American Express complimentary travel insurance
You can get travel insurance for trips overseas and in Australia with an American Express card – here’s how it works.
American Express offers complimentary travel insurance on a range of cards in Australia, as well as insurance options for your shopping. These policies are all underwritten by Chubb and have the potential to save you money on standalone policies.
Just like any insurance, you need to meet a set of conditions to get cover and make claims. That’s why it’s always good to read the insurance policy booklet. But if you just want an idea of cover, we’ve got some of the key details here.
What American Express cards have complimentary insurance?
Right now, American Express offers complimentary travel insurance on 6 personal cards in Australia. It also offers cover for purchases and other items. Here’s a look at the insurance you can get with personal Amex cards you can currently apply for:
| Card | Complimentary travel insurance | Card purchase cover | Card refund cover | Buyer’s Advantage cover | Smartphone screen cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | |||||
| American Express Explorer Credit Card | |||||
| American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card | |||||
| American Express Low Rate Credit Card | |||||
| Qantas American Express Discovery Card | |||||
| Qantas American Express Ultimate Card | |||||
| Qantas American Express Premium Card |
Interested in Amex business cards? See details here.
What’s covered by American Express complimentary travel insurance?
The cover you get depends on the Amex card that you have and you’ll see details of exactly what applies to your card in its insurance policy booklet (available on the Amex website). But as a basic guide, you’ll typically get emergency medical cover, luggage and some cover for cancellations – including a few cards with cover for specific COVID-19 situations.
To give you an idea of the type of cover you can get, we’ve broken down the key types of benefits available, including cards that offer some form of cover and claim limits. But remember, you should always read the insurance policy booklet for your card to get full details.
| Benefit type | One example of when you’d use this | Cards currently on the market that include some cover | Claim limit range for international trips (varies by card and claim type) | Claim limit range for domestic trips (varies by card and claim type) | Excess cost range (varies by card) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation and amendment cover | If your journey is cancelled, disrupted or rescheduled because of a covered injury, medical issue or government restrictions (excluding domestic border closures). |
| Between $12,500 and $30,000 Note: Can include COVID-19 claims related to you, your travel companion, close relative or someone you are visiting getting COVID-19, as well as changes to government restrictions. | Between $12,500 and $30,000 Note: Can include COVID-19 claims related to you, your travel companion, close relative or someone you are visiting getting COVID-19. Does not cover border closures. | $250 |
| Personal accident cover | If you’re seriously injured while travelling and it causes permanent disability or death. Note: Can include sub-limits for accidents on public transport. |
| Between $150 and $6,000 | Between $150 and $6,000 | $0 |
| Personal accident cover | If you’re seriously injured while travelling and it causes permanent disability or death. Note: Can include sub-limits for accidents on public transport. |
| Between $12,500 and $400,000 | Between $12,500 and $400,000 | $0 |
| Travel inconvenience cover | If your scheduled flight is cancelled, delayed by more than 4 hours or you can’t board for a covered reason. |
| Between $150 and $6,000 | Between $150 and $6,000 | $0 |
| Medical emergency expense cover | If you become sick or injured overseas and have to pay for seeing a doctor or other medical professional. |
| Between $50 and $2.5 million, with no maximum for some cards (subject to sub-limits) | Not covered | $250 |
| Resumption of long international trip cover | If a close relative becomes seriously injured, sick or dies and it impacts your overseas trip (as long as the covered trip was for at least 2 weeks). |
| Between $3,000 and $5,000 | Not covered | $250 |
| Personal baggage, valuables, money and travel documents cover Note: Valuables left in a vehicle, placed in check-in or left unattended in a public place typically won't be covered. | If you’re travelling and your personal items are damaged, lost, stolen or destroyed. |
| Between $250 and $30,000 | Between $250 and $30,000 | $250 |
| Personal liability cover | If you’re involved in an accident and become legally liable to pay compensation for someone else’s injuries or damaged property (when the person doesn’t live with you), this helps cover the legal costs. |
| Between $2 million and $3 million | Between $2 million and $3 million | $0 |
| Loss damage waiver cover | If a rental vehicle you’ve hired is damaged or lost, you could submit a claim to cover some of the costs to the hire company. |
| Between $100,000 and $125,000 | Between $100,000 and $125,000 | $0 |
| Loss of income Note: Only covers people who are employed or self-employed at the time of the covered trip | If you're injured or become sick during your trip and a medical professional confirms that you have total temporary disablement that leads to you not being able to work for at least 30 days. | American Express Platinum | Between $3,000 and $15,000 Note: Capped at 5 months of cover | Between $3,000 and $15,000 Note: Capped at 5 months of cover | No excess but there could be an out-of-pocket cost due to lost income as you must wait 30 days before the benefit applies |
| Hijack cover | If your public transport is hijacked and you’re detained for more than 24 hours, you could claim for costs associated with your close relatives coming to stay in the area where you’re held. | American Express Platinum | Between $2,000 and $29,000 | Between $2,000 and $29,000 | $0 |
| Kidnap cover | If you’re kidnapped, this cover helps with the cost of your close relatives travelling to stay at the place where you’re kidnapped | American Express Platinum | Between $2,000 and $29,000 | Between $2,000 and $29,000 | $0 |
Note:
If you have an American Express card that’s no longer available for new applications, log in to your American Express account or check the Amex website to see whether cover is available.
