these coverages typically do apply if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to departure. For example, a policy would likely pay a claim you file if you need to cancel your trip because you contract COVID-19 two days before leaving home. However, these coverages typically do not apply if there’s a sudden outbreak of COVID-19 (or any other illness) at your destination, and you decide not to travel. For that situation, you’d want to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage. CFAR, as the label implies, provides reimbursement regardless of why you cancel your plans.
Medical coverages
Travel insurance policies typically include emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation coverages. These reimburse your medical costs if you’re injured or become ill while traveling. Some travel insurance plans may deny claims if your injury happens as a result of an adventure sport or other risky activity. However, if you know you’re going to engage in one of these activities, you may be able to add this coverage as an option.
You may want to check if your policy offers a waiver for pre-existing medical conditions. This means that if you file a medical claim, the insurance company cannot examine your medical history to determine if that claim should be covered. Without this waiver, the company could deny a claim for a medical emergency related to a chronic condition.
Finally, keep in mind that private health insurance typically doesn’t provide coverage outside of the U.S. Public health insurance, such as Medicare and Medicaid, doesn’t provide international coverage either. It’s one more reason to make sure your travel insurance policy medical coverage is as robust as possible.
Baggage coverages
Having your luggage lost or stolen is a common frustration among travelers. With baggage coverage, you’ll be reimbursed if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed in transit. Most of the plans we reviewed provide several hundred dollars of coverage, which should help you pay to replace clothing and personal items so you can continue your travels comfortably.
Optional coverages
Depending on your needs, you may want to consider other optional coverages.
One such option is rental car coverage, which is offered by each of the providers in our review. Rental car coverage can be a much less costly option than choosing the collision and loss damage waiver offered by the rental car agent. And note that while the comprehensive and collision coverage on a personal car insurance policy often extend to rentals in the U.S., they do not extend to cars rented in other countries.
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How to get international travel insurance for seniors
Travel insurance is easy to shop for and buy. All of the companies in our review offer online quotes that you can receive in just minutes. The information you need to key in to get a quote is simple: The age of everyone in your party, where you live, your travel destination and dates, and the cost of your trip.
You can also consider using services such as Travelinsurance.com or Squaremouth . These act as online insurance brokers that provide quotes from multiple insurance companies. You only need to key in your information once to get a wide range of plans and prices.
What factors determine the cost of travel insurance for seniors?
Your travel insurance cost can be affected by several features. These include:
- Number of travelers in your party.
- Traveler age.
- Destination.
- Cost of trip.
- Plan and optional coverage selections.
As with any type of insurance, you owe it to yourself to shop around. Note that there is a $198 difference between the most and least expensive plans in our review. Just make sure that you’re getting the coverage you need for your travels.
TIME Stamp: Consider buying insurance if you have travel plans
Many seniors love to travel. If you’re of that age and have travel plans, consider travel insurance. A policy provides financial protection in the event you have to cancel your trip and provides important medical coverage wherever your travels take you. Bon voyage!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How can seniors save on travel insurance.
To save on travel insurance (at any age), shop around. You’ll find that plans vary in cost among providers.
You should also see if your credit card offers any travel insurance benefits, such as car rental insurance . You may find that your card provides coverage for the entire cost of your trip, or that you can supplement it with a basic plan from one of the insurers in our review.
What travel insurance is best for seniors?
The best travel insurance for a senior depends on the traveler’s coverage needs and budget. Each of the providers in our review offers multiple plans at different prices. They also offer options to customize coverage.
Should seniors buy travel insurance?
Seniors should strongly consider buying travel insurance before leaving home. Even the most intrepid senior traveler has heightened concerns that younger travelers may not share, such as the need for medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage, or coverage that can apply if a destination experiences a flare-up of COVID-19 or other infectious disease.
Can a 70-year-old get travel insurance?
Yes. Many travel insurance companies offer plans for those 70 and older.
The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page .
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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors – Plans & Cost
Home | Travel | Best Travel Insurance for Seniors – Plans & Cost
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Travel insurance for seniors is a must-have if you’re doing any traveling as a senior citizen. After all, you’re probably planning more international adventures than ever now that you have the financial resources and free time. Whether you’ll be traveling with a tour group, going on a cruise, or embarking on a solo adventure, you still need to make sure that you’re covered by senior travel insurance when you go abroad.
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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors – Plans & Cost
Getting coverage for pre-existing conditions is especially important at this age. If you have any kind of long-term health condition, be sure to purchase travel insurance for pre-existing conditions because, unfortunately, not every travel insurance offers this type of coverage.
Fortunately, however, all four of the best senior travel insurance plans I’ll be discussing below include pre-existing condition coverage. I’ll also explain coverage and age limits, deductibles, and extra features, including cruise coverage, so you can select the travel insurance for seniors that best suits your needs and budget.
Best travel insurance companies for seniors
In summary, these are the companies that offer the best senior travel insurance plans :
- Trawick International , the best travel insurance for seniors
- IMG , an inexpensive travel medical insurance for seniors
- AIG Travel Guard , a good basic travel insurance for seniors
- World Trips , a great travel insurance for the elderly
How much does travel insurance cost for seniors?
The price of senior travel insurance is based on a number of factors, including your age, nationality, and destination. The length and cost of your trip will also affect your senior travel insurance price.
Moreover, each company that offers travel insurance for seniors determines prices differently, so some may be more inherently expensive than others. I’ve used the example of a 70-year-old American from Pennsylvania who is going to Mexico for a week and whose trip costs $2,500 in order to generate quotes.
*choice of maximum amounts of coverage and this is the highest option with a $0 deductible
** cost used for example
1. Trawick International , the best travel insurance for seniors
If you want senior travel insurance with quality coverage for a relatively affordable price, look no further than Trawick International . Out of all the plans I compared, Trawick’s Safe Travels First Class plan offers the highest amount of coverage in all categories. Even better, it also includes cruise coverage and pre-existing condition coverage (as long as the plan is purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit).
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Other perks of this travel insurance for seniors include COVID-19 coverage and a $0 deductible for medical expenses. You can even add CFAR coverage, otherwise known as cancel for any reason coverage if you’d like to be able to cancel your trip for any reason that would otherwise not be covered by your insurance.
With a maximum age limit of 100 for customer coverage, the Safe Travels First Class plan is suitable for just about any senior who wants foreign travel insurance for senior citizens . However, if you’d like to save a little money, IMG may be a better choice for you, particularly if you only need travel medical insurance for seniors .
2. IMG , an inexpensive travel medical insurance for seniors
Another top-rated travel insurance for seniors is IMG ’s GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip plan. This affordable travel medical insurance for seniors gives you the flexibility of choosing your deductible (the amount of money you have to pay before insurance will cover your medical bills) and maximum amount of coverage, so you can customize the plan to fit your needs and budget.
Seniors of any age can choose from deductibles of $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, or $2,500. 65- to 79-year-olds can opt for maximum coverage amounts of $50,000, $100,00, $500,000, or $1,000,000, while seniors who are 80+ can only choose between $50,000 and $100,000 worth of coverage. Generally, the higher the deductible you select, the more affordable your senior travel insurance price will be, whereas the higher the coverage amount you choose, the more expensive your travel insurance will be.
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Just keep in mind that certain amounts of coverage automatically come with a deductible (for example, with $1,000,000 worth of coverage, you must have a deductible of at least $250). Additionally, you can only select a $0 deductible for plans with $50,000 or $100,000 worth of coverage.
