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Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

Christine Krzyszton

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Table of Contents

Amex platinum card overview, car rental loss and damage insurance, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage insurance, premium global assist hotline, filing a claim, final thoughts.

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Frequent travelers who are interested in premium travel benefits and solid reward-earning opportunities gravitate to The Platinum Card ® from American Express . The card, as well as The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , has been the go-to card for meeting travelers’ earning, redemption, and benefits needs.

We frequently cover Membership Rewards points-earning opportunities , as well as a multitude of ways to maximize the redemption options . We’ve even done a deep dive into getting the most from statement credits offered by Amex cards.

Next up in our collection of articles focusing on the valuable perks that come with the Amex Platinum card is the card’s travel insurance benefits. Insurance can be inherently confusing in general and the insurance coverages that come with credit cards can be equally so.

Fortunately, even a quick overview will give you some insight as to the insurance coverages you can expect on the Amex Platinum card. So, right here and now, we’re stepping up to deliver just that.

Let’s take a look at exactly which insurances come with the card, how these benefits can provide a level of peace of mind, and find out what situations might trigger the coverage to provide economic value.

It’s important to have a little background on the card to put its coverage into context. Here are important card details, including the current welcome bonus and annual fee.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck ® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck ® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• 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 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard car rental insurance that provides secondary coverage when using your card to reserve and pay for your entire rental car contract. You also have the option to purchase premium primary car rental coverage .

For either coverage to be valid, you must decline the rental car agency’s LDW (loss damage waiver) or CDW (collision damage waiver) coverage when renting the vehicle.

Here’s an overview of how both of these coverages work:

Standard Car Rental Coverage

Secondary (standard) coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance you might have before the card coverage applies.

You can expect to receive excess secondary coverage for these losses:

• Damage to and theft of the vehicle
• Personal property up to $1,000 per person/$2,000 per accident
• Accidental injury up to $5,000 per claimant
• Accidental death/dismemberment up to $300,000

This is just a snapshot of the standard secondary car rental coverage; several terms and conditions apply. You should access the official guide to benefits or call your benefits administrator for specific information.

Premium Car Rental Protection Coverage

One of the real car rental insurance perks of holding the Amex Platinum card is having access to Premium Car Rental Protection coverage for just 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period, not a per-day charge like the rental agency charges.

Although there are some credit cards with primary rental car insurance , the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection coverage, in some circumstances, can provide equal or better coverage and elevated peace of mind. Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: Consider Amex Premium Car Rental Protection if you don’t have a credit card that provides primary car rental insurance. Additionally, if you are renting an expensive vehicle that exceeds your card’s limit of coverage or the maximum length of the rental period on your other card is limited to less than 42 days, the Amex Premium Car Rental Protection could also be a prudent choice. 

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance are designed to cover unexpected, unforeseen events that may cause you to have to cancel your trip or that cause a disruption in a trip you’re already started.

To be eligible for coverage, purchase your entire round-trip common carrier ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

American Express has a broad definition of who is covered under this benefit. Eligible travelers can include the cardholder, traveling companion, family member of the eligible traveler, or family member of the traveling companion.

Examples of events that could be covered include the following:

• Bodily Injury or Illness — If you, a traveling companion, or a family member of either, experience an accidental injury or become ill, causing you to cancel your trip, you may have coverage
• Bad Weather — If extreme weather causes your trip to be canceled or disrupted, there could be coverage
• Change in Military Orders —Applies to cardmember and/or spouse (spouse definition includes domestic partner)
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• Jury duty or other qualifying legal obligation
• Uninhabitable dwelling of either the cardmember or traveling companion
• Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons

You can expect coverage of up to $10,000 per trip , and a maximum limit of $20,000 per card per 12-month period.

Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: While the trip cancellation/trip interruption benefit covers specifically stated reasons for trip cancellation/interruption, there is no coverage for voluntary cancellations, disruptions due to known events, or for preexisting conditions. Additional terms and conditions can be found in your guide to benefits or call the benefits administrator prior to your trip.

Experiencing a trip delay is inevitable so having coverage for added expenses as a result of that delay could be a welcome economic benefit. To qualify for trip delay coverage, just pay for the full amount of your common carrier round-trip transportation ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

The delay must be for more than 6 hours for you to be eligible for reimbursement for necessary incidentals, meals, and lodging.

Coverage limits are $500 per covered trip and a maximum of up to 2 covered trips in each consecutive 12-month period. Coverage is secondary to other coverage that applies and does not include expenses that are reimbursed by the airline or other entities. Additional terms and conditions also apply.

Losing a checked bag used to be a very common occurrence. With new technology and tracking mechanisms, however, incidents have declined, but they still happen. If you do happen to experience lost bags, however, you can count on the baggage insurance found on the Amex Platinum card.

To activate the coverage , simply pay for your common-carrier fare with your card and/or Membership Rewards points.

Here’s the coverage you can expect for lost luggage:

• Checked Bags — Up to $2,000 per covered person, per trip
• Carry-on Bags — Up to $3,000 per covered person, per trip
• Specialty High-value Items — Up to $1,000 per person, per covered trip ($2,000 for New York residents, maximum $10,000 per trip)
• Combined Limit — The limit for all baggage, including high-risk items, is $3,000 per covered person, per single trip

Checked baggage is covered only while traveling on a common carrier . Carry-on baggage is additionally covered while traveling to , from , and when waiting at the carrier terminal.

Note that the coverage on the card is secondary to any other insurance or reimbursement you might receive from the airline. There is no coverage for delayed baggage , but several other credit cards do offer this coverage .

While technically not insurance coverage, having access to help when you’re traveling, 24/7, is sure to provide additional peace of mind. The Amex Platinum card offers a premium version of a dedicated helpline that serves as a welcome resource should things go wrong during your travels.

Here are the types of assistance you can expect from the service:

Emergency Medical Transport and Evacuation — Complimentary Coverages

One of the premium services offered on the card is complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation . If you or a covered family member becomes injured or ill during your travels, you could receive emergency medical transportation or evacuation , if necessary.

You can expect to receive the following services without charge when arranged via the hotline:

• Emergency Transport or Evacuation — Transport to the nearest medical facility or transport from an inadequate medical facility
• Transport of Family Member — Transport may be covered for an adult member to be by the bedside of the cardmember or for the cardmember’s minor child (who had been traveling alone with the cardmember) to be transported back to the U.S.
• Transport of Remains — Amex will pay for the transport of remains back to the U.S.
• Post-Evacuation Assistance — If you’re evacuated and your return ticket back to the U.S. has become invalid, Amex will arrange and pay for transportation back to the U.S.

Please note that the Premium Global Assist Hotline does not cover any medical expenses or emergency transportation services arranged outside of the hotline. Several terms and conditions apply to these coverages.

Additional Medical Assistance

In addition to the complimentary coverages offered by the hotline, you’ll find these additional medical services:

• Medical Referrals — Receive help finding an English-speaking doctor, a hospital, or other needed medical services
• Prescription Replacement Assistance — Get help with replacing lost or forgotten medications

There is no charge for the referral service but cardmembers are responsible for actual services received from the provider.

Other Hotline Services

• Passport/Visa Assistance — Whether you need help replacing a passport or have a need to contact the U.S. consulate, the hotline can assist
• Emergency Translation Services — Receive over-the-phone services or written language translation assistance
• Legal Referrals — Should you need legal services during your trip, the hotline can help you find local bail bond services that accept Amex or refer you to other legal personnel
• Financial Assistance — The hotline can help you arrange cash wire services, help you check out of your hotel remotely, or assist with lost card situations
• Emergency Message Relay — In the event of an emergency, the hotline can send a message to a family member, friend, or another recipient on your behalf
• Lost Items — Should you lose an item, your baggage gets lost, or other missing possession, the hotline can help track it down
• Trip Planning Services — Access information such as weather, currency exchange rates, passport/visa requirements, customs information, travel warnings, and more

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary emergency transportation and evacuation services with no stated limit. Additional medical, legal, and travel service referrals are also complimentary, but other than the emergency medical transportation and evacuation, services rendered must be paid for by the cardholder. 

As with any insurance claim, you’ll need to report any event as soon as possible, provide supporting documentation, and follow up after the claim has been filed.

You could be expected to submit any, or all, of the following:

• Copies of your common carrier ticket
• Copies of your credit card statement showing the expenses
• Proof of the loss (i.e. a copy of physician’s quarantine order, military orders, etc.)
• Copy of the travel supplier’s cancellation policy
• Any other supporting documentation requested by the claims administrator

Claims must be reported within 60 days but it is best to do it as soon as possible. Once you report the claim, you’ll receive instructions for completing the next steps in the process.

