Inclimate weather has been an increasingly common issue, which in turn causes many travel-related issues. But there are ways to protect yourself when traveling, or at least mitigate the impacts of weather. And best of all, most of you probably already have these coverages!
Trip Delay Insurance
Often, weather can cause extended delays. And if you’re flights experience significant delays, you could find yourself needing a hotel, meals, and even toiletries or clothes. But, if your flight is delayed due to weather, airlines aren’t likely to reimburse you for the delay. As a result, it’s a good idea to have a backup, so you don’t end up spending extra money. This is where Trip Delay Insurance comes in.
The good news is that many popular travel cards provide Trip Delay Insurance as a benefit. Chase, for example, offers this coverage on many of its travel cards, as does Citi and Barclays. And, in the case of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, coverage kicks in after six hours and the common carrier ticket was purchased with the card or with rewards earned by the card. Coverage includes meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and more for the cardholder, spouse, and children under 22. It is secondary to any other coverages or reimbursements, though it doesn’t cover prepaid expenses or hazards already known before departure.
Bear in mind that these coverages are useful for delays when you’re on your way to your destination. But, they are also helpful in case you become stranded at your destination. After all, should you get stuck and need to extend your stay at your hotel, you will need to pay for the additional nights. And even if your delay is due to the airline and they reimburse you, the additional coverage to buy necessities may be helpful.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
The other important coverage to have is Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. And like the Trip Delay Insurance, it’s another coverage that is often supplied by major travel credit cards. But, unlike the Trip Delay Insurance, this coverage reimburses you if you need to cancel your trip before departure or cut a trip short. Coverage reasons for Chase include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Accidental injury, loss of life or illness of you, a travel companion, or immediate family
- Severe weather that prevents the start or continuation of the trip
- Terrorists or hijacking
- Jury duty or court subpoena that cannot be postponed or waived
- Financial insolvency of the travel agent, tour operator, travel operator
Of course, like the Trip Delay Insurance, purchases must be made with an eligible card or reward points.
Other Coverages
Other common coverages your card may come with include baggage delay, lost luggage, travel accident, emergency evacuation and transportation, travel and emergency assistance, car rental collision, and emergency medical and dental coverages. They’re all protections you hope to never have to use but are good to have just in case. But remember, all of these coverages require that you make your travel purchases with that card.
Cards That Don’t Provide These Coverages
Notably, American Express cards DO NOT provide Trip Delay or Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurances. This includes the American Express Platinum card, which is shocking given the annual fee. Likewise, other popular card providers like Capital One do not provide these coverages either.
As a result, when booking your flight, you’ll have to make important considerations. What’s more important? Earning 5x Membership Rewards points via Amex and not having the coverage? Or are you ok with earning 3x points and having the coverage with the Chase Sapphire Reserve? It’s an even more important consideration now that Korean SkyPass isn’t a Chase Ultimate Rewards partner anymore.
Protect Yourself When Traveling, Final Thoughts
Personally, I don’t travel a whole lot. And when I do travel, it often takes a lot of planning and saving, regardless if it’s saving points or cash. So it gives me peace of mind knowing I have these protections in place. After all, it can be difficult to have to shell out extra money in case things go awry. And it’s especially comforting to know I won’t lose everything because of things not under my control. So, for me, it’s worth taking the points penalty to ensure I have coverage.
The protections of the Chase Sapphire Reserve are yet another reason why I love the card so much. It’s a very flexible card with so many benefits, which makes it the perfect travel card. I only wish the Amex Platinum came with at least some of the same protections. But, on the other hand, the Amex Platinum does have better service. Of course, purchasing extra coverage is always an option too. Companies like Allianz offers many, many options to choose from. But, again, why pay if you already have coverage?