Beyond providing flexible deductible and coverage options, the GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip plan also offers cruise, COVID-19, and pre-existing condition coverage. However, because this plan is travel medical insurance , trip cancellation coverage is not included. This isn’t a problem if you just need travel medical coverage, but if you’d like the added security of knowing you can get reimbursed for canceling your trip, go for Trawick ’s senior travel insurance .
3. AIG Travel Guard , a good basic travel insurance for seniors
AIG Travel Guard ’s Essential plan is perfect for any retiree looking for reliable travel insurance for seniors over 65 . This plan not only provides a decent amount of coverage in all categories, but it also features a $0 deductible for medical expenses.
![AIG Travel Guard, travel insurance for seniors AIG Travel Guard, reliable travel insurance for seniors over 65](https://imgcap.capturetheatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Travel-guard-travel-insurance.jpg)
Moreover, the Essential plan includes COVID-19, pre-existing conditions, and cruise coverage. Best of all, travelers of any age can purchase this plan, since customers aged 100 and over are covered.
Even with all of these benefits, you can, in fact, get senior travel insurance with a higher amount of coverage for a more affordable price with Trawick . As such, I would only recommend purchasing travel insurance for seniors from AIG if you are over the age of 100 since Trawick only covers customers up to age 100.
4. World Trips , a great travel insurance for the elderly
Travel insurance isn’t just for international travel. World Trips offers both great domestic travel insurance and international travel insurance for seniors . Their Atlas Journey Economy plan includes good coverage in all categories, a $0 deductible, and COVID-19 coverage.
![World Trips, travel medical insurance for seniors World Trips, international travel insurance for seniors](https://imgcap.capturetheatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/world-trips-health-insurance-for-travel-to-mexico.jpg)
Furthermore, the plan also provides cruise coverage and coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as the plan is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip payment. Even better, travelers of any age can purchase this senior travel insurance plan.
However, World Trips’ Atlas Journey Economy plan is the most expensive of the four I compared, so if you want to save money and get even better medical expense coverage, Trawick and IMG are better options.
What is the best travel insurance for seniors?
Ultimately, the best travel insurance for seniors is the plan that fits your needs, budget, and travel itinerary. Generally speaking, however, Trawick International offers the best all-around senior travel insurance plan , since it offers good value for money while still being affordable.
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On the other hand, if you want affordable travel medical insurance for seniors , IMG is your best bet. No matter what plan you select, be sure to purchase at least some kind of senior travel insurance coverage before your trip. After all, having travel insurance is almost always worth it .
Enjoy your world travels!
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PLATINUM INSURANCE
Travel insurance benefits for you, your Supplementary Cardmembers, from the moment you use your card for a trip, rent a car or purchase an item.
Terms and conditions apply
If you need Baggage Assistance
In the event that your checked baggage is lost by a commercial carrier, Platinum Travel Assistance will make every effort to track down your missing luggage and keep you posted on their progress. Should Platinum Travel Assistance not be able to recover your luggage, you will be reimbursed up to a maximum of US$1,200 per trip.
WHO'S COVERED? Platinum Travel Assistance services are provided by AXA Assistance USA, a division of the AXA Group, are given the name of Platinum Travel Assistance and are valid only for American Express International Dollar Platinum Card Members or the Additional Card Members. The Platinum Travel Assistance services will be valid only during the time in which the American Express Platinum Card account continues active and in good standing.
Platinum Travel Assistance is underwritten by AXA Assistance USA Coverage is determined by the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of service and is subject to change without notice.
KEY EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS Depending on the case, different coverage may apply. The coverage provided by AXA Assistance USA is restricted to emergent situations that arise directly and independently of all other causes.
If you experience a delay on your journey, missed a connection or overbooked flight
The Travel Inconvenience Insurance Plan provides benefits in the event of: Missed Departures and Missed Connections; delay, cancellation or overbooked flights; and Luggage Delay and Extended Luggage Delay when the Covered Trip is purchased and charged to your American Express International Dollar Card (IDC).
- Up to US$250 per covered person for alternate travel, restaurant meals or refreshments
- Up to US$1,000 if your baggage is delayed after four hours for purchasing of essential clothing.
WHO'S COVERED?
You are eligible for coverage if you are an American Express International Dollar Card Platinum Card Member.
The Travel Inconvenience Insurance Plan is underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America Administrative Office, The Corporate Center 33 Resolución Street, Suite 500 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00920-2707. Coverage is determined by the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of policy 58US3760 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the policy.
KEY EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS
In no event will duplicate or multiple American Express Cards obligate the Company in excess of the limit stated herein for expenses incurred by any one individual Covered Person as a result of any one incident covered under this Policy.
EXCLUSIONS The Policy does not cover
1) additional costs where the airline, rail or ship operator has offered alternative travel arrangements and these have been refused or where the Covered Person has voluntarily accepted compensation from the airline, train or ship operator in exchange for not traveling on an overbooked flight.
2) Claims where the Covered Person has failed to obtain a Property Irregularity Report from the relevant airline authorities of missing baggage at scheduled destination.
3) Industrial Action which has commenced or has been announced prior to booking your Covered Trip.
4) Covered Trips in, or booked to, countries where a government agency has advised against traveling or which are officially under embargo by the United Nations.
5) Any fraudulent, dishonest or criminal act committed by the Covered Person, or any with whom the Covered Person is in collusion.
6) Terrorist activities except while on a public vehicle.
7) Declared or undeclared war or hostilities.
8) Biological, chemical, nuclear or radioactive incidents.
If you need Medical Assistance
Should you have a medical emergency while traveling, Platinum Travel Assistance can provide you with medical assistance in consultation with local treating physicians. Medical visits to your hotel can also be arranged, depending on the circumstances and the resources available in each country. This assistance includes the following benefits per trip among others*:
- US$100,000 for emergency medical transportation**
- US$250,000 for emergency medical services
- US$1,000 for emergency dental treatment
- US$1,000 for prescription expenses
*Benefit limits apply. Please read important exclusions, restrictions and Terms and Conditions . Card Members whose permanent address of residence is in Spain or Switzerland are not eligible for Platinum Travel Assistance.
**While traveling more than 100KMs away from home in the same country of residence, only the emergency medical transportation service is available
If you suffer serious injury on your trip
Travel Accident Insurance offers a coverage of up to US$500,000 in case of accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a Common Carrier Conveyance (plane, train, ship or bus), when the entire fare has been charged to The Platinum Card.
WHO IS COVERED? A person shall be a Covered Person under the Master Policy No. 58US3199 only if: He or she is: a. a Basic or Additional Card Member who has the International Dollar Card Platinum Card issued by American Express Travel Related Services (“American Express”) in his or her name; or b. the legally married spouse or Dependent Child under age 23 of any eligible person described in a) above. For the purpose of this Policy, a common law marriage is not considered a legal marriage. Dependent Child means a legally dependent child, including a stepchild or legally adopted child of any eligible person described in a) or b) above; and who is wholly dependent on such eligible person(s) for financial support.
Travel Accident Insurance Plan is underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America, Administrative Office, Doral Bank Center Calle Resolución #33, Suite 500, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00920. Coverage is determined by the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of policy No. 58US3199 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the policy.
KEY EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS The Policy does not cover any Loss caused or contributed to by:
- suicide or self-destruction or any attempt threat;
- war or any act of war whether declared or undeclared;
- injury to which a contributory cause was the commission of or attempt to commit, an illegal act by or on behalf of the Covered Person or his or her beneficiaries;
- injury received while serving as an operator or crew member of any conveyance.