Hot Tip: Be sure to take photos and videos, keep receipts, secure any applicable police report, and hold on to other documentation that might be needed to support your claim. Keep in mind that supporting information can be difficult to obtain after the fact but may be readily secured at the time of the claim. 

While the insurance that comes with the Amex Platinum card won’t take the place of a comprehensive travel insurance policy , you’ll find value in several of the benefits.

Utilizing Premium Car Rental Protection, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could save you more than you could imagine in certain circumstances.

Additionally, knowing the coverages you have in advance has tremendous value. You’ll be armed with information to make educated decisions that can protect each aspect of your trip and be better prepared for how you might handle a covered incident during your travels. If you’re looking for other card options, see our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance .

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 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 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. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 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 Platinum Card ® from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum 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 Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, 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. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. 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. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the amex platinum card travel insurance any good.

While the insurance that comes on your Amex Platinum card does not replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy, there is value in the coverages that come complimentary on the card.

Benefits such as trip interruption/cancellation/delay insurance and Amex Premium Car Rental Protection can provide economic value by saving you money should something go wrong during your travels.

Having access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could render peace of mind knowing you have the coverage should you need it.

Does the Amex Platinum card cover flight cancellations?

The Amex Platinum card comes with trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay insurance that can cover flight cancellations for only the specific (limited) reasons listed in the terms and conditions.

As with most insurance, the coverage that comes on your card is not meant to cover voluntary flight cancellations.

For these types of cancellations, you would need to purchase Cancel for Any Reason Insurance , which can be added to some comprehensive travel insurance policies.

Does the Amex Platinum card come with primary car rental insurance?

No. The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard secondary car rental insurance, which means you must first file a claim with any other insurance that may apply before the card coverage is valid.

However, the card does offer a unique benefit that allows you to purchase premium primary car rental insurance for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period.

This coverage is valid for rental periods up to 42 days in length and costs $12.25 to $24.95 per period, depending on the state in which you reside and the coverage limit you select.

Does the Amex Platinum have delayed baggage insurance?

While the Amex Platinum card comes with lost, stolen, or damaged luggage coverage, it does not offer a delayed baggage benefit.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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The Amex Platinum Travel Insurance Guide 2024

Published: Nov 9, 2023, 12:25pm

Fact Checked

Table of Contents

About travel insurance from the platinum card®, how does the platinum card® from american express travel insurance work, what travel insurance does the platinum card® offer, travel insurance summary, the platinum card® pre-existing medical conditions, exclusions to the platinum card® travel insurance, the platinum card® 24/7 travel assistance, when does the platinum card® travel insurance start and end, how to file a claim with the platinum card® travel insurance, the bottom line, frequently asked questions (faqs).

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a long list of perks and benefits , especially for high-earning frequent travellers. While the card comes with a hefty $799 annual fee, it offers a worthwhile bevy of travel perks, including a $200 annual travel credit, a $100 credit towards a NEXUS application and generous travel benefits. such as guaranteed late check-outs, room upgrades, early check-in and in-room Wi-Fi. Then there’s the airport lounge access, and the even better perks if you fly out of Toronto’s Pearson International airport, such as valet service, discount parking and priority access.

Another included benefit is the travel insurance, which is a must-have any time you’re travelling outside of Canada, as your provincial or territorial plan has limited coverage if you get sick or injured. Other than that, if you have to cancel your trip before you leave or if you have to return home unexpectedly, travel insurance may be able to help reimburse some, if not all, of your expenses.

So let’s take a closer look at the travel insurance benefits offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express.

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Travel insurance is offered by most travel credit cards as a complimentary perk, and the Platinum Card® from American Express card is no exception. This card includes coverage for emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, flight delay, baggage protection , and even coverage in the event your accommodations are burgled.

Keep in mind that travel insurance is designed to cover losses from “sudden and unforeseeable circumstances” and that the card only covers the first 15 days of travel. You can take as many trips as you’d like, but you must return home first between trips.

The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Co. of Canada, except for the travel accident insurance coverage, which is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada.

Unlike separate travel insurance policies , you don’t need to apply for travel insurance with The Platinum Card® from American Express as it’s an automatic perk of the card. However, there are requirements in place if you want to access the card’s insurance benefits:

• You need to pay for your trip with the card.
• You need to be 65 years old or younger.
• You need to be a resident of Canada.
• You must have current coverage under your province or territory’s government health insurance plan (GHIP).

Here are the key types of travel insurance coverage offered by the The Platinum Card® from American Express credit card:

Out of province/country emergency medical insurance: If you get ill or are injured on your trip, travel medical insurance can pay for emergency medical expenses, up to the $5 million covered limit.

Emergency medical treatment coverage for the The Platinum Card® from American Express card includes:

• Hospital accommodation up to a semi-private room
• Treatment by a physician or surgeon
• Outpatient hospital charges
• X-rays and other diagnostic tests
• Use of an operating room, intensive care unit, anaesthesia and surgical dressings
• Prescription drugs (except for a chronic medical condition)
• Local ground ambulance services or taxi/rideshare fare in a medical emergency
• Rental or purchase of a hospital-type bed, wheelchair, brace, crutches and other medical appliances
• Registered private nursing
• Emergency dental expenses due to a blow to the face, plus continued treatment upon your return (within 90 days of the injury)
• Emergency relief of dental pain
• Professional services, such as that from a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, chiropodist or podiatrist
• Return home due to a medical emergency
• Return of your remains, plus associated costs
• Additional meal and accommodation expenses after your return home is delayed due to you or your travelling companion’s medical emergency
• Bringing a bedside companion to you if you are hospitalized for more than three days (or immediately if you are under age 21 or physically handicapped and dependent on your bedside companion for support)
• Return of your vehicle or rental due to a medical emergency
• Return of dependent children due to a medical emergency if you are hospitalized more than 24 hours or due to repatriation
• Return of excess baggage due to a medical emergency

Trip cancellation insurance: If you cancel your trip before your departure date for a covered risk listed in your insurance policy, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable costs, such as airfare or hotels.

Covered risks include:

• Your emergency medical condition, or the emergency medical condition of your travelling companion
• Hospitalization or emergency medical condition of an immediate family member, business partner, key employee or caregiver
• Your death, or death of an immediate family member, business partner, key employee, caregiver or travelling companion, family of your travelling companion or your host at your destination
• A government advisory to “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel”
• Transfer by your employer for you or your spouse
• Loss of you or your spouse’s job
• Cancellation of a business meeting
• Being summoned to serve as a reservist, military, police, fire or medical personnel
• An event that renders your home or place of business inoperative
• Quarantine or hijacking of you, your spouse or dependent child
• You or your spouse being called for jury duty, being subpoenaed as a witness or being required to appear in a judicial proceeding

Trip interruption insurance: Trip interruption insurance kicks in once you’re on your trip if you have to return home earlier than expected due to a covered risk and can pay for a last-minute flight home and/or reimburse you for the unused portion of your travel arrangements that are non-refundable and non-transferable. This insurance also provides benefits, such as reimbursement for accommodation, meals, telephone and rides, if your return home is delayed due to a covered reason.

The covered risks are similar to those for trip cancellation insurance, but also include:

• Delay of a private car causing a missed connection or flight due to mechanical failure of that transportation, weather, earthquake, volcanic eruption, traffic accident or an emergency road closure
• Delay of your common carrier causing a missed connection due to the above unexpected issues
• Delay of your common carrier causing a delayed departure due to the above unexpected issues causing you to miss your scheduled cruise or tour

Like emergency medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption coverage is for sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. To ensure you’re able to access your coverage when you need it most, it’s crucial to review the complete list of covered risks to understand what is and is not covered and under what circumstances.

Flight and baggage delay insurance: This insurance provides coverage in the event that your flight and/or baggage is delayed, or if you suffer a loss due to a hotel burglary.

The coverage and benefits are as follows:

• Missed connection: If a delay of an incoming flight causes a missed connection and no alternative onward transportation is available within four hours of deplaning, this insurance will pay up to the benefit limit for expenses related to meals, accommodations and rides incurred within 48 hours of deplaning.
• Delayed flight departure or denied boarding: If your departing flight is delayed for four hours or more or if you’re denied boarding due to overbooking and no alternative transportation is available within four hours of your scheduled departure, this insurance will pay up to the benefit limit for expenses related to meals, accommodations and rides incurred within 48 hours of the delay or denied boarding.
• Emergency baggage delay: If your checked baggage is not delivered within six hours of arriving at your destination, this insurance provides reimbursement for expenses related to essential clothing and toiletries that are purchased within the first four days after arrival and before your bags are returned.