What’s not covered by this insurance?
All insurance policies have details of when you will and won't get cover, so check before you book a trip or make a claim. In the case of American Express complimentary travel insurance, some of the key situations that aren't typically covered include:
- If you haven't taken care or acted responsibly
- Pre-existing medical conditions, including ongoing dental issues, chronic illness and addictions
- Claims related to hazardous biological, chemical, nuclear or radioactive material, gas matter or contamination
- Insolvency of a travel company
- If you start a trip after an official government body has issued a travel advisory warning
- One-way trips if you can’t prove your plans to return to Australia
- Claims that arise after you’ve taken drugs (unless prescribed by a medical professional)
Remember: Each American Express complimentary insurance policy is different, so you should read the insurance policy document for your card to get full details.
Have a question about American Express complimentary travel insurance on your card? Call Chubb on 1800 236 023.
What do I need to do to use this insurance?
It can vary depending on the card, but the requirements generally include:
- Booking. You must book the full fare for a return trip on your American Express credit card or by using reward points earned through the card (e.g. American Express Membership Rewards, Qantas Points or Velocity Points). On some cards, such as the American Express Platinum charge card, you can also claim insurance if you have booked a trip using other rewards points, as long as you pay for taxes and other additional fees using your American Express card.
- Travel plans. Your travel must start and end in Australia and you need to show proof of your plans to return, for example, a return flight booking.
- Age. You must be under 80 years of age.
What if American Express isn’t accepted when I make my booking?
With most Amex cards, you won’t get cover if you can’t pay for your booking with the card or points earned through the card.
If you have an American Express Platinum Charge Card, you can still get complimentary travel insurance if you provide American Express and Chubb with proof of purchase and the name and address of the provider who would not accept your American Express card.
Does American Express credit card travel insurance cover family members?
The travel cover you get with an eligible American Express credit card also extends to your spouse and any dependent children, providing they meet the booking requirements and are travelling with you for the entire trip.
American Express outlines the following definitions for spouses and dependents:
- Spouse. A husband, wife, fiancé(e) or a de-facto and/or life partner with whom the American Express primary cardholder has continuously cohabited for a period of 6 months or more.
- Dependent child. A legally dependent child up to and including the age of 25, including a stepchild or legally adopted child, who is fully dependent on the American Express primary cardholder for financial support.
Pre-existing medical conditions
This complimentary travel insurance doesn't cover pre-existing medical conditions. In really simple terms, that means you won't get cover if you've seen a doctor or other qualified professional about a condition that causes issues overseas. It's the same if you're aware of a physical, medical, mental or dental condition before you travel.
There are some exceptions if you're pregnant, though:
- If you’re travelling overseas, you’ll be covered for unforeseen emergency medical treatment as long as it’s more than 8 weeks before your expected due date and is not related to any other pre-existing conditions (for example, gestational diabetes).
- If your card offers cancellation and amendment cover, you can claim for issues related to your pregnancy as long as it’s more than 8 weeks before your expected due date.
Note that this insurance won’t cover the actual birth of your child when you’re overseas. If you’re planning a trip during your pregnancy, make sure you read the insurance policy booklet to see exactly when you will and won’t get cover.
🔥 Hot tip
The easiest way to find details in the insurance policy booklet is to open your digital copy and use the "Find" tool (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to search for the terms. For example, “Pre-existing medical conditions”.
Got a pre-existing health condition that's not covered? Check out travel insurance policies that offer cover for conditions including allergies, epilepsy and physical disabilities.
