When it comes to travel, unpredictable situations can arise at any moment, from flight cancellations and baggage delays to medical emergencies and rental car mishaps. Fortunately, Chase Sapphire travel insurance provides cardholders with a safety net, ensuring peace of mind while exploring the world. Available with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit cards, this insurance offers comprehensive coverage that can save travelers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses.
Whether you’re embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation or a quick business trip, having a solid understanding of these benefits can help you maximize protection and minimize stress. From reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs due to covered reasons to emergency assistance when you’re far from home, the Chase Sapphire travel insurance suite is designed to make every journey smoother and more secure.
What is Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance?
Chase Sapphire travel insurance is a complimentary benefit offered to Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders when they use their card to pay for travel expenses. This insurance provides essential protection against unforeseen travel issues, such as trip cancellations, flight delays, lost or damaged baggage, and emergency medical situations. Cardholders can receive reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if a trip is interrupted due to covered reasons, ensuring they don’t lose money on prepaid bookings. Additionally, rental car collision damage coverage helps travelers avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses in case of an accident.
Travel delay reimbursement covers lodging and food costs when flights are significantly delayed. Baggage delay coverage ensures travelers are compensated for essential purchases when their luggage is temporarily lost. Emergency medical and dental benefits provide financial relief in case of sudden health issues while abroad. With these protections, Chase Sapphire travel insurance offers peace of mind, making travel experiences smoother and more secure.
Coverage Type | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
Trip Cancellation/Interruption | Up to $10,000 per person | Up to $10,000 per person |
Trip Delay Reimbursement | Up to $500 per ticket | Up to $500 per ticket |
Baggage Delay Insurance | Up to $100 per day (5 days max) | Up to $100 per day (5 days max) |
Lost Luggage Reimbursement | Up to $3,000 per passenger | Up to $3,000 per passenger |
Travel Accident Insurance | Up to $500,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
Emergency Medical Coverage | No coverage | Up to $2,500 |
Rental Car Insurance | Primary coverage | Primary coverage |
How to Qualify for Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance

To qualify for Chase Sapphire travel insurance, cardholders must use their Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® card to pay for the full cost of their travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and other eligible bookings. The insurance benefits apply automatically, meaning no separate enrollment or activation is required. Partial payments with points or rewards may still qualify, as long as the remaining balance is paid with the Sapphire card. Coverage extends to the cardholder, immediate family members, and travel companions, even if they are not listed on the account.
Eligible purchases must be made before the trip begins, and coverage applies to both domestic and international travel. Travelers should review the specific terms and conditions of their card’s benefits guide to understand coverage limits and exclusions. Keeping receipts and documentation of bookings is essential when filing a claim. By meeting these requirements, Chase Sapphire cardholders can take advantage of comprehensive travel protection.
Key Benefits of Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance
Chase Sapphire travel insurance offers a range of valuable protections for cardholders. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance reimburses non-refundable expenses if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like illness or emergencies. Trip Delay Reimbursement provides compensation for expenses such as meals, lodging, and transportation if a trip is delayed for more than six hours. Baggage Delay and Lost Luggage Coverage helps reimburse purchases if baggage is delayed or provides compensation if luggage is lost or damaged.
Travel Accident Insurance offers financial protection in the event of severe injury or accidental death while traveling. Rental car insurance provides primary coverage for damage or theft, allowing cardholders to decline the rental company’s insurance. These benefits make Chase Sapphire cards a powerful tool for safeguarding travelers against unexpected disruptions.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
If a trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason—such as illness, severe weather, jury duty, or a family emergency—Chase Sapphire travel insurance reimburses non-refundable expenses like airfare, hotel bookings, and tour costs. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® covers up to $10,000 per person ($20,000 per trip), while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the same limits, ensuring travelers don’t lose money due to unforeseen disruptions.
Trip Delay Reimbursement
For delays of more than six hours (or requiring an overnight stay), this benefit helps cover unexpected expenses like meals, lodging, and transportation. The Sapphire Preferred® provides up to $500 per ticket, while the Sapphire Reserve® offers the same amount. This coverage can be a lifesaver when facing long airport delays or missed connections.
