chase sapphire preferred travel delay insurance

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What You Need to Know About Chase’s Trip Delay Insurance

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Table of Contents

1. What does Chase trip delay insurance cover?

2. which chase cards include trip delay insurance, 3. who is covered, 4. how to file a claim for trip delay reimbursement, 5. is this different than trip cancellation/interruption insurance, the bottom line.

A delayed trip can cause headaches, especially if it means missing a connecting flight to your next destination. When a delay happens, having the right credit card can make all the difference in keeping your trip moving along as smoothly as possible.

Chase offers trip delay reimbursement coverage with some of its top travel credit card options. Having this benefit means you could be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses if your trip gets held up. Here's what you need to know.

Chase trip delay insurance offers reimbursement for expenses you pay if your trip is delayed, including meals, lodging, toiletries and medication.

You can use this coverage if:

Your trip is delayed for more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay (with two exceptions; see below).

The trip is away from your city of residence and is less than 365 days in length.

You purchased the fare for your trip with an eligible Chase card or rewards earned with an eligible Chase card.

Chase trip delay insurance covers you up to $500 per ticket, per trip. You're covered for delayed flights, as well as other types of travel that are classified as a “common carrier.” For example, you could still be reimbursed for delays if you booked travel by bus, cruise ship or train (but not taxi or commuter rail/bus).

Note that these benefits kick in after you've exhausted any other trip delay reimbursement benefits you might have through your frequent flyer program or third-party travel insurance coverage.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

The good news is there are several Chase cards that come with built-in trip delay reimbursement.

on Chase's website

You're also covered if you have any of these cards:

United℠ Business Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card .

Again, most of these cards specify that a delay last 12 hours or more or require you to stay overnight before your reimbursement coverage kicks in. The exception is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which only requires a six-hour or more delay to use your coverage.

» Learn more: Chase Sapphire Reserve review: A first-class premium travel card

As the cardholder, you're covered — but your coverage can also extend to the people traveling with you. Chase will cover your spouse or partner and any dependent children under the age of 26. The same $500 reimbursement limit per ticket, per trip applies to everyone on your booking.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

Filing a claim means first making sure you have eligible expenses. If you're traveling under a known hazard alert, such as a hurricane warning, then Chase may deny your claim. And prepaid expenses are never covered by trip delay reimbursement.

As the cardholder, you must notify a Chase Benefit Administrator within 60 days following the date of the delay to file a claim. You'll be sent a claim form that you'll need to fill out detailing the circumstances of the delay and your expenses. You have up to within 100 days of the date of the delay to return this form, along with copies of receipts or other supporting documentation.

The good news is all of this can be done online through a third-party company called Card Benefit Services . Once you've filled out the form and uploaded your documents, a representative will review your claim. If asked for any additional documents or if you have questions, you can email them to [email protected] .

Required documents for submitting a trip delay claim include:

Copy of monthly billing statement.

Copy of both the original and updated travel itineraries showing the date and time of both flights and the total amount charged.

Copy of the statement from the common carrier to verify the reason the flight was delayed.

Here is how to verify your flight delay, broken down by airline.

Chase trip delay insurance is different than cancellation/interruption insurance.

Trip delay coverage applies to instances when your trip still happens, just on a different timeline than you were originally anticipating.

Trip cancellation or interruption insurance, conversely, provides reimbursement for covered travel expenses when you have to cancel a trip entirely or end it early.

Some Chase credit cards have both trip delay and trip cancellation/interruption coverage, while others only have one or the other. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers both, whereas the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card only offers delay coverage. The World of Hyatt Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card , meanwhile, only have trip cancellation/interruption coverage.

» Learn more: The guide to Chase trip cancellation insurance

Ideally, you always arrive on time when traveling, but when a delay happens, having a Chase credit card could save the day. If you're not a Chase cardmember yet, consider applying for a card to take advantage of trip delay reimbursement when you need it.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card [2024]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Overview

Auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage, roadside dispatch, travel accident insurance, travel and emergency assistance, no foreign transaction fees, filing a claim, other credit cards, travel insurance policies, final thoughts.

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card is a solid choice for your first travel rewards credit card. The card’s strengths include its ability to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards Points on every purchase, the variety of redemption options it offers, and even its shopping benefits.

In addition to the key benefits of strong earning power and travel redemption flexibility, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has your back with travel insurance coverage that offers peace of mind and potential savings during your journey.

If you travel frequently, chances are you’ve used a travel insurance coverage or benefit and realize the value of having this protection. It’s reasonable to expect that a travel rewards card you use to pay for your travel will have associated trip benefits. Unfortunately, credit card issuers have recently cut back on both travel and shopping benefits.

While some other cards are cutting back, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers prominent travel insurance coverage and benefits. Whether you currently have the card or are considering it, you’re sure to find this information useful when comparing travel rewards cards.

To put the Chase Sapphire Preferred card ‘s coverage into context, it’s important to have a little background. Below, you’ll find important card information like any welcome bonus and annual fee.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card shines at providing car rental insurance coverage when compared to other travel rewards cards.

Unlike most travel rewards cards, the coverage you receive with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is primary car insurance coverage compared to secondary, which means you do not have to file an insurance claim with your own auto insurance company first for coverage to be valid.

To activate the coverage on your card, simply reserve and pay for your rental car with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card , then decline the rental car agency’s collision damage waiver coverage.

The cardholder and any additional drivers you list on the rental agreement are covered.

Coverage You Can Expect:

• Damage to or theft of the rental car
• Loss of use charges imposed by the rental car company while the vehicle is being repaired
• Reasonable and customary towing charges

Conditions:

• Coverage is valid in most countries
• The rental period must not exceed or intend to exceed 31 consecutive days
• Coverage is primary

Exclusions:

• Exceptionally expensive, exotic, and antique vehicles are not covered
• Also excluded are open cargo bed vehicles, trucks, and recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles, mopeds, and motorbikes
• All limousines and vans that transport more than 9 people
• Losses due to off-road use of the rental vehicle
• Liability insurance coverage is not included

Bottom Line: According to the Insurance Information Institute , a car rental agency’s collision damage waiver coverage can cost $9 to $19 per day, even more depending on where you’re renting the vehicle. Having primary rental car insurance with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card could save you hundreds of dollars on a multi-week car rental. 

In addition to car rental insurance, one of the most valuable benefits to have on your travel rewards credit card is coverage when there’s a disruption during your travels.

Pay for your trip in full or in part with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Chase Ultimate Rewards points and receive up to $10,000 if a covered loss prevents you (or other covered persons) from traveling. The maximum benefit for each occurrence is $20,000 and $40,000 maximum per 12-month period.

Expenses covered include any non-refundable, prepaid transportation arrangements that were missed plus change fees.

The definition of who is covered for trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage is broad. The cardholder, spouse or domestic partner, and immediate family are eligible for coverage. Immediate family includes adopted or step-children, legal guardians/wards, siblings or siblings-in-law, parents or parents-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and nieces or nephews.

The trip cannot exceed 60 days in duration and the destination must be more than 1 mile from home for coverage to be valid.

Covered events include:

• Accidental injury, loss of life, or illness experienced by the cardholder, immediate family, or traveling companion
• Severe weather
• Change of military orders
• Terrorist events or hijackings
• Jury duty or subpoena that cannot be postponed or waived
• Finding that your residence has become uninhabitable
• You have been quarantined

Hot Tip: If you pay for your immediate family’s trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Ultimate Rewards points , they are eligible for trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance coverage, even if you are not traveling with them. For more card options that come with trip cancellation insurance, check out our full guide to the best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance .

If your trip is significantly delayed, you may be stranded overnight and need to purchase necessities or incur other unexpected expenses such as lodging and additional meals.

Trip delay reimbursement pays up to $500 per ticket for covered expenses that are not paid for by the common carrier. The delay must be overnight or greater than 12 hours in duration.

Baggage Insurance

When traveling on a common carrier, if your baggage is delayed more than 6 hours, you could receive up to $100 reimbursement per day , for up to 5 days, for incidentals purchased.

You can expect to be reimbursed for essential items such as:

• Cell phone charging cable (1)

If your luggage is lost or damaged, lost luggage coverage will pay to repair or replace the luggage plus the cost of personal items lost, up to $3,000 per person, per trip.

You must report the loss to the common carrier first as the Lost Luggage benefit is in excess of any payments you receive from that carrier.

If you’re stranded on the side of the road, lock your keys out of your car, or your car fails to start, you’ll find Roadside Dispatch a welcomed benefit. The coverage provides 24/7 roadside assistance that is just one call away.

Services You Can Expect:

• Changing your flat tire when you have an inflated spare
• Delivery of up to 5 gallons of fuel
• Jump starting
• Lockout service
• Standard towing up to 5 miles
• Standard winching

Service extras such as towing beyond 5 miles, the cost of a replacement key, or the cost of the actual fuel being delivered, are additional charges and the responsibility of the cardholder. However, you won’t pay more than the pre-determined flat rate fee of $69.95 for the initial service call, as it is set in advance.

It’s painful to think about something serious happening during your travels, but there are benefits available in case you’re faced with such a tragic event.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of a few cards to offer travel accident insurance . The cardholder and immediate family members are covered even if the cardholder is not traveling with the immediate family. The ticket must be paid for in full or partially with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Ultimate Rewards points.

Chase’s travel accident insurance is divided into 2 coverages:

• Common Carrier Travel Accident Benefit — Covers you while you are a passenger on any common carrier or at the airport, terminal, or station immediately before or after your trip.
• 24-Hour Travel Accident Benefit — Provides coverage as soon as you embark on your trip, during your qualifying trip, and until you return for accidental death, dismemberment, and loss of speech, sight, and hearing.

Coverage on the Common Carrier benefit is limited to up to $500,000 and $100,000 maximum on the 24-hour travel accident benefit. Only 1 benefit can apply per trip.

You’re just one call away from assistance or referral help anytime you need it 24/7. Calling the toll-free number when in the U.S. or the collect-call phone number on the back of your card when traveling out of the country is the fastest way to receive assistance.

In addition to you (the cardholder), your spouse or domestic partner and dependent children under 22 can also use the service.

Referral assistance is complimentary, but the cardholder is responsible for the actual goods or services provided .

• Emergency Message Service — Record and relay emergency messages to travelers
• Medical Referrals — Referral to an English-speaking medical practitioner to monitor your progress and serve as a patient liaison
• Legal Referrals — Referral to an English-speaking attorney, U.S. Consulate or embassy, and assistance with bail bond arrangements
• Emergency Transportation — Help with making arrangements for emergency transport to the nearest medical facility
• Emergency Ticket Replacement — Assistance replacing a lost ticket with your carrier
• Lost Luggage — Provides assistance filing a lost luggage claim or help with replacement items
• Translation Services — Assistance with local language translation services
• Prescription and Valuable Documents Replacement — Assistance getting prescriptions filled at a local pharmacy or locating and transporting valuable documents
• Pre-trip Assistance — Includes help finding an ATM, assistance with visas, health precautions, and other pre-trip information

You don’t want to be hit with 3% fees when using your card during international travels. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees,  which is thankfully true of many cards nowadays.

If you spent $4,000 abroad on a family vacation, the savings would equal $120.

It’s prudent to think about the claim process even before you embark on your journey . Should you need to make a trip interruption, trip delay, or trip cancellation claim, the process will be much easier if you have gathered the information and documentation you need during the event versus after the fact.

Contact the plan administrator as soon as possible during or after the disruption for guidance and to file a claim. You may be expected to provide any of the following when submitting a claim for a trip interruption, trip cancellation, or trip delay :

• A completed and signed claim form
• Credit card statement with the last 4 digits of the card or receipts showing you paid for the trip with an eligible card or points
• A copy of your transportation ticket and itinerary
• Medical documents or a death certificate for health-related claims
• A statement from the carrier stating why the trip was interrupted, canceled, or delayed
• Receipts for purchases and food expense receipts over $50
• Copy of the carrier, tour company, or travel supplier’s cancellation or refund policy
• Any additional documentation requested by the benefit administrator

The documentation needed is not requested by Chase, but by the third-party claim administrator, therefore Chase statements validating your trip purchase are necessary. Knowing this upfront allows you to store your trip receipts in advance for easy access should you need them.