The maximum aggregate limit for the three coverages above is $1,000.

Hotel burglary insurance: If your accommodations are burgled due an illegal forced entry, this coverage will reimburse you for the loss of personal items, excluding cash. The maximum amount payable is $1,000 per burglary.

Lost or stolen baggage insurance: This insurance can compensate you up to your policy limit if your baggage is lost or stolen. Specifically, this insurance reimburses you for loss or damage to owned or borrowed baggage and personal effects, whether in transit as checked baggage or carried on board, as long as your full fare was paid with the card. The maximum amount payable is $1,000 for all insured persons combined. The amount includes a $300 limit for jewellery and a $250 limit for golf clubs, including golf bags.

This coverage does not cover loss or damage of eyeglasses or contact lenses, artificial teeth or limbs, cameras and camera equipment, electronics including laptops and cell phones, sports equipment (except gear for golf, skiing or tennis), fragile objects, such as china or glass, art or antiques, business items, household effects, perishable goods, animals, furs, cash, securities, or valuable papers and documents.

Travel accident insurance: This coverage offers compensation in the event of accidental death or catastrophic injury from a flight accident during your trip, including the loss of limbs or eyesight. Injury can be sustained during a flight or during alternative transportation due to a delayed or rerouted flight. The amount paid out depends on the severity of the loss or dismemberment and the insurer will only pay for one loss. The maximum amount payable is $500,000 per covered person and the benefit amount paid is for the greatest loss.

Car rental theft and damage insurance: This insurance covers theft, loss or damage to a rental vehicle for up to 48 consecutive days when you use your card to pay for the rental. In the event of theft or damage, you or the rental agency will be compensated up to the actual cash value of the vehicle (maximum $85,000 MSRP). It’s important to note there are a number of rental vehicles excluded from this coverage, including vans or cargo vans, pick-up trucks, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, trailers or RVs and antique cars. You will still require your own third-party liability, personal injury and damage to property car insurance coverage.

We’ve highlighted key benefits of the travel insurance offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express.

(i) $1,000 aggregate maximum for flight delay insurance and baggage delay insurance.

In general, a pre-existing condition is defined as any sickness, injury or medical condition, whether or not diagnosed by a physician, that you showed signs or symptoms or received medical attention for before the start of your coverage.

The Platinum Card® from American Express Travel Insurance will not pay any expenses related to any medical condition that is not stable in the 90 days before you leave on your trip.

A medical condition is considered stable when there has been:

• No new treatment, medical management or prescribed medication, and
• No change in treatment, medical management or medication (with some exceptions), and
• No new, frequent or severe symptoms or findings, and
• No new test results or results showing a deterioration, and
• No investigations or future investigations initiated or recommended, and
• No hospitalization or referral to a specialist, made or recommended

In addition, The Platinum Card® from American Express will not pay any benefits for the following:

• Your heart condition (with or without diagnosis) that has not been stable in the 90 days before your departure or for which you have taken nitroglycerin more than once per week for the relief of angina pain.
• Your lung condition (with or without a diagnosis) that has not been stable in the 90 days before your departure or for which you have been treated with home oxygen or taken oral steroids, such as prednisone or prednisolone, for any lung condition.

In addition to pre-existing conditions, The Platinum Card® from American Express Travel Insurance does not pay expenses related to the following general exclusions:

• Any medical condition for which future investigation or treatment is planned before your trip
• Continued treatment of a medical emergency, included any heart or lung condition, if you chose not to return home after receiving emergency care
• Any services that are not related to an emergency
• Routine care of a chronic condition
• Routine prenatal care
• Pregnancy, complications or birth of a child in the nine weeks before or after your expected delivery date, or any child born on a trip
• Invasive testing or surgery without prior approval, or any other benefits that require prior authorization that did not receive authorization
• Expenses related to participation as a professional athlete in a sporting event, including training or practice; any motorized race or motorized speed contest; or high-risk activities including scuba diving without a basic scuba designation, hang gliding, rock climbing, paragliding, skydiving, parachuting, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, rodeo, heli-skiing, any downhill skiing or snowboarding outside marked trails, any cycling racing event or ski racing event
• The commission of or attempt of a criminal act
• Intentional self-inflicted injury, suicide or attempt to commit suicide
• Any medical condition related to chronic use of alcohol or drugs, or your abuse of medication, drugs or alcohol, or non-compliance with prescribed medical treatment
• Mental or emotional stress, including anxiety and panic, unless it was severe enough to require medical attention
• War or rebellion
• Any treatment, surgery, investigation, palliative care or alternative therapy that was the purpose of your trip
• Any medical condition for which treatment is expected
• Symptoms in the 90 days before your trip that would cause a “prudent” person to seek medical attention
• Treatment for any condition for which you have been advised by your physician not to travel
• Any medical condition suffered or contracted or loss incurred in a country where there is an “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” travel advisory in effect before you leave on your trip
• Any medical condition if the insurer’s medical advisors recommend you return home and you choose not to return
• Any radiation or radioactive contamination from any nuclear fuel or waste, or the radioactive, toxic, explosive or other dangerous properties of nuclear machinery

There are additional exclusions related to particular insurance coverages, so read your certificate of insurance carefully.

Travel assistance is available 24/7 and is provided by Global Excel Management Inc.

The following assistance services are available:

• Direction to one or more recommended medical service providers near you
• Confirmation of coverage
• Direct payment of eligible medical expenses to your service provider
• Consultation with your physician and monitoring of your care
• Monitoring the appropriateness, necessity and reasonableness of that care to ensure your expenses will be covered by insurance
• Conveying emergency messages to your immediate family, physician or business
• Coordination to replace your prescription eyeglasses or medication if necessary (though the actual cost to replace these items is not covered)

In the event of a medical emergency you, or someone acting on your behalf, must call Global Excel before receiving any medical treatment or, if this is medically impossible, as soon as possible afterward. If you do not make contact before seeking medical treatment or if you receive care from a non-approved medical service provider, you will be responsible for 20% of your covered medical expenses to a maximum of $25,000.

Emergency medical coverage: This is provided by the Platinum Card® from American Express for the first 15 consecutive days of your trip, starting with the day you leave your home province or territory and ending the day you return home.

However, coverage is automatically extended beyond the 15-day limit by the following amounts due to these circumstances:

• Up to five dates if you or your travelling companion are hospitalized due to a medical emergency on your scheduled return date
• Up to five days if you must delay you or your travelling companion’s return date due to a medical emergency
• Up to 72 hours if there’s a delay with your common carrier (plane, train, etc.) on your return date

Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage: This begins on your effective date, or the date any portion of the trip costs are first charged to the card or paid by American Express Membership Rewards points. The coverage ends at midnight on your return date, though may be subject to extension due to the circumstances noted above.

Flight and baggage delay insurance: This coverage begins when your full fare is charged to your The Platinum Card® from American Express card. The hotel burglary insurance begins when your accommodations are reserved, booked and charged to your card. Coverage ends when you return home.

Lost and stolen baggage insurance: This starts when your baggage has been checked in and is in the care of an airline, or in the case of carry-on baggage, when you board the plane.

Travel accident insurance: This is in effect for the duration of the policy and will cover losses that happen within 100 days of the date of the accident that caused the injury.

Car rental theft and damage insurance: This valuable coverage is valid for a maximum of 48 consecutive days, starting the day you take control of the rental car. If you rent your vehicle for more than 48 days, there is no coverage provided, including for the first 48 days. You can not extend your insurance in any way. You can only qualify for the car rental theft and damage insurance coverage once in a calendar year.

In addition, coverage for all The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance ends when:

• Your account is cancelled.
• Your privileges are terminated.
• Your account is no longer in good standing.

You can fill a claim by visiting the online claims portal at amex.rsagroup.ca. There you can start a claim and submit your required supporting documents. Once submitted, you can track the status of your claim through the portal.