If you need Legal Assistance
Platinum Travel Assistance can put you in contact with a lawyer in the country in which you are traveling. Should you need legal defense, Platinum Travel Assistance will provide legal assistance in the form of advanced legal and bail fees, up to US$10,000 per trip. All legal assistance funds advanced will be charged to your Platinum Card account automatically.
WHO IS COVERED?
Platinum Travel Assistance. The Travel Assistance services are provided by AXA Assistance USA, Inc. ("AXA"), an AXA Group company, are given the name of Platinum Travel Assistance and are valid only for American Express International Dollar Card Platinum Card Members or the Additional Card Members. The Platinum Travel Assistance services will be valid only during the time in which the American Express Platinum Card account is active and in good standing.
The use of the Platinum Travel Assistance Service implies that the Basic Card member understands and accepts the General Conditions.
KEY EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS The following general terms and conditions are in effect when services are provided by AXA and/or vendors and providers through which services are coordinated on behalf of the Card Member while traveling outside of his or her country of permanent residence or when 100 KMs away from home. The services provided by AXA are restricted to emergency situations that arise directly and independently of all other causes, resulting in external bodily injury, of violent and/or accidental means or of a medical condition which is sudden, unanticipated and urgent which requires immediate medical or surgical evaluation or treatment to provide relief of acute pain and suffering
If you are renting a vehicle
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance reimburses a Card Member for payments for damage to or theft of a Rental Auto that the Card Member is required to make, up to the lesser of:
- the actual cost to repair the Rental Auto, or
- the published Book value or, if not available, the purchase invoice price of the Rental Auto minus salvage and depreciation costs, or
- fair market commercial value of the Rental Auto.
The coverage also reimburses the Card Member for reasonable charges (those charges incurred at the closest facility that are usual and customary in the vicinity in which the loss or disablement took place) imposed by the Rental Company, such as towing, storage, loss of use (loss of use means proven loss of income to the Commercial Car Rental Company where no additional sources of income exist to offset this loss. Reasonable and customary charges are substantiated by documentation supporting loss of use such as fleet utilization logs; loss of use does not include Commercial Car Rental Company administrative fees), which the Rental Company would not have imposed had the Card Member accepted its full CDW, or partial collision damage waiver. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance covers no other type of loss. For example, in the event of a collision involving the Card Member’s Rental Auto, damage to any other driver’s car or the Injury of anyone or anything is not covered. Note: This policy does not provide liability coverage for Uninsured Motorists; benefits under any Worker’s Compensation law, Disability benefits law or other mandated Government Plans.
Certain restrictions apply. Some vehicles are not covered.
WHO IS COVERED? Any individual who has been issued an American Express IDC Platinum Card and who has an American Express Card Account.
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance Plan is underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America, Administrative Office, Doral Bank Center Calle Resolución #33, Suite 500, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00920. Coverage is determined by the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of Policy No. 58US3775 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the policy.
KEY EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS Vehicles Not Covered Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance does not cover rentals of:
- expensive cars, which means cars with an original manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $50,000 or more when new;
- exotic cars regardless of year or value, including but not limited to Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota Supra,Mazda RX-7, Dodge Viper and Stealth, Plymouth Prowler, Mitsubishi 3000 GT, Nissan 300 ZX, Jaguar XJS, Acura NSX,Mercedes SL, SLK, S Coupe and E320 Coupe and Convertible, BMWM3, Z3 and 8 Series, Cadillac Allante and all Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Aston Martin, Lotus, Bugatti, Vector, Shelby Cobra, Bentley, Rolls Royce;
- trucks, pick-ups, cargo vans, custom vans;
- full-sized vans, including but not limited to, Ford Econoline or ClubWagon, Chevy Van or Sportvan, GMC Vandura and Rally, Dodge Ram Vans and RamWagon;
- vehicles which have been customized or modified from the manufacturer’s factory specifications except for driver’s assistance equipment for the physically challenged;
- vehicles used for hire or commercial purposes;
- mini-vans used for commercial hire; Note: PassengerMini-Vans (Not CargoMini-Vans) with factory specified seating capacity of 8 passengers or less, including but not limited to, Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, FordWindstar and Nissan Quest, are covered when rented for personal or business use only.
- antique cars, which means cars that are 20 years old or have not been manufactured for 10 or more years;
- limousines;
- full sized sport utility vehicles, including but not limited to, Chevrolet/GMC Suburban, Tahoe and Yukon, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX450, Range Rover or fullsized Ford Bronco;
- sport/utility vehicles when driven “off-road”; and Note: Compact sport/utility vehicles, including but not limited to Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Four Runner, Chevrolet Blazer and Isuzu Trooper and Rodeo are covered when driven on paved roads.
- off-road vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, recreational vehicles, golf or motorized carts, campers, trailers and any other vehicle which is not a Rental Auto.
If you need to protect your purchases
Purchase Protection provides coverage for your purchases for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase when you charge any portion of the price of the purchased item to your Account. You will be reimbursed only for the amount charged to your Account.
Purchase Protection Program is underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America Administrative Office, The Corporate Center 33 Resolución Street, Suite 500 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00920-2707. Coverage is determined by the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of policy 58US3762 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the policy.
KEY EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS Benefits are not payable if the loss for which coverage is sought was directly or indirectly, wholly or partially, contributed to or caused by:
- Intentional damage to the covered item;
- war or any act of war, whether declared or undeclared;
- any activity directly related to and occurring while in the service of any armed military force of any nation state recognized by the United Nations;
- participation in a riot, civil disturbance, protest or insurrection;
- violation of a criminal law, offense or infraction by the Cardmember;
- natural disasters, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, floods, tornados, earthquakes or any other event in the course of nature, that occurs at the same time or in separate instances;
- fraud or abuse or illegal activity of any kind by the Cardmember;
- confiscation by any governmental authority, public authority, or customs official;
- negligent failure of a duty to care by any third party in whose possession the property purchased by a Cardmember has been temporarily placed;
- not being reasonably safeguarded by You;
- theft from baggage not carried by hand and under Your personal supervision or under the supervision of a traveling companion known by You;
- damage through alteration (including, but not limited to, cutting, sawing and shaping);
- normal wear and tear, inherent product defect or manufacturer's defects or normal course of play;
- damage or theft while under the care and control of a common carrier;
- food spoilage;
- leaving property at an unoccupied construction site; or
- purchases lost or misplaced.
Deductible applicable to Purchase Protection Cover $75 per claim
If you need to extend the warranty of your purchases
Extended Warranty will extend the terms of the Original Warranty for a period of time equal to the duration of the Original Warranty, up to one (1) additional year on warranties of five (5) years or less that are eligible in a Covered Territory*.
The coverage provided under this benefit is EXCESS of other sources of indemnity.
*Covered Territory means the 50 States of the United States of America, District of Columbia Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of the United States.
Extended Warranty Program is underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America Administrative Office, The Corporate Center 33 Resolución Street, Suite 500 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00920-2707. Coverage is determined by the Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions of policy 58US3763 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the policy.
KEY EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS Benefits are not payable if the Loss for which coverage is sought was directly or indirectly wholly or partially, contributed to or caused by:
- any physical damage, including, but not limited to, damage as a direct result of natural disaster or a power surge, except to the extent the Original Warranty covers such damage;
- mechanical failure covered under product recall; or
- fraud or abuse or illegal activity of any kind by the Cardmember
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Descriptions of Platinum Card® insurance coverages are provided on this Web site for informational purposes only. The Terms and Conditions provide complete coverage information and supersede all other sources.