Hot Tip: Prior to your trip, contact the benefits administrator for clarification of trip coverage and to inquire about any special destination information you should know. You can also be proactive by reviewing the claim process before your trip to learn about any required documentation that would be needed in case of an event.

How Coverage Compares

Travel protection and insurance vary greatly by the credit card issuer and can change periodically. In general, here’s what you can expect in the way of travel protections by major issuers:

Chase issues credit cards including the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , and Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card offer the comprehensive collection of trip protections reviewed in this article. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card additionally offers emergency medical evacuation, $2,500 in emergency medical and dental coverage, and a shorter delay for trip delay coverage.

American Express

American Express offers secondary car rental insurance versus primary coverage, accident insurance, premium roadside assistance, a Global Assist Hotline, and baggage insurance. There is also emergency medical evacuation coverage that comes with The Platinum Card ® from American Express . The issuer does not offer trip interruption, cancellation, or delay coverage .

Capital One

You’ll find secondary car rental insurance, roadside dispatch, accident insurance, lost and delayed baggage, and emergency travel assistance on some Capital One cards.

Bank of America

Bank of America travel rewards cards generally do not offer trip protection or major travel benefits.

Hot Tip: For more details, check out our guide to the best credit cards for travel insurance .

Travel protections, benefits, and insurance that come complimentary on credit cards are not designed to take the place of a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy allows you to select the type of coverage you need and the coverage limits that match your level of risk, whether you’re protecting a significant financial outlay or the potential physical risks associated with the trip. You can also purchase a travel insurance policy that can cover one specific trip or many trips over a specific time period.

With that said, by taking a few minutes to read through the trip protections offered on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you may find enough coverage to satisfy your trip protection requirements for your next trip. As always, you should review the card benefit coverages carefully before you travel and purchase any needed travel insurance to fill in any gaps.

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a high level of travel protection and insurance compared to other travel rewards credit cards. This level of coverage may be more than sufficient for your trip. 

Having travel insurance brings with it the peace of mind to enjoy your journey without worry of any significant financial expense should something go wrong.

To avoid a false sense of security, however, you’ll want to call the benefits administrator (using the number on the back of your card) to ensure you have the coverage you need.

For example, you may assume you have coverage for emergency evacuation on that mountain trek, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred card does not carry this coverage. If the protection is important to you, you’ll want to be aware (and purchase separate coverage) before you embark on your journey.

Additionally, you may want to confirm that the country in which you’re renting is one that is covered under Chase’s car rental collision damage waiver, although most are.

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers some of the best travel protection and insurance benefits of any travel rewards card, these benefits are not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.

If you’re spending thousands on a vacation for an entire family, booking an expensive cruise, or planning a trip with several forms of transportation involved, you may want to make sure that card-provided benefits provide protection at a level with which you’re comfortable.

If not, you should purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the chase sapphire preferred card worth it.

Yes. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers the best travel insurance protection of any major credit card, but that is just one of the strong benefits of having the card.

First, the annual fee is lower than other travel rewards cards that offer similar benefits. Additionally, you’ll earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points which can be redeemed for 25% more value when used for travel.

You can also transfer points to airline and hotel partners, receive a statement credit, or purchase gift cards.

Finally, you’ll find shopping benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty for eligible purchased items.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card have travel insurance?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a long list of travel protections and insurance . You’ll find the all-important primary car rental insurance, trip interruption, trip cancellation, and trip delay insurance, which can be difficult to find on other travel rewards cards.

In addition, the card offers travel accident insurance, lost and delayed baggage coverage, roadside assistance, and travel and emergency assistance.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card have lounge access?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card does not come with a complimentary lounge access benefit.

However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers complimentary Priority Pass Select membership which affords the cardholder access to over 1,300 worldwide lounge properties.

If the Chase Sapphire Preferred card better than the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

Both cards offer a comprehensive collection of travel protections and benefits.

However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium travel rewards card that comes with premium travel rewards benefits including complimentary worldwide lounge access, travel statement credits, elevated earnings on travel and dining, and 50% more value when redeeming Ultimate Rewards points for travel.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also comes with a much higher annual fee than the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

A good strategy, if you’re just starting out, is to start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with its lower annual fee.

If you then want more travel benefits, are comfortable paying a higher annual fee, and can utilize the travel benefits that come with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, it can be your subsequent move.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card cover the Global Entry fee?

No. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card does not offer reimbursement for the Global Entry application or renewal fee.

Do the Chase travel benefits cover my trip if I use Ultimate Rewards points to pay?

Yes. You can purchase your trip in part or in full with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Ultimate Rewards points, or a combination of the two, and trip protections and benefits will still apply.

Be sure to check the benefits guide for details.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Whether you're traveling domestically or abroad, going on a trip is an exciting way to see the world. But it can also be expensive, and the last thing you want is to end up losing your money if something goes wrong with your planned vacation.

The good news is, if you pay for your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , you should have coverage if your trip is cancelled or delayed or if you experience certain other losses along the way.

There are details you need to be aware of to take advantage of Chase Sapphire travel insurance, though, so it's important to read the fine print to make certain you're able to use this important cardholder benefit if something goes wrong. This complete guide to Chase Sapphire insurance will help you understand what you need to know.

What is travel insurance?

Quick look: chase sapphire travel insurance.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance
• Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance

How to file a claim with Chase

Faqs about chase sapphire travel insurance, bottom line on chase travel insurance.

Travel insurance broadly refers to insurance that provides reimbursement when you suffer losses in conjunction with a trip. But lots of different things could go wrong when you’re traveling, so there are different kinds of insurance that cover different major and minor calamities. Although you can buy travel insurance through an agency or insurance company, many travel credit cards come with different types of travel insurance as an included benefit.

Some of the different types of travel insurance you may want when traveling include:

• Travel delay insurance : This covers you when your common carrier (cruise line, airline, tour operator, etc.) is delayed and you get stuck somewhere for a long time or you have to stay somewhere unexpected overnight.
• Trip cancellation insurance: If your trip is cancelled for a covered reason, such as severe weather, this insurance provides you reimbursement for non-refundable expenses.
• Baggage delay insurance: If your bags are delayed for a long time, this insurance covers costs you'll incur for essential purchases such as clean clothing and toiletries.
• Lost luggage insurance: If your baggage never shows up at all, you can get reimbursed for your lost luggage and the stuff inside it.
• Car rental insurance: Car rental insurance can cover you if your rental vehicle is lost, stolen, or damaged
• Roadside assistance: If you get stuck on the road, roadside assistance can come to your rescue and provide a tow, tire change, or other help.
• Travel accident insurance: If you get into an accident or die while on a trip, travel accident insurance can provide a payout to you or your loved ones.

Chase offers some of these insurance benefits, but there are differences in coverage when you compare the Sapphire Preferred vs. the Sapphire Reserve . This could impact which card you use to make a travel-related purchase or which card you apply for to begin with.

The table below shows some of the details about the travel insurance benefits on the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve cards.

Each of these different kinds of coverage come with limitations, restrictions, and qualifications that are important to be aware of if you're relying on the protections Chase is offering. Let's look at each type of coverage on each card in a little more detail.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card travel insurance

While the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred cover a number of different aspects, the travel benefits are a big draw for most cardholders. Here's what you need to know about using your travel insurance benefits available on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Trip delay reimbursement

This provides coverage for the cardholder, the cardholder's spouse or domestic partner, and the cardholder's dependent children ages 22 and under when the trip is paid for with the Chase card. This coverage applies if your trip is delayed more than 12 hours or an overnight stay is required due to a delay.

Coverage is limited to one delay per covered trip and delays are covered only if they are caused by a common carrier and are in a city away from the cardholder's home. The maximum of $500 in benefits can be spent on reasonable expenses for meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal items. To be considered for reimbursement, the cardmember must notify Chase within 60 days of the delay.

Trip cancellation insurance

Cancellation insurance covers the cardholder and immediate family members if a trip is interrupted on the way to the point of departure or after you've left. It also provides coverage if a trip has to be postponed for a covered reason and fees are incurred due to rescheduling.

Covered losses include severe weather; terrorist actions; jury duty; court subpoenas; or accidental bodily injury, death, or sickness of the cardholder, immediate family, or a traveling companion. The cardholder doesn't need to be traveling with family for them to be covered, but the trip must be paid for by the Chase card.

The benefit is limited to $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per occurrence and benefits paid can't exceed $40,000 over 12 months. So if a family of five goes on a $30,000 trip, the maximum coverage is still $20,000 even though each individual family member would theoretically be entitled to $10,000 in reimbursement.

The coverage is secondary to other travel insurance or reimbursement from others, so if your cruise line or travel insurance policy offers any reimbursement, you have to go through them first.

Baggage delay insurance

The cardholder, spouse or domestic partner, and immediate family members are covered if a common carrier delays luggage for six or more hours. This coverage provides up to $100 per day for a maximum of five days to pay for essentials such as clothes, toiletries, and one cell phone charging cable.

This insurance is secondary to other reimbursement or travel insurance coverage, so claims have to be made with those other providers first. To get reimbursement from Chase, you have to file your claim within 20 days of the delay.

Lost luggage insurance

Checked and carry-on baggage are both covered, along with personal property in your suitcases or bags. The cardholder and immediate family members are covered, even if the cardholder isn't traveling with the family members.

The insurance provides up to $3,000 per insured person on each covered trip; however, coverage for jewelry, watches, and electronics is limited to $500 per person and there's no coverage for loss of money or travelers checks or for losses resulting from a war.

Claims have to be made within 20 days of the occurrence and the loss must have been reported to the carrier in a timely manner. Coverage is secondary, which means you have to try to get reimbursed by any other primary travel insurance or by the occupancy provider (hotel, etc.) or common carrier first.

Car rental insurance

The Chase cardholder and additional drivers on the rental agreement are covered by this policy, which provides reimbursement for collision or theft for rental vehicles in the U.S. and abroad. Coverage is secondary in your own country when renting for personal reasons, so you have to make a claim on your other auto insurance first. This isn't required if you're renting abroad.

You're covered for up to the actual value of the rental car, but won't be covered if you're renting the car for more than 31 consecutive days. Chase also excludes expensive, exotic, and antique automobiles as well as trucks, recreational vehicles, and large vans.

Travel accident insurance

If you pay with your Chase card, you're covered for $500,000 in benefits for loss of life if you have an accident while on a common carrier. You'll also get a payout for dismemberment or a loss of speech, sight, and hearing. The amount you get will depend on your injuries. If you have an accident at any other time, your maximum coverage is $100,000 for loss of life and you get partial compensation for dismemberment up to $100,000, depending on what injuries you sustained.

The cardholder and immediate family members are covered even if the cardholder isn't traveling with them as long as the cardholder files a written claim within 20 days of the incident. But if multiple eligible people are hurt, coverage can't exceed twice the applicable benefit amount ($500,000 or $100,000) and the total amount will be divided up among the eligible injured people.

Emotional distress is not covered, nor are injuries or deaths sustained in the commission of illegal acts or when car racing, parachute jumping, or participating in sports activities where potential prizes are at stake.

Bottom line on Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance

The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides similar travel insurance benefits to the Sapphire Reserve, which we’ll discuss in detail next. But with the Sapphire Preferred, your trip delay insurance doesn't kick in until 12 hours have passed instead of six with the Reserve and your travel accident insurance offers $500,000 in coverage instead of $1 million. You also won't get roadside assistance, though you can use roadside dispatch if you pay for it.

On the plus side, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with a much lower annual fee ($95) than the Sapphire Reserve ($550). The Sapphire Preferred card also offers plenty of other travel-related benefits, including 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠,  2X bonus points on other travel purchases, and a 25% points bonus when you redeem your rewards for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal .

Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice for frequent jetsetters who want to be protected in case of a problem on their trip.

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® travel insurance

The benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve are plentiful, and there’s no shortage of travel-related perks with this card. Here's what you need to know about using the travel insurance benefits you're provided with as a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder.

When your common carrier delays your trip for six or more hours or a delay requires an overnight stay, you'll get up to $500 in coverage per purchased ticket. Cardholders, their spouses or domestic partners, and dependent children under age 22 are all covered.