You must file your claim(s) within a prescribed number of days, as follows:

Depending on your claim, you may need to submit supporting documentation with your completed claim and authorization form, including:

• Proof of your departure and return dates
• Originals of all bills, invoices and receipts
• Proof of payment by your government health insurance plan and/or payment from any other insurer or benefit plan
• Complete diagnosis from the physician and/or hospital that provided the treatment, including confirmation that the treatment was medically necessary
• Proof of the accident for emergency dental treatment
• Written evidence of the risk insured that was the cause of the cancellation, interruption or delay
• Tour operator terms and conditions
• Copies of Amex statements showing payment of your trip or redemption of points
• Complete unused transportation tickets and vouchers
• Receipts for prepaid land arrangements and/or subsistence expenses
• Original passenger receipts for new tickets
• Reports from the police or local authorities documenting the cause of the missed connection
• Detailed invoices and/or receipts from service providers
• A copy of the travel agent’s invoice or itinerary and account statement of the full fare expenses
• Alternate boarding pass or flight delay report from the airline
• Verification from the airline of the delay, including reason, duration of delay and any compensation received
• Proof of delivery confirming date/time baggage was delivered
• Invoice issued by your accommodations
• Police report confirming forced entry and a burglary report from the accommodation
• Receipts for repaired or replaced items
• Lost or damaged baggage report
• Proof of settlement from your personal insurance company and/or airline
• Estimate of personal item or baggage repair(s)
• Itemized original receipts for replacement items
• Vehicle rental agreement
• Accident or damage report

You may also need to undergo a medical examination by a physician (or physicians) selected by the insurer.

The travel insurance offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express card offers comprehensive coverage in case of a wide number of travel calamities. For a simple trip of less than 15 days, this card likely offers sufficient protection. But if you plan on travelling for longer, have some high-risk activities in mind or live with pre-existing health conditions, you may want to consider additional coverage.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance pay directly?

According to the certificate of insurance, “.. wherever possible, Global Excel will… pay your eligible medical expenses directly to the recommended medical service provider.” The insurer also notes, however, that “there are certain countries where, due to local conditions or travel reports from the Canadian government, assistance services are not available and you may be required to make a payment up front.” In this case, it’s crucial that you obtain detailed and itemized original receipts to later use for your claim.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance have any age restrictions?

You must be at least 15 days old and under age 65 to qualify for The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance have any date restrictions?

The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance will only cover the first 15 days of travel. Beyond 15 days, you can request a top-up of coverage for an extra premium.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Emergency medical coverage is available for COVID-19-related emergencies, as long as there is no “avoid all non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” travel advisory in effect for your destination. If an advisory is issued while you are on your trip, The Platinum Card® from American Express provides coverage for medical emergencies related to COVID-19 for up to 10 days. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 before you leave on your trip, your insurance will likely not provide coverage as it is considered a pre-existing condition. According to the trip cancellation and trip interruption certificate of insurance (effective January 1, 2021), “A trip cancellation, trip interruption or trip delay, which is related, directly or indirectly, to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” is not covered. This means that expenses related to quarantine, refused boarding or refused entry are not covered.

What if my insurance benefits are insufficient?

The Platinum Card® from American Express travel insurance is considered excess insurance and last payor, meaning that all other sources of reimbursement, such as your provincial or territorial health plan and (if applicable) and any other insurance, such as that from a current or former employer, must be exhausted first. The Platinum Card® from American Express will pay the balance owing for eligible expenses. You are responsible for any deficit between the amount owing and the amount covered by insurance.

What if I’m travelling more than 15 days?

If you travel for more than 15 days, you can either request a top-up from The Platinum Card® from American Express and pay the extra premium or you can purchase a standalone policy.

Which is better: credit card or separate travel insurance ?

The choice between credit cards travel insurance or an individual, separate travel insurance plan is a personal one, based on your travel itinerary, health and insurance needs. Credit card travel insurance is a useful perk included in a card’s annual fee. There is no additional premium for insurance, unless you require coverage longer than the number of days under your policy, for example, 15 days with the The Platinum Card® from American Express card. You’ll need to purchase your non-refundable and non-transferable expenses, such as flights and hotels, with the card to get coverage. However, credit card travel insurance is limited compared to separate travel insurance policies that often have higher benefits, more comprehensive coverage and can include add-ons for high-risk activities or pre-existing conditions. If your credit card does not meet your needs, you can purchase a standalone policy as a top-up to your card’s coverage.

Can I pay for my trip with points and still get travel insurance coverage?

It depends. Trips will be covered if trip costs are paid for by redeeming Amex Membership Rewards Program points, but not if points are used from another reward program.

Advertiser's Disclosure

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

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Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

Introduction to American Express Travel Protection

Types of travel protection offered, american express travel protection: a guide to your benefits.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, American Express® Green Card, The Plum Card® from American Express. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Some American Express cards offer trip cancellation and interruption benefits .
• You'll find these perks on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express.
• If you're eager to sign up for a travel credit card with perks, compare each card's offerings.

Overview of Travel Protection Benefits

While credit card insurance and travel protection coverage are usually considered secondary to rewards programs and other cardholder perks, these benefits can be equally important if you travel.

When you pay for a trip with a credit card that offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, for example, you can get reimbursed for some of your travel expenses in the event your vacation is halted for reasons beyond your control. Meanwhile, trip delay insurance lets you apply for some reimbursement when a delay of your trip results in surprise expenses, such as an unplanned hotel stay near the airport when your flight is on hold.

Importance of Travel Insurance

Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card have really stood out for years in terms of the protections they offer, and with some of the highest limits out there. Still, American Express is still coming around — it recently added trip cancellation and interruption insurance, along with trip delay coverage, to many of its top rewards credit cards. 

If you're in the market for an American Express card and you're hoping to take advantage of important travel benefits, consider the cards below and their expanded travel protections.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

New trip cancellation and interruption insurance from American Express credit cards will provide you with up to $10,000 in coverage (and up to $20,000 per account per year) you can use for reimbursement of prepaid travel expenses like airfare and hotels. This coverage can come in handy if your trip is canceled for a covered reason beyond your control, or you're stuck in your destination and require an extended stay and additional costs before you can return home.

Note that this coverage is good for round-trip travel booked with your credit card, meaning you have to pay for travel expenses with a common carrier with your American Express credit card in order to be eligible.

American Express cards that qualify for this coverage include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Other versions of the Amex Platinum card — including the Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and corporate flavors —  also offer this coverage, as do all versions of the Amex Centurion (black) card , which is invite-only.

Baggage Insurance Plan

Quite a few American Express credit cards also offer a baggage insurance plan, although this isn't a new or upgraded benefit from the card issuer. This coverage can come in handy if your luggage is lost or stolen during a covered trip. To be eligible for this coverage, you have to pay for travel with a common carrier (airfare, cruise fare, etc.) with your American Express credit card.

The amount of coverage you'll receive depends on the card you have. For example, baggage insurance from the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $3,000 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $2,000 per person in coverage for some types of checked baggage.

With baggage insurance from the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card , on the other hand, you'll only qualify for up to $1,250 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $500 for covered checked baggage, although an extra benefit of $250 is offered for qualified "high risk items" like jewelry or sporting equipment. 

American Express cards that come with baggage insurance include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
• American Express® Gold Card (including various versions)
• American Express® Green Card (including various versions)
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
• The Plum Card® from American Express

American Express business cards with baggage insurance include:

• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
• Lowe's Business Rewards Card from American Express
• Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
• Amazon Business American Express Card

Various versions of the Amex Centurion card and several Amex corporate cards also offer baggage insurance.

Travel Accident Insurance

Some American Express cards also offer secondary auto rental coverage, which means this coverage kicks in after other policies you have are exhausted, as opposed to primary car rental coverage.

While this benefit applies to many Amex cards, note that coverage limits can vary. With the Amex Gold card, for example, coverage is limited to $50,000 per rental agreement for damage or theft, yet the Amex Platinum card offers up to $75,000 in coverage. The insurance doesn't cover personal liability, either.

Also note that this coverage comes with a certain amount of Accidental Death or Dismemberment Coverage that varies by card. With , for example, you'll receive up to $200,000 in coverage per person and up to $300,000 in coverage per car accident for accidental death and dismemberment. Make sure to read your credit card's terms and conditions so you know exactly how much coverage you have. 

American Express cards that come with secondary auto rental coverage include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express® Card (no longer available to new applicants)
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Amex Everyday® Credit Card from American Express

And business cards from Amex that offer secondary car rental insurance include:

While American Express did offer travel accident insurance on some of its cards, this coverage was effectively dropped as of January 1, 2020. The same is true for the American Express Roadside Assistance Hotline, which is no longer available.

Trip Delay Insurance

In January of 2020, American Express also rolled out an upgraded trip delay insurance benefit for many of its top rewards credit cards. While this perk may seem like an unusual one, there are so many scenarios where trip delay coverage could help you save money and avoid surprise expenses when travel is delayed beyond your control. 

With trip delay coverage from Amex, you can be reimbursed for up to $500 per trip for hotel stays, meals, and other miscellaneous required expenses when your flight or other trip plans are delayed by more than six hours. If you're sitting at the airport and your flight is suddenly delayed until the next morning, for example, you could use this coverage to get reimbursed for a nearby airport hotel and your dinner, then for an Uber or Lyft ride back to the airport.

