AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance – Is It the Best Credit Card Travel Insurance Available?
Discover if AMEX Airpoints Platinum's Travel Insurance is right for you; we look at the policy benefits, exclusions and limits, and compare it to what's offered by ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB, Westpac and more.
Updated 13 March 2025
Summary
Our review covers:
Know This First: Who Should Consider the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card for Travel Insurance?
Applying for a credit card for complimentary travel insurance may sound unusual, but our review of hundreds of travel insurance policies for destinations such as the USA, Japan, the UK, the Fiji and even Australia confirms that travel insurance can be expensive. Our view is simple - applying for a credit card offering a travel insurance policy you're familiar with gives you all the protection when you understand your policy and know its benefits and limits. Those who may want to consider applying for the AMEX credit card include:
Who is the policy's insurer, and how do I contact them?
Chubb Insurance New Zealand Limited, rated ‘AA’ by S&P Global (very strong), insures AMEX’s Airpoints Platinum cardholders for travel. Chubb is a major player in the insurance industry and bought life insurer Cigna in 2021. Claims can be made by calling Chubb using their 24/7 support line.
Important Disclaimer: Understanding Chubb Insurance's Role in AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance
Summary
- The American Express Airpoints Platinum Credit Card offers arguably one of the best free travel insurance options for New Zealand cardholders, providing coverage for international and domestic trips up to 180 days.
- Unlike standalone travel insurance policies that require upfront payment for every trip, AMEX's complimentary coverage is automatically included when you book return flights using your AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card or Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars (or a mix of both using a service like Airpoints Flexipay).
- This can mean hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in savings per year for frequent travellers, but it's important to understand the fine print, exclusions, and whether it's right for you.
- We have published specific guidance, Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance, in response to what we believe to be a lack of understanding around what credit card travel insurance policies cover (and what they exclude). Despite this, many 'gold' and 'platinum' cardholders continue to buy travel insurance from providers such as Southern Cross and 1Cover. We understand that some cardholders do this as they have pre-existing conditions credit card policies are more restrictive about, but many don't have this issue, and we see buying 'another' policy as over-insuring.
- Our review of AMEX's Airpoints Platinum Credit Card's travel insurance policy has been published to make sense of its 40-page policy and present it in a readable form.
Our review covers:
- How Does AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance Work and What are the Key Benefits & Coverage Limits?
- Exclusions & Limitations to Watch Out For
- Is AMEX's Policy Right For My Needs, and How Much Can I Save?
- AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card's Travel Insurance and Card Benefits vs ANZ, ASB, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac's Offerings
- Frequently Asked Questions - Understanding Common Queries Regarding AMEX's Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance
Know This First: Who Should Consider the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card for Travel Insurance?
Applying for a credit card for complimentary travel insurance may sound unusual, but our review of hundreds of travel insurance policies for destinations such as the USA, Japan, the UK, the Fiji and even Australia confirms that travel insurance can be expensive. Our view is simple - applying for a credit card offering a travel insurance policy you're familiar with gives you all the protection when you understand your policy and know its benefits and limits. Those who may want to consider applying for the AMEX credit card include:
- Frequent travellers – If you travel internationally once or more annually, AMEX's built-in insurance eliminates the need to buy standalone policies.
- Families – Your spouse and dependent children (under 22) are covered at no extra cost, unlike many standalone policies that charge per traveller when you travel together.
- Long-term travellers – AMEX covers trips up to 180 days, far exceeding most insurance policies that cap at 30, 60, or 90 days.
- Active Airpoints members – This card offers 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent, four annual lounge passes (AMEX and partner lounges), and other perks that make it a well-rounded travel card.
Who is the policy's insurer, and how do I contact them?
Chubb Insurance New Zealand Limited, rated ‘AA’ by S&P Global (very strong), insures AMEX’s Airpoints Platinum cardholders for travel. Chubb is a major player in the insurance industry and bought life insurer Cigna in 2021. Claims can be made by calling Chubb using their 24/7 support line.
Important Disclaimer: Understanding Chubb Insurance's Role in AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance
- Chubb Insurance New Zealand Limited is AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card's travel insurance insurer. As a point of reference, Chubb Australia has mixed customer reviews, averaging a low rating from a small sample size (as of March 2025).