However, coverage is limited to one covered hazard per trip, and you won't be covered for prepaid expenses or for covered hazard delays you knew about before departing. You have just 60 days to provide notice after a covered delay and you'll be reimbursed for reasonable additional expenses only.

This coverage kicks in if you can't go on your trip before it starts due to a covered loss. The cardholder and immediate family are covered even if the cardholder doesn't go along on the trip with family.

The maximum payout is $10,000 for each covered trip and $20,000 for each covered incident, with an aggregate maximum payout of $40,000 over a 12-month period. This means if a three-person family goes on a trip that costs $10,000 each, they would be entitled to a maximum payment of $20,000 if the trip is cancelled for all of them for a covered reason, even though they'd be out $10,000 that wasn't reimbursed.

Claims have to be made within 20 days after the occurrence that causes the trip cancellation, and there must have been a covered reason for cancelling such as severe weather; jury duty or a subpoena that can't be postponed; or accidental injury or death of the cardmember, an immediate family member, or a traveling companion. Coverage is secondary to other travel insurance or reimbursement from the common carrier or occupancy provider.

The cardholder, spouse or domestic partner, and immediate family members get up to $100 per day in coverage when a common carrier delays a bag for more than six hours. This $100 can be used to purchase one cell phone charging cable, clothing, toiletries, and other essential personal care items.

The cardholder has to file a claim within 20 days of the loss and reimbursement from Chase comes only after exhausting other travel insurance or seeking funds from the common carrier.

The cardholder and immediate family can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per person per trip for checked bags or carry-ons that are lost by a common carrier. Claims have to be made on other travel insurance policies or with the carrier first, though, and coverage is limited to $500 per person per covered trip for jewelry, watches, and electronics.

The cardholder has to report the loss right away to the common carrier and to Chase within 20 days and no coverage is provided for travelers checks, money or security, or losses resulting from war.

This provides reimbursement for up to $75,000 in losses for the cardholder and additional drivers if a rental vehicle is in an accident or stolen. The reservation for the car rental can't exceed 31 consecutive days, and expensive or antique vehicles are excluded.

The insurance coverage is primary, so there's no need to file a claim with other insurance first, but the entire rental transaction has to be completed with Chase and you have to decline the rental company’s auto rental collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver.

Roadside assistance

The cardholder and anyone driving a vehicle the cardholder owns or leases is eligible for roadside assistance 24/7. Coverage includes battery charges, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, help if you're locked out, and towing.

You're covered for a maximum of $50 per service event and get a maximum of four service events annually. If you're in an off-road area or in a place not regularly traveled, you won't be covered.

The cardholder and immediate family members get up to $1 million in coverage for accidents on a common carrier and $100,000 in coverage for other types of accidents on a trip. The $1 million is reserved for loss of life but a partial payout is available for dismemberment, loss of speech, loss of sight, or loss of hearing. The specific amount you'll receive depends on the nature of your injuries.

Chase doesn't provide payments for emotional trauma; dismemberment or death during a war; if you're hurt or killed during an illegal act or while on an aircraft not certified by or registered with the government; or if you get hurt racing cars, parachute jumping, or participating in competitive sports.

Bottom line on Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance

If you want coverage for shorter trip delays, need roadside assistance or want more travel accident insurance coverage, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the ideal card for you.

The Sapphire Reserve also has a $550 annual fee, though. While you’ll earn 5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3X points on other travel and dining & 1X points per dollar on all other purchases, and you’ll also enjoy a 50% redemption bonus when you redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards through the Chase travel portal, you'll want to make sure other cardholder perks — such as a $300 annual travel credit and statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees — make this card worth your while.

If you’re a regular traveler wanting to take advantage of the travel insurance protections this card offers, then the Chase Sapphire Reserve might be the best travel credit card to have in your wallet.

If you believe you have a valid claim under Chase's travel insurance, call 800-356-8955 to request a claim form. You can also submit a claim online at eclaimsonline.com .

To file your claim:

• Start by selecting the type of claim you wish to file
• Provide your personal details including your contact information
• Input details about your claim, including the type of loss you endured and the amount of financial damage you're seeking reimbursement for
• Be prepared to upload documentation such as receipts from expenses incurred; a statement from your common carrier detailing your delay or its refund or cancellation policy; a copy of your original tickets or receipts; and, if necessary, proof you filed a claim for reimbursement from your common carrier, auto insurer, or travel insurer
• Confirm the details and submit your claim

Chase may contact you to request that you provide additional details or documentation to support your claim.

Does Chase Sapphire cover missed flights?

Chase provides reimbursement for its list of covered losses only. Although you could potentially get some airfare costs covered if your airline delays your flight long enough that you miss your connection, you won't be covered by Chase if you simply get to the airport late and miss your flight.

Does Chase Sapphire travel insurance cover jury duty?

According to Chase, jury duty is a covered reason for cancelling your trip. So, your trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance provided by Chase should protect you from losses in the event that you are called to jury duty.

Does Chase travel insurance cover my immediate family members?

Chase travel insurance covers the cardholder as well as immediate family members such as spouses and dependent children, even if the cardholder isn't traveling with them.

What happens to my Chase Ultimate Rewards when I cancel a trip?

When you book travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal, it's just like booking through a travel agent. Your ability to cancel and get your travel rewards refunded depends on the policies of the hotel or airline you book with. But if you cancel for a reason covered by Chase, then your trip cancellation insurance will kick in and your Ultimate Rewards points will be refunded.

If you are a frequent traveler, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer you important protections, whether you're renting a car or taking a train, bus, cruise, or plane. You’ll also have some protections even if you can't go on your trip at all because it's cancelled or delayed.

Although the travel insurance benefits differ slightly on each card, both can earn you valuable travel rewards, charge you no foreign transaction fees, and provide travel protections for many of the losses you're likely to encounter when you’re off adventuring. You just need to make sure to read the fine print and have one of these valuable rewards credit cards in your wallet.

Great for Flexible Travel Rewards

Chase sapphire preferred ® card.

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Current Offer

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Rewards Rate

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases

• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary point bonus each year
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠
• Premium travel protection benefits
• Has annual fee
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance (2024 Guide)

This page includes information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and its benefits. The information featured in this guide was collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

Alex is a MarketWatch Guides team writer that covers automotive and personal finance topics. She’s worked as a content writer for over a dozen car dealerships across the U.S. and as a contributor to several major auto news websites.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, you can access a wide variety of travel insurance benefits when you book a trip using the card. Chase travel insurance can reimburse certain expenses in less-than-ideal travel scenarios involving trip cancellations, trip interruptions, lost baggage and more.

Learn more about the coverage offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card so you can decide whether its benefits can cover your travel needs — or if you need a separate travel insurance policy for your vacation.

Our Thoughts on Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Chase offers travel insurance through the Sapphire Preferred credit card if you use the card to purchase trip expenses such as cruise bookings, airline tickets, hotel accommodations and more. The company’s travel insurance offering includes coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions and delays, accidents and more.

But while Chase has competitive luggage loss limits when compared with the top travel insurance providers, the Sapphire Preferred Preferred card doesn’t offer emergency medical and evacuation coverage like some other travel cards. And although Chase provides free travel insurance benefits with the Sapphire Preferred card, there is a $95 annual fee.

If you’re a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card holder, we encourage you to compare its coverage with plans offered by competitors. This can help ensure you have travel protection that fits your vacation and your unique needs as a traveler.

How To Qualify to Use Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Qualifying for Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance is a relatively simple process based on our experience. If you do not have a credit card already, you will need to visit Chase’s website to fill out an application. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, home address, contact information, Social Security number, individual tax ID number, employment status and annual income. Chase states that if you have a high credit score, you can likely apply for any card of your choice — so prepare for the company to consider your credit score when applying for this card.

Available travel insurance when you book using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card includes protection for rental car damage, cruise line reservations and airfare, to name a few. Benefits also apply to the cardholder and their immediate family during their travels. Note that if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can also qualify for travel protection benefits. However, the benefits differ between the two cards, which we will address further in this article.

How Does Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance Work?

Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance coverage offers several protections at no extra cost to cardholders who book trips using their credit card. Benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement. Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders also receive travel and emergency assistance services if they need legal and medical referrals.

Chase notes that unaffiliated insurance companies underwrite the travel benefits, and these companies are solely responsible for the administration and claims of cardholders. Those so-called benefit administrators may enforce specific time limits and documentation requirements that apply to the claims process. Chase should provide cardholders with this information when they first open their account.

Coverage Benefits of Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Chase provides extensive travel insurance benefits through its Sapphire Preferred credit card, including protections you’d find with a traditional travel insurance policy . See the table below for a detailed breakdown of the Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance benefits and associated coverage limits.

* Information about benefits provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card was collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

Trip Cancellation

If you must cancel your trip for a reason covered under your policy, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. This often covers expenses such as lost airline tickets, cruise bookings, prepaid tours and hotel reservations.

Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to traveler sickness, severe weather and other situations, with reimbursement up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

Trip Interruption

If you must cut your vacation short and return home, trip interruption insurance can provide a refund for unused, prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses.Much like trip cancellation insurance, coverage also applies to situations such as the injury, illness, or death of a family member or traveler.

Chase covers Chase Sapphire Preferred travelers up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

Trip Delay Insurance

Trip delay coverage applies to travel delays caused by planes, buses, trains and other types of transport to your destination. Benefits for a covered trip will vary depending on the travel insurance plan but can extend to hotel rooms, meals and other necessities incurred if you must wait to resume your trip. Delay coverage does not extend to missing a flight due to poor planning or time management on behalf of the traveler. 

Chase will reimburse up to $500 per common carrier travel ticket purchased using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card if you experience a delay of more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay.  

Baggage Delay or Loss

Baggage coverage can pay for your travel bags if they become lost, stolen, delayed or damaged during your trip. Coverage is usually capped at a certain amount per bag, with some travel insurance plans offering higher limits than others. If you intend on bringing expensive or valuable items in your baggage, you might consider a policy with a high maximum coverage amount for lost luggage reimbursement or delays.

Chase provides Sapphire Preferred cardholders $100 per day for up to five days if they experience baggage delays with a common carrier such as an airline. If your carry-on or checked bags get lost, stolen or damaged, you could receive a reimbursement of up to $3,000 per person to cover your personal effects.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Car rental collision damage coverage is not a standard offering from travel insurance companies. This waiver provides Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders with reimbursement up to the actual cash value of a rental car, minus certain high-value and exotic car models. 

To qualify for this waiver, you will need to decline the rental car insurance provided by the rental company and charge the entire cost of your rental to your Sapphire Preferred card. This waiver covers both theft and collision damage.

Travel Accident Insurance

Travel accident insurance through Chase provides accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage when you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation using your card. Coverage includes up to $500,000 in accident protection.

Emergency Travel Medical Coverage

Travel medical coverage helps cover medical bills if you fall ill or get injured during your vacation. It does not cover routine medical services — only sudden illnesses or injuries considered emergencies or that require treatment by a healthcare provider. Some emergency medical benefits also include emergency dental coverage.

While many travel insurance providers offer this type of coverage, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders do not have access to these protections with the card’s benefits. You can, however, find this coverage with the Sapphire Reserve card.

If you’re looking for comprehensive travel medical insurance, we recommend International Medical Group (IMG), as the company offers coverage up to $8,000,000. IMG plans average $217 per trip.

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance can provide peace of mind if you need transportation to a hospital or medical facility while traveling. For example, if you fall ill or become injured in a remote location and require transportation or evacuation to a medical facility equipped to care for your needs. Chase doesn’t provide this coverage for Sapphire Preferred cardholders and their immediate family members.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is not the only credit card Chase offers with travel insurance benefits. Chase’s Sapphire Reserve card also provides benefits for cardholders who book their trips with their credit card. See the table below for a comprehensive breakdown of what each Chase credit card offers in travel insurance benefits.

* Information about benefits provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards were collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and have not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

How To File a Travel Insurance Claim with Chase

Filing a travel insurance claim with Chase will vary based on your credit card and the type of coverage you’re filing a claim for. But the typical process follows these steps:

Generally, the first step is to contact the appropriate number listed in your credit card’s benefits guide. You can also file a claim online through eclaimsline.com if you prefer a fully digital experience.