To qualify for American Express trip delay coverage, you need to pay for your round-trip travel expenses with a common carrier with your credit card.

Amex cards that come with trip delay coverage include:

• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Green Card

Again, the various versions of the Amex Platinum and Amex Centurion cards also offer trip delay insurance.

Most travel protections are automatically activated when you use your American Express card to book your travel. However, specific activation steps, if any, depend on the benefit.

Covered reasons for trip cancellation or interruption typically include illness, severe weather, and other unforeseen events, reimbursing you for non-refundable travel expenses.

Yes, baggage insurance plans come with coverage limits, which vary depending on the card and the type of loss (e.g., lost, damaged, or stolen baggage).

The Global Assist Hotline offers medical, legal, and other emergency coordination and assistance services, but financial costs for services rendered are typically the cardholder's responsibility.

Eligibility for specific travel protections varies by card. Premium cards often offer more comprehensive protections compared to basic cards.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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How does the Amex Platinum’s travel insurance work?

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American Express credit cards have emerged as one of the top card travel insurance options. After years of neglecting this aspect of their card benefits, they’re extremely competitive among other bank cards — particularly The Platinum Card® from American Express.

The Amex Platinum receives extra insurance less premium cards simply don’t have. Yes, it’s got a massive 100,000 point bonus after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening (read our post on common mistakes people make with Amex points to see how valuable they can be), but that’s a short-lived aspect of the card.

Let’s take a look at the Amex Platinum travel insurance — and learn how you can leverage the card for coverage on airfare, baggage, rental cars, and more. You can read our Amex Platinum review for a more well-rounded look at the card’s benefits.

Credit card travel protection benefits

When you pay for airfare with the best travel insurance credit cards , you can get automatic travel protection benefits at no extra charge. Chase and Amex offer fantastic features (while Citibank travel insurance is nonexistent, by the way).

Depending on the card, sometimes just paying the taxes and fees on an award flight will get you coverage. But the coverage you get can vary significantly by card. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Note: Amex stipulates that you must book with a “Common Carrier” to qualify for coverage. That just means you’ve booked an airline, a cruise ship, etc. You won’t be reimbursed if you book an under-the-table commute across Lake Okeechobee on your cousin’s fan boat.

Amex cards eligible for travel insurance

The best American Express cards are eligible for travel insurance. Here’s a table breaking down the most popular cards with the best coverage.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (similar name but quite different from the regular Platinum card — read our Amex Business Platinum review )
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Here’s a list of the most popular cards with benefits a tier below the most premium cards:

• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• American Express® Green Card
• Business Green Rewards
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

These cards don’t come with trip cancellation or interruption, and they have lower reimbursement caps for coverages like trip delay and baggage protection.

The Amex Platinum benefits are top of the food chain. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance

With Amex Platinum Trip Cancellation Insurance, you’re are eligible for up to $10,000 per trip (with a maximum payout of $20,000 per 12-month period) for flight cancellations occurring due to a covered reason (such as inclement weather, jury duty, injury, illness, etc.). You must pay the full ticket with your card (award flight taxes and fees and Pay With Points tickets also eligible).

Trip Delay Insurance

If your trip is delayed more than six hours for a covered reason, you’ll get up to $500 for reasonable expenses (think meals, lodging, toiletries, etc.). Again, you must purchase your trip in full with your Amex Platinum — and paying taxes & fees on award flights or Pay With Points qualifies you for coverage.

Here are some examples of eligible reasons for which Amex will compensate you:

• Equipment failure (the plane wheels fall off, the engine won’t start, etc.)
• Inclement weather
• You lose your travel documents
• Your flight is hijacked

Note that this insurance is valid for round-trip flights only . However, the Amex Platinum benefits guide states:

The period of round-trip travel may consist of roundtrip, one-way, or combinations of roundtrip and one-way tickets with Common Carrier(s).

Rental Car Insurance

The Amex Platinum comes with secondary rental car insurance. That basically means that if your rental car is damaged or stolen, it’ll cover you for any expenses that remain after your personal insurance pays for everything that it covers. Or, if you purchased rental car insurance from the rental agency, Amex Platinum insurance will scoop up the remaining costs that it won’t cover.

However , you can enroll for free in the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection program , and that does offer primary rental car insurance. You’ll pay ~$25 (~$18 for California residents, ~$16 for Florida residents) per rental for up to 42 consecutive rental days (30 consecutive rental days for Washington State cardholders). If you’re renting for a few days, this is definitely worth purchasing.

Unless you’ve got any one of the best credit cards for car rentals . These come with primary rental car insurance for free.

Lost, Damaged, and Stolen Baggage Insurance

The Amex Platinum comes with various coverages in the event that your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged by the common carrier:

• Up to $2,000 per person per trip for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $3,000 per person per trip for loss of carry-on baggage
• Up to $250 per person per trip for loss of high risk items (i.e. jewelry & electronics)
• Cap of $10,000 per trip for everyone on your itinerary.

High-risk items such as jewelry, electronic equipment, sports equipment, etc., are capped at $1,000 in total coverage. For things like cash, medical items, and contact lenses, you won’t be covered at all.

Delayed Baggage Insurance

Some cards will reimburse you in the event that your checked bags are delayed by more than six hours. If you arrive at your destination and your stuff doesn’t show up, you can go to the store and buy things to tide you over until your bag finally arrives (toiletries, clothes, and the like).

American Express completely ignores this fantastic feature. The Amex Platinum gives you none of this coverage. But read our post on the best credit card for baggage delay coverage to find a good one. This has saved me $500+ on a single trip in the past.

Premium Global Assist

 When you are at least 100 miles from home, you can call the Amex Platinum Premium Global Assist to help solve pretty much any hardship. For example:

• You can call for help finding a lost item — including luggage. Amex will pester the airline until you are satisfied
• You can tell Amex to contact a friend or family member during your trip if you can’t reach them yourself
• If you lose your wallet, you can tell Amex to cancel all your credit cards
• If you need emergency evacuation, Amex will arrange everything

Note that Amex may be able to cover your emergency expenses and transportation if you’re in an area with sub-par treatment.

Plus, if you’re in the trenches of your trip planning, they can help you iron out the tedious details. They’ll help you understand travel etiquette in the country you’re visiting, if there are any shots that are required/recommended, and tell you if you need any special visas for your trip. 

There are plenty of other things they can do, too. Their number is 1-800-345-2639.

FAQ: Things to consider with trip protection benefits

Because travel coverage is not the same across all cards, you’ll want to use the card that is best for your personal situation. Here are a few things that might factor into which card you use to pay for travel.

Will your airline elite status help if there’s a flight delay or cancellation?

Having airline elite status comes with perks that can help if you pay with a card like the Amex Platinum, which doesn’t have trip delay or cancellation insurance.

For example, some airlines offer passengers with elite status free same-day standby flights, so if your flight is delayed, you could switch to another flight without having to worry about filing a claim for a trip delay.

Similarly, if your flight is canceled, having elite status might give you a higher priority to get a seat on the next available flight. But consider if you’re traveling to a remote destination or region with unpredictable weather that it’s wise to pay with best travel insurance credit cards . If all flights are delayed or canceled, you could end up paying out of pocket for hotel rooms and necessary expenses. Having a card that gets you reimbursed is a great benefit.

Did you book an expensive cruise or tour?

Having trip interruption or cancellation insurance from a credit card can come in handy should you have to cancel an expensive trip for an eligible reason. For example, let’s say you pay for a family cruise to Alaska, but are unable to go due to a last-minute illness. If you paid with the Amex Platinum, it’s possible to get a refund for your trip up to a certain limit.

I recommend reading the terms and conditions of your card’s trip protection benefits before paying for a vacation. It’s important to know who is covered, the claims process, and the reasons you’re eligible to get a refund.

Do you have third-party travel insurance?

Many purchase travel insurance through a third-party company to cover trip delays, cancellations, and other unforeseen events. You can often bundle these coverages with a supplemental medical travel policy, which can be helpful if you’re traveling outside the U.S.

There are great resources on the web to research travel insurance policies . Keep in mind, travel insurance plans and coverage amounts can differ widely — but purchasing a third-party plan can be helpful for folks who don’t pay for a trip with a card that comes with these benefits.

Bottom line

When you pay for a trip with Amex Platinum, you’ll receive trip delay insurance, as well as trip cancellation and interruption. These insurances make the card even more enticing to use for your travel, as you’ll earn 5x Amex Membership Rewards points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or from Amex Travel . Read our post on the best ways to use Amex points to see why that’s such a big deal.