- Some Australian AMEX cardholders praise quick, hassle-free claims. In contrast, others report denials, delays, or customer service frustrations. Please be aware that these negative reviews (less than 100 posted over the last seven to eight years) are small compared to the millions of trips Chubb insures for Australian AMEX cardholders every year. Negative feedback almost always stems from claim disputes and delayed documentation requests.
- However, please note that Australian AMEX policies differ from New Zealand's AMEX Airpoints Platinum terms, impacting outcomes.
- Finally, AMEX's 40-page Travel Insurance policy clearly outlines coverage (e.g., $2.5M medical) and exclusions (e.g., pre-existing conditions), so what will and won't be covered is clear. This review explains the policy in detail to help you make an informed choice.
How Does AMEX Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance Work and What are the Key Benefits & Coverage Limits?
The AMEX travel insurance policy activates automatically when you pay for your full return airfare using:
Important:
- Your AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card or
- Airpoints Dollars (or a combination of both)
Important:
- If you book flights with another card or use a travel agent to split payments, you won’t be covered.
- Cancellation Protection Starts Early – As soon as you book your flights, your cancellation cover kicks in. However, if you book accommodation or tours before your flights and need to cancel, those costs won’t be covered.
Key Benefits & Coverage Limits
AMEX’s policy offers strong coverage, but with some important exclusions. The table below explains what you get:
Coverage |
AMEX Airpoints Platinum Cover Limit |
Typical Standalone Insurance |
Medical Expenses |
$2,500,000 per person |
$2m to unlimited |
Emergency Dental |
$1,000 |
$1,000 to $2,000 |
Baggage & Personal Items |
$30,000 total (max $2,000 per item) |
$10,000–$25,000 |
Trip Cancellation & Loss of Deposits |
$30,000 |
$0–$50,000 |
Rental Vehicle Excess Cover |
$3,000 |
$5,000–$8,000 |
Personal Liability |
$2,000,000 |
$1m–$5m |
Accidental Death & Disability |
Up to $800,000 |
$250,000–$1m |
Trip Length |
180 days |
30–90 days (standard) |
Our View: AMEX provides competitive travel insurance, excelling in trip length (180 days), baggage cover ($30,000), and personal accident payouts ($800,000)—areas where many standalone insurers fall short. However, standalone policies typically offer higher medical limits and better coverage for pre-existing conditions.
While "unlimited medical cover" may sound appealing, most overseas medical claims rarely exceed $500,000, let alone AMEX's $2.5 million limit. For reference, Southern Cross revealed its largest travel insurance payouts of 2024 in a NZ Herald article in January 2025, highlighting the following claims (presented in New Zealand Dollars), none of which comes close to AMEX's $2.5m limit:
While "unlimited medical cover" may sound appealing, most overseas medical claims rarely exceed $500,000, let alone AMEX's $2.5 million limit. For reference, Southern Cross revealed its largest travel insurance payouts of 2024 in a NZ Herald article in January 2025, highlighting the following claims (presented in New Zealand Dollars), none of which comes close to AMEX's $2.5m limit:
- $467,000 - US - Varicella encephalitis
- $411,856 - South Africa - Pancreatitis
- $234,500 - Greece - Bilateral pneumonia
- $206,452 - Canada - Heart attack
- $175,000 - US - Dislocated ankle and broken legs
- $151,204 - French Polynesia - Medical issue on cruise ship
- $134,500 - US - Broken finger and ribs
Exclusions & Limitations to Watch Out For
AMEX's policy won't be for everyone - we list exclusions and limits relevant to most New Zealanders heading overseas, but this is not a complete list - you'll need to read the policy in detail for every exclusion.
Our View: If these exclusions concern you, consider a traditional travel insurance policy from Allianz, CoverMore or Southern Cross.
- Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Will Not Be Covered: If you have any known medical conditions, AMEX’s policy won’t cover related claims. Standalone insurers like Southern Cross or Allianz offer medical assessments to cover pre-existing conditions.
