One of the key benefits of paying for travel with a Chase Sapphire card is the excellent travel protection it offers in case something goes wrong. Recently, Chase has changed its travel coverage, and cardholders need to know how these adjustments might affect their protection. After charging your trip to the card, you’ll receive coverage for trip delays, cancellations or interruptions, delayed baggage, and lost baggage.
For those using the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ritz-Carlton cards, there’s an added bonus: emergency evacuation coverage. When you pay for a trip using these cards, you’ll get up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency evacuation due to medical reasons. While this coverage isn’t the primary reason to choose the card, it’s reassuring to have this protection when using the Sapphire Reserve or Ritz Carlton cards to pay for flights.
However, for larger trips, I prefer to purchase a separate travel insurance policy that covers expenses related to delays and evacuation, especially when traveling outside the United States. It’s also important to note that medical insurance is essential for international travel.
While reviewing the Chase emergency evacuation and emergency medical & dental coverages, I came across a change to the coverage buried in the fine print that all travelers should be aware of.
Emergency Evacuation and Medical Coverage Details
Any costs for emergency medical evacuation, transportation, or repatriation of remains that are not authorized and arranged through the designated Emergency Evacuation and Transportation service provider will be the sole responsibility of the Covered Traveler and will not be reimbursed.
Additionally, both emergency evacuation and medical care services may not be available in countries with active U.S. Department of State travel warnings or in countries subject to U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions or other applicable trade or economic sanctions, laws, and regulations. It’s essential to consider the restrictions on services due to these international laws and sanctions when planning your trip.
Furthermore, no evacuation or transportation services will be available in countries or territories where the existing infrastructure is deemed inadequate by the Emergency Evacuation and Transportation provider. If you’re unsure about the availability of services at your travel destination, you can verify by calling 1-800-350-1246.
Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory Update
Both emergency evacuation and medical coverage will not apply in regions where the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, terrorism, or kidnapping.
This update reflects a change from the previous language, where Chase listed specific countries excluded from coverage. Now, they only need to reference the U.S. Department of State’s advisory list, eliminating the need to update terms each time a country is added to the list.
Why This Matters for Travelers
If the coverage from your credit card doesn’t apply to where you’re traveling, there’s little you can do once you’re abroad. That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly read the fine print when purchasing travel insurance, so you understand what’s covered and what isn’t.
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