Credit cards offering travel rewards typically feature many attractive benefits, one of which is travel reimbursement.
Credit card travel reimbursement offers cardholders reimbursement for certain travel-related expenses that were lost due to circumstances beyond their control. Exact details will depend upon which card is chosen; be sure to read your contract carefully!
Trip delay reimbursement
Travel delays can be extremely distressful and financially straining, yet credit cards with trip delay coverage may help offset out-of-pocket expenses incurred from disruptions.
Terms for each card’s trip delay coverage will differ, but most include a policy to reimburse non-refundable travel costs like meals and hotel stays that were unusable due to unexpectedly long air or transportation delays. It may also cover other reasonable expenses like communication services, toiletries or medication costs.
Chase provides up to $500 in coverage per ticket purchased and redeemed with an eligible credit card, in the event of travel delays lasting up to 12 hours or requiring an overnight stay. To be eligible, however, your delay must meet one of the covered reasons and meet a minimum delay length listed in their policy; you also need to submit receipts for expenses incurred as soon as possible along with your claim submission within the specified timeline.
Trip interruption insurance
If a health emergency such as coronavirus arises or travel restrictions from government authorities require you to cancel or shorten your trip due to its cancellation, interruption and travel insurance could reimburse some nonrefundable expenses back. Policies often cover up to four people from within your immediate family as well.
To qualify for a claim, it’s essential that you present proof that the reason for canceling or interrupting your trip fits under one of several covered events. Some cards, such as Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and certain American Express cards, cover expenses if illness or injury of you, your traveling companions, family members, or an unexpected business meeting prevent your departure; other events could include weather disaster that renders your destination inhabitable or an unexpected meeting that requires too much of your time.
Some cards require you to charge your return transportation directly onto your credit card in order to qualify for a refund; please consult their guide of benefits for more details.
Lost or stolen luggage
As baggage claim is an all-too-common travel source of hassle and stress, waiting on that carousel can seem like a living hell. Loss or damage is all too frequent but you might be able to recover some costs with credit card travel insurance.
Many credit cards provide coverage for damaged or lost luggage, with policies varying depending on your card issuer and cardholder status. In general, to receive compensation under your policy within the specified timeframe and provide documentation such as receipts, correspondence with airlines/travel providers that refuse reimbursement and doctors’ notes/police reports as required by them.
Airline baggage mishandling has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, yet bags continue to go missing for days or even weeks. Some credit cards offer baggage delay insurance that reimburses purchases made while your bag is delayed; airlines typically specify what constitutes reasonable and necessary purchases during delays. You may also find luggage coverage through some non-airline credit cards.
Trip cancellation insurance
Credit cards offering trip cancellation insurance can reimburse prepaid, nonrefundable expenses incurred if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons such as medical issues (like flu or coronavirus), weather and legal obligations such as jury duty.
Your card’s benefits administrator can guide you through the specific steps required to file a claim, with supporting documentation like receipts or doctor’s notes submitted as evidence for reimbursement. Some cards also provide “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage which allows for cancellation without explanation, though often at a reduced amount.
Keep in mind that credit card travel protections differ from standalone trip insurance policies in terms of what they cover and potential reimbursement amounts in case anything goes awry during your trip. Always read carefully through your reimbursement plan’s fine print so you understand exactly what it covers, and whether any reimbursement may apply should something go amiss during your journey.
