The real cost of travel insurance

[Petch]

I am interested in Amex as well.

Having recently signed up for a new one, originally only to receive the 30,000 point offer (no annual fee in year one) and then cancel, I have read thru the insurance fine print.

My usual (almost due) annual-multi-trip insurance really only covers "Medical Emergencies" and not "Inconvenience". So as far as I can see the Amex plan isn't too different. It says that I am covered for non-Australian-based "Medical Emergencies" as of now, and makes no implication that I am not covered at any stage, by virtue of how I pay for airline tickets. (The only reference I can find, where using Amex to purchase; impacts cover, is for "Inconvenience Cover" i.e. delays/cancellations, which I don't have on my current annual-multi-trip anyway.)

I am loathe to pay for something twice, if I already have it...so anyone posting Amex experience would be greatly appreciated.

[turtlemichael]

Never let the facts get in the way of a good argument.

On a quick look at the Columbus Annual Policy limits and the Amex platinum card insurance, Amex is superior in most respects for overseas travel but not all eg Personal liability under Columbus is $5 million vs Amex $3 million. However, limits are generally higher under Amex with a few exceptions. Where Amex is substantially superior is:
maximum jouney length under the annual policy: 180 days as against 60 for Columbus.
age limits - no insurance after 65 under Columbus for anything. Medical under Amex appears limited to 80 years of age with no limit on other categories.
excess limits: Columbus AUD250 medical/AUD125 other. Amex AUD100 each.
several additional categories under Amex.

Whilst that is just a quick look at limits and does not go at all to how they apply the policies, I'd say Amex looks superior to Columbus. Other credit cards and other policies may vary.

[Petch]

makes no implication that I am not covered at any stage, by virtue of how I pay for airline tickets.

OK, I have re-read the brochure, and I am wrong.

• "Medical Emergency Cover" is while on a "Trip"
• A "Trip" is previously defined as a journey commencing with a "Common Carrier Conveyance"
• And in another section, it states "Common Carrier Conveyance Trip" must have the entire fare charged to the Amex.

[JohnK]

excess limits: Columbus AUD250 medical/AUD125 other. Amex AUD100 each.

That is an interesting point with Columbus.

I paid, I think $25 for the annual policy, to reduce the excess to $0 for all claims. My current policy is with Travel Insurance Direct.