This isn’t even counting the other great perks that come with the card, like Amex purchase protection and a gigantic welcome bonus worth potentially thousands in travel. Line this card’s virtues against the wall and it’s easy to see why the American Express Platinu m card is worth it .

Have you used any of the Amex Platinum travel insurance? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments. And subscribe to our newsletter for more credit card travel techniques.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

Joseph Hostetler

Joseph Hostetler is a full-time writer for Million Mile Secrets, covering miles and points tips and tricks, as well as helpful travel-related news and deals. He has also authored and edited for The Points Guy.

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Comparing travel protections with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the most popular travel rewards cards . After all, both cards offer valuable transferable rewards , lounge access and the ability to receive elite-like perks when booking hotels through Amex's Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection .

Like many of the top rewards cards , the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card also provide travel insurance when you use your card to book travel. In particular, these two premium travel rewards cards offer an excellent combination of trip insurance and bonus earnings on select travel purchases. So, in this guide, let's compare the travel insurance provided by these two cards.

Overview of the travel insurance provided by these cards

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. ^ Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. # Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. † Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

As you can see in the table above, the Amex Platinum doesn't provide baggage delay insurance , emergency medical and dental benefits , roadside assistance or travel accident insurance . For brevity, I won't discuss the types of insurance the Amex Platinum doesn't provide any further in this guide.

Instead, I'll compare the protections head-to-head for the types of insurance provided by both cards. You can find the guide to benefits for both cards as follows:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits guide
• Amex Platinum benefits guide

And to learn more about both cards, check out our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review and Amex Platinum card review .

Related: Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card is right for you?

Trip delay insurance

Trip delay insurance may provide reimbursement for reasonable expenses during a delay when traveling on a common carrier. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's trip delay insurance.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

As you may gather from the above table, the primary differences in trip delay coverage are:

• The Amex Platinum requires round-trip travel, which you must buy with your card (in whole or combination with other eligible methods).
• The Amex Platinum doesn't cover overnight delays that are less than six hours.
• The Amex Platinum caps your claims to two per 12-month period.
• The Amex Platinum covers traveling companions as long as you pay for their round-trip common carrier fares with your card.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve explicitly covers delays due to strikes, while the Amex Platinum explicitly covers delays due to lost or stolen passports or travel documents.

Related: Chase paid for my $1,100-per-night hotel room thanks to built-in trip delay coverage

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may provide reimbursement for nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses when you must cancel or alter a trip due to a covered situation. In some cases, you may be covered for additional expenses. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's trip cancellation and interruption insurance:

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

As you can see in the above table and the related benefits guides, the primary differences in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage are:

• The Amex Platinum requires round-trip travel , paid with your card (in whole or in combination with other eligible methods). Only travel expenses put on the card used for round-trip common carrier travel will be covered.
• The Amex Platinum may cover the cost to return home or rejoin the trip if your trip is interrupted.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve may reimburse redeposit fees imposed by a rewards program if your trip is canceled or interrupted, as well as change fees and car positioning fees if your trip is interrupted.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers more types of losses, including if your accommodation at your destination is made uninhabitable or your host at your destination dies or is hospitalized.
• The Amex Platinum excludes losses related to mental or emotional disorders unless hospitalized. The Amex Platinum also excludes losses that occur when you're intoxicated. The Chase Sapphire Reserve excludes any loss for any trip booked while on a waiting list for specified medical treatment.

Check out American Express' trip cancellation and interruption insurance coronavirus frequently asked questions if you're wondering whether the Amex Platinum's insurance will cover coronavirus -related cancellations or interruptions.

Related: Be careful: Avoiding outbreaks isn't covered by most travel insurance

Auto rental collision damage waiver

The collision damage waiver offered by both cards can cover your rental car if you're in an accident or if it's stolen or damaged. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's rental car insurance.

^ Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in car rental collision damage protection are:

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers more types of vehicles.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides primary coverage.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't have country exclusions.
• The Amex Platinum offers coverage to spouses when payment is made with an eligible card.
• While the Amex Platinum coverage specifically mentions peer-to-peer rentals, it's unlikely your Sapphire Reserve would cover Turo rentals .

If you'd prefer to get primary coverage for rental cars when using American Express cards , you can enroll in American Express' Premium Car Rental protection .

Related: 11 common rental car mistakes — and how to avoid them

Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance

The emergency evacuation and transportation insurance provided by these cards can arrange and pay for necessary emergency medical transport and evacuation under eligible circumstances. Here's a comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve 's and Amex Platinum Card 's emergency evacuation and transportation insurance.

# Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in the emergency medical evaluation benefit are:

• You're covered by the Amex Platinum even if you use another card to purchase your common carrier fare, whereas you must at least partially pay with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or associated rewards to be covered.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve has stricter requirements for trip length.
• Both cards offer additional benefits that can bring a family member to your side or return now-unaccompanied minors home.

Related: A Medjet medical transport membership is different than travel insurance. Here's why you need both

Lost luggage reimbursement

The lost luggage benefit offered by both cards may reimburse you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen during a trip. Here's a comparison of the lost luggage reimbursement provided by the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card .

† Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

As you can see in the above table and the related guide to benefits, the primary differences in lost luggage reimbursement are:

• The Amex Platinum explicitly notes that losses due to confiscation by TSA aren't excluded.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers a broader selection of family members when you pay for their ticket using your card.
• The cards exclude different types of items and types of loss.

Related: Everything you need to know about Amex's baggage insurance plan

When should I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. the Amex Platinum?

The Platinum Card from American Express earns 5 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) for an approximate 10% return based on TPG's valuations . The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 10 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on hotels and rental cars purchased through the Chase Travel portal , 5 points per dollar on flights booked through this portal, 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025 and 3 points per dollar on all other travel (bonus points earning comes into effect after exhausting the $300 annual travel credit ).

The Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550 while the Amex Platinum Card has a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

Related: Amex Membership Rewards vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards: Which is the best?

Despite the earning gap (which can sway one way or the other, depending on how you book your flights), you may want to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve when booking some common carrier travel. I recommend checking out the guide to both cards' benefits and considering which card is best for your travel expenses. To help, here are some reasons to consider each card.

Reasons to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Offers a baggage delay benefit , an emergency medical and dental benefit, and roadside assistance up to $50 up to four times a year.
• Only a portion of your travel expenses must be charged to your card to unlock most benefits (whereas the Amex Platinum generally only provides benefits when you charge the entire common carrier fare to your card).
• No requirement for round-trip travel.
• Provides trip delay benefits if you're delayed overnight for less than six hours.
• Provides primary car rental coverage.
• Offers travel accident insurance (although the Amex Platinum provides some travel accident insurance on car rentals).
• Includes strikes as an eligible reason for trip delay insurance.
• May reimburse redeposit fees imposed by a rewards program under trip cancellation/interruption insurance .

OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Reasons to use the Amex Platinum

• Provides an emergency medical evacuation benefit to cardmembers regardless of whether you charged any trip expenses to the card.
• Covers traveling companions for trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance when you purchase their round-trip fare with your card.
• May reimburse additional transportation expenses to rejoin the common carrier covered trip or return to the place of origin; also may cover the purchase of tickets for a new departure, under trip interruption insurance.
• Includes lost or stolen passports or travel documents as an eligible reason for trip delay insurance.
• Has a higher cap on high-value items for lost, damaged or stolen baggage.
• Some readers have found the claim process to be more straightforward and simple.

OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: The Platinum Card from American Express

Bottom line

Some travelers who have both cards put their flights on the Amex Platinum to earn 5 points per dollar and put other travel expenses on the Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3 points per dollar and activate their trip cancellation and interruption protections.

You might want to keep the Amex Platinum primarily for Centurion Lounge access , hotel elite status and access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts , as well as nearly $1,500 in annual credits available to cardmembers.

However, you might want to avoid booking flights with the Amex Platinum because of the round-trip requirement and the lack of baggage delay protection . Instead, you'd prefer to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve for common carrier fares and other travel expenses .

Additional reporting by Ryan Smith.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here .

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The Guide to Single Trip Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

How single trip travel insurance works

How to choose between travel insurance companies, best plans for single trip travel insurance, other tips for travel insurance for a single trip, travel cards that come with complimentary travel insurance, single travel insurance for a trip recapped.

There are many types of travel insurance, including plans that’ll reimburse you for emergency medical expenses or unexpected travel delays. Along with coverage types, there are also different durations of travel insurance.