Baggage Delay and Lost Luggage Coverage
If your checked baggage is delayed by more than six hours, Chase Sapphire reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries, clothing, and other necessities. The Sapphire Preferred® covers up to $100 per day for five days, while the Sapphire Reserve® offers the same. For lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, reimbursement is available up to $3,000 per passenger.
Travel Accident Insurance
In the unfortunate event of a serious injury, dismemberment, or accidental death while traveling, Chase Sapphire provides compensation to beneficiaries. The Sapphire Preferred® offers up to $500,000 in coverage, while the Sapphire Reserve® increases this to $1,000,000. This benefit applies to travel paid for with the card, including flights, trains, and cruises.
Rental Car Insurance
Both Sapphire Preferred® and Sapphire Reserve® offer primary rental car insurance, meaning cardholders can decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW) and still be covered for damage or theft of the rental car. The Preferred® covers up to the actual cash value of the car, while the Reserve® provides coverage up to $75,000, making it an excellent perk for frequent renters.
Trip Delay and Baggage Insurance
Chase Sapphire travel insurance offers valuable coverage for trip delays and baggage issues. If your trip is delayed for more than 6 hours, the insurance provides reimbursement for additional expenses like meals, lodging, and transportation, helping to ease the financial burden of long delays. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® both cover up to $500 per ticket for these expenses.
In case your checked baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours, you can be reimbursed for essential items such as clothing and toiletries. Additionally, if your baggage is lost or damaged, the insurance covers up to $3,000 per passenger for the value of the lost items. This coverage provides peace of mind during travel, ensuring that unexpected delays or baggage mishaps don’t result in significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Coverage Type | Coverage Amount |
Trip Delay Coverage | Up to $500 per ticket |
Baggage Delay Insurance | $100 per day (up to 5 days) |
Lost Luggage Reimbursement | Up to $3,000 per passenger |
Exclusions and Limitations
While Chase Sapphire travel insurance provides comprehensive coverage, it’s important to be aware of its exclusions and limitations to ensure you fully understand when and how the benefits apply. One of the key exclusions is that pre-existing medical conditions are not covered under most circumstances. This means if you have a medical condition that existed before your trip, any related issues or complications will not be reimbursed. Additionally, losses resulting from war, illegal activities, or extreme sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, or other high-risk activities are excluded from coverage.
Another critical limitation is that coverage only applies if the trip is fully paid for with a Chase Sapphire card. If the payment is made with another method, such as a different credit card or cash, the travel insurance benefits will not apply. Furthermore, claims made outside the designated filing period or for events not covered by the policy, such as non-refundable hotel bookings after voluntary cancellations or natural disasters not deemed eligible, may also be denied. To avoid surprises, it’s important to review the specific exclusions listed in your card’s benefits guide before traveling.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim for Chase Sapphire travel insurance is a simple but time-sensitive process. First, contact the Chase Benefits Administrator as soon as an issue arises to report the incident and receive guidance on required documents. Next, gather necessary paperwork, such as receipts, travel itineraries, medical records, and reports from airlines or authorities. Once all documents are ready, submit the claim online through Chase’s claims portal or by mail within the required timeframe—trip cancellations typically must be filed within 20 days, with supporting documents submitted within 90 days.
After submission, track your claim status online or by calling Chase to check for updates. If additional information is needed, provide it promptly to avoid delays. Once approved, reimbursement is issued via check or direct deposit. Keeping detailed records and acting quickly will help ensure a smooth claims process and a higher chance of approval.
Contact Chase Benefits Administrator
As soon as an issue arises—whether it’s a trip cancellation, delay, lost baggage, or medical emergency—call the Chase Benefits Administrator to report the incident. The contact number can be found on the back of your Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® card or in the benefits guide. Promptly notifying them helps ensure a smooth claims process.
Gather Necessary Documents
To support your claim, you’ll need to collect essential documents, including receipts for travel expenses, flight itineraries, medical records (if applicable), police reports for theft, and any correspondence from airlines or travel providers. Keeping copies of these documents can speed up processing and increase the chances of claim approval.
