The best travel credit cards will come with top travel coverage. This means that when you use your card to purchase your trip, you’ll be covered should anything go awry. This coverage could land you thousands of dollars in services in an emergency.
— Sophia Mendel, LendingTrees’s travel expert
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Credit Card Travel Insurance for Chase, Amex and Capital One
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Citi is an advertising partner.
Credit cards with travel insurance in 2023
Citi: In September 2019, Citi removed nearly all of the travel protections from its entire lineup of credit card products.
Credit card travel insurance can help you save thousands of dollars and give you peace of mind before, during or even after your trip. To be insured during your travels, you must use the respective card for your travel expenses, such as airfare, hotel reservations or cruise excursions.
Also, the terms of your credit card travel insurance will vary from issuer to issuer, as well from card to card. You should familiarize yourself with the exact terms of your card’s benefits before finalizing travel bookings. Our guide below helps you dive into the travel insurance details from three major credit card issuers: Chase, Amex and Capital One.
Chase credit card travel insurance
There are several Chase credit cards that offer travel insurance protections.
While most plans we’ve seen limit benefits and payouts to just your spouse and children, Chase credit card travel insurance has some of the most inclusive definitions for who counts as an
Not only does Chase travel insurance provide users with expansive coverage, the maximum payouts in the respective categories are higher than most.
For trip cancellation insurance, for example, users are covered up to $10,000 dollars per person and $20,000 per trip – this makes the Chase Sapphire Reserve® one of the best credit cards with trip cancellation insurance.
Best Chase credit card with travel insurance
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- Priority Pass lounge access
- Top-notch travel insurance
- Other valuable travel benefits
- Valuable, flexible points
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High earning rate on travel and dining
- $300 flexible travel credit
- High annual fee
- $75 authorized user fee
- Excellent credit required
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is not only one of the best travel credit cards on the market — it also comes with top-notch credit card travel insurance benefits.
It’s one of a handful of cards in the industry that covers all three major insurance groups — travel accident, trip interruption and luggage. It also includes emergency medical and dental insurance, along with emergency evacuation and transportation. These benefits can be immensely helpful in the case of an emergency or illness from a global outbreak like the coronavirus.
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
*The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
| Card | Rental car insurance | Luggage protection | Trip interruption insurance | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Primary | Up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage, up to $100 a day for 5 days for baggage delays | Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip, up to $500 per ticket for trip delays | $795 |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | Secondary | None | Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip | $0 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Primary | Up to $3,000.00 per covered person per trip for lost luggage, up to $100 a day for 5 days for baggage delay | Up to $3,000.00 per covered person per trip for lost luggage, up to $100 a day for 5 days for baggage delay | $95 |
| Disney® Premier Visa® Credit Card | None | Up to $100 a day for 3 days for baggage delay | None | $49 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | None | Up to $100 a day for 3 days for baggage delay, up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage | None | $149 |
| The New United Club℠ Card | Primary | Up to $100 a day for 3 days for baggage delay, up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage | Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip, up to $500 per ticket for trip delays | $695 |
| The New United℠ Explorer Card | Primary | Up to $100 a day for 3 days for baggage delay, up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage | Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Secondary | Up to $100 a day for 5 days for baggage delay, up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage | Up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip | $95 |
If you plan to use Chase travel insurance, you’ll need to book your entire trip (or at least part of your trip) with your eligible Chase credit card.
Depending on which Chase card you have, the insurance included with your card can either be primary or secondary. Primary insurance means you can use your Chase insurance to make a claim before relying on another policy. Secondary insurance means your policy will only kick in once you’ve used up any other insurance policy you may have available to you.
Whether you have primary or secondary insurance will also vary depending on the type of insurance you’re claiming. For instance, you could have primary auto rental insurance, but secondary baggage delay insurance — it just depends on what your card offers. It’s important to look at your specific card’s insurance policies before deciding to rely on it completely for a trip.
