American Express insurance and benefit disclaimers

Written by
Brooklyn Lowery
Updated:
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American Express cards come in a variety of versions — from rewards cards to small business cards to premium travel cards and so much more. In many cases, those cards offer some nice “fine print” benefits or protections that cardholders could find useful or even money-saving.

Trip Delay Insurance

What it is: If you travel by air, it’s almost certain you’ve run into a flight cancellation or long delay. Trip Delay Insurance ensures you won’t have to absorb the cost of food, lodging and other reasonable expenses associated with this type of inconvenience. You will have to pay the cost up front, but with this insurance, you’ll be able to reimbursed by the credit card company.

There are numerous AmEx cards that include this benefit, but some of the details change depending on the card.

Cards with this benefit (click links for full reviews)

What AmEx wants you to know

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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.
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Up to $300 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

What it is: You want your trips to go off without a hitch, but sometimes things happen that force you to cancel your trip at the last minute or cut it short. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance ensures you won’t be forced to eat the costs of non-refundable expenses associated with your trip as the result of a covered event.

Again, there are several AmEx cards that can help you out.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
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.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Global Assist Hotline

What it is: If you or someone you love has a significant medical/health event while traveling (especially out of the country), Global Assist Hotline is an invaluable benefit. Global Assist Hotline can monitor the medical care that person receives, until such time as the person is released from the hospital and is able to return home.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

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You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

 

Premium Global Assist Hotline

Sometimes, when confronted with a medical emergency while traveling, there are also unforeseen expenses associated with it. Premium Global Assist Hotline not only monitors the medical care you or your loved one is receiving, it will also send you a wire transfer to help pay for any related expenses.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
You can rely on 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.
  • Please 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.

 

Cell Phone Protection

What is it: Cell phone protection is exactly what it sounds like. If you have cell phone protection through your credit card company and meet the requirements, you will be protected against covered damage or theft. If you’ve ever paid a hefty bill to fix or replace a damaged or stolen cell phone, you know what a valuable benefit this is.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 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.

 

Extended Warranty

What is it: Extended Warrant is exactly what it sounds like. If you have that benefit with your credit card, and make a purchase that is covered under a manufacturer’s warranty, the coverage period for replacement due to damage is extended. The length of the extension depends on the card but in some cases, the warranty period can be doubled. This can come in handy if a product stops working days after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

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When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

 

Return Protection

What is it: Return protection can accomplish one of two things. It can extend the time period that a seller gives a buyer to return a purchased product for a refund. However, in some cases, it can also create a return period for a product with no return period. Essentially, this is a perk that is beneficial if you ever get “buyer’s remorse” and decide you no longer want the item that you purchased. It can save you big bucks depending on the item.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

 

Purchase Protection

What is it: Purchase Protection is one of the most common perks among credit cards. With Purchase Protection, a cardholder can file a claim with the issuer of the credit card to receive repair, replacement or reimbursement for any eligible items that have been stolen or damaged. Different credit card companies have different Purchase Protection time limits and restrictions. This is a great way to save money if your expensive purchase is damaged or stolen.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
CardName, CardName , CardName , CardName , CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName , CardName , CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details
    • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan

What is it: There may be no worse feeling when you fly than having your baggage lost or redirected halfway around the world. A baggage insurance plan reimburses you for the cost of lost luggage, as well as the contents of that luggage. There is also a separate insurance that will cover “baggage delays” in case your baggage has been misdirected and you have to wait for it at your destination. This type of insurance is covering you not only for your tangible losses but also for your inconvenience.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
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.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

What is it: Every car rental agency will ask you if you want to purchase insurance when you rent a car. They tell you, quite accurately, that your personal insurance might not cover loss, theft, damage of the vehicle you’re renting. You’re in luck if you have Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance free, as a perk, with your credit card. You will be able to tell the car rental agent with much more confidence, that you are covered and won’t need to purchases the added insurance.

Cards with this benefit

What AmEx wants you to know

CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
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.
  • Please 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.
CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName, CardName
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
    • Please 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 rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this article, please see the following: CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual Fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees); CardName (Annual fee: AnnualFees, See Rates and Fees)

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The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

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