Chase will likely ask you to prepare documentation that proves your losses to support your claim. These documents may include receipts for prepaid expenses, proof of lost, damaged or stolen items, or proof of travel delays from your airline or other transportation carriers.

Once you’ve submitted your claim, you then wait for approval and reimbursement, which may vary in time. Note that Chase enforces specific time limits in addition to documentation requirements for claims filing, so submitting your claim as soon as possible is recommended.

Should You Get a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card For Travel Insurance?

Signing up for a Chase Sapphire Preferred card strictly for its travel insurance benefits is a personal decision. However, getting a credit card for travel insurance is not your only option — you may also opt for a policy with a standard carrier such as Travelex . Chase’s coverage limits are not as high as limits from some other providers offering comprehensive travel insurance policies. Taking on an additional expense in the form of the Sapphire Preferred card’s $95 annual fee may also not be worth it if you don’t plan on using the card for anything other than infrequent travel.

If you’re looking for coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuations and more, you may consider a plan from some of the other dedicated travel insurance companies. Chase does not specialize in travel insurance and lacks unique protections such as cancel for any reason (CFAR) and extreme sports coverage that other travel insurance companies may provide. 

If you already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and feel satisfied with its travel insurance coverage limits, you can take advantage of these benefits by booking your trip using the card. Regardless, we recommend considering your travel needs and budget before choosing travel insurance coverage.

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

Does chase travel insurance cover family members.

Yes, Chase travel insurance through its Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards covers the cardholder and immediate family members traveling with them.

What reasons for trip cancellation does Chase cover?

Covered cancellations related to trip cancellation insurance vary by travel insurance provider. Chase states that covered cancellations for trips purchased with Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards include sickness, severe weather and other situations. Check your card benefits guide for more information on specific scenarios.

Do I need travel insurance if I have a credit card?

If you have a credit card with a company such as Chase, Citi or Capital One, your card may come with travel insurance benefits if you use the card to purchase your trip components. If you’re unsure whether your credit card comes with these perks, check with your card issuer.

What other benefits come with the Chase Sapphire card?

The Chase Sapphire card comes with more than just travel rewards. It also includes benefits such as the ChaseUltimate Rewards program, which adds points for qualifying purchases that cardholders can redeem toward future travel expenses. In addition, new card members can receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card ownership.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

Our team researched and reviewed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the Internet, to better understand the customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers offering a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades. Providers that offer six or more plans will earn top marks in this category.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the standard coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage will earn full points, with a focus on baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons such as accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that will reimburse customers after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

AM Best Disclaimer

More Chase Bank Resources

• Chase Bank Review
• Chase Auto Loan Review
• Chase Bank CD Rates
• Chase Savings Account Rates
• Chase Banking Promotions and Bonuses

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

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Credit Cards

11 Chase Sapphire Preferred travel benefits you should know about

Lee Huffman

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 10:13 a.m. UTC May 3, 2024

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best travel credit cards for beginners and experienced travelers alike. It offers numerous benefits that can easily justify its $95 annual fee . The points it earns, known as Chase Ultimate Rewards® , are extremely flexible, and you get 25% more value per point when booking travel through Chase Travel℠. This card also includes valuable travel and purchase protections at no extra charge. Learn more about its benefits so you can see why the Sapphire Preferred is so popular among travelers.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card details

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

1. Up to $50 in annual hotel credits

Every account anniversary year, cardholders receive up to $50 of hotel credits when booking reservations through Chase Travel. These credits cover a portion of your hotel stay and can offset over half of the card’s annual fee.

Travel reservations made through Chase Travel usually earn 5 points per dollar, which is another great reason to book through the Chase travel portal. However, you will not earn points on the spending that qualifies for the $50 annual hotel credit.

2. Points are worth 25% more when booking travel

The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that have tremendous flexibility. When using these points to book travel through the Chase Travel portal, they’re worth 25% more. In other words, you get a redemption value of 1.25 cents per point. For example, 50,000 points are worth over $625 in travel compared to redeeming your 50,000 points to get $500 in cash back or gift cards.

3. Transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners

In addition to booking travel or getting cash back, cardholders can also transfer Ultimate Rewards points to 14 airline and hotel partners. Points transfer to 11 airlines and three hotel loyalty programs on a 1:1 basis without any transfer fees. Transfer partners include United Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, Marriott and Hyatt.

Transferring points tends to offer the highest value redemptions as you can often find outsize value when using your rewards to book peak travel dates, high-end hotels and premium cabin flights vs. what you’d pay in cash.

Unsure if a travel card is right for you? See our list of the best credit cards to review other options

4. Get a 10% bonus every year

Unlike the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s welcome bonus , which is a one-time windfall, on your account anniversary, you’ll receive unlimited bonus points worth 10% of your total purchases made during the previous year. For example, that means if you spend $50,000 over the 12 months of your account anniversary year, you’ll get 5,000 bonus points.

5. Repay eligible purchases up to 24 months without interest

The Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers. However, you can use the My Chase Plan® to break up purchases of $100 or more into fixed monthly payments for up to 24 months without interest. Instead of interest charges, you’ll pay a fixed monthly fee to use this benefit.

6. Complimentary travel protections

Chase includes complimentary travel protections in case you encounter problems during your trip. When booking reservations with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’re covered against trip cancellation, interruption and delays. Coverage includes up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted.

When your trip is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you can receive up to $500 per ticket for meals, lodging and other eligible expenses. Baggage delay benefits provide up to $100 per day per person for five days to cover the essentials if your baggage is delayed more than six hours.

Rental cars are protected against damage or theft when you decline rental car collision insurance and charge the entire reservation to your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. This coverage is primary, which is rare in a card at this affordable price point.

7. Benefits that protect your purchases

Your eligible purchases are protected against damage or theft for the first 120 days. Purchase protection claims are good for up to $500 per item and $50,000 per account.

Chase also includes extended warranty protection on eligible U.S. manufacturer warranties of three years or less. This benefit provides an extra year of coverage on eligible items.

8. Partner benefits earn bonus points and save money

Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits include bonus points and savings with exclusive partnerships with popular brands. Lyft rides earn 5 points per dollar through March 2025. DoorDash provides a one-year, complimentary DashPass membership offering $0 delivery fees and lower service fees.

Cardholders can save money with a complimentary Instacart+ membership for six months and up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024.

9. No foreign transaction fees

Bring your Chase Sapphire Preferred when traveling internationally because it waives foreign transaction fees. This benefit avoids a hidden fee of up to 3% on international purchases that many other credit cards charge. For example, $5,000 in purchases in another country could incur up to $150 in foreign transaction fees if you used a credit card that charges such a fee.

10. Spend instantly upon approval

When you apply for a new credit card, you typically have to wait up to 10 days to receive your physical card before you can start spending. If you’re approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred , new cardholders can start spending right away by adding the card to their digital wallets. This enables them to get a head start on meeting the requirements to earn the card’s welcome bonus .

11. Refer friends and earn bonus points

In addition to earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points on your purchases, you can also earn points by referring your friends and family to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You’ll receive 15,000 points for each friend who is approved for the card. Chase allows cardholders to earn up to 75,000 bonus points each year with successful referrals, which is worth over $900 in travel booked through the Chase Travel portal.

Should travelers get the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is such a valuable travel credit card. It earns  5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases, includes travel and purchase protections, and points can be redeemed in numerous ways. This card offers advantages whether you’re traveling internationally or making daily purchases in your local area. Plus, it includes limited-time partner offers that earn bonus points and provide savings on your purchases.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When you rent a car and pay with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’ll automatically receive complimentary primary rental car coverage against damage or theft. 

And when using points to pay for your rental car reservation through Chase Travel, you’ll get 25% more value per point than you would if redeeming your rewards for cash back.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred includes numerous travel protection benefits in case your trip doesn’t go as planned. You’ll receive trip cancellation, interruption and delay benefits, as well as baggage delay insurance. Plus, your rental car is protected against damage or theft.

There are a few travel perks, however, the card does not offer including airport lounge access and a trusted traveler application fee reimbursement .

As an active-duty military member, you’re entitled to specific benefits through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Chase provides a reduction in the interest rate on your credit cards and waives the annual fees. To receive these benefits, send Chase a copy of your orders through a secure message at Chase.com or by mail.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Lee Huffman spent 18 years in banking and investments and now uses that insider knowledge to write about credit cards, travel, and other personal finance topics. Lee enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less, and live better through the power of travel rewards. You can connect with him at BaldThoughts.com.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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How to Get Back $450 from Your Travel Credit Card After a Flight Delay

Vacations should be a time for fun and relaxation, but as many frequent travelers know, that isn’t always the case.

At times when trips don’t go as planned, credit card companies have stepped up to alleviate some of the financial stress that comes as a result.

For Anthony, MyBankTracker’s marketing director, his Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card turned out to be a great ally during a recent ski trip in Utah when his return flight was delayed overnight due to a snowstorm.

One of the many travel perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the trip delay reimbursement coverage, which he was able to take advantage of with great success.

It covered many of the expenses that Anthony paid for after learning his flight was delayed.

However, the claims process was arduous and filled with constant back-and-forth communication.

It is not a common task that credit card users deal with, so his experience reveals the good and bad sides of using a card’s travel benefits.

Understanding the rules

Anthony paid for his trip using his Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and as a rule, cardholders must do the same in order to reap the benefits of this perk.

The trip delay reimbursement benefit of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card covers up to a maximum of $500 when a trip is delayed by more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay.

Chase says that the benefit will cover “reasonable” expenses that include, but not limited to meals, lodging, toiletries, medications, and other personal use items that were also charged on the Chase Sapphire Preferredcard.

Preparing the right paperwork

Knowing that he has the trip-delay reimbursement at his disposal, Anthony made a note to keep receipts for all expenditures during the delay. In total, he spent $450 for his extra hotel stay, cab rides, meals, and bar tab.

Upon return from the trip, he immediately called to file a claim, which is actually handled by Visa.

Soon after providing a brief description of his case, he received an emailed claim form to fill out (which he received while still on the phone with Visa).

Then, he called US Airways (now American Airlines) for a statement explaining the cause of the trip delay -- a two-sentence email was sent to him that same day. This is required to file a claim.

In a manilla envelope, he mailed the following documents:

• Copies of receipts for claimed expenses
• A copy of his US Airways ticket
• The printed statement via email from US Airways
• The claim forms

Not surprisingly, it was a sizable stack of paper mailed to Visa. (Customers have to file a claim within 60 days following the date of the delay and the paperwork has to be sent in within 100 days of the date of the delay.)

He was later told that itemized receipts were required for some of the expenses. A Chase representative was able to help him retrieve those receipts, but it took about two weeks.

The total requested reimbursement was $450. He was approved for $380.

The remaining $70 was denied because it was spent on alcohol and gratuity, which was probably extracted from the itemized receipts from restaurants and bars.

His claim was paid, in the form of a check, roughly six weeks after all documentation was sent in.

Chase steps up

Anthony did not relent on the $70 in claims that Visa rejected, so he called Chase about the situation, with the hopes that they would make him whole.

And, it turns out that a two-minute phone call to Chase yielded a positive outcome.

With nearly no resistance, the Chase representative agreed to reimburse Anthony with 7,000 Ultimate Rewards points -- the equivalent of $70 if he opted to redeemed the points in the form of cash back.

Since Chase made good on the denied reimbursements, Anthony eventually got the full amount that he asked for in the first place. (The points could actually be worth more since Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders get to redeem their points for travel with 20% fewer Ultimate Rewards points -- there are other ways to get more from Chase's rewards program .)

Most people would have been happy with whatever amount they could get back. This story is another example that it doesn’t hurt to ask.

To give another idea of how long the process took:

• Getting the claim form: Immediately during the call
• Getting the claim approved: 6 weeks after mailing in forms and documentation
• Getting the reimbursement check: 5 days after claim approval
• Getting the 7,000 Ultimate Rewards points: Immediately after the call

Despite the time and effort put into filing a claim, and the long wait for the claim to be approved, Anthony felt quite satisfied that his Chase Sapphire Preferred card had his back.

He had originally chosen the card for its lavish travel perks that he felt would be most useful, as he travels frequently, and he didn’t mind that it carried a $95 annual fee -- it was worth it.

This is why it's important to consider your habits and lifestyle before actually choosing a credit card.

