Whether youre chasing carnivals all over the globe, or traveling the world for new adventures, this is your sign to stop sleeping on your credit card travel insurance. Many Carnival chasers invest in travel credit cards for the points, lounge access, or elite status perks. But one of the most valuable benefits hidden in the fine print? Trip delay and cancellation insurance.
ESPECIALLY since airlines don’t help you with delays and cancellations due to weather. Credit card insurance does.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through two real-life experiences—how I turned a frustrating missed connection and a 17-hour delay into luxurious, point-earning hotel stays. Plus, I’ll break down the process, perks, pitfalls, and expert strategies to help you maximize credit card travel insurance like a pro.
Missed Flight Connection Covered by Travel Insurance
It all started with a trip to Honduras in March 2024. I had planned this journey meticulously, expecting nothing less than sun-soaked relaxation. But as every seasoned traveler knows, plans don’t always unfold as expected. I was flying out of Charlotte, but my flight was delayed so long that I missed my connecting flight in Miami. The domino effect was brutal. By the time I arrived, there were no more flights going to Honduras that day. I had no choice but to fly out the next morning.
Now, the airline did offer me a flight the following day, but they fell short on everything else. No hotel. No food vouchers. No support. Most airlines don’t provide accommodations for weather-related delays or missed connections that stem from previous delays. It’s frustrating, but it’s also where credit card travel insurance comes in to save the day.
I had booked my original itinerary using AMEX Platinum points. Even though I used points, AMEX initially charges your card before refunding you, which means your purchase qualifies for travel protection. That one decision turned what could have been a miserable, exhausting night into a luxurious layover.
I knew what to expect when I landed in Miami. Instead of even bothering with the airline, I booked my stay at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar South (while in flight) and headed straight for the the rideshare section of the airport when I landed. The Kimpton Palomar South wasn’t just any hotel—it offered a sleek aesthetic, plush amenities and a balcony you could have a party on. I charged the stay to my IHG Premier Credit Card and promptly filed a claim with Allianz Global Assistance, the travel insurance partner for AMEX. Within a few weeks, I had a reimbursement check in hand. No red tape, no regrets. Just points to fund my future travel. I considered it a true reward for my inconvenience.
Credit Card Travel Insurance to the Rescue: A 17-hour Delay
My second experience reinforced everything I’d learned. This time, I was headed to Notting Hill Carnival, one of my favorite international events. I was full of excitement until my flight from Charlotte to London Heathrow was delayed—by a staggering 17 hours.
The airport atmosphere? Pure chaos. Airline-issued vouchers barely covered a hotdog and a bottle of water. People were dozing off in uncomfortable chairs, and the customer service line wrapped around the terminal. But not me.
Knowing my options, I booked a night at the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in Uptown Charlotte. I opted for a junior suite with a deep soaking tub and a panoramic view of the ballpark. I strolled through the city that evening, enjoyed a delectable dinner, and recharged my energy. That meal? Paid for with my AMEX Gold card, which earns 4x Membership Rewards points on dining. Once again, Allianz came through. I submitted my receipts, and every expense was reimbursed within a month.
How Allianz Credit Card Travel Insurance Works
If your flight is delayed more than six hours or requires an overnight stay, you may be eligible for up to $500 per covered trip in reimbursement with cards like the AMEX Platinum. Coverage applies to necessary expenses like hotel stays, meals, transportation, and even toiletries or basic essentials. And with up to two claims per calendar year, you don’t need to activate or enroll in advance—just book with an eligible AMEX card and keep your receipts.
Most importantly, this insurance steps in where airlines often fall short. When weather disrupts your travel plans, many carriers consider it an “Act of God” and wash their hands of the situation. But with credit card travel insurance, you have the protection you need to stay comfortable until your next flight.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Travel Insurance Claim
Filing a claim with Allianz is surprisingly straightforward when you’re prepared. Once your trip meets the eligibility criteria—a delay over six hours or an overnight cancellation—gather your receipts. You’ll need documentation for your hotel, meals, ground transport, and anything else you spent out of necessity.
What trips most people up is the delay letter from the airline. Without it, Allianz won’t even review your claim. For flights on American Airlines, you can email [email protected]. Be specific. Request a letter that clearly states the reason your flight was delayed. If the explanation is too vague, go back and ask for it to be detailed. I had to do this myself—twice. But once the letter was corrected, Allianz processed everything promptly.