To review Terms and Conditions, please download
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American Express Travel Insurance (2024 Guide)
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Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies
- AmEx offers travel insurance policies for single-trips to card holders
- The perks include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage delay and car rental collision coverage, which can protect you before and during your travels booked with a qualifying Amex card.
- Travel insurance policies vary depending on the credit card
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Our Thoughts on American Express Travel Insurance
American Express offers complimentary travel benefits through qualifying Amex cards when you purchase trip expenses using your card. Benefits include trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, baggage coverage, car rental and collision protection and global assist hotline services to cardholders, family members and traveling companions. American Express also offers standard travel insurance policies that non-cardholders can purchase.
We appreciate how American Express offers a unique travel benefit with car rental collision damage. Based on our research, this coverage isn’t typically included with a standard travel insurance policy. We also like how Amex’s Premium Global Assist Hotline may offer emergency medical transport and repatriation services at no cost to the cardholder. However, like most other credit cards, you will be subject to an annual fee that’s dependent on your card. In addition, not all Amex cards offer the same maximum amount of free travel benefits.
If you currently have an Amex card with travel insurance perks, we recommend comparing its travel coverage with standard plans offered by competitors. To help you choose the travel protection that best fits you, consider your unique needs when deciding on coverage.
American Express Travel Insurance vs. Amex Credit Card Complimentary Travel Insurance
In addition to its complimentary travel insurance perks offered through various credit cards, American Express offers standalone policies for purchase. Note that you can purchase the company’s travel insurance policies even if you don’t have an American Express card. You’ll find four different plans and a custom plan option, making it easy to tailor coverage to suit a variety of travelers.
Amex complimentary travel insurance benefits are best for travelers who already hold an American Express card, as they come at no extra cost to cardholders. Depending on your specific Amex card, benefits can include baggage, car rental loss and damage, trip delay, trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency hotline benefits. Some cards, such as the Platinum and Centurion Card, may offer all available benefits. Other Amex cards may only provide one or two. Unlike Amex’s standalone travel insurance policies, its baked-in benefits for cardholders don’t include emergency medical coverage.
How To Qualify for American Express Travel Insurance
Qualifying for American Express travel insurance benefits as an Amex card member is simple. However, you will need to visit the American Express retail and travel benefits page to learn if your exact card offers any travel insurance benefits. Various personal, business and corporate Amex cards qualify for travel insurance benefits, which we’ll detail further in this article.
If you own an Amex card with travel insurance benefits, you must book any nonrefundable travel expenses using your Amex card to qualify for reimbursement. Travelers eligible for these benefits include cardholders, family members and traveling companions who purchase a covered trip using an eligible card. If you’d like more coverage than American Express offers through its travel insurance benefits, the company provides “top-up options,” which are additional coverage limits available for purchase.
If you don’t own an Amex card, you can still apply for travel coverage through Amex Travel Insurance. You can get a free policy quote online through the American Express webpage or by calling customer service and speaking with a representative.
How Does Amex Travel Insurance Work?
American Express travel insurance benefits provide various protections for qualifying cardholders, offering coverage for trip cancellation, baggage delay, car rental collision and more. Amex cardholders also receive 24/7 Global Assist Hotline or Premium Global Assist Hotline services, which provide travel and emergency assistance services if you need help during covered travels.
American Express notes that it doesn’t administer all travel benefits associated with qualifying Amex cards. New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company, covers trip delay, cancellation and interruption benefits. AMEX Assurance Company, a subsidiary of American Express, provides car rental loss, damage coverage and baggage insurance. American Express states that coverage is subject to certain terms, conditions and limitations, with coverage considered secondary to any primary coverages you may have through other companies associated with your travels.
American Express Credit Card Travel Insurance Benefits
Many American Express credit cards come with various travel insurance benefits when you book and pay for your trip expenses using your Amex card. Unlike the travel insurance policies sold through American Express, these benefits are accessible to cardholders for qualifying trips.
![amex travel insurance for seniors amex travel insurance for seniors](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Amex-Travel-Insurance-Travel-Benefits.jpg)
The following sections offer a closer look at these coverages, including what they entail, monetary limits and which Amex cards offer each coverage.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses in two scenarios: if you need to cancel your trip for a reason covered under your policy, and if you need to cut your vacation short and return home for a covered situation. This benefit applies to all eligible travelers if you pay for your travel expenses (including flights and cruises ) using a qualifying Amex card. Note that if you book a trip with Amex Membership Reward Points, you’ll also be eligible for reimbursement.
The maximum reimbursement for trip cancellations and interruptions is the same across all Amex cards with this travel benefit. You’ll receive up to $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive months. American Express considers this coverage secondary, meaning any other applicable insurance or benefits provided through your travel supplier will apply before Amex coverage.
American Express lists accidental injuries, illnesses, acts of terrorism, unpostponable jury duty, military orders and more to be covered reasons for trip cancellation or interruption. We encourage you to carefully read through your Amex card’s specific policy terms to ensure you understand what scenarios are included and excluded from coverage.
The following Amex cards offer trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits:
- Centurion ® Card from American Express
- The Platinum Card ®
- Corporate Platinum Card ®
- The American Express Platinum Card ® for Schwab
- The Platinum Card ® from American Express for Goldman Sachs
- The Platinum Card ® from American Express for Morgan Stanley
- Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Credit Card
- HIlton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ™ American Express ® Card
- Business Centurion ® Card from American Express
- Business Platinum Card ®
- Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve for Business Credit Card
- The Corporate Centurion ® Card from American Express
Trip delay insurance coverage provides protection when your plane, bus, train or other type of transport experiences a delay. This benefit can extend to hotel rooms, meals and other necessities while you wait for your travels to resume. Covered delays accepted by American Express include delays caused by weather, lost or stolen passports, carrier equipment failure and more. Intentional acts by the traveler are excluded from this coverage.
There are 20 different Amex cards that offer trip delay insurance. American Express determines reimbursement rates by the Amex card you hold, but the allotted claims frequency remains the same across all applicable cards — two claims per 12-month period. You must notify the administrator of your claim within 60 days of your covered loss. Cards that provide $500 per covered trip and a delay threshold requirement of six hours include:
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Cards that provide $300 per covered trip and a delay threshold requirement of 12 hours include:
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy ™ American Express ® Card
- American Express ® Gold Card
- American Express ® Green Card
- Platinum Delta SkyMiles ® Credit Card
- American Express ® Business Gold Card
- Platinum Delta SkyMiles ® Business Credit Card
Baggage Delay or Loss
Baggage coverage can reimburse you for items in your travel bags if they are lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during transit. Most travel insurance companies offer plans that include this coverage, but coverage limits vary between providers. If you plan on traveling with expensive items in your luggage, you may want to consider a baggage insurance policy with high delay and loss limits.
Each Amex card offering baggage delay or loss coverage has a combined maximum payout of $3,000 per person. Carry-on baggage, checked luggage and high-end items may have different maximum limits depending on your Amex card. Regardless of your card and its limits, you must file a claim within 30 days of baggage loss.
Car Rental Collision Damage
Car rental collision damage coverage is a unique protection, as not all travel insurance providers offer it. It can cover any damage from a collision or theft incurred on a rental vehicle if you pay for the entire rental using your Amex card. Note that you need to forgo the car rental insurance offered by the rental company. Over 60 different Amex cards offer car rental loss and damage insurance, with varying reimbursement maximums depending on your card.
American Express offers two tiers of car rental loss and damage insurance: Tier 1 offers $50,000 in total coverage, and Tier 2 offers $75,000. This Amex travel benefit also provides accidental death and dismemberment, accidental injury and car rental personal property coverage for Tier 2 cards. Exclusions include drivers not named “authorized drivers” on your rental agreement, rentals lasting longer than 30 days and more.
