The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is not just your average travel rewards credit card. It offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for travelers. From earning valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards Points on every purchase to flexible redemption options and shopping benefits, this card has it all.
But what sets the Chase Sapphire Preferred card apart from other travel rewards cards is its comprehensive travel insurance coverage. With this card, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you're protected during your journey. In this article, we will explore the full list of travel insurance benefits offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, so you can make an informed decision when comparing travel rewards cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Overview
To understand the extent of the travel insurance coverage provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, let's start with a brief overview of the card itself. This will help you put the benefits into context as you continue reading.
Some important information about the card includes any welcome bonus and annual fee. Make sure you have all the details before you make a decision.
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
One of the standout benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is its car rental insurance coverage. Unlike most travel rewards cards that offer secondary coverage, this card provides primary car insurance coverage. This means you don't have to file a claim with your own auto insurance company before the coverage becomes valid.
By simply reserving and paying for your rental car with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you activate the coverage. Make sure to decline the rental car agency's collision damage waiver coverage. The cardholder and any additional drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered.
Coverage includes damage to or theft of the rental car, loss of use charges imposed by the rental car company, and reasonable towing charges. However, certain conditions and exclusions apply, so it's essential to review the details.
Having collision damage waiver insurance on your card saves you money on car rentals. Image Credit: Thrifty
Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance
Another valuable benefit offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance. If a covered loss prevents you (or other covered persons) from traveling, you can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement. The maximum benefit for each occurrence is $20,000, with a maximum of $40,000 per 12-month period.
To be eligible for this coverage, you must pay for your trip in full or in part with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Covered events include accidental injury, illness, severe weather, change of military orders, terrorist events or hijackings, and more. The coverage applies to the cardholder, spouse or domestic partner, and immediate family.
Storms can disrupt your travel. Trip interruption, cancellation, and delayed coverage can ease unexpected costs. Image Credit: Nikolas Behrendt via Unsplash
Trip Delay Reimbursement
If your trip is significantly delayed, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card provides trip delay reimbursement. This benefit pays up to $500 per ticket for covered expenses that are not paid for by the common carrier. The delay must be overnight or last for more than 12 hours.
Baggage Insurance
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also offers baggage insurance. If your baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours while traveling on a common carrier, you can receive up to $100 reimbursement per day for incidentals purchased during the delay. Additionally, if your luggage is lost or damaged, the card provides coverage for the cost of repairing or replacing the luggage, as well as the cost of lost personal items, up to $3,000 per person, per trip.
Lost and delayed luggage benefits pay when your transportation carrier is responsible for losing or delaying your bags. Image Credit: Michał Parzuchowski via Unsplash
Roadside Dispatch
Being stranded on the side of the road can ruin any trip. That's where the Roadside Dispatch benefit of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes in handy. With just one call, you have access to 24/7 roadside assistance. Services include changing a flat tire, delivering up to 5 gallons of fuel, jump-starting your car, lockout service, standard towing up to 5 miles, and standard winching. Some additional services may have extra charges, but you won't pay more than the predetermined flat rate fee of $69.95 for the initial service call.
Travel Accident Insurance
Traveling can sometimes come with risks, and it's essential to be prepared. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers travel accident insurance, providing coverage for the cardholder and immediate family members. Even if you're not traveling with your immediate family, they are covered as long as the ticket is paid for in full or partially with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Ultimate Rewards points. The coverage includes common carrier travel accidents and 24-hour travel accidents.
Travel and Emergency Assistance
When you're away from home, having someone to rely on for assistance can be invaluable. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers complimentary travel and emergency assistance 24/7. Whether you need emergency message services, medical or legal referrals, emergency transportation arrangements, lost luggage assistance, or translation services, help is just a phone call away. The service extends to the cardholder, spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children under 22.
Receive help finding an English-speaking doctor with complimentary travel and emergency assistance. Image Credit: Impulsq via Unsplash
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Lastly, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. This means you can use your card abroad without worrying about extra fees. If you're planning an international trip and expect to spend a significant amount, this benefit can save you a considerable amount of money. For example, if you spent $4,000 abroad on a family vacation, you would save $120 compared to a card that charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Filing a Claim
In the unfortunate event that you need to make a claim for trip interruption, trip delay, or trip cancellation, it's crucial to be prepared. Before your journey, familiarize yourself with the claim process, so you know what information and documentation you need to provide. Contact the plan administrator as soon as possible during or after the disruption for guidance and to file a claim.
The documentation required may include a completed and signed claim form, credit card statements or receipts showing payment for the trip with an eligible card or points, copies of transportation tickets and itineraries, medical documents or death certificates (for health-related claims), and additional documentation as requested by the benefit administrator.
Remember, the documentation needed is requested by the third-party claim administrator, not Chase. It's advisable to keep all receipts and important documents during the trip for easy access if you need to file a claim.
How Coverage Compares
Before making any decisions, it's essential to compare the travel insurance benefits of different credit cards. While the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers comprehensive coverage compared to other travel rewards cards, it's still important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Other credit cards, like those from American Express, Capital One, and Bank of America, offer various levels of travel protection and insurance. However, the benefits and coverage can vary greatly, so it's crucial to review the details of each card before making a choice.
Comprehensive travel insurance policies also exist and provide additional options and coverage limits tailored to your specific needs. These policies can cover one specific trip or multiple trips over a defined period.
Final Thoughts
Having travel insurance is crucial for any trip, as it brings peace of mind and financial protection. While the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers an impressive range of travel insurance benefits, it's essential to understand the coverage and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
Before you embark on your journey, contact the benefits administrator to clarify the coverage and ensure it meets your needs. Additionally, if you require specific coverage, such as emergency evacuation, that is not provided by the card, consider purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
Remember, travel insurance benefits provided by credit cards should not replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy. But by taking advantage of the benefits offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you can enhance your travel experience and have peace of mind during your journeys.
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.
