Amex Trip Cancellation Insurance: What You Need to Know
Several American Express cards offer up to $10,000 in coverage for qualifying trip cancellations.
If you're a frequent traveler, trip cancellation insurance can provide you with valuable peace of mind. With 3,000 US flights canceled as a global computer outage wreaked havoc this past Friday due to an update issued by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, now is the right time to discuss trip cancellation insurance and how you can unlock this benefit for free if necessary.
American Express is well-known for its generous cardholder benefits. Among these perks is travel insurance, which can cover you when things go haywire like they did this week. But how does American Express trip cancellation insurance work, and what does it cover? American Express offers this coverage on many cards, but the details aren't always clear. Let's break down what American Express trip cancellation covers and how it works.
What is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. This can include airfare, hotels, and tours that you've pre-paid.
Which Amex cards include trip cancellation insurance?
Terms apply, so make sure to read all the details for each card.
American Express Coverage Details
Coverage limits and terms vary by card (you can check the card links above for the details, as we have them all listed as benefits in our Explore Tool), but here are some general guidelines:
Coverage is typically capped at $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per 12-month period
The trip must be paid for entirely with your eligible Amex card
The trip must be round-trip (though it can consist of round-trip, one-way, and open-jaw tickets)
Coverage is secondary to any other insurance you may have
Covered Reasons for Cancellation
American Express covers a range of unexpected events, including:
Accidental injury, illness, or death of you, a traveling companion, or immediate family member
Severe weather preventing travel
Terrorist action at your destination
Being called for jury duty or receiving a subpoena
Your home or business becoming uninhabitable due to natural disaster
What's Not Covered
It’s important to note some key exclusions:
Pre-existing medical conditions
War (declared or undeclared)
Normal pregnancy
Psychological disorders (unless hospitalization is required)
Financial insolvency of travel suppliers
How to File a Claim
Notify all your travel suppliers immediately
Contact American Express as soon as possible to start your claim: call 844-933-0648
Gather required documentation (medical records, weather reports, etc.)
Submit your claim within 60 days of the trip cancellation
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details
Insurance is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Is It Worth It?
American Express trip cancellation insurance can be an incredibly valuable perk, especially since it's included at no extra cost on many cards. However, for more comprehensive coverage or very expensive trips, you may want to consider purchasing an additional travel insurance policy to cover yourself.
Remember to always read the full terms and conditions for your specific card, as coverage varies.