Have you ever read the details of your American Express Out of Province and Country Emergency Medical Insurance provided by your credit card?
I have summarized a few important details as you evaluate whether you need additional emergency medical insurance during your travels.
The following credit cards have the Out of Province and Country Emergency Medical Insurance coverage with American Express:
- American Express Platinum (Certificate of Insurance)
- American Express Gold Rewards Card (Certificate of Insurance)
- American Express Cobalt (Certificate of Insurance)
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card (Certificate of Insurance)
- SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express (Certificate of Insurance)
For other credit card issuers, information about their travel insurance policy is available here:
- American Express Out of Province and Country Emergency Medical Insurance
- BMO Out of Province Emergency Medical Protection Insurance
- CIBC Out of Province Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
- RBC Out of Province Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
- Scotiabank Travel Emergency Medical Insurance
- TD Travel Medical Insurance
The information listed below is my interpretation of the insurance policy.
Coverage Eligibility
The basic coverage provided for all the listed cards are:
- Coverage is provided to the cardholder, cardholder’s spouse, and cardholder’s dependent children.
- Maximum coverage is C$5,000,000.
Exclusions of Basic Coverage
Important Exclusions:
- Pre-existing medical conditions need to be stable at least 90 days prior to your trip departure date, for those under 75, or 180 days, for those 75 or older.
- Scuba diving (unless you have a designation), motorized race, motorized speed contest, bungee jumping, parachuting, rock climbing, mountain climbing, hang-gliding or skydiving.
Coverage Benefits
| Benefits | Limitations (C$) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation in a Hospital or Medical Facility | - |
| Doctor's Bills | - |
| Private Registered Nurse | 10,000 |
| Ground Ambulance Service | - |
| Air Ambulance Service | Not Eligible |
| Paramedical Services | $250 per profession |
| Diagnostic Services | - |
| Prescriptions | - |
| Medical Appliances | - |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | - |
| Emergency Dental Pain Relief | 250 |
| Emergency Return Home | - |
| Care and Return of Dependent Children | - |
| Transportation to Bedside | 1 Round-trip Economy Class Ticket $300 for accommodation, food & beverage |
| Traveling Companion Benefit | Not Covered |
| Return of Deceased | - |
| Meals and Accommodation | 150 per day 1,500 maximum Only for meal and accommodation expenses incurred after the date you were scheduled to return to the departure point or if you need to be relocated for treatment. |
| Vehicle Return | - |
| Incidental Expenses | Not Covered |
| Return of Excess Baggage | 500 |
Differences between cards
The major difference between the credit cards is what is the age group that is covered, how long they are covered for, and the maximum coverage provided.
| Credit Card | 64 Years or Younger | 65 Years or Older |
|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum | 15 | 0 |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | 15 | 0 |
| American Express Cobalt Card | 15 | 0 |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | 15 | 0 |
| SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express | 15 | 0 |
Conclusion
Wow, I am honestly surprised. I always thought the American Express Platinum would be the gold standard in travel insurance coverage for Canadians. However, it is actually one of the weaker providers as it does not provide any insurance coverage for anyone older than 65 years old. For a premium card brand, their travel insurance coverage
