Chase Southwest Benefits: What’s Really Covered

Informational Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the Chase Southwest Visa Signature® Guide to Benefits effective October 1, 2024. It does not replace or supersede the official benefit guide or any information provided directly by Chase Bank.Coverage details, terms, and exclusions may change at any time. For the most accurate and current information, always review your official benefit guide at chasebenefits.com or contact Chase using the number on the back of your card.

If you’ve ever booked a trip and thought, “My credit card covers travel insurance,” you’re not alone. Most travelers assume they’re fully protected when they pay for a trip with their card. But here’s the reality: credit card travel insurance isn’t the same as a comprehensive travel insurance policy, and it’s full of limitations that most people don’t realize until it’s too late.

When I decided to review the Chase Southwest Visa Signature® Guide to Benefits, I discovered it wasn’t easy to find. I had to make phone calls, submit requests, and do some serious digging just to get the official policy document. Once I read through it, I was shocked by how many holes there are in the coverage—especially for anyone traveling internationally.

Here’s what I found (and why a policy like Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum offers far stronger protection).

🧳 What the Chase Southwest Card Actually Covers

While the Chase Southwest Visa Signature® card does come with some built-in travel protections, most are limited in scope or apply only in specific situations. Here’s a simplified breakdown directly from Chase’s official benefit guide (effective October 1, 2024):

Benefit Name	Coverage Amount / Limits	Eligibility Conditions	Exclusions & Restrictions	Filing Deadlines & Requirements
Auto Rental Coverage	Up to $60,000 (worldwide); 31 days max rental	Must pay entire rental with card or rewards; decline rental agency’s CDW/LDW	Excludes exotic cars, RVs, motorcycles, liability, off-road use, alcohol/drug use, etc.	Report within 100 days; docs within 365 days
Baggage Delay Insurance	$100/day (up to 3 days after 6+ hour delay)	Common-carrier fare must be paid with card or rewards	Excludes jewelry, electronics, sports gear, business items, cash, tickets	Claim within 20 days; docs within 90 days
Lost Luggage Reimbursement	Up to $3,000 per traveler ($500 limit on electronics/jewelry)	Fare paid with card or rewards	Excludes money, tickets, securities, items left behind	Claim within 20 days; docs within 90 days
Travel Accident Insurance	$100,000 (24-hour) / $500,000 (common carrier)	Must charge fare to card or rewards	Excludes illness, war, illegal acts, commuting, etc.	Claim within 20 days; docs within 90 days
Roadside Assistance	Pay-per-use (tow 5 miles, jump start, fuel, lockout)	Cardholder in U.S./Canada only	Not insurance; limited to “light-duty” vehicles under 10,000 lbs	Call 1-800-349-2634 at time of incident
Purchase Protection	Theft/damage within 120 days ($500/item; $50k/account)	Item purchased with card or rewards	Excludes antiques, perishables, software, mysterious disappearance claims	Claim within 90 days; docs within 120 days
Extended Warranty	Adds 1 year to manufacturer warranty (max 4 yrs); $10k/item limit	Item must have U.S. manufacturer warranty and be purchased on card	Excludes vehicles, boats, medical equipment, pre-owned items	Claim within 90 days of failure; docs within 120 days
Travel & Emergency Assistance	24/7 referral only (traveler pays actual costs)	Cardholder and immediate family members	Not insurance; services only	Call at time of need

These perks are useful for minor inconveniences, but not for true emergencies—especially those that involve medical care, trip cancellation, or evacuation.