- Travellers Must Be Under 80 Years Old: AMEX only covers travellers under 80 at the time of booking. If you’re over 80, you’ll need separate travel insurance
- Baggage Left Unattended is Not Covered: If your bag gets stolen while left in a hotel lobby, beach, or café, AMEX won’t pay out. This is a standard term of most travel insurance policy.
- Rental Car Excess is Lower Than Other Policies: AMEX only covers $3,000 rental vehicle excess, whereas standalone travel insurance usually covers $5,000–$8,000. If renting cars often, consider a dedicated rental car excess insurance policy - our rental car insurance guide has more details.
- COVID-19 Coverage is Limited: While AMEX may cover medical costs if you get COVID abroad, they don’t cover cancellations due to border closures, lockdowns, or self-isolation requirements.
Our View: If these exclusions concern you, consider a traditional travel insurance policy from Allianz, CoverMore or Southern Cross.
Understanding the Pros & Cons of AMEX's Policy Benefits
Pros:
- Long Trip Coverage: 180-day trips (domestic/international)—beats most standalone policies' 30-90 days.
- High Medical Limits: $2.5M medical, $1,000 dental—competitive, per Southern Cross' largest 2024 claims ($467,000 max).
- Free Cover with Card: No upfront cost ($195 AMEX fee vs $200-$500 standalone)—saves $300+ yearly for frequent travellers.
- Robust Baggage & Accident: $30,000 baggage, $800,000 accident - this cover excels where standalone insurers lag.
- No Pre-Existing Cover: Excludes known medical conditions—use Southern Cross/Allianz for this.
- Age Limit: Under 80 only—no cover for older travellers.
- Exclusions: No Special Sports (e.g., bungee) or unattended items - this is standard among almost every insurance policy, but for full details, you'll need to read the T&Cs.
- Excesses Apply: $250/claim for medical, resumption, cancellation - there is no option to 'buy out' the excess to $0, although the policy is free.
- Activation Limits: Cardholders must book flights with AMEX/Airpoints to activate the cover
Is AMEX's Policy Right For My Needs, and How Much Can I Save?
Having reviewed the policy in detail, we believe AMEX's policy could be suitable and offer value if:
However, it's best to consider a standalone travel insurance policy if:
If you do apply for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card, we estimate you can save significantly. Many New Zealanders pay $200–$500 per year for travel insurance. AMEX’s $195 annual card fee covers:
Know This: If you’re already buying travel insurance yearly, AMEX’s card could be a cheaper long-term option.
- You travel at least once a year and want ongoing coverage.
- You will book all flights with your AMEX credit card (or use Airpoints Dollars).
- You’re under 80 and don’t have pre-existing medical conditions you need insurance for.
- You want lounge access, travel rewards (for example, earning Airpoints Dollars and Status Points) and insurance in one card.
However, it's best to consider a standalone travel insurance policy if:
- You need higher medical coverage (e.g., $5M+) and/or
- You want pre-existing conditions covered and/or
- You need COVID-19 cancellation cover and/or
- You’re booking flights with a different card or airline loyalty points system such as Qantas Frequent Flyer, Emirates Skywards or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer etc.
If you do apply for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card, we estimate you can save significantly. Many New Zealanders pay $200–$500 per year for travel insurance. AMEX’s $195 annual card fee covers:
- $200–$500 (or more) saved on standalone travel insurance.
- Four lounge passes (worth $100–$150 in total).
- 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent (high earners and spenders can easily get 400 Airpoints per year).
Know This: If you’re already buying travel insurance yearly, AMEX’s card could be a cheaper long-term option.
AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card's Travel Insurance and Card Benefits vs ANZ, ASB, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac's Offerings
Credit card travel insurance can save frequent travellers hundreds of dollars annually. Our dedicated guide to credit card travel insurance compares the policy offerings from AMEX, ANZ, ASB, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac, helping our readers confidently identify the best credit card and respective insurance policy for their needs.
We looked at four key areas, in which AMEX stood out:
Our View on Medical Limits: While cards like ANZ and ASB may offer unlimited medical cover, we believe that AMEX's $2.5 million limit comfortably covers typical claims.
Why AMEX is our Top Choice
AMEX Airpoints Platinum combines extensive, high-limit coverage, a lengthy trip duration (180 days), clarity in activation, robust ancillary benefits (lounge access, the highest Airpoints earnings), and superior practical value for frequent travellers, making it the strongest overall credit card travel insurance offering currently available.
