Real Claims Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Guide
What’s Covered, What’s Not, and How to File a Claim - Real Experiences
My personal claims with my Chase Sapphire Reserve Card in the past year
If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you’re sitting on some of the best built‑in travel insurance benefits of any credit card. The problem? Most people don’t know what’s actually covered — or how to use it when things go wrong. I personally use this card for all my travel-related expenses. I have also filed 5 claims in the past year, so I am very familiar with how these benefits work.
This guide breaks everything down in plain English:
What each card covers
Real‑life examples
How to file a claim
What documents you’ll need
When to use Chase vs. your airline or hotel
Tips to avoid denied claims
Whether you’re dealing with a delayed flight, lost luggage, or a trip cancellation, this is your go‑to resource.
This blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for supporting NO POINT LEFT BEHIND — it helps me keep sharing savvy travel hacks and family adventures
👉Understand how points, miles, and credit card rewards actually work—explained in plain English.
⭐ Quick Summary: What Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Covers
Both cards include coverage for:
Trip delay
Trip cancellation
Trip interruption
Lost or delayed luggage
Rental car insurance
The Reserve offers higher coverage limits, but both cards provide excellent protection.
✈️ Trip Delay Coverage
One of my many delays last summer. Stuck in Boston with my parents and son heading to London. No extra expenses out of pocket thanks to Chase Sapphire card.
If your flight is delayed due to weather, mechanical issues, crew problems, or other covered reasons, you may be reimbursed for:
Meals
Hotels
Transportation
Toiletries
Essentials
Preferred: Kicks in after 12 hours Reserve: Kicks in after 6 hours
Tip: Always keep receipts — even for small purchases. I have even been reimbursed for my margaritas at the airport!
My flight was cancelled during my cruise. Thanks to this benefit all my unexpected expenses in Miami were covered -> Cancelled flight claim Miami
🛑 Trip Cancellation & Interruption
If you need to cancel or cut a trip short due to:
Illness
Injury
Severe weather
Jury duty
Family emergencies
You may be reimbursed for:
Flights
Hotels
Tours
Prepaid activities
This is one of the most valuable benefits of both cards. I missed a cruise due to a weather delay and a cancelled flight. I was bummed I didn’t make my trip, but thanks to my Chase Sapphire card, I was reimbursed in full -> Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Claim
🧳 Lost or Delayed Luggage
If your bags are delayed or lost, Chase may reimburse you for:
Clothing
Toiletries
Essentials
Replacement items
Tip: AirTags or Tile trackers make claims easier — and reduce stress.
🚗 Rental Car Insurance
Both cards include primary rental car coverage, meaning you can decline the rental agency’s insurance and still be protected for:
Theft
Damage
Collision
This alone can save you $20–$40 per day.
Emergency Medical & Evacuation Coverage (Reserve Only)
Emergency Room in Las Vegas
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the only Sapphire card that includes emergency medical benefits. This is a huge differentiator and one of the reasons the Reserve is so popular with frequent travelers.
What the Reserve Covers
Emergency medical treatment during a trip
Emergency dental treatment
Emergency evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility
Transportation after stabilization
Coverage Limits
Up to $2,500 for emergency medical/dental
Up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation
Who It’s For
Travelers who want built‑in medical protection without buying a separate policy — especially international travelers.
Important Note
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® does not include medical or evacuation coverage. If readers want this benefit, the Reserve is the only option.
This is not a replacement for full travel medical insurance, but it’s a strong safety net.
We personally used this coverage on our recent trip to Zion National Park -> Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance: My Medical Claim Story
📄 How to File a Chase Travel Insurance Claim
Filing a claim is easier when you know what to expect. Here’s the process:
1. Start your claim online
Go to the Chase Benefits Portal and select your card.
2. Upload documentation
Depending on the claim, you may need:
Flight delay or cancellation notice
Receipts for meals/hotels
Proof of payment with your Sapphire card
Doctor’s note (for medical cancellations)
Police report (for theft)
Airline baggage delay/loss report
3. Respond quickly to follow‑up requests
The claims team may ask for additional documents.
4. Track your claim status
Most claims resolve within 2–4 weeks.
⚠️ Common Reasons Claims Get Denied
Avoid these pitfalls:
Not paying for the trip with your Sapphire card
Missing receipts
Not submitting documentation on time
Filing with Chase before filing with the airline
Claiming non‑covered reasons (e.g., “I changed my mind”)
💡 Tips to Make Your Claim Go Smoothly
Screenshot delay notifications
Keep every receipt
File with the airline first
Use AirTags for luggage
Take photos of damaged items
Start your claim ASAP
💳 Which Chase Card Has the Best Travel Insurance?
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Lower annual fee
Excellent coverage
Perfect for beginners
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Higher coverage limits
Trip delay kicks in sooner
Better for frequent travelers
🔗 Related Guides You’ll Love
🧠 Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire cards offer some of the strongest built‑in travel protections available — and they can save you hundreds (or thousands) when things go wrong. Whether you’re dealing with a delay, cancellation, lost luggage, or a medical issue, knowing how your benefits work makes all the difference.
About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