Your Chase travel insurance policies will only apply if you meet certain criteria. For example, if you need to use your credit card’s trip cancellation/interruption insurance, you’ll only be covered for the following types of situations (this list is not comprehensive):
- Accidental bodily injury, loss of life, or sickness
- Severe weather
- Terrorist action or hijacking
- Jury duty or court subpoena
However, you will NOT be covered for the following types of things (this list is not comprehensive):
- Travel arrangements changed or canceled by a tour operator or travel agency, in most cases
- Change in plans
- Change in financial situation
- A preexisting condition
- A declared or undeclared war
- Trips that exceed 60 days in duration are automatically not covered
And as always, make sure you pay using your eligible Chase credit card in order to claim insurance on your trip.
You may need to consider adding additional trip insurance if your destination requires specific travel insurance for entry. Some countries are requiring proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 medical care, for example.
Alternatively, cards with a lower or no annual fee may not offer as much travel protection as other cards with higher annual fees. The Chase Freedom Flex® is a good example: Overall, it’s a great no-annual-fee credit card, but it only offers secondary car rental insurance, doesn’t offer luggage protection and offers much less trip interruption insurance than other Chase cards. In this case, you may want to purchase additional insurance to make sure you’re fully covered.
American Express credit card travel insurance
Many American Express cards with travel insurance benefits have large annual fees, which may discourage some from applying.
An American Express card’s higher annual fees could be worth it still, given that Amex travel insurance could save you thousands of dollars on even one travel mishap.
Best American Express credit card with travel insurance
American Express Platinum Card®*
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- Several travel credits
- Complimentary hotel elite status
- Global airport lounge access
- Generous welcome offer
- High rewards rate
- Wellness and entertainment credits
- Low rewards earning rate on non-travel purchases
- Annual fee
- May have to pay balance in full
- Limited acceptance internationally
A strong competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, American Express Platinum Card® provides great travel insurance coverage.
Also worth noting: unlike typical credit cards, American Express Platinum Card® allows you to carry a balance for some purchases, but not all.
*To see rates & fees for American Express Platinum Card®, please click here.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted. EXTRA TEST COPY FOR UAT.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025. T
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
*The information related to the American Express Platinum Card® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
| Card | Rental car insurance | Luggage protection | Trip interruption insurance | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card®* | Secondary1 | Up to $2,000 for checked baggage and $3,000 for carry-on baggage2 | $10,000 per covered trip and up to $20,000 per 12 months, up to $500 per trip for trip delays4,7 | $895 |
| American Express® Gold Card* | Secondary5 | Up to $500 for checked baggage, up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage3 | None | $325 |
| American Express® Green Card | Secondary5 | Up to $1,250 per covered person | None | $150 |
| Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express | Secondary | None | None | $0 |
| Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express | Secondary | None | None | $95 |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Secondary | None | None | $0 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | Secondary5 | Up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry-on baggage3 | None | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | Secondary5 | Up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry-on baggage3 | Up to $300 per trip for trip delays6 | $350 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Secondary5 | Up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry-on baggage3 | $10,000 per covered trip and up to $20,000 per 12 months, up to $500 per trip for trip delays4,7 | $650 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Card | Secondary5 | None | None | $0 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Secondary5 | Up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry-on baggage3 | None | $150 |
The information related to American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
*To see rates & fees for American Express Platinum Card®, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.
For
In order for your American Express travel insurance to apply, you’ll need to pay for your trip with your eligible American Express credit card. Whether you need to pay for your entire trip or just part of your trip with your card will also depend on the specific coverage you plan to claim. For example, to claim trip cancellation and interruption insurance with American Express, you’ll need to have a round-trip purchase made entirely with your card in order to be covered.
Additionally, different Amex cards will offer different coverages, so you’ll want to check before you leave on your trip that you are sufficiently covered in case of emergency.