Global Assist and Premium Global Assist Hotlines
American Express provides Global Assist and Premium Global Assist Hotlines to 73 different cards. Each type of assistance is available 24/7 to cardholders, but the assistance you qualify for depends on your card.
Global Assist Hotline services can help you prepare for your trip before leaving by offering information on customs, foreign exchange rates, passport and visa information and more. You can also benefit from lost passport or travel document replacement assistance, translation services, medical assistance and more. Note that while these services are free of charge, charges associated with third-party referrals will be your responsibility as a cardholder.
The American Express Premium Global Assist Hotline offers the same services as Global Assist, with a few extra perks. While Global Assist will provide administrative services for emergency medical transportation and repatriation of mortal remains, Premium Global Assist may offer the actual services — at no cost to the cardholder — depending on eligibility. It can also assist with medical financial coordination, which standard Global Assist doesn’t offer.
To qualify for Global Assist and Premium Global Assist benefits, you must be a cardmember in good standing with a trip originating from your U.S. billing address within the past 90 days. In addition, you must be traveling more than 100 miles from your home address. If you’re traveling to Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea or Crimea, you are ineligible for these assistance services.
Cards that provide Premium Global Assist include:
- Platinum Card ® from American Express
- Business Platinum Card ®
- Corporate Centurion ® Card from American Express
- Corporate Platinum ® Card
American Express Travel Insurance Plans
Amex cardholders and non-cardholders alike can purchase Amex Travel Insurance plans. Similar to standard plans from providers like Seven Corners and Trawick International , these plans cover emergency medical services, trip cancellations, trip interruptions, lost or delayed baggage and more. Some coverages are also offered through Amex travel benefits, while others are unique to the company’s travel insurance policies.
![amex travel insurance for seniors Screenshot of quotes for the AmEx travel insurance plans](https://d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Amex-Travel-Insurance-American-Express-Travel-Insurance-Plans.jpg)
Purchasing a plan is straightforward — you can either use the quote tool provided on the American Express website or contact a customer service representative for assistance. When shopping, you’ll have your choice of four plans — Basic, Silver, Gold and Platinum — in addition to a custom plan option. The next few sections provide more information on the coverage provided through American Express travel insurance policies.
Global Medical Protection
Global medical protection provides medical, dental, evacuation and repatriation coverage up to a fixed amount. Emergency medical and dental coverage is valid for the first 60 days of your trip. Emergency evacuation benefits cover the cost and help arrange emergency transportation to a capable medical facility. It also covers the cost of a visitor’s transport to a covered person’s bedside if hospitalization lasts more than five days.
Travel Accident Protection
Travel accident protection provides coverage for an accident resulting in death or dismemberment at any point during your trip, from the moment you leave home to the moment you arrive back. This coverage isn’t available with the American Express Basic travel insurance plan but comes with a Silver, Gold or Platinum plan.
24-Hour Travel Assistance
This benefit comes with every travel insurance policy purchased through American Express. It provides worldwide access to a 14-hour hotline that offers travel support before and during your trip. American Express also provides this benefit through Amex prepaid, reloadable cards.
Benefits Included With Amex Credit Card Coverage
Several coverages provided through an American Express Travel Insurance plan are also perks with qualifying Amex credit cards. However, coverage limits will vary. Whether you purchase a policy or use your Amex travel perks, it’s important to understand the limitations and restrictions outlined for each coverage.
Trip cancellation and interruption benefits can reimburse nonrefundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip before it starts or if it’s interrupted for a covered reason outlined in your policy. Coverage limits for each plan are as follows:
- Basic : Up to $1,000 in trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Silver : Up to 100% of trip costs for cancellation and interruption coverage
- Gold : Up to 100% of trip costs for cancellation and 150% for interruption coverage
- Platinum : Up to 100% of trip costs for cancellation and 150% for interruption coverage
Global Baggage Protection
Global baggage protection offers reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen baggage. This applies to checked baggage, carry-on baggage, or baggage on your hotel or cruise property. If your baggage is delayed, you can receive reimbursement for essential items you need replaced. Coverage limits for each plan include:
- Basic : Up to $250 for baggage loss and up to $100 for a 24-hour delay
- Silver : Up to $500 for baggage loss and up to $300 for a 6-hour delay
- Gold : Up to $1,000 for baggage loss and up to $300 for a 6-hour delay
- Platinum : Up to $2,500 for baggage loss and up to $500 for a 3-hour delay
Global Trip Delay
Global trip delay coverage protects delayed travel, covering lodging, meals and other necessary expenses. Covered travel scenarios include overbooked flights, missed flight connections and delayed or canceled flights . Included coverage limits are:
- Basic : Not included
- Silver : Up to $150 per day, maximum of $500 per trip
- Gold : Up to $150 per day, maximum of $750 per trip
- Platinum : Up to $300 per day, maximum of $1,000 per trip
How To File a Travel Insurance Claim With American Express
If you’ve purchased an American Express Travel Insurance policy and need to file a claim, you can contact your administrator in three ways. You can use the claims phone number or address found in your Certificate of Insurance/Policy or the claims portal through the American Express website. If you cannot locate your Certificate of Insurance or Policy, you can email the company to request an additional copy.
During your travels, keep track of any receipts, police reports, medical bills and other documents you might need to provide in the event of a claim. The exact documents required will depend on the benefit for which you’re filing a claim. American Express directs policyholders to your Certificate of Insurance/Policy for specific information. Still, it also notes that the company’s claims department will share the documents needed to validate your claim. Note that American Express outlines specific time requirements for filing a claim within your policy, with requirements varying by coverage.
Should You Get an American Express Credit Card For Travel Insurance?
Signing up for an American Express credit card for travel insurance benefits is a personal decision, but it’s not your only option. You can purchase a policy through American Express Travel Insurance or another standard insurer, such as Travelex or Faye , without taking on the responsibility of a new credit card. Benefits offered through Amex travel perks or their standard travel insurance policies may not suit your coverage needs, as the company lacks cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage and other protections provided by other insurers.
If you already have an Amex card and feel the travel perks provided satisfy your needs, booking your vacation with your card is all you need to do to enjoy these benefits. However, whether you have an American Express card or another card with travel insurance perks, we encourage you to gather multiple quotes while considering your travel needs, budget and expectations before purchasing a policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does american express travel insurance cover family members.
Yes, American Express travel benefits can provide coverage for cardholders, family members and traveling companions who purchase a covered trip using an eligible card. American Express Travel Insurance policies cover travelers enrolled when you buy your plan.
How long do you have to claim American Express travel insurance?
American Express outlines specific time requirements for filing a claim within your policy, but these time requirements vary by coverage type. Consult your policy documents or contact a customer service representative for more information on claim time constraints.
What trip cancellation reasons are covered?
Trip cancellation reasons covered under an American Express Travel Insurance policy include unexpected sickness or injury of the covered person or family member, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, labor disputes or strikes affecting travel services, or the unexpected job termination of a covered person.
Do I need separate travel insurance if I have a credit card?
If you have a credit card offering travel insurance benefits and are satisfied with the coverage, you may not need a separate travel insurance policy. However, if you’d prefer higher coverage limits or specialty protections like CFAR coverage or an adventure sports waiver, it may be worth gathering quotes from reputable travel insurance providers.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
- A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
- A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
- A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
- Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
- Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
- Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
- Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.
A.M. Best Disclaimer
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .
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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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- Amex Gold Card
Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Gold Card [2024]
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Table of Contents
Amex gold card — snapshot, amex gold card — travel insurance benefits, travel benefits, final thoughts.
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The American Express ® Gold Card is known for being a go-to card for everyday purchases at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets. The card also doubles as a travel rewards card offering elevated earnings on select flight purchases and a nice selection of flexible travel redemption options.
The card is far less known for its travel insurance benefits. Today, we’re turning the spotlight on some of the useful travel insurance benefits that come with the card and talking about how these benefits can add value to the cardholder.
First, let’s look at the overall earning and redemption features of the Amex Gold card, then jump right into the list of travel insurance benefits you can expect to find on the card.
![amex travel insurance for seniors American Express® Gold Card](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/american-express-gold-card-white-gold.jpg)
This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact.
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
The American Express ® Gold Card is a game-changer.
With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.
There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.
- 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
- $325 annual fee ( rates and fees )
- No lounge access
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
- Get the American Express ® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards ® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
American Express Membership Rewards
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points + up to $100 back. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
Why We Like the Card Overall
We like that you can jumpstart your earnings with a generous welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements in the first 6 months after card approval.
The Amex Gold card also strikes a nice balance between functioning as an everyday spending card and offering accelerated earnings on flights. It also offers flexible travel redemption options.
You’ll earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases each year). Plus, you’ll receive 3x earnings on flights purchased directly with the airline and via AmexTravel.com .
With monthly statement credits for select purchases, it’s easy to find enough value to offset the annual fee.
When it’s time to use your rewards, you’ll have options such as redeeming points for flights via AmexTravel.com or transferring your points to the American Express transfer partners for even more potential value.
![amex travel insurance for seniors Woman loading bag in car trunk](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Woman-loading-bag-in-car-trunk.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
While the Amex Gold card doesn’t come with a long list of comprehensive travel benefits, you’ll find these core travel insurance benefits useful for saving money and for access to assistance should something go wrong during your journey.
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
Having car rental insurance can save you money and provide a level of peace of mind when renting a vehicle . The Amex Gold card comes with secondary car rental insurance that would require you to first file a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage kicks in.
Secondary coverage can still be valuable coverage, but there is another car rental coverage option included on the card that is a much better choice.
Premium Protection
The option to purchase Premium Protection car rental insurance on the Amex Gold card is a game changer.
You’ll pay one low price of $12.25 to $24.95 for the entire period, up to 42 total days, for primary theft and damage coverage. The actual rate will depend on your state of residence and the level of coverage chosen. Note that this is not a per-day rate like the car rental agencies charge.
Just enroll in the coverage via your online card account, then whenever you charge your rental car to your card, you’ll have the coverage automatically. You are not charged prior to renting a car.
There is no deductible. Accidental death/dismemberment coverage is included. Liability coverage, uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage, or disability coverage is not included.
Cardholders and authorized listed drivers are covered.
Applicable coverages for both secondary and Premium Protection include rental car damage, theft, and loss of use.
Coverage is not available when renting vehicles in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and New Zealand.
There are several additional exclusions, including the theft of an unlocked vehicle, illegal activity, intoxication of the driver, and war. Access the Guide to Benefits for a complete list of exclusions, terms, and conditions.
Filing a Claim
You can file a claim online or call 800-338-1670. You must file the claim within 30 days of the event and submit the required claim form within an additional 15 days. You’ll then have 60 days to submit the required documentation.
Bottom Line: The Amex Gold card comes with secondary car rental insurance with the option to purchase primary Premium Protection for one low rate that covers the entire rental period.
Trip Delay Insurance
![amex travel insurance for seniors United flight delay](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_6075.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
To be eligible for trip delay insurance, you must pay for your entire trip with your Amex Gold card, associated rewards, or a combination of the 2. Using airline vouchers, certificates, or discounts, such as those associated with your frequent flyer account, in combination with your card, are also acceptable. Eligible travelers include family members, travel companions, and a spouse or domestic partner.
Trip delay insurance reimburses an eligible traveler for incidental expenses incurred after a 12-hour or greater trip delay. Eligible expenses can include lodging, meals, toiletries, medication, and necessary personal items.
Eligible Losses and Coverage Limits
The following types of losses are eligible covered losses :
- Inclement weather preventing a traveler from beginning a trip or continuing on a trip
- Terrorism or hijacking
- A common carrier’s equipment failure (documented)
- Lost/stolen travel documents, such as passports
You could receive up to $300 per trip with a limit of 2 claims per card, per 12-month period. Coverage is secondary to any other applicable coverage including reimbursement by the airline.
Loss exclusions include prepaid expenses, losses that were known to the public or the traveler prior to the trip, and intentional acts by the covered traveler. Access the card’s Guide to Benefits for more details on loss exclusions under trip delay coverage.
You’ll have 60 days from the date of the loss to file a claim. You can do so by calling 844-933-0648 or the number on the back of your card to be directed to the claims department.
You’ll then have 180 days to submit the required documentation, which can include a statement from the common carrier validating the delay, receipts, your card statement showing the trip charge, and other requested supporting information.
Bottom Line: The Amex Gold card comes with trip delay insurance that provides up to $300 per trip for eligible expenses incurred after a 12-hour or greater delay due to a covered loss.
Baggage Insurance Plan
![amex travel insurance for seniors Airport baggage claim](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Airport-baggage-claim.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
To be eligible for baggage insurance, pay for your common carrier ticket entirely with your Amex Gold card and/or associated rewards. Trips paid for, in full or in part, with non-American Express rewards such as airline loyalty programs are not eligible.
You, your spouse or domestic partner, children under 23, and certain dependent handicapped children are covered for baggage insurance as long as the trip is paid for in full with your card and/or associated rewards.
Lost, damaged, or stolen baggage is covered, except in the event of war, government confiscation, or acts arising out of customer actions, for the following coverage limits.
High-risk items such as jewelry, gold, silver, platinum, electronics, furs, and sporting equipment, are limited to $250 per item maximum, per trip.
Certain items are not covered under baggage insurance — here is a condensed list of those items:
- Credit cards, cash, securities, or money equivalents (such as money orders or gift cards)
- Travel documents, tickets, passports, or visas
- Plants, animals, or food
- Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, and prescription or non-prescription drugs
- Property shipped prior to departure
You’ll have 30 days from the date of the loss to file a claim. To file a claim, you can go online or call 800-228-6855 within the U.S. To call from outside of the U.S., call 303-273-6498 collect.
You’ll then have 60 days to submit supporting documentation including a list of items lost, receipts, a statement showing the trip was purchased with the card or associated rewards, and common carrier reports.
Please note that we have abbreviated coverage descriptions and all terms and conditions are not spelled out in their entirety. You’ll want to access the benefits guide for full information.
Bottom Line: You and certain family members are covered for baggage insurance of up to $1,250 per person when traveling with a common carrier. You’ll need to pay for your entire trip with your card or rewards associated with your card for coverage to be valid.
Travel Accident Insurance
Travel accident insurance that comes with the Amex Gold card pays a benefit in the unlikely event of accidental death or dismemberment of the primary card member, additional card member, spouse or domestic partner, or children under the age of 23.
The trip must be paid for with the Amex Gold card and/or associated Membership Rewards points (Pay With Points).
The coverage pays a benefit for death or severe injury suffered as a result of riding in, boarding, exiting from, or being struck by a common carrier.
The benefit paid is based on a table provided and can be up to $100,000.
