Save on insurance costs and travel with peace of mind with an American Express credit card that offers complimentary travel insurance.
American Express provides a wide range of complimentary insurance options on its credit cards, including cover for international and domestic trips. This insurance is provided by Chubb and has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars on standalone policies.
To get the most out of this credit card complimentary insurance, though, it’s important to understand exactly how it works. This guide gives you all the details you need to know, including when you’re covered, what exclusions there may be and how to make a claim.
What you’ll find in this guide
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- How do I know if I’m covered and what I’m covered for?
- How do I make a claim?
- What insurances am I covered under?
- What other insurances are available?
Which cards offer complimentary travel insurance?
American Express issues 13 cards that come with complimentary travel insurance. When considering these cards, it's important to note that some American Express options are charge cards, which have to be paid off in full every statement period, while others are credit cards that allow you to carry a balance and charge interest on what you owe.
So, if you are considering an American Express card, you may want to read about the differences between charge cards and credit cards before choosing an option that suits your needs. As it stands, the range of Amex cards offering travel insurance can be divided into personal and business options as follow:
| Personal American Express cards | Business American Express cards |
|---|---|
Compare American Express credit cards here
What are the eligibility requirements?
There are a number of requirements you need to meet to use your American Express travel insurance. These conditions vary depending on the type of insurance and the card, but generally require the following:
- Booking. You must book the full fare for a return trip on your American Express credit card or by using reward points earned through the card (e.g. American Express Membership Rewards or Qantas Frequent Flyer points). On some cards, such as the American Express Platinum charge card, you can also claim insurance if you have booked a trip using other rewards points, as long as you pay for taxes and other additional fees using your American Express card.
- Location. Your travel must start and end in Australia.
- Age. You must be under 80 years of age.
- Item claims. The policy will not cover claims for any items that have been left unattended or in a public place.
- No pre-existing medical conditions. Any current and/or ongoing medical conditions you have will not be covered by the policy.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
Chubb Insurance Australia Limited defines a pre-existing medical condition in the following ways:
- Any past or current medical condition that, during the two years prior to you booking any trip has given rise to symptoms, or for which any form of treatment or prescribed medication, medical consultation, investigation or follow-up/check-up has been required or received.
- Any cardiovascular or circulatory condition (e.g. heart condition, hypertension, blood clots, raised cholesterol, stroke, aneurysm) that has occurred at any time prior to you booking any trip.
- Any pregnancy if, at the time of any trip, is within eight weeks of the estimated date of delivery.
There are some exceptions as well. Under Chubb's definition, a “pre-existing medical condition” does not include the following:
- Asthma
- Epilepsy
- Gout
- Hiatus hernia
- Hip replacement
- High cholesterol
- Peptic ulcer
- Underactive thyroid
What if American Express is not accepted?
If the company that you make your travel booking with does not accept American Express cards, you will still be eligible for your complimentary travel insurance. You’ll just have to provide American Express and Chubb with proof of purchase and the name and address of the provider who would not accept your American Express card.
Back to topHow do I know if I’m covered and what I’m covered for?
Providing you meet the requirements above, you should be covered for your travel both domestically and internationally. The type of coverage you get depends on your individual American Express card, but policies can be broken down into two categories:
- Travel insurance. A comprehensive travel insurance policy including emergency medical costs, travel inconveniences and travel cancellation.
- Transit accident insurance. Accidental death and injury coverage for cardholders who are travelling as passengers on a plane, tourist bus, train or ferry.
The coverage starts on the day your travel begins, as outlined on your travel booking. It ends either when you return or when your travel exceeds the maximum number of days outlined in the insurance policy, whichever happens first.
It’s also worth noting that most American Express personal cardholders only have access to cover for up to 183 days in a 12-month period. So if you plan on taking more than one trip a year and want to be covered by your complimentary insurance, you will need to consider how many days in total you travel.