The terms of your American Express insurance claim will vary depending on which Amex credit card you have and what specific insurance policy you’re looking to claim. In order to be eligible for an insurance claim, you’ll need to meet certain criteria.
For example, if you have American Express Platinum Card® and you want to claim trip cancellation and interruption insurance, only the following types of things will be covered (this list is not exhaustive):
- Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness
- Inclement weather
- A change in military orders
- Terrorist Action or hijacking
- Jury duty or court subpoena
- Quarantine mandated by a physician
If the credit card you use to book your trip doesn’t include travel insurance that’s comprehensive enough to make you feel comfortable, you may consider adding additional insurance.
No- and low-annual-fee credit cards may not offer as much or as exhaustive travel insurance as credit cards that charge higher annual fees. For example, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express, which charges a $95 annual fee, only includes secondary auto rental insurance, and doesn’t come with any luggage protection or trip interruption insurance.
Capital One credit card travel insurance
Depending on the Capital One card in question, the coverage that is offered will vary widely.
Typically, Capital One cards that charge higher annual fees will offer more and better travel insurance coverage, but even the low or no annual fee credit cards tend to offer some amount of insurance.
Cardholders will have access to travel accident insurance coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and primary car insurance.
Savvy traveler tip: If you’re looking for a travel credit card from Capital One that offers solid travel insurance, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. These cards offer travel insurance coverages for either a low or no annual fee.*To see rates & fees for Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, please click here.
Best Capital One credit card with travel insurance
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.- Lounge access
- Comes with travel and purchase protections
- High earning rate on travel
- Above average flate earning rate on all purchases
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
- Miles don’t expire
- High annual fee
- No automatic elite status
Within the Capital One family of cards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card carries the best travel benefits.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
*The information related to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
| Card | Rental car insurance | Luggage protection | Trip interruption insurance | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | See terms | Yes | Yes | $395 |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | See terms | Yes | None | $95 |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | See terms | None | None | $0 |
*To see rates & fees for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, please click here.
Typically, you’ll need to pay for your trip using your eligible Capital One credit card in order to be covered for travel insurance. Different Capital One credit cards will offer differing amounts of travel insurance, and typically credit cards that charge higher annual fees will offer more comprehensive insurance.
For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which charges a $395 annual fee, offers far superior travel insurance than the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, which both charge lower annual fees.
*To see rates & fees for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, please click here.
To be eligible to claim travel insurance through your credit card, you’ll need to meet certain criteria.
You’ll want to consider adding additional insurance to your trip if the credit card you use to fund your trip doesn’t come with sufficient insurance to offer you peace of mind. For example, if you have the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card — which doesn’t include trip interruption insurance — you might want to add external travel insurance in case of emergency.
Credit card travel insurance — is it enough?
All insurance products protect you against unlikely events. You may decide to stick with the coverage offered by your credit card, purchase additional travel insurance through your airline or a third party or simply forgo travel insurance altogether.
First, weigh the details of your credit card policy and know what travel insurance is and is not covered.
Covered
Credit card travel insurance covers a variety of different circumstances that can come up when traveling (examples below). The exact details of what credit card travel insurance covers depends on the type of insurance and the exact details of your policy.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance — non-reimbursed expenses that come up if your trip is canceled
- Trip delay insurance — meals or lodging if your trip is delayed by several hours or overnight
- Baggage loss/delay insurance — clothes and toiletries if your bags don’t arrive when you do
Not covered
Insurance companies make their money by being very specific and particular about what is and is not covered (examples below). It’s important to make sure that you understand the details of any insurance provided by your credit card before you’re put into a situation where it might be required. Here are a few things that are often not covered by credit card travel insurance:
- Card not used — Trips that were not paid for by the credit card in question are usually not covered.
- Fear of traveling — For instance, if you want to cancel a trip due to high cases of COVID-19 where you’re traveling, your policy would probably not reimburse you.
- Other party expenses — Expenses that are covered/reimbursed by another party, such as an airline or your employer, are not covered.