How to make a claim
If you think you will need to make a claim, contact Chubb as soon as possible so that it can give you information that’s specific to your situation.
You can do this by calling +61 2 8907 5666 overseas (for emergencies) or 1800 236 023 in Australia.
The simplest way to submit your claim is online, using the following steps:
|
You can also get a claim form by calling Chubb.
What to include in your claim
With insurance claims, it's always good to include as much detail and supporting documentation as possible. It makes it easier for the insurer to look at the claim and your eligibility for a payout.
So when you're travelling overseas with this cover, try to get as much written or photo evidence as you can for any claim you need to make. This could include:
- A referral or letter from a doctor or other professional you see in relation to a claim
- Official medical reports
- Police reports
- Photos of damaged items
- Emails or letters from airlines that relate to a claim
- Receipts or other proof of purchase
Some types of claims will also ask for specific documentation, such as a police report if you’re submitting a claim for stolen valuables.
Tip
Use a travel wallet or online folder to keep all your important documents together. This could include your passport, itinerary, printed tickets, a copy of the Bankwest card insurance policy booklet – plus anything that could become supporting documentation for future claims.
Other types of complimentary insurance from American Express
Amex cards give you access to other types of insurance, also provided by Chubb. Below is a snapshot of the different types.
Card purchase cover
- What is it? Cover for the cost of a new item that is stolen or accidentally damaged. It covers most household and personal items such as laptops, shoes and jewellery. Exclusions include second-hand items, perishables, cash, computer software, vehicles and household fixtures such as dishwashers.
- When can I use it? If you have paid for the item with your eligible Amex card within 90 days before it is stolen or damaged, you can submit a claim. If you’ve only paid for part of the item with your Amex card, you can still make a claim but it will only cover the percentage paid for through the card.
- How can I make a claim? You need to show proof that you own the item and proof of damage or a police report for theft. Then, call Chubb on 1800 236 023 or submit your claim through the Chubb online claim portal. Note that there is a limit of up to $3,500 per item and $30,000 in any 365-day period.
- Is there an excess? A $50 excess applies for each claim.
Card refund cover
- What is it? Cover for new items worth more than $50 that you’ve bought in Australia when you can’t get a refund through the retailer.
- When can I use it? If you’ve used your Amex card to buy an item in the last 90 days and it’s unused, not faulty and the retailer won’t refund you. Note, that this does not cover second-hand items.
- How can I make a claim? Call Chubb on 1800 236 023 or submit your claim through the Chubb online claim portal. Note that there is a limit of up to $500 per item and $2,000 in any 365-day period.
- Is there an excess? No
Buyer’s advantage cover
- What is it? Cover for the breakdown or defect of eligible items you buy in Australia if they had a manufacturer’s warranty that expired before the issue. You’ll get extra cover for the same period as the original warranty, up to a maximum of 1 year. For example, if you bought a laptop with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty and it stopped working for no reason after 12 months, you could make a claim under this cover.
- When can I use it? If you used your eligible American Express card to pay for an item and it came with an Australian manufacturer's warranty of between 7 days and 5 years. You can make a claim if something happens after the original warranty period has ended.
- How can I make a claim? Call Chubb on 1800 236 023 or submit your claim through the Chubb online claim portal. Note that there is a limit of up to $20,000 per item and up to $20,000 in any 365-day period.
- Is there an excess cost? No.
Smartphone screen cover
- What is it? Cover for your smartphone screen if it’s damaged after being accidentally dropped or hit by something.
- When can I use it? You need to have used your Amex card to pay for the most recent 3 months of your smartphone data plan, or have bought your new phone outright with the card to get cover. You can claim twice in any 365-day period.
- How can I make a claim? Call Chubb on 1800 236 023 or submit your claim through the Chubb online claim portal.
- Is there an excess cost? Yes, it’s calculated as 10% of the repair cost. For example, if it costs $250 to repair the screen, your excess would be $25.
American Express business and corporate card complimentary insurance options
If you get an Amex card for your business, You can get some form of complimentary travel insurance on the following Amex business and corporate cards:
Business cards
Similar to Amex cards for personal use, the amount of cover you get depends on the actual card.