Complimentary travel insurance for your family
The travel cover you get with an eligible American Express credit card also extends to your spouse and any dependent children, providing they meet the booking requirements and are travelling with you for the entire trip. American Express outlines the following definitions for spouses and dependents:
- Spouse. A husband, wife, fiancé(e) or a de-facto and/or life partner with whom the American Express primary cardholder has continuously cohabited for a period of six (6) months or more.
- Dependent child. A legally dependent child up to and including the age of twenty-two (22), including a stepchild or legally adopted child, who is fully dependent on the American Express primary cardholder for financial support.
According to American Express, these individuals fall under the definition of the “Primary Cardholder”. Supplementary cardholders, on the other hand, are not eligible for full travel insurance cover and can only get access to transit accident insurance coverage through their account.
Back to topHow do I make a claim?
Chubb Insurance Australia Limited deals with all American Express complimentary travel insurance claims directly. You can follow the steps below to make your claim:
- Contact Chubb Insurance Australia Limited. Contact Chubb on 1800 139 149 in Australia or +61 2 8907 5666 from overseas and explain the situation. Otherwise, you can make a claim through the Chubb website.
- Submit a claim form. Chubb will provide you with a claim form that you will need to fill out within 30 days of the claim’s occurrence (or as soon as possible after your trip if you are overseas at the time).
- Provide your supporting documentation. Chubb requires a number of documents to verify your claim, including original invoices, receipts and reports relating to it.
If you have already gathered all the supporting documents, you can also submit your claim at any time via the Chubb Claim Centre website. Once your claim is processed and approved, Chubb will make payment within 30 days.
Back to topWhat insurances am I covered under?
The complimentary insurance options provided by American Express cover a wide range of scenarios. We’ve outlined these below based on the type of insurance. We've also included details of any excess amount you may have to pay for your claims.
Remember that the complimentary extras available to you will depend on your individual card and may change from time to time. American Express provides details for each card’s insurance policies on its website, which you can refer to for further information.
Note: An excess in insurance is basically the amount you must pay towards any claim that you make.
What travel insurance will I get on my card?
As travel insurance varies significantly between American Express cards, we’ve outlined the coverage you get with each card, including claim limits and excess costs.
American Express Platinum Edge
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $2,500,000 | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $10,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $10,000 | $250 |
| Personal liability | $1,000,000 | N/A |
| Transport accidents | $300,000 | N/A |
American Express Platinum Charge Card
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | Unlimited**Individual limits apply | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $30,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $30,000 | $250 |
| Personal liability | $3,000,000 | N/A |
| Transport accidents | $400,000 | N/A |
| Resumption of journey | $5,000 | $250 |
| Loss of income | $12,000 | N/A |
| Hijacking | $28,000 | N/A |
| Kidnapping | $28,000 | N/A |
American Express Qantas Ultimate
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $2,500,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $12,500 | $250 |
| Resumption of journey | $3,000 | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $10,000 | $100 |
| Transport accidents | $400,000 | N/A |
| Travel inconvenience | $200 | N/A |
American Express Qantas Premium
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $2,500,000 | $100 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $5,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $7,500 | $250 |
| Transport accidents | $200,000 | N/A |
| Travel inconvenience | $200 | N/A |
American Express Velocity Platinum
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $2,500,000 | $250 |
| Resumption of journey | $3,000 | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $10,000 | $100 Exception: Laptop claim excess is $250 |
| Transport accidents | $400,000 | N/A |
| Travel inconvenience | $200 | N/A |
| Travel cancellation | $12,500 | $250 |
| Personal liability | $2,000,000 | N/A |
David Jones American Express Platinum
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $1,000,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $7,500 | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $5,000 | $100 |
| Personal liability | $1,000,000 | N/A |
American Express Explorer