- Special cases — Self-inflicted injuries or preexisting conditions typically fall outside credit card travel insurance policies.
When to consider adding additional insurance to your trip
It’s a matter of your own individual risk tolerance to know if credit card travel insurance coverage is enough — consider general travel insurance options from these great travel insurance companies for more peace of mind.
| Credit card travel insurance | General travel insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Savvy traveler tip:Savvy traveler tip: If you’re looking for the best of both worlds — an airline credit card that offers excellent insurance — consider the The New United Club℠ Card, which offers top-of-the-line travel and purchase coverages.
Types of credit card travel insurance
As listed above, there are several different types of credit card travel insurance. While the types of protections and amount of coverage vary, there are some elements that remain constant throughout.
Here are some of the most common protections:
Travel accident insurance typically covers individuals in the event of death or dismemberment during the course of common carrier travel — that is, a vehicle that is licensed to transport any public passenger who pays a fare or buys a ticket with the card and is available on a regular schedule (planes, trains, ferries and cruise ships, for example). Here’s what you should know:
- Typically, the coverage is only extended to the cardholder and their immediate family, though how immediate family is defined will vary from issuer to issuer.
- The amount of money this benefit can pay out will typically vary between $100,000 and $500,000.
- The list of exclusions on travel accident insurance is hefty — most credit cards will not provide any payout in the event of physical illness; disease; pregnancy, childbirth or miscarriage; bacterial or viral infection; bodily malfunctions or medical, surgical treatment or diagnosis.
Baggage loss insurance
If your credit card provides lost luggage insurance, you will be covered up to a certain amount of money for the loss or damage sustained to carry-on or checked baggage.
Here’s what you should know:
- This benefit is typically limited to a few thousand dollars per person, per trip.
- In certain cases, separate limits are placed on special items, such as jewelry.
- In certain cases, your card may also cover damages that result from your bags being delayed — though only for items deemed vitally important. Items such as a toothbrush, laptop or even contact lenses are often not included.
For example, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, cardmembers may receive up to $500 per insured person per trip on jewelry, watches, cameras, video recorders and other electronic equipment. The payout for this benefit will be equal to the replacement value of the items lost or damaged, up to the maximum payout amount.
That means if the covered items you lost were valued at $300 and your maximum payout amount is $500, you will receive just $300. If you lost $700 worth of items in that same scenario, you would only be eligible to receive $500.
Baggage delay insurance
Baggage delay insurance will cover necessities you need to purchase due to your baggage not being available when your flight lands.
This insurance can cover purchases so you’re not stuck with just the clothes on your back.
The exact list of what is and is not covered with baggage delay insurance will depend on the terms and conditions of your particular credit card, but it’s common that clothing and toiletries will be covered. Things like cameras, cellphones, jewelry or contact lenses are often not covered.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is the rarest type of travel insurance provided by credit cards. It protects individuals against damages resulting from canceled or interrupted travel plans. Here’s what you should know:
- This coverage includes flight insurance. For example, if your flight is canceled by the carrier as a result of inclement weather, or if you miss a nonrefundable flight due to a covered reason, you may be eligible to receive money back through your credit card travel insurance policy.
- This coverage will commonly only pay for the cost of the flight you miss. Any extraneous expenses related to the interruption, such as losing a night at a hotel, will not be covered in most cases.
- Some premium credit cards offer coverage for this type of loss, though limits are usually set pretty low.
When your credit card comes with trip delay insurance, you’ll be covered if there is a covered delay on your trip.
Again, terms and conditions will depend on the details of your policy, but typically there is a minimum delay required and a maximum amount that will be covered.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® covers you and your family for unreimbursed expenses up to $500, such as meals and overnight lodging. In order for the trip delay insurance to kick in, your trip must be delayed at least six hours (or require an overnight stay).
If you or your family members become sick or injured during your trip and require an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for those services through emergency evacuation and transportation. Here’s what you should know:
- Coverage includes transportation, medical services and medical supplies.