Single trip travel insurance will cover you during one vacation, while multitrip or annual travel insurance can last for multiple outings. Let’s take a look at single trip travel insurance, what kind of coverage you can expect and how to choose a plan that works for you.

Purchasing a travel insurance plan is fairly simple, as is making a claim. It generally goes like this:

You gather a few quotes from travel insurance companies.

You pick a plan that suits your needs and customize it to your liking.

You purchase your plan and include a date for it to start.

You go on your trip.

If something happens (such as a flight delay), keep the proof.

You make a claim with your travel insurance company.

The travel insurance company reimburses you. 

There are a few variations in how this can work (for instance, some travel insurance plans can pay a medical provider directly), but for the most part, this is how the process will go. This is the case whether you have one-trip travel insurance or multitrip travel insurance.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

There are several travel insurance companies out there, which can make choosing a plan difficult.

NerdWallet analysis found that some travel insurance providers rise above the rest in terms of breadth and depth of coverage, cost, customizability, and overall customer satisfaction. Jump to see our findings on the bets plans for single trip travel insurance.

However, before choosing a company and purchasing a plan, consider these questions:

How much am I willing to pay?

Do I want trip protection, emergency medical coverage or both?

Do I already have coverage somewhere?

How much customizability does my plan need?

Do I need coverage for preexisting conditions?

Will I be doing any sort of adventure activities?

Once you’ve answered these questions, do your due diligence and get quotes from multiple sources. Different providers will offer differing levels of coverage at varying prices, so it’s in your best interest to generate as many quotes as possible and read the fine print.

To make it simple, travel insurance aggregators such as Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will provide you with multiple quotes at a time.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

We considered a wide variety of factors when it comes to selecting the best insurance for your trip. These factors include cost, customizability, coverage maximums, whether preexisting conditions are included and the type of coverage the policy offers.

World Nomads

World Nomads is great for active travelers because of its standard coverage of adventure activities. With just two plans from which to choose, it’s also simple to decide which one you’d like.

Covers 200-plus activities as standard. 

Simple plan options.

Emergency medical coverage included.

Only two choices for policies.

Riskier activities are covered only by the more expensive Explorer plan. 

Fixed-rate reimbursement for trip protection.

» Learn more: Read our full review of World Nomads

With eight plans on offer, Tin Leg has a policy for every type of traveler. Along with standard trip protections, Tin Leg also offers Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-ons.

Plenty of plans from which to choose. 

Preexisting conditions included in most plans. 

Primary and secondary medical coverage options. 

Cheapest plan doesn’t cover preexisting medical conditions.

Rental car coverage add-on available only on Luxury plan. 

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

Seven Corners

Seven Corners is an excellent option for those who really want to customize their plans. Whether you’re looking for medical-only insurance or a more comprehensive policy, Seven Corners has options available.

Preexisting condition coverage available.

Medical-only plans on offer.

Covers missed tours and cruise connections. 

Inexpensive plan offers secondary medical insurance.

Event ticket registration coverage only for expensive plan. 

» Learn more: Is Seven Corners coverage worth the cost?

Our last company on the list is unique in that it covers those who use travel rewards, like purchasing flights or hotels with points and miles . This is fairly uncommon among travel insurance providers and can be really helpful when things go awry during award travel.

Plan options include accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) travel life insurance. 

Covers up to $300 in frequent traveler reward costs. 

Worldwide travel assistance included on every policy.

Cancel For Any Reason insurance available only on most expensive plan. 

Just $35,000 in emergency medical for basic plan (low compared to similar policies at other companies).

» Learn more: Our full TravelSafe review

If you’re interested in getting travel insurance, do yourself a favor and consider these tips before making any purchases:

Consult your medical insurance provider to see whether it offers coverage out of country .

Consider an annual plan to save money if you make multiple trips per year.

Check your credit card for complimentary travel insurance . Many offer this benefit, and if its limits are satisfactory, you can book your travels with it and avoid buying a separate policy out-of-pocket altogether. More on this in the next section.

If you're looking to get coverage for a one-off trip, among your best options is to simply pay for your travel with a card that includes travel insurance as a benefit.

Most travel cards will include coverage for things like trip interruption , trip delays and lost luggage .

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

If you’re in the market for single trip travel insurance, there are plenty of options available to you. Before purchasing a plan, grab quotes from multiple companies because the types of coverage and costs are going to vary.

Beyond this, be sure to check whether your credit card offers complimentary travel insurance and reach out to your medical insurance provider to see what type of coverage it offers overseas.

American Express insurance disclosures

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

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.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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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Platinum price today: Platinum is up 3.92% this year

Coryanne Hicks

Farran Powell

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Published 10:25 a.m. UTC May 24, 2024

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What is the price of platinum today?

The price of platinum opened at $1,026.43 per ounce, as of 9 a.m. That’s down 1.33% from the previous day and up 3.92% from the beginning of the year.

The lowest trading price within the last day: $1,016.35 per ounce. The highest platinum spot price in the last 24 hours: $1,041.85 per ounce.

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Current platinum price

Platinum chart.

The chart below shows how the spot price of platinum is trending over the year.

Year to date, platinum is up 3.92%, as of 9 a.m. The 52-week high reached $1,049.10 on June 7, 2023, and the 52-week low dropped to $843.15 on Nov. 10, 2023.

The precious, silvery-colored metal is priced in U.S. dollars. This means that the fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar can impact its price.

The price of XPT/USD reflects the value of one ounce of platinum in U.S. dollars, and it is traded like traditional currency pairs. Because platinum trades occur globally, investors can also track the spot price of platinum in other currencies, such as XPT/EUR for euros and XPT/GBP for British pounds.

Factors that can influence the price of platinum include changes in demand, geopolitical events and tensions in major platinum-producing countries. Of course, investor opinion and speculation can also affect prices.

Precious metals spot prices

Platinum is one of four main precious metals investors can trade via physical bullion, exchange-traded products or futures contracts. Gold , silver and palladium spot prices are also updated 24/7 in various currencies.

Platinum vs. gold price

Currently, platinum trades at $1,026.43 per ounce, as of 9 a.m., compared to gold, which trades at $2,339.51 per ounce. Year to date, platinum prices are up by 3.92% and gold prices are up by 13.22%.

“Historically, platinum has often been more expensive than gold due to its relative scarcity and unique properties. However, the price of platinum can fluctuate in response to changing market conditions,” said John Bergquist, president of Elysium Financial.

Political instability and supply disruptions in major platinum-producing regions like South Africa and Russia affect prices.

The silvery metal also tends to be a less reliable store of value than gold.

While historically, platinum has been pricier than gold, that flip-flopped briefly in August 2011. When looking at the gold-to-platinum price ratio, platinum was priced above gold from January 2013 until December 2014. Since then, gold has more than doubled its value compared to platinum prices.

History of platinum prices

Like any metal, the price of platinum can be volatile. Various factors affect it, the most significant being supply and demand dynamics. Other factors, such as economic conditions, geopolitical events, and changes in industrial and investment demand, can also impact the price of platinum.

At the start of the new millennium, the precious metal’s spot price was around $420. Fast-forward over 20 years, and the current price of platinum has more than doubled.

The spot price soared to new heights, trading in February 2008 at around $2,200 per troy ounce. In November of that year, the price returned to less than $1,000.

Platinum’s spot price has fluctuated between around $800 to $1,400 for the past decade, hovering around the $1,000 threshold on average.

Platinum prices today remain historically low. Prices dropped as low as $623.50 in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While prices have recovered, platinum is nowhere near its all-time high of $2,213.20, set on March 3, 2008.

Platinum futures

Futures contracts let investors speculate on the future price movements of an underlying asset like platinum.

These financial contracts represent an agreement between two parties to trade a set amount of platinum at a specified price at a future date. They can be settled by exchanging the physical commodity or cash in place of the commodity.

Futures contracts differ from spot prices in that futures contracts establish a future price whereas spot prices are for immediate delivery. These contracts can be fulfilled by trading the physical commodity or exchanging cash in place of the underlying asset. They are usually traded through an exchange.

Investing in platinum

The automotive industry creates the highest demand for platinum. Platinum is a key component in manufacturing catalytic converters, which are responsible for reducing vehicle emissions.

In addition to the automotive industry, platinum is widely used in the industrial industry to create medical products, nitric acid and glass. As the demand for these products rises, so does the price of platinum.

It is anticipated that platinum will play an essential role in the development of hydrogen technology. Platinum is used to produce carbon-free hydrogen from renewable energy.

“If hydrogen-based power meets expectations in the coming decade, then one could expect a material demand tailwind in platinum,” said Stash Graham, managing director of Graham Capital Wealth Management.