It typically takes two to four weeks to receive reimbursement. In my experience, having everything organized in advance makes the process much smoother.
How to Request a Flight Delay Letter from American Airline
Allianz will not approve your claim without a letter from the airline. Here’s how I secured mine:
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Email [email protected].
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Include your flight number, date of travel, and request a detailed delay or cancellation reason.
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The first time, American Airlines sent a vague statement. I had to reply and ask them to clearly specify the reasonfor the delay (e.g., mechanical issue, crew availability, weather).
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Once updated, I uploaded the new letter, and Allianz processed the claim.
Expect it to take 3–5 business days to receive the letter.
Travel Insurance Still Applies When You Book Flights with Points
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise—points bookings are covered too. When you use AMEX Membership Rewards points, your card is charged first, then the points are applied as a statement credit. That charge is enough to activate the insurance benefits. So yes, both of my travel delay claims were fully reimbursed, even though I didn’t technically spend money upfront.
The IHG Premier Card: Small Fee, Big Rewards
The IHG Premier Credit Card is one of the most underrated travel cards out there. For a modest $99 annual fee, it delivers major value. I used this card to book my Kimpton stays and scored 10x points for using the card, 10x points for booking with IHG, and 10x points as a Diamond Elite member. That’s 30x points on a stay that was reimbursed in full.
On top of that, the card offers automatic Platinum Elite status, an annual free night certificate, fourth-night-free on award stays, and up to $50 in United TravelBank credits. It’s the kind of card that quietly works overtime in your wallet.
AMEX Gold: For the Foodie and Frequent Flyer
The AMEX Gold is my everyday favorite. While it doesn’t come with as much travel insurance as the Platinum, it earns big. Think 4x on dining anywhere in the world, 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3x on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel, and useful statement credits for Uber and select dining partners.
During my Charlotte delays, this card helped me rack up rewards while Allianz footed the bill. Talk about a win-win.
Other Travel Credit Cards to Consider
If you’re looking to expand your credit card game beyond AMEX, there are several strong contenders that offer travel insurance benefits. These cards may differ slightly in how and when benefits are triggered, but all offer peace of mind when your itinerary hits turbulence.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers trip delay reimbursement if your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay. You’ll be reimbursed up to $500 per ticket for meals, lodging, and transportation.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides even more generous protection, kicking in after just a 6-hour delay. It also includes primary rental car insurance, emergency medical and evacuation coverage, and Priority Pass lounge access.
Capital One Venture X is another heavy hitter. In addition to offering trip delay reimbursement, it comes with lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, and 10x points on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve also earns a place on this list. You’ll get trip delay coverage similar to the Sapphire cards, plus 3x points on mobile wallet purchases, and an annual $325 travel credit.
These cards can be powerful allies—especially when used strategically based on the type of trip you’re taking and the benefits you want to prioritize
Travel Insurance FAQs: Answers You Need
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions about credit card travel insurance:
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If you booked the flight with points, is it covered?
Yes! If your card is charged before your points are applied (as is the case with AMEX), your trip is still eligible for coverage. The initial charge is all that’s needed to activate your benefits. -
Does credit card travel insurance cover weather delays?
Absolutely. Weather is one of the most common causes of trip delays, and credit card travel insurance has your back—unlike most airlines, which consider it an “Act of God” and leave you stranded.
Final Thoughts on Travel Insurance for Carnival Chasers
We spend so much time planning our Carnival experiences—outfits, parties, flights—that we forget the what-ifs. But travel credit card insurance is the secret sauce that keeps things sweet, even when they go sideways.
When the unexpected happens, you have two choices. You can join the mad dash to the airline service desk, hoping to snag a last-minute room at a budget hotel and maybe a $12 meal voucher that barely covers a snack. Or—you can casually order an Uber, glide over to a boutique hotel, and enjoy a deep soak in a luxury tub while savoring a chef-prepared dinner. All on someone else’s dime.
Even better? You’re earning points the entire time.
Credit card travel insurance allows you to move through disruptions with ease and elegance. It transforms chaos into calm, frustration into freedom, and delays into indulgent detours. And for Carnival chasers like us—who invest time, money, and heart into every journey—having that kind of safety net is invaluable.
So the next time your flight’s delayed or canceled, remember this: you’re not just protected—you’re empowered.
Want more Carnival travel hacks? Don’t miss my full guide: Why Every Carnival Chaser Needs a Travel Credit Card.