Apply for Credit Card Travel Insurance Immediately
It’s one thing to know that your credit card offers travel insurance for unforeseen travel events such as delayed baggage or sudden airline closings. Knowing how to access these benefits while you’re on the go is another matter.
When I spoke to Brandon Net at FinanceBuzz recently , a frequent traveler gave me advice I didn’t expect: if you need to apply for travel insurance with a credit card issuer, don’t wait until you get home. Delaying your application may result in you losing the benefits that your annual fee is earmarked for .
Here’s what you need to know before that stressful moment when you need to make a complaint.
Start the process early
You might want to get rid of the hiccups on the road as soon as possible and continue the fun. But Neth warned that some maps have a short window where you can file a claim after an incident.
Your Benefits Directory will have a phone number and probably also a collection number that you can use if you are outside the US, so get out of your phone worries and call as soon as you get the opportunity.
Document everything
“Keep your receipts,” advised No. “Every time you apply for insurance, it is never easy.”
Why? Because each credit card has its own rules for processing insurance claims. Before you travel, quickly flip through the benefit book for the card you booked your trip with and take this information with you . Some of us have learned this the hard way.
If you are experiencing severe travel headaches, you will want to know exactly what you need to be compensated. And if you’re not sure if you should keep a receipt or document from your trip, be careful and keep it until you get home.
For example, I checked the Chase Sapphire Reserve booklet to file a delayed baggage claim. When you call to complete your claim, you will be sent a claim form that you must complete and submit along with a copy of the travel itinerary, a copy of your credit card statement showing your ticket price, and a written confirmation from the airline that your baggage was delayed.
Keep using this credit card
“If you can, put everything related to this requirement on a credit card,” None said. For example, if you bought a plane ticket with your Chase Sapphire card and want to file a delayed baggage claim, you should in the meantime buy the clothes you need with that Chase card.
This is especially useful if you are in a foreign country. Travel benefit cards generally do not have any overseas transaction fees (although your mileage may vary, so check your terms and conditions). In times of stress, you might think it’s easiest to get cash, but doing everything with the same card will help you organize yourself and save you the hassle of exchanging currency.