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Amex Trip Delay and Trip Cancellation Insurance: What You Need to Know
July 1, 2025
If you're a frequent traveler, trip cancellation insurance can provide you with valuable peace of mind. With 3,000 US flights canceled as a global computer outage wreaked havoc this past Friday due to an update issued by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, now is the right time to discuss trip cancellation insurance and how you can unlock this benefit for free if necessary.
American Express is well-known for its generous cardholder benefits. Among these perks is travel insurance, which can cover you when things go haywire like they did this week. Terms Apply. But how does American Express trip cancellation insurance work, and what does it cover? American Express offers this coverage on many cards, but the details aren't always clear. Let's break down what American Express trip cancellation covers and how it works.
What is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. This can include airfare, hotels, and tours that you've pre-paid.
Which Amex cards include trip cancellation insurance?
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "492", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "High-Spending Individuals", "headerHint": "Invitation-Only Card"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "493", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "High-Spending Individuals", "headerHint": "Invitation-Only Card"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "781", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Delta Airline Flyers", "headerHint": "Most Premium Delta Offer"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "791", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Business Owners and Professionals", "headerHint": "Smoother Way to Travel"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1066", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "14x at Resorts and Hotels"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1189", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "High-End Option"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "108", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "5x at Amex Travel Portal"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2290", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Premium Offer"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2304", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "5x on Airlines"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1642", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "5x on Airlines"} ]]
Terms apply, so make sure to read all the details for each card.
American Express Coverage Details
Coverage limits and terms vary by card (you can check the card links above for the details, as we have them all listed as benefits in our Explore Tool), but here are some general guidelines:
- Coverage is typically capped at $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per 12-month period
- The trip must be paid for entirely with your eligible Amex card
- The trip must be round-trip (though it can consist of round-trip, one-way, and open-jaw tickets)
- Coverage is secondary to any other insurance you may have
- Terms Apply
Covered Reasons for Cancellation
American Express covers a range of unexpected events, including:
- Accidental injury, illness, or death of you, a traveling companion, or immediate family member
- Severe weather preventing travel
- Terrorist action at your destination
- Being called for jury duty or receiving a subpoena
- Your home or business becoming uninhabitable due to natural disaster
- Terms Apply
What's Not Covered
It’s important to note some key exclusions:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- War (declared or undeclared)
- Normal pregnancy
- Psychological disorders (unless hospitalization is required)
- Financial insolvency of travel suppliers
- Terms Apply
How to File a Claim
- Notify all your travel suppliers immediately
- Contact American Express as soon as possible to start your claim: call 844-933-0648
- Gather required documentation (medical records, weather reports, etc.)
- Submit your claim within 60 days of the trip cancellation
- Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details
Insurance is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
What about non-Amex cards? Is It Worth It?
American Express trip cancellation insurance can be an incredibly valuable perk, especially since it's included at no extra cost on many cards. However, for more comprehensive coverage or very expensive trips, you may want to consider purchasing an additional travel insurance policy to cover yourself.
Remember to always read the full terms and conditions for your specific card, as coverage varies.
“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. 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.”
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