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $2,500,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $30,000 | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $10,000 | $100 |
| Personal liability | $2,000,000 | N/A |
American Express Business Charge Card
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Transport accident cover | $150,000 | N/A |
| Card account balance waiver | $10,000 | N/A |
| Business trip completion | $10,000 | N/A |
American Express Gold Business Charge Card
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $2,500,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $10,000 | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $10,000 | $250 |
| Transport accidents | $300,000 | N/A |
| Travel inconvenience | $500 | N/A |
| Personal liability | $1,000,000 | N/A |
| Card account balance waiver cover | $20,000 | N/A |
| Business trip completion cover | $20,000 | N/A |
American Express Platinum Business Charge Card
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | Up to $15,000 per issue (individual limits apply) | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $30,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $30,000 | $250 |
| Personal liability | $3,000,000 | N/A |
| Transport accidents | $400,000 | N/A |
| Travel inconvenience | $700 per event | N/A |
| Resumption of journey | $5,000 | $250 |
| Loss of income | $12,000 | N/A |
| Hijacking | $28,000 | N/A |
| Kidnapping | $28,000 | N/A |
| Business trip completion cover | $25,000 | N/A |
| Card account balance waiver | $25,000 | N/A |
Read more about American Express Platinum Business Charge Card
American Express Qantas Business Credit Card
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Transport accidents | $150,000 | N/A |
| Travel inconvenience | $500 | N/A |
Read more about American Express Qantas Business Credit Card
American Express Qantas Business Charge Card
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $2,500,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $10,000 | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $10,000 | $250 |
| Transport accidents | $300,000 | N/A |
| Travel inconvenience | $500 | N/A |
| Personal liability | $1,000,000 | N/A |
| Card account balance waiver cover | $20,000 | N/A |
| Business trip completion cover | $20,000 | N/A |
Read more about American Express Qantas Business Credit Card
American Express Velocity Business Charge Card
| Benefit | Policy limit | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical emergency expenses | $2,500,000 | $250 |
| Travel cancellation | $10,000 | $250 |
| Baggage, money and documentation | $10,000 | $250 |
| Transport accidents | $300,000 | N/A |
| Travel inconvenience | $500 | N/A |
| Personal liability | $1,000,000 | N/A |
| Card account balance waiver cover | $20,000 | N/A |
| Business trip completion cover | $20,000 | N/A |
Read more about American Express Velocity Business Charge Card
Other types of insurance
- Card account balance waiver cover. This coverage applies to the outstanding balance of an eligible American Express credit card account at the time of an accident that’s covered by the transit accident insurance policy.
- Purchase protection cover. This provides you with cover against theft or damage to eligible items within 90 days of making the purchase with your American Express card. Note that there may be an excess of $50 or more for claims, depending on your card.
- Refund protection cover. This reimburses you for the purchase price of an unused eligible item where a retailer will not accept your return within 90 days of making the purchase with your American Express card.
- Buyers Advantage cover. This policy offers you an extended warranty of up to 12 months on eligible purchases made with an American Express credit card. Note that there may be an excess of $50 or more for claims, depending on your card.
- Loss damage waiver cover. This insures you against the loss or damage of a rental vehicle. This cover only applies to vehicles rented and used within Australia over a maximum of 31 days.
The American Express complimentary credit card insurance provided by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited gives you protection for a wide range of situations, both in Australia and overseas. Now that you know more about the different options available and the claims process, you can make sure you get the most out of this cover. However, if you have any more questions about the cover you get with your card, feel free to leave a comment below or contact Chubb Insurance Australia Limited directly on 1800 236 023.
Back to top
Does the complimentary travel insurance on Amex Platinum Awards (Commonwealth Bank) include car hire excess cover.
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for your question.
Yes, this complimentary travel insurance includes rental vehicle excess cover. You can check our page here for the list of benefits attached to this card.
Best regards,
Liezl
I have had both knees replaced one 17 years one 12years ago also will be having hip replacement in march. We go on holiday in august am I covered with your insurance
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for your question.