Submit the Claim Online or by Mail
Claims can be submitted through the Chase claims portal or by mailing the required forms and documents. Each type of claim has a specific filing deadline—for example, trip cancellation claims typically must be filed within 20 days of the event, and supporting documents should be submitted within 90 days. Be sure to review the specific timelines for your situation.
Track Your Claim Status
After submission, you can check the status of your claim online or by calling the Chase Benefits Administrator. If additional documents are required, provide them promptly to avoid delays. Once approved, reimbursement will typically be issued via check or direct deposit.
Wrapping Up
In today’s world, where travel disruptions are becoming more frequent, having Chase Sapphire travel insurance is a game-changer. The extensive coverage, which includes protection for trip cancellations, baggage delays, travel accidents, and rental car damage, ensures that cardholders are financially shielded from the unexpected. This protection allows travelers to rest easy, knowing that they won’t be left bearing the brunt of unforeseen expenses. Whether dealing with a missed flight, delayed baggage, or sudden medical needs, Chase Sapphire’s comprehensive benefits make it easier to handle these setbacks with minimal stress.
By understanding how these insurance perks work and how to file claims, travelers can make the most of their benefits, traveling more securely and confidently. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone planning an occasional getaway, Chase Sapphire’s travel insurance provides invaluable peace of mind, making every journey smoother and more enjoyable.
FAQs
Does Chase Sapphire travel insurance cover medical expenses?
Yes, Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers emergency medical coverage, including expenses for treatment and transportation, when traveling outside your home country. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® does not offer this medical benefit. If you’re concerned about health emergencies while abroad, the Sapphire Reserve card is the better option for comprehensive protection, including emergency evacuation if necessary. It’s important to review the card’s benefits guide to understand specific limits and exclusions.
How do I activate Chase Sapphire travel insurance?
Chase Sapphire travel insurance is automatically activated when you use your Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® card to pay for your travel expenses. There’s no need for separate registration or activation, making it incredibly convenient. Simply book your flights, hotel, or other travel-related expenses using the card, and you will be covered for various travel disruptions. Make sure the entire trip is paid for using the card to ensure coverage.
What happens if my baggage is delayed?
If your checked baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours, Chase Sapphire will reimburse you for necessary purchases like toiletries, clothing, and other essential items. The Sapphire Preferred® covers up to $100 per day for a maximum of 5 days, while the Sapphire Reserve® offers the same benefits. This ensures that travelers are taken care of while waiting for their luggage to arrive, alleviating the inconvenience of being without their belongings.
Are my family members covered under Chase Sapphire travel insurance?
Yes, Chase Sapphire travel insurance extends to the cardholder’s family members as well. This includes your spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children, provided they are traveling with you on the same trip. The benefits apply automatically when the trip is booked with the Chase Sapphire card, ensuring that your loved ones are covered for a variety of travel disruptions such as trip cancellations or baggage delays.
How do I contact Chase to file a claim?
To file a claim with Chase Sapphire travel insurance, you can either call the Chase Benefits Administrator or visit their official website. The contact number is provided on the back of your Chase Sapphire card, and you can also access the claims portal online. Be prepared to provide relevant documentation like receipts, flight itineraries, and any reports from the incident, as this will help speed up the claims process.
Does Chase Sapphire cover trip cancellations due to illness?
Yes, Chase Sapphire travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to illness, as long as the illness is covered by the policy. If you or a traveling companion fall ill and cannot proceed with the trip, you can file a claim for non-refundable expenses like flight tickets, hotels, and tours. It’s important to have a doctor’s note or other medical documentation to support your claim and ensure proper reimbursement.
Is Chase Sapphire travel insurance available for international travel?
Yes, Chase Sapphire travel insurance covers both domestic and international travel, making it an excellent choice for global travelers. Whether you’re traveling to Europe, Asia, or other destinations around the world, your Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® card will provide coverage for issues such as trip cancellations, delays, and baggage problems. International coverage ensures that you’re financially protected no matter where your travels take you.