We looked at four key areas, in which AMEX stood out:
- Trip Duration: AMEX's policy covers trips up to 180 days, significantly outperforming other providers such as ANZ (90 days), ASB and BNZ (90 days), Westpac (35 days), and Kiwibank (40 days).
- Comprehensive Coverage Limits: AMEX provides one of the highest personal baggage limits at $30,000, exceeding Westpac's $12,500 and ASB's $20,000, and for personal accident cover, AMEX leads significantly with up to $800,000, compared to ANZ ($100,000), ASB ($50,000), and Westpac ($100,000).
- Family-friendly policy: AMEX offers full complimentary cover for spouses and dependent children under 22 at no extra cost, unlike some competitors that provide limited cover or require additional fees.
- Overall Card Value: AMEX Airpoints Platinum adds significant additional value beyond insurance, offering generous Airpoints earnings (1 Airpoints Dollar per $70), four complimentary lounge passes annually, and other premium perks - benefits often unmatched by other credit cards with a similar annual fee.
Our View on Medical Limits: While cards like ANZ and ASB may offer unlimited medical cover, we believe that AMEX's $2.5 million limit comfortably covers typical claims.
Why AMEX is our Top Choice
AMEX Airpoints Platinum combines extensive, high-limit coverage, a lengthy trip duration (180 days), clarity in activation, robust ancillary benefits (lounge access, the highest Airpoints earnings), and superior practical value for frequent travellers, making it the strongest overall credit card travel insurance offering currently available.
Card Specs - Fees, Interest Rates, Benefits and Everything You Need to Know
The AMEX Airpoints Platinum card offers a comprehensive travel insurance package with high coverage limits. We believe it suits frequent travellers who prioritise extensive coverage and high rewards. The card also rewards cardholders with almost twice as many Airpoints Dollars per spend than other 'platinum' and 'gold' cards offered by Kiwibank, ANZ and Westpac that also include travel insurance.
Our view:
The Costs and Must-Knows:
Our view:
- Despite an annual fee of $195, the card is packed with features. You can review the credit card in detail here.
- Rewards: You can spend Airpoints Dollars on gifts, food and beverage, Mitre 10 and other hardware shops, flights and thousands of other options. Our guide to redeeming Airpoints Dollars for maximum value has more details.
- Bonus: You'll also get 400 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only. This sign-up bonus effectively pays for membership fee for at least the first year.
- With the highest earning rate of Airpoints Dollars, and a range of useful insurance and lounge perks, which can save hundreds of dollars if you use rental cars, holiday overseas and/or want the benefit from growing your Airpoints balance each month.
- American Express is widely accepted around New Zealand with all supermarkets and major retailers covered.
- Additional benefits also include mobile phone screen insurance (if you paid for your phone with an American Express) and a significant discount on the Koru Club membership.
- In summary, we believe that the American Express Airpoints Platinum is one of the best credit cards on offer with wide appeal among many New Zealand households.
The Costs and Must-Knows:
- Annual Fee: $195
- Airpoints or Membership Rewards? Airpoints
- Annual percentage interest rate: 22.95% p.a.
- Interest Free Period: up to 55 days
- Be aware: To spend enough to cover the annual fee, you'll need to charge around $11.500 (to earn 195 Airpoints Dollars), or, on average, around $1,000 a month.
- Earning: Every $70 you spend = 1 Airpoints Dollar, and $250 spend = 1 Status Point
- Additional benefits: Complimentary Domestic and International Travel Insurance, four lounge passes per year (two in Auckland Airport, two for either Sydney or Melbourne) and complimentary Mobile phone screen insurance (if you used your AMEX to pay for the phone, up to repair costs of $500) and rental car excess insurance (up to $3,000)
- More details: American Express Airpoints Platinum Review
Frequently Asked Questions - Understanding Common Queries Regarding AMEX's Airpoints Platinum Travel Insurance
Our FAQs are limited to the policy - if you have any questions, please contact AMEX's dedicated travel insurance customer number - 0800 703 702.
Can I claim if I have pre-existing conditions?