Forgoing US Airways’ flight delay policy

You may ask why Anthony didn’t go to US Airways to cover the costs incurred during the flight delay.

For delays that are beyond the control of US Airways, such as bad weather, the airline will not provide hotel accommodations. Instead, passengers are offered a lower rate at a list of nearby partnered hotels and motels.

The policies are similar with other major airlines. For instance, United Airlines will offer food, beverage, snacks, meal vouchers and a distressed passenger rate voucher for a nearby hotel if a passenger’s trip is delayed due to uncontrollable events.

Clearly, the trip delay reimbursement benefit of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card covers a larger scope of expenses.

Yes, credit cards get a ton of bad press for being the gateways to insurmountable debt. But, for someone like Anthony, who makes a note to always pay off his balance in full, credit card benefits like trip delay reimbursement turn out to be extremely handy. (Most credit cards out there don’t offer such a perk.)

Different From Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

Although they sound very similar, trip delay insurance should not be confused with trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance.

Trip cancellation insurance will cover situations where you have to cancel a trip before it starts. There’s a long list of which events will qualify for coverage, but here are some commons ones:

• Severe weather
• Accidental illness, injury, or death
• Change in military orders

The insurance will reimburse you for all the travel expenses that have already been paid for -- up to $10,000 for each trip.

Trip interruption insurance will cover the same situations as trip cancellation insurance.

The difference between the two is that trip interruption insurance takes effect when you’re already on your trip. Again, you will be reimbursed up to $10,000 for the unused portion of your prepaid travel expenses.

All credit cards that have the Visa Signature or World Elite MasterCard logos will come with free trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance. The coverage amount and terms may vary by card.

Trip delay insurance is much less common than trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. It only covers those instances when your trip is merely delayed and not disrupted entirely.

These are the credit cards that offer trip delay protection (note that the delay duration required may differ from card to card):

Credit Cards With Trip Delay Insurance

Although trip delay coverage can be very valuable, it should not be a major factor in your decision to choose a travel credit card.

It has proven to be useful when you need it, but you can't plan for that. Rather, you should look at the card's rewards program and benefits that you can utilize on a regular basis.

Trip Delay Protection from Travel Insurance Companies

Trip delay coverage isn't just offered through credit card. It can be purchased from various travel insurance companies that sell similar protection.

Some of the biggest names that sell these insurances include:

• Global Alert
• Travel Guard by AIG
• Travel Insured International
• Travel Insurance Services

Normally, these companies sell travel protection plans in a package that covers trip cancellation, interruption, and delays, in addition to lost baggage, baggage delays, and accidental injury or sickness. You'll be paying for all this coverage -- not just trip delays.

For trip delays in particular, the minimum trip delay, coverage amount, and policy limit can vary.

While credit card trip delay protection policies have coverage limits based on each trip, travel insurance companies impose per-day limits (e.g., a maximum coverage of $100 per day).

The pricing for these protection plans will depend on the duration of your trip and the number people to be covered under the plan.

For example, through Travel Guard by AIG, it costs roughly $50 to cover one traveler for a 7-day trip.

Generally, it is worth purchasing travel protections if you did not use a credit card that offers such benefits and you believe that there is the possibility that they'll come in handy.

You may seriously consider it if you're traveling to places with potentially severe weather, areas with known health hazards, or unstable nations.

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What to do if your flight is canceled or delayed.

Travel sometimes comes with unexpected hiccups and adjustments to your schedule, including when a flight has been cancelled or delayed. This can happen for a number of reasons, from severe weather to logistical or mechanical problems, and can put a wrench in your plans. Thankfully, there are a few ways to help navigate a cancelled or delayed flight.

Below, we will review:

How to find out if your flight has been canceled or delayed

• When you should arrive at the airport if your flight is delayed

What to do if your flight is delayed

What to do if your flight is canceled, how to get a refund if your flight has been canceled.

Depending on your airline and how you’ve booked your tickets, you can check the status of your flight by using the airline’s mobile application. Usually there is a way to review your trip itinerary and check the flight status to see if it is on time, delayed or canceled.

You can also go to the airline’s website and search for your specific trip to look for updates. If you’re in the airport, you may see your flight listed along with its status alongside other departures. There are third-party flight trackers you can download and use as well.

When should I arrive at the airport if my flight is delayed?

Just because a flight is delayed doesn’t necessarily mean you should arrive there later than you were planning. Even if there is a delay, you'll still want to arrive at the airport well ahead of your new departure time. This is because the status of your flight can change unexpectedly, and delays may be cut short. Regardless of your flight’s status, always build in extra time for airport arrival.

If your flight has been delayed, whether by an hour or a few hours, still plan to arrive early, as there are many variables when traveling. Check your mobile device for up-to-date news on your flight. Be sure to check for updates regularly, as there may be last-minute or sudden changes to your flight, including gate changes.

While you initially may feel stressed or bummed about a delayed flight, try to make the most of your wait. Enjoy the amenities of the terminal. You can use this extra time to charge your phone, grab a bite to eat, rest and read while you await your flight.

A canceled flight can be a little more complicated, as it entails rescheduling and sometimes finding a place to stay. Below are some key steps to take if your flight has been canceled.

Rebook your flight

It’s likely the cancelation happens while you’re already at the airport. Depending on your airline, you might be able to use a self-serve kiosk to review options for rebooking your flight. Otherwise, head over to the airline agent's front desk and discuss options with the representative on duty. Try to get there as soon as possible, as rebooking flights usually run on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Finally, just as you can use the airline’s mobile app for updates, you may be able to use it to make adjustments for your new flight. Use the app to track the flight status if there’s been a rescheduled flight or look for potential connecting flights.

Check airport hotels

You'll need a place to stay if your new flight has been rescheduled to the following day. Not only that, but you will most likely want to rest up when you can during these travel hiccups. The good news is that if your flight is pushed to the next day and you require overnight accommodation, airlines are required to compensate you for this stay, with some exceptions. Try booking a hotel either through your mobile app or by speaking with a representative at the agent’s desk. You can also see about hotels in surrounding areas if no rooms are available at airport hotels.

If you have a friend or relative who lives in the area, consider reaching out to them to see if you can stay for a night and receive a ride to the airport the next day. Wherever you end up staying, be sure to check your next flight status and arrive early to the airport for the new flight departure.

If you’re no longer planning to travel due to the cancelation, a refund might be available. Note that this can be a lengthy process and doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll receive a refund for all expenses and fees (unless you have travel insurance). It’s possible you may be offered a voucher but review these carefully; they may come with blackout dates or other limitations.

If neither refunds nor vouchers are offered, you might want to contact the customer service department of your airline and explain the details of your specific situation to obtain satisfaction.

Traveling isn’t always a seamless, easy process, but with preparation and organization, you can pivot and adjust your plans accordingly. If your flight has been canceled or delayed, do your best to remain calm and collected as you make arrangements for your new departure.

• card travel tips
• credit card benefits

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How to file a Trip Delay insurance claim with Chase (my recent American Airlines delay fiasco was completely reimbursed)

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COVID-19 continues to haunt the travel world — and making no promises to slow. I thought this would be a good time to revisit Chase Trip Delay insurance. After all, Chase cardmembers with select cards are covered when paying for travel with their card (as are travelers on the same reservation). And while this novel coronavirus is a bit unprecedented, Chase says they’ll work with their cardmembers to find solutions to their travel troubles.

Here’s a real-life example of Chase Trip Delay insurance at work. My American Airlines flight over the holidays was delayed, causing me to spend an extra night in Dallas.

Because I used my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (one of the best credit cards for travel ) to pay for the taxes on my award flight, I was eligible to be reimbursed for expenses related to my unplanned night. I filed a claim for the money I spent on food and a fancy hotel, and earlier this month I received my reimbursement from Chase. They approved every penny of my claim.

I’ll show you how easy it is to file a claim. And you can enroll in our newsletter for more need-to-know travel tips.

Receiving full reimbursement after my American Airlines flight delay

I’m no virgin to Chase travel claims — they cover a WHOLE BUNCH of travel ordeals in which I find myself. I’ve filed claims for:

• Scratching a rental car
• Delayed checked baggage (more than once)
• Trip delays (more than once)

The best part about the insurance you’ll get with the best Chase credit cards  like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card travel insurance is the reliability. I’ve never had a claim denied, and I’ve received literally thousands of dollars back. One of the best features is its trip delay insurance. If you experience a delay of 12+ hours, or if you’re required to stay overnight, Chase will reimburse you for all your reasonable expenses. That includes stuff like:

• Transportation

As long as you pay for your airfare at least in part with one of these cards, you can be reimbursed. It’s also worth noting that Chase Sapphire Reserve® Trip Delay insurance kicks in after just six hours (that’s  amazing ).

Here’s how to file a claim if you’ve got one of the above cards.

Step 1. Head to the Eclaims Line website

Chase processes everything through Eclaims Line . On the website’s home page, click “New Claim.”

And as you can see, it’s easy to modify a current claim by clicking on “Existing Claim.”

Step 2. Enter your card info

To begin your claim, you’ll need to enter the Chase card with which you reserved your travel plans.

Step 3. Choose your claim type

Here is where you’ll see a full list of all types of claims you’re eligible for with your Chase card. Click “Trip Delay.”

Step 4. Enter your personal info

It’s all easy stuff. Name, address, phone number, email, etc. It should match your card info.

Step 5. Enter travel details

You’ll need to enter the dates of your trip, as well as the specific day you encountered a delay. Then enter the amount you want to claim, along with a short explanation for the delay.

For example: My flight was delayed from mechanical issues causing me to miss my connection which resulted in an overnight stay.

Step 6. Upload pertinent documents

This is by far the most laborious step. To substantiate your claim, you’ll need:

• Proof that the travel was charged to your card
• A copy of your ticket
• Copies of receipts for the claimed expenses
• A statement from the common carrier (i.e. the airline) indicating the reasons

the trip was delayed ( check out my post on how to get one of those here )

• Possibly other documentation deemed necessary to substantiate the claim

Ensuring you have all the documents you need is a bit of a pain. But the half hour it took me to compile everything was definitely worth the ~$270 I received back. When I first submitted my claim, I was missing one piece of documentation. After I added the missing document, I received a check in the mail about one month later. Not bad!

Let me know if you’ve had experience with Eclaims Line. I’ve got nothing but glowing reports.

You can check out our post of the best travel insurance cards . And  subscribe to our newsletter for more step-by-step guides like this.

Joseph Hostetler

Joseph Hostetler is a full-time writer for Million Mile Secrets, covering miles and points tips and tricks, as well as helpful travel-related news and deals. He has also authored and edited for The Points Guy.

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On This Page

• Key takeaways

How does Chase Sapphire travel insurance work?

What does chase sapphire travel insurance cover, what if the chase sapphire travel insurance benefits are insufficient for my trip, how do i file a chase sapphire travel insurance claim, the bottom line, chase sapphire travel insurance faqs.

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Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Coverage: What To Know & How It Works

• Several Chase credit cards offer robust travel insurance benefits to cardholders, with the best options coming from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® cards.
• Travel insurance offered through these cards is given on a complimentary basis, although you do have to use an eligible card to pay for travel purchases for coverage to apply.
• Common coverages offered through Chase Sapphire travel insurance include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, rental car insurance and more.
• If the Chase Sapphire travel insurance offered through your card is not sufficient to cover your trip, you can supplement it by purchasing an additional policy. Compare travel insurance plans and get a quote .
• Before applying for a card, make sure you compare Chase credit cards to find the best benefits and travel perks to suit your needs.

While you can purchase travel insurance to cover important aspects of each trip you take, the right travel credit card can help you line up some basic coverages for free. These complimentary benefits can help you get reimbursed in a range of scenarios that are beyond your control.

Several Chase credit cards offer some of the best travel insurance perks across all cards on the market today, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a slightly broader selection of travel benefits for a higher annual fee, but both Chase Sapphire cards offer the following types of coverage:

• trip cancellation coverage
• primary auto rental
• trip delay reimbursement
• a range of other protective benefits

If you’re considering signing up for a Chase travel credit card and wondering how Chase Sapphire travel insurance works and when it applies, read on to learn more.