For example, the American Express Business Card offers transport accident cover, card account balance waiver cover and business trip completion cover, while the American Express Platinum Business Card offers more comprehensive cover that includes:
- Transport accident cover
- Card account balance waiver cover
- Business trip completion cover
- Travel inconvenience cover
- Medical emergency expenses cover
- Resumption of journey cover
- Baggage, money and documents cover
- Travel cancellation cover
- Personal liability cover
- Loss of income cover
- Hijack cover
- Kidnap cover
- Purchase protection cover
- Refund protection cover
- Buyer’s advantage cover
- Loss damage waiver cover
- Monthly business expenses cover
So if you’re interested in getting a credit card for your business and want complimentary insurance, check the card’s relevant complimentary insurance policy booklet on the Amex website for full details.
Want more complimentary insurance from your credit card? Compare cards from American Express, or check out other cards that offer insurance.
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
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American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card
Bonus points and low card fees are two of the features that set the American Express Essential Rewards apart from the other rewards credit cards - find out more about it here.
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American Express Corporate Platinum Card
With a 250,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points offer, lounge access and management tools, is this Amex account right for your company?
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American Express Qantas Corporate Platinum Card
This charge card offers expense management tools and is linked to both Qantas Business Rewards and Membership Rewards.
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American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
The American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card offers 130,000 bonus Qantas Points, no pre-set spending limit and perks including complimentary insurance.
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American Express Explorer Credit Card
The Amex Explorer offers Membership Rewards Bonus Points, lounge passes, a $400 travel credit and complimentary insurance covers – here's how its other features add up.
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American Express Velocity Business Card
The American Express Velocity Business Card earns points per $1 spent and offers complimentary travel insurance and two complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each year.
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American Express Platinum Business Card
From Membership Rewards Points to savings on first, business and premium economy class flights, this charge card is packed with features to help you manage business spending.
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American Express Platinum Card
How does the huge bonus points offer, $450 annual travel credit and other platinum perks stack up against the Amex Platinum card’s annual fee?
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Amex, Visa or Mastercard credit cards
If you are comparing American Express, Visa and Mastercard credit cards, this guide offers everything you need to know about the benefits and downsides of each
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American Express Business Gold Plus Card
Compare the fees and features of this charge card, including complimentary travel insurance cover for business trips, compatibility with MYOB, additional cardholders and the option of earning Membership Rewards points.
Ask a question
I have paid for all of my upcoming African Safari holiday on my AMEX Corporate Card. I have been told it comes with complementary travel insurance. Do I need to obtain some sort of cover letter for AMEX to carry with me?
Hi Neil,
You can get a confirmation of insurance benefit letter by calling the insurance provider, Chubb, on 1800 236 023. You don’t need this letter if you’re eligible for cover but some tour companies and other travel organisations do require proof of insurance.
Keep in mind that all Amex corporate cards have their own insurance policy documents. It’s important to refer to these to check what’s covered and who’s eligible for cover (if you haven’t already). I hope that helps.
I am booked with Singapore airlines to fly to Amsterdam on 26/4 returning 2/6/20, paid for by Amex platinum reserve credit card, I also booked hotels thru Booking .com.
Since the Corona virus started my wife and I decided to cancel the trip to Europe, I bancelled most hotel bookings and received a full refund, however some will not refund the monies.
Am I covered with the Amex pkatinum travel Ins please.
Regards John
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are well. I’m sorry to hear you had to cancel your travel plans but I’m glad you’re taking precautionary measures for you and your wife’s health. It’s good to know that some of the suppliers refunded you for your trip. It’s helpful to know that no travel insurance will cover you for any Coronavirus related claim as it is a known event and is continuously evolving therefore how your insurance company responds this week might not be the same way it responds next month. If you have bought your policy before January 2020 and you want to know if your travel insurance covers Coronavirus, contact your insurer directly and ask how they handle this.
I hope this helps and I hope they find a good resolution for you! Be safe!
Best,
Nikki
Does the American Express Essential Credit Card include complimentary travel insurance given that all criteria listed above is met?
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your comment.
According to our review, the American Express Essential Credit Card does not have a complimentary travel insurance. You should be able to find the list of American Express cards offering travel insurance from our American Express complimentary travel insurance review page.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
My family and I are travelling to Spain in September and renting a car with the Amex Business Green credit card. We want to know if the card insurance covers that rental.
Hi Maritere,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
If you have an American Express Business credit card, it does not cover car rental insurance and does not offer complimentary travel insurance.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Ash Munoz G’day. Thanks for your speedy & peace of mind reply regarding travel insurance arrangements but do I need a reference number of sorts just in case——God forbid I may not need it. Kind regards Tony.