Precious metals such as platinum, gold and silver have long been used to diversify an investment portfolio.

When choosing investments, it is crucial to consider potential drawbacks. While there may be an increase in the demand for platinum, other factors may throw a wrench in the investment benefits.

When considering an investment, it is essential to consider your current holdings and individual financial goals.

Platinum is rarer than both silver and gold, which could make it attractive to investors seeking a scarce metal. This practice helps protect other holdings, such as stocks , in an economic downturn. Investing in platinum can help balance inflation and economic uncertainties.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The highest platinum price was $2,213 on March 3, 2008. This notable high can be attributed to critical supply issues in South Africa, the world’s largest platinum producer. Both geopolitical and economic factors played a role in this price hike during the recession.

The London Bullion Market Association is responsible for price auctions of platinum and other industrial metals.

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.

Coryanne is an investing and finance writer whose work appears in Forbes Advisor, U.S. News and World Report, Kiplinger, and Business Insider among other publications. She discovered her passion for personal finance as a fully-licensed financial professional at Fidelity Investments before she realized she could reach more people by writing.

Farran Powell is the lead editor of investing at USA TODAY Blueprint. She was previously the assistant managing editor of investing at U.S. News and World Report. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including TheStreet, Mansion Global, CNN, CNN Money, DNAInfo, Yahoo! Finance, MSN Money and the New York Daily News. She holds a BSc from the London School of Economics and an MA from the University of Texas at Austin. You can follow her on Twitter at @farranpowell.

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Review: TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is our pick for the best Aeroplan credit card for beginners and the best overall TD credit card .

This card offers a consistently high welcome bonus, meaningful Air Canada perks, strong insurance, and the ability to earn valuable Aeroplan points. The benefits that come with the card can easily justify the $139 annual fee.

That said, no credit card is perfect, and if you want a credit card with more perks or better earning rates, there are options that are stronger in these areas.

Let’s dive into the many reasons why the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card one of the best Aeroplan co-branded credit cards out there, and also where it doesn’t quite measure up.

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Strong welcome bonus, standard earning rates, flexible redemptions with aeroplan points, comprehensive insurance coverage, what else does the card offer, other cards to consider.

Over the past few years, the welcome bonus on the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card has fluctuated between 40,000 and 70,000 Aeroplan points.

You typically earn a portion of the welcome bonus immediately after making your first purchase, and then the next batch of points are earned after you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first 180 days (usually $6,000).

If you spend enough on your card within the first year, a final one-time anniversary bonus is awarded as part of most welcome bonuses these days, too.

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card may also come with a one-time annual fee rebate, depending on the offer.

• Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points † upon first purchase †
• Plus, earn 20 ,000 Aeroplan points † upon spending $6,000 in the first 180 days of account opening †
• Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points †  when you spend $10,000 within 12 months of account opening †
• Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points † on eligible gas, groceries, and Air Canada ® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations ® †
• Preferred Aeroplan pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada ® flights †
• Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
• Annual fee: $139
• Application must be approved by June 3, 2024 to receive this offer

We value Aeroplan points at 2.1 cents per point. Using this valuation, at the lower end of the range, we’d value a welcome bonus of 40,000 Aeroplan points at around $840 (all figures in CAD), while an offer at the higher end of the range of 70,000 Aeroplan points can be worth a staggering $1,470.

Of course, depending on how you choose to redeem your points, it could also be worth much more or less.

The best time to apply is when the welcome bonus is at or close to 70,000 Aeroplan points, or any time when there’s an annual fee rebate.

While it’s always a good practice to wait for the highest welcome bonus possible, even with a lower welcome bonus, there’s a lot of value in signing up for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card.

Every time you use your TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you’ll earn Aeroplan points.

The number of points you earn depends on where the purchase is made, as the card comes with the following earning rates:

• Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible gas, groceries, and purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations†
• Earn 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases†

The elevated earning rates on gas and grocery purchases are on par with similar credit cards; however, there are other credit cards that offer better earning rates in these (and other) categories.

For example, a number of other credit cards offer elevated earning rates in categories such as dining, food delivery, recurring bill payments, and streaming services.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, when you spend money dining out or ordering in, you’ll only earn the baseline rate of 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent.

Depending on how much you spend in certain categories, it may be worth considering putting some of your spending on a credit card other than the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, and we’ll explore a couple potential options in the final section of this review.

Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is one of the best airline loyalty programs for anyone looking to travel at a fraction of the cost.

Not only can you redeem your Aeroplan points for Air Canada flights, but you can also redeem Aeroplan points for flights with 45+ partner airlines.

Aeroplan points are worth the most when you redeem them for long-haul business class and First Class flights. However, you can still get a lot of value when you redeem Aeroplan points for shorter flights, or even flights in economy.

For example, the welcome bonus that comes with the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card could potentially cover a one-way flight from Vancouver to Tokyo in business class, if you can find ANA business class awards for 55,000 points apiece.

Alternatively, if you want to explore a nearby city or book a positioning flight to a different airport, you could also use Aeroplan points to book short-haul flights. This can be a great option since one-way economy flights within North America that are under 500 miles cost as few as 6,000 points.

For example, a flight from Toronto to New York City is only 342 miles, meaning that you could book a round-trip economy flight between the cities for as few as 12,000 Aeroplan points.

If you’d like to learn more about Aeroplan’s incredible redemption opportunities, check out our guide to Aeroplan .

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card’s insurance coverage is very strong, and it’s one of the reasons why this card has such a high rating in this review.

To start, ‌the emergency medical insurance of up to $2,000,000 is available on the first 21 days of a trip (or on the first four days of a trip for cardholders aged 65 and up).†

Credit cards with similar annual fees usually only offer emergency medical insurance on the first 15 days of travel.

The card’s additional travel insurance offerings, including trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, delayed and lost baggage insurance, and flight delay insurance all provide similar or better coverage than other comparable credit cards.

What’s more, most credit cards, even ones with excellent travel insurance, won’t cover you on award bookings, but with your TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you still enjoy insurance coverage on Aeroplan award bookings when you charge the full taxes and fees of the award ticket to your card.†

Lastly, when you use your card for larger expenses, you receive extra purchase and security insurance, and an extended warranty, including on mobile phone purchases.†

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card comes with additional benefits that make this card worth keeping for the long-term, especially if you fly with Air Canada.

One notable benefit is that you and up to eight travel companions on the same booking can all check one bag at no cost on Air Canada flights.†

With Air Canada, the first checked bag normally costs around $35 for one-way flights within North America, and $75 for one-way flights to other international destinations. That means that this benefit alone could‌ save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you travel often or as a couple or a family.

Other Air Canada benefits that come with the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card include the following:

• Preferred pricing on Aeroplan redemptions on Air Canada flights†
• Earning Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) through spending to help earn or maintain Aeroplan Elite Status †
• No expiration for Aeroplan points as long as you remain a cardholder†

Rounding out the card’s benefits is the NEXUS rebate. Every four years, you’ll be eligible to receive a NEXUS application fee rebate of up to $100.†

There’s a lot to love about the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, but there are also options to consider, depending on your travel goals.

For example, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card doesn’t come with any airport lounge access.

If you’re looking for stronger airline benefits, including lounge access, then the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is worth considering, too.

For a higher annual fee, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card will earn you more Aeroplan points on your day-to-day expenses, and give you access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and airport lounges through the Visa Airport Companion Program .†

With this card, you’ll also enjoy priority boarding and check-in, plus even more Air Canada benefits.†

Alternatively, if you don’t care about travel benefits, and you’d rather earn the highest amount of Aeroplan points possible, the American Express Cobalt Card has the best earning rates in the country.

With the Amex Cobalt Card, you won’t earn Aeroplan points directly, but the Amex Membership Rewards points you earn can be transferred to Aeroplan points at a 1:1 ratio.

Notably, the American Express Cobalt Card earns 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent in select categories, including dining and groceries.

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a great credit card for Air Canada benefits and earning Aeroplan points, and it’s our pick for the best overall TD credit card product.

For a reasonable annual fee, you get a generous welcome bonus,  as well as strong ongoing credit card travel and insurance benefits.

There are other cards worth considering if you don’t mind paying more for better benefits, or if you’re willing to sacrifice Air Canada perks for better earning rates.

That being said, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best Aeroplan credit cards available to Canadians, and one that we recommend as an essential credit card for all Canadian travellers .

† Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the TD website for the most up-to-date product information.

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Business Platinum Card from American Express

120,000 MR points

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

85,000 Aeroplan points

American Express Platinum Card

100,000 MR points

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†

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