Our top picks for the best chase sapphire travel insurance

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best First Travel Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Luxury Travelers

Featured offers

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire travel insurance is offered to cardholders with eligible Chase credit cards on a complimentary basis.

However, some Chase cards offer more travel perks than others, and limits apply to each type of coverage available.

Note that having an eligible Chase credit card isn’t enough to qualify. You must pay for part of your trip with either your Chase credit card or with Chase Travel℠ points that you earned from the card to get Chase travel protection.

The main Chase cards that offer travel insurance include the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

A few other Chase credit cards also offer a handful of perks. For example, both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Chase Freedom Flex offer up to $1,500 per person and up to $6,000 per trip in trip cancellation and interruption insurance, plus secondary auto rental coverage and travel and emergency assistance services.

Several Chase business credit cards , including the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card , the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card , all offer primary rental car coverage when renting a car for business purchases, plus roadside dispatch. The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card also comes with up to $5,000 per person and up to $10,000 per trip in trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

This all being said, the best Chase Sapphire travel insurance protection comes from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

To learn more, check our our complete article on  Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve .

Comparison of coverage

We’ll explain these benefits more as you keep reading.

Trip cancellation and interruption protection

Trip cancellation coverage comes into play when your trip must be canceled for reasons beyond your control, such as being called to jury duty or your hotel or resort becoming uninhabitable due to a natural disaster before you arrive. This coverage can help you get reimbursed for pre-paid travel expenses you booked ahead of time, such as airfare, your hotel stay and tours you already paid for.

Trip interruption coverage kicks in when your trip must be cut short due to a covered reason, such as a travel warning due to terrorism being issued in your destination or a terrorist incident happening within 25 miles of one of the destinations or airports on your itinerary.

Note that you’ll get reimbursed for pre-paid travel expenses you covered ahead of time whether you paid for your trip with your credit card or with Chase Travel℠ points. In fact, Chase says in its fine print that rewards points redeemed for travel “will be reimbursed in an amount equal to their monetary value.”

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® come with trip cancellation and interruption benefits worth up to $10,000 per covered person and up to $20,000 per eligible trip .

Trip delay protections

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also come with trip delay reimbursement worth up to $500 per ticket. This kind of coverage can be useful when your trip is delayed by a common carrier for a specific length of time, and you’re forced to pay for lodging or additional means.

That said, Sapphire Reserve coverage kicks in sooner than travel delay insurance from the Sapphire Preferred (as seen below).

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Receive up to $500 in coverage for trip delay reimbursement when trips are delayed for at least 12 hours.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Receive up to $500 in coverage for trip delay reimbursement when trips are delayed for at least 6 hours.

Baggage delay reimbursement

Baggage delay reimbursement can help pay for travel-related incidental expenses that occur when your bags don’t show up at your destination when you do.

For example, this coverage can pay for:

• Clothing you have to buy
• Electronics chargers you require
• Essential hygiene items

Both Chase Sapphire cards offer up to $100 per day in baggage delay reimbursement for a maximum of five days. Baggage must also be delayed for at least six hours on a covered trip before coverage applies.

Auto rental collision damage waiver

Both Chase Sapphire cards also offer primary car insurance coverage that lets you skip paying for protection at the rental car counter and use this coverage instead. However, not all cars qualify, and not all destinations let you use this insurance. Chase says you’ll want to contact your program administrator to see if the type of car you plan to rent qualifies.

Also note that rental periods of up to 31 days can be covered, whereas car rental periods lasting longer than 31 days are not.

Coverage typically excludes the following:

• Antique cars (cars over 20 years old or that have not been manufactured for ten 10 years or more)
• Vehicles with open cargo beds
• Motorcycles, mopeds and motorbikes
• Recreational vehicles for off-road exploration
• Passenger vans with seating for more than nine people (including the driver)

Coverage from Chase credit cards varies in this category as well:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Auto rental coverage applies to collision damage or theft and is worth up to the actual cash value of most cars.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Auto rental coverage applies to collision damage or theft and is worth up to $75,000.

Emergency medical and dental benefits

When it comes to emergency medical and dental benefits, only the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers this coverage and it’s still very limited.

This medical insurance also applies to very specific situations, including the following:

• Coverage for the services of a legally qualified physician, surgeon, graduate nurse, dentist or osteopath
• Charges for hospital confinement and use of operating rooms
• Charges for anesthetics (including administration), x-ray examinations or treatments, and laboratory tests
• Ambulance services
• Drugs, medicines, and therapeutic services and supplies

Chase medical coverage is only worth up to $2,500 for emergency medical expenses, subject to a $50 deductible. However, Chase says you can be eligible for up to $75 per day (maximum of five days) in coverage for hotel charges if your physician determines you should recover in a hotel immediately after treatment.

Note that this benefit applies to cardholders who pay for all or part of their round-trip travel expenses with their card or Chase Travel℠ points. Immediate family members can also qualify for coverage if they are a spouse or domestic partner or a legally dependent child under the age of 19 (or under the age of 26 if they’re enrolled in a college or university).

Emergency evacuation and transportation

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is also the only Chase credit card that comes with emergency evacuation and transportation coverage .

This protection is worth up to $100,000, and it pays for eligible transportation expenses, medical services and medical supplies that are necessary during evacuation.

Note that emergency evacuation is only covered when it is recommended by an attending physician, required by standard regulations of the company transporting you and approved in advance by the benefit administrator. If you are hospitalized for more than eight days, this coverage can also pay to have a friend or relative transported to your bedside in some cases.

Travel accident insurance

Both Chase Sapphire cards also offer travel accident insurance that pays a beneficiary for loss of life. Coverage can also apply to accidental dismemberment or for loss of hearing, sight or speech.

As seen below, coverage varies between the two cards.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Qualify for up to $500,000 in coverage when traveling on a common carrier and up to $100,000 for 24-hour coverage.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Qualify for up to $1 million in coverage when traveling on a common carrier and up to $100,000 for 24-hour coverage.

Also note that certain accidental dismemberment and some losses of hearing, sight or speech qualify for lower amounts of coverage depending on the loss in question. For example, the loss of a thumb and index finger of the same hand only qualifies for 25% of the maximum benefit amount, whereas the loss of one hand, loss of one foot, loss of sight in one eye, loss of speech and loss of hearing only qualify for 50% of the maximum benefit amount.

While Chase travel insurance benefits work well in a broad range of scenarios, there are situations where a standalone policy can leave you better off.

For example, having just $2,500 in emergency medical and dental coverage from the Sapphire Reserve is going to be insufficient for anyone traveling to a country where their health insurance doesn’t apply. Additionally, trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits may not be enough for expensive trips that cost more than limits can reimburse for.

If you feel like credit card travel insurance could leave you vulnerable to losses, you can purchase affordable travel insurance from a broad range of issuers. Doing so can ensure you have the medical coverage you need when you need it, and that you’ll get protection for all your nonrefundable travel expenses after sign-up. If you have a pre-existing condition, you’ll also want to make sure your plan offers a pre-existing conditions waiver and that you meet the conditions to qualify. Additionally, contemplating travel insurance tailored to the specifics of your trip, such as cruise insurance , is a prudent consideration.

The exact steps you’ll take to file a credit card travel insurance claim with Chase vary based on whether you have the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve or another Chase credit card.

You may also need to take different steps based on the type of coverage you are filing a claim for.

Either way, here’s a rundown of the basic steps you’ll need to take to file a Chase travel coverage claim.

Start a new claim with Chase’s claims center.

Go to eclaimsline.com and select “new claim.”

Select claim type.

After that, you’ll select the type of claim you want to file from a dropdown menu, whether you’re filing for trip cancellation coverage, baggage delay insurance or something else.

Enter the requested information.

Chase will ask you to supply a range of personal details and information for the claim.

Submit the requested documentation.

After that, you’ll need to upload the information requested to substantiate your claim. This can include medical bills and forms, car rental information and other official documentation that supports your claim.

Wait to hear back.

Once you supply all the information the benefit administrator requests, you’ll typically hear back on your claim within five business days. You may also need to submit more information or documentation at this time.

Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance and Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance can come in handy if you end up needing coverage while you’re out exploring the world.

Although the benefits they provide may not be as comprehensive as some standalone travel insurance plans, they’re included with your Chase Sapphire card membership (so it won’t cost you anything extra) and can help to give you added peace of mind when traveling.

Is Chase Sapphire travel insurance worth it?

Credit card travel insurance can be worth it, but you’ll want to read over your specific policy details to see which coverage applies. You may also want to compare Chase travel insurance with a standalone policy side-by-side before relying on coverage from a credit card.

Do Chase Sapphire cards provide trip cancellation and interruption insurance?

Many Chase credit cards products offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance, including the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Chase Freedom Flex, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. However, limits on this coverage vary by card.

How do I activate Chase Sapphire travel insurance?

To activate Chase travel insurance, you’ll apply for a new credit card that offers it. From there, coverage is complimentary after account opening when you use your card or Chase Travel℠ points (or a combination of the two) to pay for travel with a common carrier.

Does Chase travel insurance cover family members?

Some Chase travel insurance coverages can apply to a family member traveling with the primary card member. Make sure to read over your specific card benefit details so you know for sure.

What happens to my Chase Ultimate Rewards when I cancel a trip?

If you cancel a trip that was paid for with Chase Travel℠ points (previously known as Chase Ultimate Rewards), you may get your points back depending on the reason for the cancellation and the policies of your airline, hotel or other travel vendor. With Chase trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance specifically, Chase says you may be reimbursed for the cash value of your Ultimate Rewards points instead.

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve insurance benefits – Which is better?

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Many travel credit cards have similar names, and that can be confusing. It seems like every card name contains the word platinum, preferred, premier or reserve somewhere in the title. It's important to know the distinctions between each because the benefits you'll find on each card can vary dramatically.

Take the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example. Their titles are alike, they earn the same type of points and the cards even kind of look similar. But many of their benefits are very different. And they should be. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with a $95 annual fee, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee.

Let's compare some of the most important perks of these two cards: travel and purchase protections. These are huge factors when choosing the right travel credit card.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Trip interruption and cancellation insurance is something you'll (hopefully) rarely use. But when you do need it, you could be spared from forfeiting several thousand dollars in nonrefundable travel.

This coverage reimburses prepaid trip expenses that would otherwise be lost when you change or cancel your trip for a covered reason. You might even qualify for a new flight away from your destination, depending on the circumstances. Here are the differences between each insurance:

• Trip cancellation: Disaster strikes and you cancel your trip before it begins.
• Trip interruption: You're on your trip and disaster strikes, causing you to change your plans.

Covered reasons that make you eligible for these insurances include:

• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by you or a traveling companion that prevents either of you from traveling.
• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion that prevents either of you from traveling.
• Severe weather (see benefits guide for details).
• Change in military orders for you or your spouse.
• A call to jury duty or court subpoena (see benefits guide for details).
• You or your travel companion's place of residence becomes uninhabitable due to burglary, fire or flood.
• You or your travel companion's lodging accommodations at your destination are made uninhabitable.
• Death or hospitalization of your host or your traveling companion's host at your destination.
• Quarantine of you or your travel companion imposed by a physician or by a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction, due to health reasons.
• An organized strike affecting public transportation that causes you or a travel companion to miss 20% or more of the scheduled duration of the trip or miss the departure of a prepaid cruise or tour (booked through a tour operator) that you're scheduled to take.

Additionally, there are losses that are specific to trip cancellation coverage only:

• A terrorist incident within 25 miles of your or your traveling companion's permanent residence within 30 days of your scheduled departure date.
• A terrorist incident within 25 miles of an airport, reserved lodging or host at your destination on your itinerary within 30 days of the scheduled arrival.
• A U.S. government-issued travel warning due to terrorism issued within 10 days of your scheduled departure and covering your or your travel companion's permanent residence.
• A U.S. government-issued travel warning related to terrorism and within 25 miles of an airport, reserved accommodation or host location within 30 days of scheduled departure.

For trip interruption, the following also apply:

• A terrorist incident occurs during your trip and within 25 miles of an airport, reserved lodging or host at your destination on your itinerary.
• A U.S. government-issued travel warning related to terrorism is issued during your or your traveling companion's trip within 25 miles of an airport, reserved lodging or host at your destination.