As stated under the “What are the eligibility requirements?” above, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered by the complimentary travel insurance attached to your AMEX credit card. However, there are some exceptions, under Chubb’s definition, a “pre-existing medical condition” does not include hip replacement, so you’ll still be covered by the travel insurance during your trip in August provided that you meet all other criteria stated in the T&Cs above. Please contact Chubb if you need more information with regards to your case.
Cheers,
May
I have a Qantas Frequent Flyer American Express credit card. We are going to USA, are we fully covered?
Thank you.
Hi Lynette,
Thanks for your question.
So long that you meet the eligibility criteria outlined above, you and your eligible dependent will be covered by the complimentary travel insurance and transit accident insurance policy attached to your AMEX Qantas credit card.
Cheers,
May
Hi,
I have an Amex Platinum Charge Card and am the Primary Cardholder.
My wife and I are planning travel when she will be between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. Are there any exclusions related to her pregnancy I should be concerned about.
Thanks
Hi Nick,
Thanks for your question.
Your wife’s pregnancy will be considered as a “pre-existing medical condition if, at the time of any trip, she is within eight (8) weeks of her estimated date of delivery. And as stated in the T&Cs, any pre-existing medical conditions you have will not be covered by the policy. Best to contact ACE Insurance on the number listed above if you need more specific advice on this matter.
Cheers,
May
Our dog has had to have a major surgery, and we need to get home. Everything has been paid for already. Are we able to claim for this if we return home?
Hi JT,
Thank you for your inquiry.
As the complimentary travel insurance varies significantly between American Express cards, we would need to know which AMEX card you used for your travel? If you could provide us with that information, we will be able to check if you can get a claim for travel cancellation insurance.
Cheers,
May
Can I still get coverage for my wife & I if I only pay for one return flight by my card. I have a voucher from the travel agency that will cover the other fair
Hi Craig,
Thanks for your question.
Your spouse will be eligible for the complimentary travel insurance attached to your AEMX card provided that she meets the booking requirements stated in the T&Cs:
You must book the full fare for a return trip on your American Express credit card or by using reward points earned through the card like the American Express Membership Rewards or Qantas Frequent Flyer points. On some cards, such as the American Express Platinum charge card, you can also claim insurance if you have booked a trip using other rewards points, as long as you pay for taxes and other additional fees using your American Express card.
Cheers,
May
I have booked a flight for my wife and I to Rome next year using Amex points and paid the taxes on my card, I will be trying either to get the return on points or paying with my card . Are we covered by Amex complimentary cover?
Hi William,
Thank you for your question.
May I ask what is the type of AMEX card you are currently holding?
Depending on the type of AMEX card, you’ll be eligible for the insurance cover if you use your AMEX card to book the full fare for a return trip on your AMEX credit card or by using reward points earned through the card.
Other AMEX cards like the American Express Platinum charge card, you’ll also be covered if you have booked a trip using other rewards points, as long as you pay for taxes and other additional fees using your American Express card.
Cheers,
May
Hi,
Do I need to inform anyone before I travel as I purchased ticket with AMX Platinum or it covers automatic when I bought ticket with it? Thanks
Hi Hara,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, it’s also best if you could inform ACE about your trip. They can be reached on the phone number listed above under the topic How do I make a claim?
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Hi. We have Amex Gold Credit cards issued via the Australian Medical Association (AMA) – It states at the top of each statement: Amex Gold Credit Card.
Is that a Gold Business card or charge card as per the list above?
Thanks,
John
Hi John,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The AMEX Gold Credit Card issued by Australian Medical Association (AMA) is a personal type of credit card, not a business credit or charge card. You may also verify that with AMA directly, just to be sure.
Cheers,
May
is my son covered under my platinum american express card if i purchase his travel ticket but i do not fly out with him.
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, your son may not be covered even if you have used your AMEX card to purchase for his tickets as you are not travelling with him. As stated in the complimentary travel insurance T&CS:
“The travel cover you get with American Express also extends to your spouse and any dependent children, providing they meet the booking requirements and are travelling with you for the entire trip.”
Cheers,
May