No—AMEX excludes any known medical conditions, like heart issues or diabetes, diagnosed or treated 2 years before booking (please refer to page 12 of the policy).
How do I activate the insurance, and what if I mess it up?
You'll need to pay your full return airfare with your AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card or Airpoints Dollars—no split payments, agents, or other cards, or you're voided for cover (per page 4 of the policy).
Are sports like skiing or bungee jumping covered?
No—AMEX excludes Special Sports (e.g., skiing, bungee, scuba >30m) per its T&Cs (pages 18-32 of the policy).
What if my luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed—how does it work?
Up to $30,000 for lost/damaged baggage, $500-$1,000 for delays (6-48 hours), but $100/$250 excesses apply (laptop excess is higher). Items unattended in public (e.g., beaches, taxis) aren't covered, so you must secure them in locked areas.
Can supplementary cardholders claim travel insurance, and what's the workaround?
No—only primary cardholders get travel insurance (per page 5 of the policy). Supplementaries need to buy separate policies.
What if I'm over 80 or have health issues—am I covered?
AMEX limits their policies to those under 80, good health, and fit to travel (per page 19 of the policy).
What's the deal with lounge passes and Airpoints—do they add value?
We believe they do - the AMEX Platinum Airpoints credit card offers four lounge passes per year (we estimate this has a value of $100-$150) and is the highest earning Airpoints credit card, with $70 = 1 Airpoints Dollar.
It's reasonable to conclude that AMEX cardholders save $250+/year by accessing the value of their insurance policy, lounges, and Airpoints.
Can I use this for domestic trips, and what's covered?
Yes - the policy covers domestic trips (>150km per page 11), up to 180 days, with $2.5m medical and $30,000 baggage. However, like the international policy, no pre-existing, Special Sports, or unattended items are covered.
How does AMEX compare to other credit card travel insurance?
AMEX's 180 days, $2.5M medical, $30,000 baggage beat most. But for pre-existing conditions, you'll need to find another option.
How do I claim?
Non-emergencies can claim via the AMEX website and Chubb offers 24/7 phone assistance.
Can I claim if I have pre-existing conditions?
No—AMEX excludes any known medical conditions, like heart issues or diabetes, diagnosed or treated 2 years before booking (please refer to page 12 of the policy).
How do I activate the insurance, and what if I mess it up?
You'll need to pay your full return airfare with your AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card or Airpoints Dollars—no split payments, agents, or other cards, or you're voided for cover (per page 4 of the policy).
Are sports like skiing or bungee jumping covered?
No—AMEX excludes Special Sports (e.g., skiing, bungee, scuba >30m) per its T&Cs (pages 18-32 of the policy).
What if my luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed—how does it work?
Up to $30,000 for lost/damaged baggage, $500-$1,000 for delays (6-48 hours), but $100/$250 excesses apply (laptop excess is higher). Items unattended in public (e.g., beaches, taxis) aren't covered, so you must secure them in locked areas.
Can supplementary cardholders claim travel insurance, and what's the workaround?
No—only primary cardholders get travel insurance (per page 5 of the policy). Supplementaries need to buy separate policies.
What if I'm over 80 or have health issues—am I covered?
AMEX limits their policies to those under 80, good health, and fit to travel (per page 19 of the policy).
What's the deal with lounge passes and Airpoints—do they add value?
We believe they do - the AMEX Platinum Airpoints credit card offers four lounge passes per year (we estimate this has a value of $100-$150) and is the highest earning Airpoints credit card, with $70 = 1 Airpoints Dollar.
It's reasonable to conclude that AMEX cardholders save $250+/year by accessing the value of their insurance policy, lounges, and Airpoints.
Can I use this for domestic trips, and what's covered?
Yes - the policy covers domestic trips (>150km per page 11), up to 180 days, with $2.5m medical and $30,000 baggage. However, like the international policy, no pre-existing, Special Sports, or unattended items are covered.
How does AMEX compare to other credit card travel insurance?
AMEX's 180 days, $2.5M medical, $30,000 baggage beat most. But for pre-existing conditions, you'll need to find another option.
How do I claim?
Non-emergencies can claim via the AMEX website and Chubb offers 24/7 phone assistance.