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer identical insurances: up to $10,000 per covered person with a maximum of $20,000 per trip. They also stipulate a maximum payout of $40,000 per 12-month period. Both cards also provide up to $250 in reimbursement for ground transportation expenses related to the trip interruption benefit.

Related: Best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance

For reference, you can consult the Sapphire Preferred benefits guide here . Click here for the Sapphire Reserve benefits guide .

Baggage delay insurance

Delayed luggage can happen to anyone. If you travel with even moderate frequency, you've probably experienced this a handful of times.

Baggage delay protection reimburses you for select necessities you purchase while you're waiting for your checked bag. The delay must be caused by the common carrier (airline, cruise, train, etc.). Eligible purchases include:

• Toiletries.
• Chargers for electronic devices.
• Essential items.

Again, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer the same protection here: $100 per day for up to five days. This insurance kicks in after a baggage delay of six hours or more. You and your immediate family are covered.

Note that this coverage is in excess of what's provided by your carrier, and you must report the baggage delay to your carrier for the benefit to apply.

Related: Best credit cards that offer delayed baggage insurance

Lost luggage reimbursement

Lost luggage reimbursement can cover the cost to repair or replace items that are lost, damaged or stolen. Coverage applies to checked and carry-on baggage during a trip for which you used your card to pay at least part of the cost. Both cards have a maximum benefit of up to $3,000 per covered person per trip.

Note that both cards include a sub-limit of up to $500 for jewelry and watches and a $500 limit for cameras and electronic equipment. You should also be aware that coverage does not extend to items you accidentally forgot or left behind.

If your claim applies to checked luggage, you must report it to the common carrier within the carrier's mandatory timeframe. For carry-on baggage, you must report the situation to the carrier as soon as you exit the plane, bus or ship.

Related: Lost vs. delayed baggage: How are they different and how do you protect yourself?

Trip delay reimbursement

Trip delay insurance reimburses you for reasonable expenses resulting from an extended delay with a common carrier. The terms are a bit loose when defining "reasonable expenses," but eligible purchases include:

• Medication.

Here's what each card offers:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Up to $500 per ticket (triggers after a 12-hour or overnight delay).
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Up to $500 per ticket (triggers after a six-hour or overnight delay).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve wins this category handily. The ability to be reimbursed for $500 in "reasonable" purchases just six hours into a delay is fantastic and one of the most generous travel perks of any card on the market.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delay reimbursement

Purchase protection

Purchase protection covers you from theft, accidental damage or involuntary and accidental parting with your eligible purchase. Your item may be replaced or repaired if at least a portion of your purchase was charged using a card that offers this benefit — such as the Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Up to the cost of the item or up to $500 per claim, up to $50,000 per account (incident must occur within 120 days from the date of purchase).
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Up to the cost of the item or up to $10,000 per claim, up to $50,000 per year (incident must occur within 120 days from the date of purchase).

You should also note there are items not eligible for coverage, which can be found in your benefits guide.

Again, the Chase Sapphire Reserve wins hands-down. Hopefully, you won't need this perk often, but if you're planning to buy a costly item, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the way to go.

Related: Best credit cards for purchase protection

Extended warranty protection

Extended warranty protection lengthens the original warranty on eligible products. It does not augment the protection you get; it only extends the expiration of the coverage.

The extended warranty terms from both cards are the same: one additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less, up to a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Certain purchase types are not covered, and you'll need to either register your warranty or keep the original receipt and credit card statement showing the purchase. One of these is required for submitting a claim during the extended warranty period.

Related: Best credit cards for extended warranty protection

Primary rental car insurance

Credit card primary rental car insurance saves you from paying for the in-house insurance offered by the rental car agency.

This insurance, according to the benefit terms, covers you from "theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges imposed and substantiated by the auto rental company, administrative fees and reasonable and customary towing charges (due to covered theft or damage) to the nearest qualified repair facility." You can simply decline the rental agency's CDW waiver and pay for your rental with your eligible card to enjoy these benefits.

Only rentals of 31 consecutive days or less qualify. Also, not all cars are covered. Examples of some that Chase refuses to cover are:

• High-value vehicles.
• Exotic and antique cars.
• Cargo vans, vehicles with open cargo beds or trucks other than pick-up trucks.
• Motorcycles, mopeds or motorbikes.
• Limousines.
• Recreational vehicles.
• Passenger vans with seating for more than nine people.

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer primary rental car insurance:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Up to the actual cash value of most rented cars.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Up to $75,000.

Note that this coverage in no way covers damage to property other than your rental car. If you crash into another car, Chase will not cover damage to the other party's property. Coverage also does not apply to personal liability, loss of personal property in the vehicle or damage that occurred due to wreckless or off-road driving.

However, additional drivers listed on the rental are also covered under this protection.

Related: Best credit cards for primary rental car coverage

Roadside assistance

If you experience problems while driving and need assistance like towing or someone to help you get into the car when you're locked out, Sapphire cardholders can call for these services any time of day on any day of the year. However, the costs involved can be different.

• Chase Saphire Preferred: Cardholders will pay for services they receive, but the Roadside Dispatch program can help to coordinate services. Cardholders can call 800-847-2869; service is available in the U.S. only.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Events are covered to a maximum of $50 each, up to four events per year. Cardholders can only receive service for the same problem once during a seven-day period. Cardholders can call 866-860-7978 in the U.S. or Canada.

Available roadside assistance services include towing, changing tires, jump start, lockout service, fuel delivery and winching to pull your car out of a place where it's stuck. Cardholders do not need to enroll for this benefit in advance.

Travel accident insurance

Should something go wrong during your trip, travel accident insurance provides coverage for a range of accidental losses, including limb, sight, speech or hearing. This benefit can also cover accidental loss of life, paid out to your beneficiary.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Up to $500,000 for losses when traveling on a common carrier and up to $100,000 for 24-hour coverage.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Up to $1 million for losses when traveling on a common carrier and up to $100,000 for 24-hour coverage.

It's worth noting that certain high-risk events are not covered. These include training as a pilot, committing any crime, participating in professional sports, racing a car or motorcycle, intentionally self-inflected injuries or parachuting. For trips lasting more than 30 days, coverage ends at 12:01 a.m. on the 31st day.

Sapphire Reserve-specific benefits

There are two additional travel-related benefits that are available on the Sapphire Reserve but not the Sapphire Preferred. These are the emergency evacuation and transportation benefit and the emergency medical and dental coverage.

Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage can cover up to $100,000 in expenses when you or an eligible family member becomes ill or injured during a trip and needs transportation to a suitable medical facility. Note that this benefit requires preapproval from the benefit administrator; otherwise, you will bear the costs of this transportation.

Sapphire Reserve cardholders also enjoy up to $2,500 in emergency medical or dental coverage when traveling. You may also qualify for up to $75 per day for up to five days toward the cost of a hotel room if you must spend more time recuperating after release from the hospital before you are able to travel home. There is a $50 deductible on the emergency medical and dental coverage.

Bottom line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer many of the same travel and purchase insurance protections, though some coverage levels are different. The disparity isn't as vast as you might think, considering their difference in annual fees.

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve is clearly the better card with its superior trip delay insurance and purchase protection, the Chase Sapphire Preferred matches the Reserve in many other categories and is respectable across the board. The biggest difference in benefits is that Sapphire Preferred lacks emergency medical and dental coverage and emergency evacuation and transportation.

Read our post on the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve to see a concise side-by-side comparison of all other card benefits. It'll help you know for sure which card will best fit your lifestyle.

Application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred with a bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve with a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Additional reporting by Ryan Smith.

Chase's Sapphire Reserve and Preferred, 2 of the best travel credit cards of all time, are offering intro bonuses worth up to $1,125

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve are two of the best travel rewards credit cards ever.
• Right now, new applicants can earn 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points — up to 50% more than usual.
• 75,000 points are worth up to $1,125 in Chase travel or significantly more through travel partners.

It's time to plan your summer travels — and a new credit card sign-up bonus could earn you more than $1,100 in travel rewards. 

For a limited time, new applicants of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. These points are worth $900 or $1,125 toward travel purchased through Chase, depending on which card you get.

Chase's Sapphire credit cards are specifically designed with travelers and foodies in mind. These sleek metal credit cards come in two flavors: the everyday favorite Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and premium-tier Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve: the main differences

Both cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards and come with generous travel insurance benefits, no foreign transaction fees, bonus points on dining and travel expenses, and travel credits each year. You can redeem Ultimate Rewards points through Chase Travel℠ , or transfer them to more than a dozen airline and hotel chains for even better deals. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is Business Insider's top choice for the  best travel rewards credit card for value, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns an honorable mention. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.8 cents apiece according to Business Insider's valuations, and can be worth significantly more if transferred to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners . 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® costs $550 each year but comes with many benefits including a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access, monthly DoorDash and Instacart credits, and the best credit card travel insurance you'll find.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 1.5 cents apiece through Chase's travel booking portal, so the 75,000-point welcome offer is worth $1,125.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a much lower annual fee of $95, with lesser benefits to match. Cardholders get a $50 annual credit toward hotels booked through Chase Travel℠, quarterly DoorDash and Instacart credits, and generous travel insurance benefits.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 1.25 cents apiece through Chase's travel booking portal, so the 75,000-point welcome offer is worth $900.

Which Reserve card is better for you?

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either card. You'll get the most return for your investment by signing up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, especially during this limited-time promotion, because the sign-up bonus is worth more than 9x what you'll pay in annual fees. But the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers top-tier travel benefits that can be worth thousands of dollars per year for frequent travelers. 

You can't sign up for both cards for double the bonus, however, since cardholders can only have one Chase Sapphire card at a time. You also can't earn the welcome bonus if you've earned a bonus from either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® within the last 48 months.

Not sure which product is best for you? Read our comparison of the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve , or read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review and Chase Sapphire Reserve review to learn more about each card. And if you aren't eligible for another Chase Sapphire credit card, read our guide to the best Chase credit cards to find your next best option. 

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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• Main content

How credit cards can help you cope with travel troubles

“Revenge travel” has been a big theme the past couple of years as Americans have been raring to go here, there and everywhere after hunkering down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the Transportation Security Administration screened a record-high 858.5 million passengers in 2023.

But it hasn’t been a smooth ride for travelers. In fact, if you flew in 2022 or 2023, there was a one-in-five chance your flight was delayed, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Cancellations were an especially big problem in 2022, when the airline industry had a tough time ramping back up after the pandemic.

That year, 2.7% of flights were scrapped entirely, often due to staffing and/or equipment shortages.

Last year, however, the cancellation rate was a mere 1.3%. Higher prices – not cancellations or delays – were travelers’ biggest concern last summer and last holiday season, according to Bankrate research.

Still, there can be hidden costs associated with delays, cancellations and other travel snafus.

For instance, my family flew from New Jersey to California last month, and both of our flights were delayed about two hours.

With two young kids in tow, our nerves were strained more than our wallets, though we still ended up spending a bit extra on food (which isn’t cheap when even a basic airport sandwich seems to cost at least $15).

I’ve had a few other travel experiences in recent years which made me wish I had paid with a credit card with strong travel insurance benefits.

These perks wouldn’t have kicked in for my two-hour delay, but they definitely could have helped me out the time my flight from Chicago to New York was diverted to Virginia in the middle of the night and the airline basically just left us there.

Or the two times in 2022 when airlines canceled our flights the night before they were scheduled to leave (seemingly due to operational issues) and couldn’t rebook us for several days – or when I came down with COVID and had to cancel a trip last fall.

Travel insurance benefits

Not all travel insurance benefits cover the same situations, but here are a few of the most common credit card travel insurance policy perks:

• Trip delay reimbursement

• Trip cancellation or interruption insurance

• Baggage delay protection

• Lost or damaged baggage protection

• Medical evaluation

• Travel accident insurance

• Auto rental collision insurance

The Chase Sapphire PreferredⓇ Card is a great example.

For a fairly modest $95 annual fee, it offers a lot of travel insurance (among other perks).

In my estimation, its trip cancellation/interruption benefit (up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip) should have applied to both of my 2022 flight cancellations.

I ended up getting those refunded by the airlines and booked new flights on different carriers (since the original carriers couldn’t accommodate us until nearly a week later), but that cost extra.