While not travel insurance specifically, these additional benefits can provide assistance when planning a trip or if an unexpected event should disrupt your trip.
Emergency Travel Assistance
The Amex Global Assist Hotline provides important 24/7 assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home. Receive help finding medical, legal, and translation referrals as well as assistance securing emergency transportation.
In addition, you could receive help securing a replacement passport or finding missing luggage.
You can reach the Global Assist Hotline at 800-333-2639. Outside the U.S., call 715-343-7977.
Actual services provided by third parties that incur costs are the responsibility of the cardholder.
Services are also not available in areas such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or the Crimea region.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
You’ll want to include the Amex Gold card during your next trip, as the card does not charge foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees ).
Additional Travel Benefits
Receive help planning your trip with Insider Fares via AmexTravel.com, upgrade your flights with points , American Express Travel Insurance , onsite benefits at The Hotel Collection , Amex Offers , and more.
While the Amex Gold card comes with several valuable travel insurance benefits, you would not select the card for this specific reason. The card shines when it comes to earning on select everyday purchases, for purchasing airline tickets, and its flexible travel redemption options. Those should be key reasons for selecting the card.
The fact that there are travel insurance benefits that come complimentary with the card is just one more reason to consider the card.
If having premium travel insurance benefits is a priority for you, you might consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card , The Platinum Card ® from American Express , the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , all of which offer some of the best travel insurance benefits.
You can read about more credit cards with travel insurance in our article on this specific topic.
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the American Express Gold Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip delay insurance benefit of the American Express Gold Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express Gold Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the global assist hotline benefit of the American Express Gold Card, you can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click here . For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .
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UP's Bonus Valuation
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
Everything you need to know about Amex’s Premium Global Assistance and trip insurance benefits
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Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .
Although perks like unparalleled airport lounge access , an up to $200 annual airline credit , up to $200 annual prepaid hotel statement credit and up to $200 annual Uber credit (for U.S. services) may seem like the most valuable benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express, there are a number of lesser-known perks the card offers . Among them are Premium Global Assist and trip insurance . (Enrollment required.)
These protections are separate from perks like baggage insurance — they assist with more severe issues like emergency medical transportation and unforeseen trip cancellations. While we all hope never to have to use these benefits, they're worth familiarizing yourself with , as they can save you a ton of money and aggravation if you are in a time of need.
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Amex cards that offer Premium Global Assist and trip insurance
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All Amex cards have access to Amex's Global Assist Hotline, but trip insurance benefits are reserved for the higher-end cards. For the most protection, you'll need Amex's premium cards:
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- American Express Corporate Platinum Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- 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 Hilton Aspire Amex, Amex Corporate Platinum, 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.
Related: Which is the best American Express credit card for you?
What is the Premium Global Assist Hotline?
Whenever you're traveling on a trip of 90 days or less and that is 100 miles or more from home, you have access to Amex's Premium Global Assist Hotline.
This 24/7 hotline can help you with everything from customs information and destination guides to unexpected issues you may encounter during your trip, such as arranging emergency medical transportation, medical prescription replacement, missing luggage assistance and legal assistance. For example, TPG reader Joseph was able to get tremendous value from the Global Assist Hotline during a trip to New Zealand when both of his children got sick and he needed help finding reputable medical facilities nearby.
![amex travel insurance for seniors](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2019/07/GettyImages-200248752-001.jpg?width=3840)
While most services the hotline coordinates for you are at your own expense, there are some benefits available to Platinum and Centurion cardholders at no cost. They include emergency medical transportation and evacuation — if the Amex physician or local physician decides that it is medically necessary and advisable due to inadequacy of local facilities — and repatriation of mortal remains.
There are some important exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions and refusal of permission by local authorities, so you'll want to read the full terms and benefits guide (warning: PDF link) for your card. Also, note that the coverage is only for the cost of evacuation, not the actual medical care.
Related: What's covered by credit card travel accident and emergency evacuation insurance?
What's covered by trip insurance?
Amex offers two types of trip insurance benefits: trip delay insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance . They're pretty self-explanatory, but here's what you need to know.
With the trip delay insurance provided by the cards listed above, you'll be reimbursed for unexpected expenses — such as meals, lodging, and personal-use items — if your trip is delayed by more than six hours due to a covered reason. You're covered up to $500 per trip so long as you booked round-trip flights and paid entirely with an eligible card (if you paid taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay With Points tickets, that is also covered).
Amex defines round-trip tickets as travel consisting of "roundtrip, one-way, or combinations of roundtrip or one-way tickets." So, for example, an itinerary bringing a covered traveler from New York to Los Angeles, then back from San Francisco to New York would qualify.
Some of Amex's mid-tier cards offer trip delay protection as well, but only for delays of more than 12 hours, with reimbursement of only up to $300.
Related: Your guide to Amex's travel insurance coverage
![amex travel insurance for seniors](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2018/03/flight-delayed-sleeping-gate.jpg?width=3840)
On the other hand, trip cancellation and interruption insurance provide reimbursement for covered expenses when you are forced to cancel or cut a covered trip short for an eligible reason. If you qualify, you may receive reimbursement of non-refundable travel expenses of up to $10,000 per trip, with a maximum of up to $20,000 per eligible account for each consecutive 12-month period.
Related: Comparing built-in travel insurance with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum
Covered reasons for canceled trips include inclement weather, terrorist action, call to jury duty, or sudden illness or injury to you or an eligible traveler. Again, you must book "round-trip" travel, paid for entirely using your eligible card, to be covered.
Here's a sampling of what's not covered by trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Notably, avoiding outbreaks generally isn't covered . You'll likely only get coverage in connection with COVID-19 if you contract the virus or a physician requires you to quarantine for health reasons related to COVID-19 on or before the departure of your trip.
- 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 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, along with any routine physical examinations.
- Hearing aids, eye glasses 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.
Related: TPG's comprehensive guide to independent travel insurance — including coronavirus coverage
Bottom line
Lesser-known benefits such as Premium Global Assist Hotline and trip insurance can be lifesavers. Whether you're planning a winter getaway or taking a post-pandemic family vacation to New Zealand like TPG reader Joseph, hopefully, this post has given you some peace of mind that your Amex Platinum Card will help save the day in case anything goes wrong. Just be sure to review your card's benefit guide very carefully for the full list of terms and conditions.
Official application link: Amex Platinum with a 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
- What is travel insurance?
- Average cost
- When to buy travel insurance
- Average cost by age
- What does travel insurance cover?
Travel Insurance Cost: Average Travel Insurance Prices in 2024
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.
- The average travel insurance premium this week is $297.42, down about 0.38% compared to last week.
- For travel in the United States, the average premium is $175 to $350.
- Travel insurance protects against delayed baggage, trip cancellation, and more.
The average cost of travel insurance fluctuates throughout the year, based on demand and whether or not school's in session. Also keep in mind that where you're traveling and how many people are taking the trip will affect your exact premium.
Understanding Travel Insurance
Travel insurance plans can cover both domestic and international travel. It could protect against something as familiar as delayed baggage (experts estimate 85% of lost luggage is returned to its owner within 48 hours) or as complicated as trip cancellation.
The benefits and limitations of travel insurance vary based on the company and plan. Above all else, this insurance coverage offers peace of mind.
Some credit cards offer a limited amount of travel insurance annually. If you need clarification on what your credit card offers, contact your provider to verify. These plans are great for cancellations and interruptions but may not cover more costly losses associated with unexpected medical expenses or emergency evacuations.
Individual travel insurance plans include this and much more. Travel insurance protects travelers from the unexpected when away from home.
Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Destination
Some countries are naturally more expensive travel destinations due to higher flight and lodging costs, which could increase travel insurance costs. Travel insurance will generally cost 5% to 10% of your total trip price, according to SquareMouth travel insurance .
Here's how the prices stack up:
Source: SquareMouth
How Far in Advance to Purchase Travel Insurance
According to an AAA travel survey , 88% of travelers say that reimbursement after a trip cancellation is the most valuable benefit of trip insurance.
According to data gathered by SquareMouth in the last six months, travelers tend to purchase trip cancellation travel insurance 53 days before their trip. Meanwhile, travelers without trip cancellation insurance will buy a policy approximately 16 days before their trip. Regardless of when you buy, cancellation protection can kick in to protect you against the unexpected.
Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Age
A traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. The older a traveler is, the higher travel insurance premiums are. For instance, a senior traveler may need more insurance for health-related emergencies than a millennial.
When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.
Get your free travel insurance quote with SquareMouth »
Travel Insurance Rate Tips
Travel insurance rates through most providers fall between 4% and 8% of the total trip cost. Like the cost of flights, cruises, etc., rates may vary substantially based on the season, your original location, your destination, and other factors. This week, the average cost of a policy was close to $300.
To save money on travel insurance, tailor your policy to your specific needs and avoid unnecessary extras. You should also shop around to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Opting for an annual plan if you're a frequent traveler, checking existing coverages from other insurance policies or credit card benefits, and choosing a policy with a higher deductible can significantly lower your premiums. Always read the fine print to understand your coverage fully, ensuring you don't pay for redundant or irrelevant features.
To find affordable travel insurance, consider using online comparison websites like SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip to see rates from various providers. Other ways to save include purchasing directly from insurance companies, exploring package deals from travel agencies or airlines, utilizing included coverage from credit card benefits, and checking for discounts through membership organizations such as AAA or AARP.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
**Enrollment required.
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IMAGES
COMMENTS
American Express Travel Insurance is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company. Inc., California license number 0649234. Enrollment is limited to permanent residents of the 50 United States or D.C. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., which is the licensed insurance agency offering you this coverage ...
Book directly with American Express to use benefits that could help you extend your travel. Go Farther With Membership Rewards® Points. Let Membership Rewards points cover this trip, or the next. From short flights to long stays, eligible Card Members can earn extra points when you book flights, prepaid hotels, prepaid car rentals, and cruises ...
The average cost of senior travel insurance is $420 per trip, based on our analysis of rates for the best travel insurance policies for seniors. Your exact cost for travel insurance will generally ...
If you're looking to purchase travel insurance and you're 80 years of age or older, it's imperative to compare policies for the best pricing and coverage. Hot Tip: Seniors ages 65 to 99 who are not interested in CFAR (cancel for any reason) insurance, may consider an annual multi-trip travel insurance plan. Allianz is a company that ...
5x on flights booked directly or with Amex Travel, 5x on hotels booked through Amex Travel, 1.5x points on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more; on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year), 1x on all other purchases. Terms apply. Trip cancellation, interruption and delay Insurance.
Covered amount. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Coverage is ...
Premium Global Assist. Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card. $10,000 per covered trip, up to $20,000 in a 12-month period. Up to $500 per trip for delays above 6 hours. Secondary. Up to $2,000 per person for checked bags and $3,000 per person for carry-ons, up to $3,000 per person. Premium Global Assist.
Or call: 1-844-200-8959. Amex® Travel Insurance is optional group travel insurance underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. After assessing all of your current coverages, to help you find an appropriate Amex Travel Insurance product, please use our 'Get a quote or purchase a plan' feature or call 1 844 200-8959.
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.
Up to $22,500 in trip interruption coverage. Up to $1,000 for trip delays ($200 daily limit for delays of 12-plus hours) Up to $1,000 for missed connections. Up to $150,000 for emergency medical ...
Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. Flat-rate ...
Best senior travel insurance plans of 2024. Tin Leg: Gold. Trawick International: Safe Travels First Class. Seven Corners: Trip Protection Choice. Generali Global Assistance: Premium. Nationwide ...
Here are a select few senior travel insurance options for people 65 and older. 1. Allianz. Allianz offers excellent coverage for travelers over 65. It can help make payments for medical treatments ...
HTH Travel Insurance offers two travel medical insurance plans — one for travelers with a primary health insurance plan and one for travelers who don't have health insurance. Both plans allow customers to choose between four medical benefit options ($50,000, $100,000, $500,000 or $1,000,000) and four deductible options ($0, $100, $250 or $500).
Explore The Benefits Of The Platinum Card® from American Express. Click to learn more and apply today. Rates & Fees / Terms Apply. ¹The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and ...
Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies of 2024 Summary. Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance. Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance. Best for age limits: TravelSafe Insurance ...
Seven Corners offers a broad selection of medical insurance policies, with travelers 65 to 79 years old provided up to $100,000 in medical coverage. Travelers 80 years and older can receive ...
Travel insurance for seniors can be much more expensive than for younger travelers. A quote from Nationwide was 161% more expensive for a pair of 65-year-olds than for a pair of 30-year-olds.
1. Trawick International, the best travel insurance for seniors. If you want senior travel insurance with quality coverage for a relatively affordable price, look no further than Trawick International. Out of all the plans I compared, Trawick's Safe Travels First Class plan offers the highest amount of coverage in all categories.
The Travel Inconvenience Insurance Plan provides benefits in the event of: Missed Departures and Missed Connections; delay, cancellation or overbooked flights; and Luggage Delay and Extended Luggage Delay when the Covered Trip is purchased and charged to your American Express International Dollar Card (IDC).. Up to US$250 per covered person for alternate travel, restaurant meals or refreshments
American Express offers free trip protection through various travel benefits when you purchase vacation-related expenses using a qualifying Amex card.
For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card.
Travel insurance is a great perk that comes with a number of travel rewards credit cards.If you're traveling and something goes wrong — like lost luggage, a trip delay or an unplanned medical emergency — there's a chance your credit card's travel protection could save you a lot of money.. Although some level of travel insurance can be a valuable credit card benefit, it's also important to ...
Rental car Insurance. American Express offers car rental insurance coverage⁴ as part of the benefits of many cards, but the Platinum card offers higher coverage limits. For example, the Amex ...
Some credit cards do offer insurance but it gets cut back significantly usually over the age of 60 (sometimes 55) e.g. instead of coverage for 14 days a senior might be covered for just 2-5 days. **Note that the article I wrote was a freelance article but I do believe the product Travel Underwriters offers has value. 1.
For example, if your trip costs $5,000, you'll pay between $200 and $400 for travel insurance. However, if you're older or planning to be out of the country for a prolonged period, you can ...
The option to purchase Premium Protection car rental insurance on the Amex Gold card is a game changer. You'll pay one low price of $12.25 to $24.95 for the entire period, up to 42 total days, for primary theft and damage coverage. The actual rate will depend on your state of residence and the level of coverage chosen.
Related: Your guide to Amex's travel insurance coverage (Photo by SamuelBrownNG/Getty Images) On the other hand, trip cancellation and interruption insurance provide reimbursement for covered expenses when you are forced to cancel or cut a covered trip short for an eligible reason. If you qualify, you may receive reimbursement of non-refundable ...
The average travel insurance premium this week is $297.42, down about 0.38% compared to last week. For travel in the United States, the average premium is $175 to $350.
Travel insurance won't cover incidents that occurred before you purchased the policy. For example, if you're canceling the trip due to a hurricane or other natural disaster that began before ...