Chase Southwest Benefits vs. Travel Insured Platinum

Here’s how the Chase Southwest Visa Signature® benefits compare directly to the Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum plan:

Benefit	Chase Southwest Credit Card	Travel Insured Platinum
Trip Cancellation	❌ Not covered	✅ 100% of Trip Cost (up to $150k per person; $250k max per trip)
Trip Interruption	❌ Not covered	✅ 150% of Trip Cost
Trip Delay	Baggage delay only ($100/day after 6 hrs)	✅ After 3 hrs – $2,000 ($200/day)
Missed Connection	❌ Not covered	✅ After 3 hrs – $1,000
Medical Coverage	❌ Not covered (only accidental death/dismemberment)	✅ $500,000 Accident & Sickness Medical Expense + $750 Dental
Emergency Evacuation / Repatriation	❌ Not included	✅ $1,000,000
Political/Security/Natural Disaster Evacuation	❌ Not covered	✅ Up to $150,000
Lost Luggage / Personal Effects	✅ $3,000 (traveler limit)	✅ $2,500 ($250/article)
Baggage Delay	$100/day after 6 hrs (max 3 days)	✅ $750 after 3 hrs
Travel Accident Insurance	✅ $100k (24-hr) / $500k (common carrier)	✅ $10,000
Roadside Assistance	✅ Pay-per-use (US/Canada only)	❌ Not included
Purchase Protection	✅ 120 days ($500/item, $50k/account)	❌ Not included
Extended Warranty	✅ Adds 1 year ($10k/item)	❌ Not included
Travel Assistance	Referral only; traveler pays costs	✅ Full assistance with coverage (medical, legal, evacuation)

The Gaps in Chase Southwest’s Travel Coverage

Here’s where the holes in Chase’s travel protection become clear:

1. No Trip Cancellation or Interruption CoverageIf you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, weather, or emergencies—you’re on your own.

2. No Medical Coverage AbroadYour credit card won’t pay for a hospital stay or doctor visit overseas. U.S. health insurance rarely applies abroad.

3. No Evacuation ProtectionIf there’s a natural disaster, medical emergency, or political unrest, Chase won’t pay for an evacuation that could cost $50,000 or more.

4. Limited Delay BenefitsBaggage delay only—no coverage for trip delays or missed connections.

5. Assistance That Isn’t InsuranceThe “24/7 Travel Assistance” hotline offers referrals only; you still pay every bill yourself.

Why Travel Insured Platinum Truly Shines

The Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum plan fills every one of those gaps—and then some:

• 🩺 $500,000 Accident & Sickness Medical Coverage (+ $750 Dental)

• 🚑 $1,000,000 Emergency Evacuation / Repatriation

• 🌪️ $150,000 Political / Natural Disaster Evacuation

• ✈️ Trip Cancellation & Interruption for 31 covered reasons (childbirth, employment changes, school extensions, destination weddings, etc.)

• ⏱️ Trip Delay & Missed Connection Protection after just 3 hours

• 💼 Primary Insurance (except rental cars)—meaning it pays first, no fighting with other policies

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It’s comprehensive, clear, and designed for real-life emergencies—not fine-print surprises.

Final Thoughts: Credit Card Coverage Isn’t Real Travel Insurance

The Chase Southwest Visa Signature® offers nice perks—like purchase protection, extended warranty, and accident insurance—but when it comes to true travel protection, it falls short. There's definitely better credit cards out there with better coverage!

For international travelers, especially families, the lack of medical and evacuation coverage is a serious gap. One unexpected illness or injury abroad can turn into tens of thousands in bills.

That’s why I always recommend pairing your card’s perks with a comprehensive travel insurance policy like Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum. It’s affordable, flexible, and built for real-world travel challenges—so you can focus on chasing memories, not unexpected expenses.

⚠️ Disclaimers

Informational Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the Chase Southwest Visa Signature® Guide to Benefits effective October 1, 2024. It does not replace or supersede the official benefit guide or any information provided directly by Chase Bank.Coverage details, terms, and exclusions may change at any time. For the most accurate and current information, always review your official benefit guide at chasebenefits.com or contact Chase using the number on the back of your card.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend companies I personally use and trust. I’m proud to be an affiliate partner with

, whose policies I use for my own family travel and recommend for comprehensive, dependable coverage.