If I had paid for my original airline tickets with this card, I believe that Chase would have reimbursed me for the difference between my canceled flights and my new bookings (although I would have had to request that refund through a claims administrator).

But there’s a chance my request would not have been approved, perhaps if the company argued I should have taken the airline up on its offer to fly a few days later, rather than rebooking myself more immediately at a higher cost on a different airline.

These programs aren’t always easy to navigate; a coworker needed to be very persistent and had to submit several rounds of documentation to win a reimbursement claim involving the Chase Sapphire Reserve and a trip disrupted by a hurricane.

I wish it were easier to utilize, but this coverage can still be very valuable.

For a heftier annual fee ($550), the Sapphire Reserve offers better trip delay insurance, triggering after six hours or an overnight delay, while the Sapphire Preferred triggers after 12 hours or an overnight delay.

Both the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve offer the same primary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance (up to $500 per ticket), delayed baggage insurance, emergency medical coverage and more.

Both cards would have been useful the time I got stranded in Virginia (I ended up renting a car and driving about five hours to get home; my company paid for that since it was a business trip, but if it had been a personal trip, I likely could have gotten a reimbursement from a travel card with good trip cancellation/interruption protections).

The Platinum Card from American Express and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also made our list of the best credit cards for travel insurance.

It’s also worth asking what the airline, hotel or rental car agency can do for you if you need to cancel.

I lost out on a prepaid rental reservation in 2020 when I was afraid to travel in the early days of the pandemic.

But in 2023, when I had COVID and needed to cancel a hotel stay, the hotel generously refunded my supposedly non-refundable reservation. Perhaps it made a difference that I was actually sick that time instead of worried about potentially getting sick, but it never hurts to ask.

The bottom line

Many airlines and hotel chains have relaxed their change and cancellation policies in recent years.

So if you do encounter an unexpected issue, it’s a good rule of thumb to start with the travel supplier, and then pull in your credit card company as a backup.

For this reason, I think it only makes sense to pay for travel insurance if you have a particularly complicated or expensive itinerary (especially an international trip).

Often, that coverage is comparable to what you may already qualify for between your credit cards and the travel suppliers’ policies.

Paying with a credit card that has strong travel insurance benefits can provide additional assistance without adding to the cost.

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6 lesser-known Chase Sapphire Reserve travel and shopping benefits

T he Chase Sapphire Reserve® is widely considered one of the best travel credit cards available to U.S. consumers. Plus, it's currently got a great sign-up bonus of 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

But earning points doesn't stop at the welcome bonus. You'll also earn 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked in Chase Travel℠ , 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on a broadly defined travel category , 3 points per dollar on dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Plus, you'll earn 10 points per dollar with Lyft through March 2025.

You'll also have a very long list of perks to enjoy with the Sapphire Reserve. This includes up to $300 in annual travel credits , a Priority Pass Select lounge membership, no foreign transaction fees , an application fee credit of up to $100 for Global Entry , TSA PreCheck or Nexus , Instacart and more.

Perks like these have been widely publicized since the card's launch in August 2016 and are among the reasons the Sapphire Reserve consistently makes TPG's list of top travel credit cards.

But did you know that the Sapphire Reserve comes with top-notch travel and shopping protections as well? Here's a look at six benefits that are lesser known but still have the ability to save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Trip delay reimbursement

Have you ever had a flight delay that required an overnight stay?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve will reimburse you for many of the costs in the event this happens. If your trip (whether by air, bus, cruise ship or train) is delayed by more than six hours or requires an overnight stay, you're entitled to reimbursement if you purchased your ticket with your Reserve card.

Related: Best credit cards that offer trip delay reimbursement

This benefit covers the cardholder, the cardholder's spouse or domestic partner and dependent children under the age of 26 for up to $500 for each purchased ticket. The $500 is limited to one covered incident per trip. To be eligible, the trip must be away from the cardholder's city of residence and fewer than 365 days in length.

What exactly is covered? Chase defines reimbursable expenses as those incurred for meals, lodging, toiletries, medication and other reasonable expenses incurred during a delay. However, trip delay reimbursement doesn't cover prepaid expenses or any covered hazard that was made public or known prior to the departure of the covered trip.

Related: Chase paid for my $1,100-per-night hotel room thanks to built-in trip delay coverage

Baggage delay insurance

If you've dealt with delayed or lost luggage , you know it's a massive pain and inconvenience to remedy.

If your baggage is delayed or misdirected for six or more hours, the Sapphire Reserve reimburses cardholders for the emergency purchase of essential items.

The baggage delay insurance covers the cardholder, the cardholder's spouse or domestic partner and immediate family members for up to $100 per day for a maximum of five days. Covered items include essential items that are needed as a result of the delay, such as clothing, toiletries and a cellphone charger cable.

Related: Which credit cards cover baggage delays?

For lost, damaged or stolen baggage, the Reserve card covers up to $3,000 per insured person on eligible trips. This reimbursement is valid on both checked and carry-on baggage, and you'll be reimbursed for both the bag and any personal property within the bag. Note there are some limitations on jewelry, watches and electronics, as well as exceptions for documents, money, securities, tickets, checks, travelers' checks or furs.

Related: Lost vs. delayed baggage: How are they different and how do you protect yourself?

For both forms of coverage (baggage delay and lost luggage reimbursement), at least a portion of the cost of your trip must have been charged to your Sapphire Reserve card for the benefits to take effect.

Related: The best credit cards for paying taxes and fees on award tickets

Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance

What about canceled trip insurance? Thankfully, the Reserve comes with some protections that will help you walk away with as little financial damage as possible. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you if you cannot travel on or before the departure date and, as a result, you have to cancel your travel plans.

On the flip side, trip interruption insurance covers you if your trip is cut short or postponed, resulting in fees associated with rebooking the trip.

Related: TPG reader question: Does Chase travel insurance apply if I pay for my trip with Ultimate Rewards points?

For both trip cancellation and trip interruption, the Reserve card covers the cardholder and immediate family members (even if the cardholder is not traveling with them) up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip. There's a maximum limit of $40,000 during a 12-month period when you pay for the trip with your Reserve card.

Chase offers several examples of eligible cancellation or interruption reasons, such as:

• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by the cardholder, a traveling companion or an immediate family member of the cardholder or a traveling companion
• Severe weather that prevents the start or continuation of a covered trip
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• Jury duty or a court subpoena that cannot be postponed or waived

With that generous list of what's covered, Chase also lists forms of cancellations and interruptions that aren't covered. While not an exhaustive list, it includes:

• Travel arrangements canceled or changed by a common carrier, tour operator or any travel agency unless the cancellation is the result of severe weather or an organized strike affecting public transportation
• Change in plans or financial circumstances
• Traveling against the advice of a physician or travel booked past the 26th week of pregnancy
• A declared or undeclared war
• Trips that exceed 60 days
• Financial insolvency of the cardholder's travel agency, tour operator or travel supplier

Note that you must file a written claim within 20 days after the occurrence (but it's always better to do so as soon as reasonably possible).

Related: Comparing travel protections with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

Emergency medical and dental benefit

If you get sick while traveling and need emergency treatment, the Sapphire Reserve reimburses up to $2,500 in costs, subject to a $50 deductible and up to $75 per day for a hotel room (up to five days) if the doctor determines you can't travel immediately after your release from a hospital.

Covered medical and dental expenses include necessary services performed by a legally qualified physician, surgeon, nurse, dentist or osteopath. In addition, the coverage will reimburse you for the following:

• Hospital/operating room charges
• Charges for anesthetics, x-rays, exams or treatments and lab tests
• Ambulance services
• Drugs, medicines and therapeutic services and supplies

Medical services that aren't reimbursable include non-emergency services, supplies or charges, care not rendered by hospitals and physicians or dentists, care that's experimental, care not medically necessary (as determined by the benefit administrator) and if the injury or illness occurred in any country that's determined by the U.S. government to be unsafe for travel. Coverage also doesn't apply on trips that are for medical tourism purposes.

This benefit covers the cardholder and the cardholder's spouse or domestic partner and/or legally dependent children under 19 years old (or if they're younger than 26 years old and enrolled as full-time students at an accredited university).

To be eligible for the coverage, the travel must have been booked with your Reserve card or with Ultimate Rewards points linked to your account, and you must contact the benefits administrator within 90 days. Finally, a trip must be five to 60 days long and at least 100 miles from home to be covered.

Your benefits can even include emergency medical evacuation coverage .

Auto rental collision damage waiver

Renting a car can include many additional fees , so it's nice to know you have protection if anything goes wrong.

With the Sapphire Reserve card's rental damage waiver, if your rental car is in a collision or you are the victim of theft, you're eligible for up to $75,000 in coverage. The coverage is primary when traveling both in the U.S. and abroad — meaning you don't need to report the incident to your personal car insurance provider.

Related: Credit cards that offer primary car rental coverage

Both physical damages to the car and theft are covered by the insurance. In addition, there's coverage for reasonable and customary towing charges related to a collision or theft when a car must be towed to the nearest repair facility. Finally, valid loss-of-use charges incurred by the rental company are covered.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few exceptions that aren't eligible for coverage. They include:

• Antique cars, cargo vans, vehicles with open cargo beds, trucks other than pickups, motorcycles, mopeds, motorbikes, limousines, recreational vehicles and passenger vans with seating for more than 9 people
• Expenses reimbursed under your personal auto insurance policy, your employer or your employer's insurance
• Any obligation you assume under any other agreement
• Injury to anyone or anything inside or outside of the vehicle
• Leases and mini leases
• Any violation of the auto rental agreement
• Loss or theft of personal belongings
• Rentals over 31 days in length

Both the cardholder and additional drivers included on the rental agreement are eligible for the coverage, though you must decline all supplemental insurance offered by the rental car company to be eligible.

This benefit could save you a lot of out-of-pocket cash if you're in this unfortunate situation with a rental car.

Related: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

Shopping protections

The Sapphire Reserve card offers great purchase protection in three main categories. Remember that you must purchase the item with your Reserve card to qualify for any of these coverage options.

Purchase protection

If you purchase a new item and it breaks or gets stolen within 120 days, you're eligible to receive up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder account to reimburse, repair or replace the purchase. You (as the cardholder) or the recipient of a gift are eligible for the protection.

Noncovered purchases include (but aren't limited to): items that mysteriously disappear with no evidence of a wrongful act, used or pre-owned items, antiques and collectibles, boats, automobiles, aircraft, motorized vehicles, computer software, items purchased for resale, professional or commercial use or medical equipment.

Extended warranty protection

If your purchase comes with a U.S. manufacturer's warranty of three years or less, extended warranty protection extends the coverage by one additional year. In total, the warranty protection covers up to $10,000 per claim and up to a maximum of $50,000 per account. What's especially useful with this protection is that items purchased outside the U.S. are covered, so long as they have a valid original manufacturer-written U.S. repair warranty, a store-purchased dealer warranty or an assembler warranty.

Purchases that aren't covered include (but aren't limited to) boats, automobiles, aircraft, motorized vehicles, items purchased for resale, professional or commercial use, used or preowned items and computer software.

Return protection

If you're dissatisfied with a purchase and the original merchant won't accept the return for a refund, exchange or credit, you're eligible for reimbursement through your Sapphire Reserve card. Eligible returned items are those in new or good/working condition that have been purchased in the last 90 days. As the cardholder, you're eligible for up to $500 for each eligible item, up to $1,000 per year.

Non-covered purchases include animals and live plants, boats, aircraft, automobiles, motorized vehicles, cash or cash-equivalents, computer software, items purchased outside the U.S., items purchased for resale, jewelry or collectible items and perishables.

While you can be reimbursed up to the full value of your items (or up to the $500 maximum), it's worth pointing out that your reimbursement could have shipping and handling fees subtracted prior to payment.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review

Bottom line

While the widely-known benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card are incredibly useful, some of the card's lesser-known perks offer great value as well. As always, make sure you read the fine print in your benefits guide. It's important to get familiar with eligibility requirements and the necessary documents before making a claim to ensure the process moves along as smoothly as possible.

As a reminder, the Chase Sapphire Reserve currently comes with a sign-up bonus of 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. It has a ton of benefits that help to offset the $550 annual fee. In addition, the 3 points per dollar earned on both travel and dining help to ensure you'll never run dry on valuable Ultimate Rewards points .

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.