- Pandemics are not covered under this policy as this is for emergencies like accidents or falls. Each policy has specific terms to meet before a claim can be filed, so be sure to read the fine print.
With an emergency medical and dental benefit, you can be reimbursed for up to a specified amount of medical expenses if you or your immediate family members become sick or injured while traveling. Here’s what you should know:
- Coverage includes ambulance services, drugs, medicine and therapeutic services.
- You must use the respective card for your travel expenses, such as airfare, hotel, rental car and any other applicable costs.
One particularly useful type of travel insurance is rental car insurance, which can cover you for expenses when renting a car. Policies could include a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) for qualifying car rentals. Usually the policy requires that you pay with the credit card that is offering the coverage, but the policy can cover damages if it is damaged or stolen.
One important distinction you’ll want to make is whether your credit card offers primary or secondary car rental insurance. Primary car rental insurance will apply straightaway, while secondary car rental insurance only comes into play once other insurance like your personal car insurance policy is charged. If your credit card offers primary car rental insurance and you’re comfortable with the policy, you can decline the insurance that the rental car company offers.
Many airlines offer travel insurance for purchase when you book your trip. While there can be some overlap with what credit card travel insurance offers, airline travel insurance can offer more or less coverage depending on which carrier you fly with.
The primary difference between airline and credit card travel insurance is that credit card travel insurance is included at no additional cost to you (as long as you book your trip using your credit card), while you’ll need to pay extra for airline travel insurance. It’s worth comparing both available coverages to see which option will be better for your needs. Airlines including Delta, American Airlines and United all include travel insurance at an additional cost, and the specific coverage offered will vary based on your particular plan and carrier.
How to use credit card travel insurance
The first step to using credit card travel insurance is to use the credit card in question to pay for your trip. You’ll also want to be aware of what is and is not covered. That can help guide your decisions if something goes wrong while you’re traveling. There are few things worse than paying for something you think will be reimbursed by your credit card travel insurance only to have your claim denied.
How to claim credit card travel insurance
If you do run into a situation while traveling that you think will be covered by your credit card travel insurance, there are a few things you’ll want to do to get your insurance claim approved.
1. Document: Make sure to document any out-of-pocket expenses and save all of your receipts.
2. File: Once your trip is over and you’re safely back at home, you can start the claim filing process. Log on to your credit card account or talk to the customer service department.
While most credit card companies contract with third-party insurance companies to process all travel insurance, they will be able to direct you to the right place to get started. Make sure that you stay organized and pay attention to the details to give your claim the best chance of being approved.
How to make a claim with Chase
If you’re looking to make a claim with Chase, there are a few steps you’ll want to take:
- Check your Chase credit card to determine your specific coverages.
- Make sure you are within the allotted time frame to start your claim. This tends to be within 90 days of the incident.
- Start your Eclaim with Chase online. You can also call Chase with the number listed on your card’s benefits guide instead.
- Collect the necessary documentation and forms required for filing your specific claim.
- Submit your claim.
- Check the status of your claim by selecting “Existing Claim” on Chase’s claims website.
Credit card travel insurance coverage for COVID
Some credit card travel insurance policies may cover trip cancellation, interruption and emergency medical expenses due to COVID. Generally, the policy will only reimburse you for trips paid for by your card up to certain limits. You’ll need to read the fine print in your card agreement carefully, as qualifying losses can vary drastically with each policy.
| Issuer | Card | Trip cancellation/interruption resulting from... |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Sickness experienced by you, a traveling companion, or an immediate family member of you or a traveling companion, or quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons |
| Amex | American Express Platinum Card® | Sickness of either the eligible traveler, traveling companion or a family member of the eligible traveler or traveling companion, or quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons4 |
Credit card travel insurance frequently asked questions
While many travel rewards cards come with the added benefit of complimentary travel insurance, this isn’t true for all issuers. For example, Barclays and Citi have eliminated all trip insurance benefits from their cards in recent years. We recommend checking out cards from American Express, Chase or Capital One if you’re looking for complimentary travel coverage — although limits will vary between each card.
