Buzz
It’s one thing to be aware that your credit card provides coverage for travel disruptions like delayed luggage or sudden airline shutdowns. It’s a different challenge to understand how to claim those benefits when you’re traveling.
During a recent conversation with Brandon Neth of FinanceBuzz, the frequent traveler shared unexpected advice: If you need to file a travel insurance claim with your credit card issuer, don’t wait until you return home. Delaying the process could cause you to miss out on the benefits your annual fee covers.
Here’s what you need to know before facing the stressful moment of filing a claim.
Begin the process promptly
You might want to quickly resolve the travel issue and move on to the enjoyable parts of your trip. However, Neth cautioned that some credit cards impose a limited time frame for submitting claims after an incident.
Your benefits guide will include a phone number, and likely a collect number if you’re traveling outside the U.S., so overcome your phone hesitation and make the call as soon as possible.
Record everything
“Hold onto your receipts,” Neth recommended. “Whenever you file an insurance claim, it’s always a hassle.”
Why? Because every credit card has its own procedures for filing travel insurance claims. Before embarking on your trip, skim through the benefits booklet of the card used for your booking, and make sure to take that information with you. Many of us have learned this the hard way.
If your trip turns into a nightmare, you’ll want to be clear on what’s required to get reimbursed. If you’re uncertain about whether to keep a receipt or document from your travels, it’s safer to hold on to it until you get home.
For instance, I reviewed the Chase Sapphire Reserve booklet for claims related to delayed baggage. When you initiate the claim, you’ll receive a claim form to complete and submit, along with a copy of your travel itinerary, the credit card statement showing the airfare charge, and written proof from the airline confirming the baggage delay.
Continue using that credit card
“If possible, charge everything related to your claim to the same credit card” you plan to use for filing, advised Neth. For instance, if you purchased your flight with a Chase Sapphire card and need to file a baggage delay claim, use that same Chase card to buy any necessary clothing in the meantime.
This approach is particularly useful if you’re abroad. Travel-friendly cards often waive foreign transaction fees (though this can vary, so review your card’s terms). In a stressful moment, you might feel inclined to use cash, but keeping everything on that one card helps with organization and avoids the hassle of currency exchanges.
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