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.
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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.
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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:
Hotel Cards: The World of Hyatt Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
Airline Cards: Unitedâ„ Explorer Card, United Clubâ„ Infinite Card
Transferrable Point Cards: American Express® Gold Card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite
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!

*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.