Yes. For most travelers with no irregular conditions, credit card travel insurance will serve you well in case of any interruptions or delays. However, those who have preexisting conditions should be wary as credit card travel insurance will not offer you coverage. Or, if you’re looking for coverage specifically related to the pandemic, you’ll need to purchase additional travel insurance — ideally one with cancel-for-any-reason coverage.
Yes. Credit card travel insurance can offer quite a broad range of coverages that can come handy in unthinkable situations. When an emergency happens, you can contact your card company or the benefits administrator on your card to receive immediate assistance. However, if you have any chronic medical conditions or belong to a vulnerable group, we recommend purchasing additional travel insurance.
Many credit cards offer travel insurance for things like canceled or interrupted trips, lost or delayed baggage or car rentals. If you pay for your trip with a credit card that offers travel insurance and you have a qualified expense, you may be reimbursed for certain expenses. Check the details of your policy to see what type of coverage you might be eligible for.
Credit card travel insurance can be very useful if you encounter a problem while traveling. Lost or delayed baggage or the cancellation of a trip can leave you stranded or without some of the necessities. The best part of credit card travel insurance is that if you have a card that offers it, you don’t have to pay anything extra to take advantage of the benefit.
No, all credit cards do not come with travel insurance benefits. Generally, it’s the premium or luxury credit cards that offer credit card travel insurance. Check the benefits guide of your credit card to understand what types of travel insurance benefits you might be eligible for.
Many forms of credit card travel insurance do cover trips involving cruises. Many forms of trip delay or trip cancellation insurance can cover you for certain types of expenses if your trip (including a cruise) is delayed or canceled. Check your credit card’s guide to benefits to understand what type of coverage you might have.
Yes, most credit card travel insurance benefits will cover family members who are traveling with the primary cardholder. Benefits are usually subject to per-trip maximums regardless of how many people are traveling with you. Make sure to check your credit card benefits guide to understand who counts as a family member per the terms of your travel insurance policy.
As of the time of writing this article, no Discover credit cards offer travel insurance. However, credit card benefits often change over time, so make sure to check your card’s benefit guide to make sure you’re aware of what benefits you may be eligible for.
Many Visa cards offer travel insurance as one of the benefits of having the card. Typically it’s higher-end or luxury Visa Signature or Visa Infinite cards that offer travel insurance. Check the benefits guide of your credit card to see what forms of travel insurance it offers.
Bank of America itself does not offer travel insurance, but there are some credit cards issued by Bank of America that offer travel insurance benefits. For example, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card card offers trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage delay and lost luggage reimbursement coverage.
Banks and credit unions offer different benefits to their members, but it is uncommon that a bank would offer travel insurance directly. Check with your bank to see if it partners with an insurance agency to allow you to purchase travel insurance at a discount.
Methodology
In this guide, we provide an overview of what is provided by different card issuers and the different types of coverages. We picked a variety of cards that cater to all different consumer spending profiles, whether you’re a frequent traveler or just take a vacation once per year. Not only did we handpick some of the best travel rewards cards, but we selected several everyday cards with no annual fee that also offer travel insurance benefits. However, note that these are not the only credit cards on the market that are offering travel insurance.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
*To see rates & fees for American Express Platinum Card®, please click here. *To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here. *To see rates & fees for Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card please click here. *To see rates & fees for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here. *To see rates & fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here. *To see rates & fees for Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.1 Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.·Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
2 Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
3 Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
4 The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
5 Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
6 Up to $300 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
7 Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Freedom Flex®, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Disney® Premier Visa® Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, The New United Club℠ Card, The New United℠ Explorer Card, World of Hyatt Credit Card, American Express Platinum Card®, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express, Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
