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Best Trip Delay Insurance Credit Cards

Writer's picture: Points By JPoints By J

Updated: Jul 29, 2024

Unforeseen delays can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. Fortunately, many credit cards offer trip delay coverage to help you manage these unexpected hiccups. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what trip delay coverage is, what it typically covers, and highlight some of the best credit cards that offer this valuable perk.


What is Trip Delay Coverage?


Trip delay coverage is a type of travel insurance provided by many credit cards. It reimburses cardholders for additional expenses incurred due to travel delays. These delays can be caused by a variety of reasons, including bad weather, mechanical issues, or even strikes.


What Does Trip Delay Coverage Cover?


Trip delay coverage typically covers necessary expenses incurred due to a delay that lasts more than a specified number of hours (usually 6-12 hours, depending on the card). Here are some common expenses that trip delay coverage can reimburse:


  • Accommodation: Costs of a hotel stay if your delay forces you to stay overnight

  • Meals: Costs of food and beverages while you wait

  • Transportation: Costs of transportation to and from the airport, hotel, or other accommodation

  • Essential Items: Costs of essential items like toiletries and clothing


It’s important to note that coverage details and limits vary by credit card issuer, so always check the specific terms and conditions of your card.


Best Trip Delay Insurance Credit Cards


Here are some of the best credit cards with trip delay coverage. Always remember: these benefits are available when you use your card to book round-trip tickets.


If you decide to apply for one of these cards, I’d be incredibly grateful if you used the links I share below. These are my affiliate referral links, which won’t cost you anything extra but will support my small business. Your support directly helps me continue creating free content for you!


  • Coverage: Up to $500 per ticket (six-hour delay required)

  • Annual Fee: $550

  • Other Perks: Includes primary car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage, and access to Priority Pass lounges.


  • Coverage: Up to $500 per ticket (twelve-hour delay required)

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Other Perks: Includes primary car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, baggage delay coverage, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.


  • Coverage: Up to $500 per ticket (twelve-hour delay required)

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Other Perks: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, cell phone protection, and primary car rental insurance when traveling on business

  • Coverage: Up to $500 per ticket (six-hour delay required)

  • Annual Fee: $395

  • Other Perks: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, and baggage delay coverage.


  • Coverage: Up to $500 per trip, with a maximum of two claims per card per 12 consecutive month period (6 hour delay required). Terms apply, enrollment required

  • Annual Fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

  • Other Perks: Includes extensive airport lounge access, travel accident insurance, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

  • Important note: If you are going to apply for an Amex Platinum, I'd highly recommend doing so via the CardMatch tool. It matches you with credit card welcome bonus offers that can sometimes be better than what's publicly available. Currently, there are 125-150k point welcome bonus offers for the Amex Platinum. Offers may not be available to all users. Using the tool to explore what offers are available to you will not require a hard pull on your credit, so it will not impact your credit score. Plus, applying through CardMatch or any of the below affiliate links supports my small business so I can keep making free content like this.


  • Coverage: Up to $500 per ticket (twelve-hour delay required)

  • Annual Fee: $0

  • Other Perks: Includes lost and delayed baggage delay coverage.


  • Coverage: Up to $500 per ticket (twelve-hour delay required)

  • Annual Fee: $250

  • Other Perks: Includes free first and second checked bags, priority boarding, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost/delayed baggage coverage, and primary car rental insurance

  • Coverage: Up to $500 per trip, with a maximum of two claims per card per 12 consecutive month period (6 hour delay required). Terms apply, enrollment required

  • Annual Fee: $650 (see rates & fees)

  • Other Perks: Includes Delta Sky Club® access & one-time guest passes, free first checked bag, priority boarding, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost/delayed baggage coverage, and car rental loss/damage insurance

Other notable cards with trip delay insurance:


Tips for Making a Claim


To make the most of your trip delay coverage, follow these tips:

  • Keep Receipts: Always keep receipts of all your expenses during the delay.

  • Notify Your Card Issuer: Contact your card issuer as soon as possible to inform them of the delay and your intention to file a claim.

  • Document Everything: Keep all documentation related to your delay, including boarding passes, delay notices from the airline, and any other relevant information.

  • Read the Fine Print: Understand the terms and conditions of your coverage, including what is and isn’t covered, and the timeframe for submitting a claim.


Conclusion


Trip delay coverage is a valuable benefit that can save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses when travel plans go awry. By choosing the one of the best trip delay insurance credit cards, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you have a safety net in place. Always check the specific details of your card’s coverage and make sure you’re familiar with the claims process. Safe travels!

Best Credit Card Trip Delay Insurance Coverage

*Each Benefit requires enrollment via their website, terms apply to 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. 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.


Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

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