American Express Adds Trip Delay and Cancellation Insurance, Reduces Extended Warranty Coverage

American Express said it plans to add trip cancellation and interruption insurance on some of its charge cards.

The new benefits will be available to holders of seven American Express cards including the Platinum and Business Platinum cards, the Delta Reserve and Delta Reserve for Business cards, and the American Express Corporate Platinum card.

Benefits go into effect on January 1, 2020 and are applicable to round-trip flights booked entirely with an eligible card.  Trip cancellation coverage extends to inclement weather, jury duty, illness or injury, and terrorist activity.  The insurance will reimburse up to $10,00 of travel-related expenses per trip, with a maximum of $20,000 per eligible account for a 12-month period.

Trip delay coverage extends to delays of over six hours and will cover miscellaneous expenses such as meals, lodging, or the purchase of personal items with a maximum reimbursement of $500 per trip.

Trips purchased with miles or points where the cardholder pays taxes and fees with a listed American Express card are also covered.

At the same time, American Express is limiting extended warranty coverage to one year on those cards where it is currently two.  It is also changing the timeframe during which its Purchase Protection feature is in force from 120 days to 90 days.

Finally, American Express is eliminating Trip Accident Insurance, which covers expenses relating to the death or dismemberment of the cardholder during a covered trip, as well as roadside assistance coverage.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)