Travel Insurance and How It Works
4 Min Read | Published: 2 January 2025
Written by American Express
Traveling is always thrilling and full of possibilities. But while you look forward to new adventures, it’s also important to be prepared for unexpected challenges – whether it’s lost luggage or a medical emergency. Travel insurance will help you navigate these costly surprises.
In this article, we outline how travel insurance works, offering peace of mind and security while you explore.
Travel insurance provides financial support if you experience any issues when traveling abroad.
Most travel insurance policies cover:
- Trip cancellation and missed or delayed departures for reasons beyond your control.
- Lost, stolen or damaged items, including luggage and cash.
- Medical emergencies and injuries.
Annual multi-trip
Annual multi-trip covers unlimited trips over a 12-month period, up to 90 days. It’s an ideal option if you’re a regular traveller, looking for cost-effective cover.
Single-trip
Single-trip insures a one-off trip covering the exact number of days you need. It can be tailored to your itinerary, and it’s usually the most affordable option if you only go overseas once or twice a year.
American Express offers plans tailored to your needs, from basic to comprehensive cover. You also have the option to select add-ons to tailor your policy like cruise, winter sports, and car hire.
You can select the plan that suits your needs, choosing from:
- Essential plan: Grants basic protection from common issues such as trip cancellation, lost luggage and more.
- Enhanced plan: Offers a broader range of cover – including higher limits for medical expenses and luggage cover.
- Premier plan: This offers the highest cover levels and benefits, with lower excess, across the three tiers.
American Express annual and single-trip travel insurance benefits
American Express Travel Insurance provides 24-hour overseas emergency assistance, coverage for multiple destinations, and a range of benefits1 to suit your needs.
Benefits include cover for:
- Overseas medical expenses if you get sick or injured.
- Travel inconveniences, including travel cancellation or delay.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings, money and travel documents.
- Personal accidents.
- Legal assistance if someone else injures you.
When it comes to protecting what matters most, we're a brand that understands
Who can apply for travel insurance?
Anyone can apply for travel insurance. You’ll usually need to share personal details, including your age and health status, as there could be age restrictions or specific requirements for pre-existing medical conditions.
For American Express travel insurance policies, you’ll need to be a permanent UK resident and be over the age of 18. Upper age limit restrictions also apply.
How to book travel insurance online
Check our single trip and annual multi-trip insurance pages for more information around booking American Express Travel Insurance.
Book Single Trip Travel Insurance
Is travel insurance refundable?
You can cancel within 14 days for a full refund unless you’ve made a claim or travelled already. Partial refunds may be available after 14 days, barring any claims.
How to get my travel insurance claim approved
If you face a medical emergency, let your insurer know as soon as possible so they can advise. While travelling, have your insurance policy number and helpline number to hand.
Remember to keep necessary documents, such as receipts of expenses incurred, proof of travel, incident reports and any other official documents to support your claim. You can then submit your claim as directed by your insurer.
Typically, you need to pay for any expenses upfront and will be reimbursed after the claim approval. In certain cases, your insurer might directly cover any expenses, like your hospital bill.
For medical emergencies: Contact Chubb Assistance on +44 (0)20 3433 3818
For all other claims: Contact Chubb within 30 days or as soon as possible. Call on +44 (0)20 3964 3040, email chubb.traveluk@chubb.com
American Express Travel Insurance is offered, administered and underwritten by Chubb European Group SE UK Branch (Chubb) which is an insurance company, and arranged by American Express Services Europe Ltd (AESEL) which is an insurance intermediary. AESEL is providing you with information only in relation to these insurance products. It is not providing advice, or any personal recommendations on the basis of a personal analysis of your circumstances. AESEL has an exclusive arrangement with Chubb for American Express Travel Insurance and is acting on Chubb’s behalf when it makes these insurance products available to you. You do not pay a fee for AESEL’s services. AESEL receives a commission from the insurer which is a percentage of the insurance premium.
Chubb European Group SE (CEG). Operating in the UK through a branch based at 40 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 2BJ. Risks falling within the European Economic Area are underwritten by CEG which is governed by the provisions of the French insurance code. Registered company number: 450 327 374 RCS Nanterre. Registered office: La Tour Carpe Diem, 31 Place des Corolles, Esplanade Nord, 92400 Courbevoie, France. Fully paid share capital of €896,176,662.
American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Find the Amex® Card that fits your lifestyle and see what other benefits await year-round.