When planning your next adventure with Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, one of the smartest steps you can take is choosing the right credit card for travel protection. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card doesn’t just earn rewards — it provides some of the best built-in travel insurance coverage available.
Many of our travelers — especially solo travelers, couples, and women adventurers over 50 — appreciate the extra peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re protected before, during, and after the trip.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
If an unexpected illness, injury, or severe weather interrupts your plans, Chase Sapphire Reserve® reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses — including flights, hotels, and tours.
Coverage highlights:
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Up to $10,000 per person, $20,000 per trip
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Applies to you, your spouse/partner, and dependents
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Covers events like sickness, weather, jury duty, and more
This protection is especially valuable for travelers joining high-demand tours such as our Norway and the Fjords by Scenic Rail or Venice, Florence, and Northern Italy Tour.
Trip Delay Reimbursement
If your flight or train is delayed more than six hours (or overnight), you’re covered for meals, lodging, and incidentals — up to $500 per ticket.
Travel hiccups happen, especially in busy airports like Frankfurt or London Heathrow, but with this benefit, you won’t be left stranded without support.
Lost or Delayed Luggage Coverage
Lost luggage? Damaged bags? The Sapphire Reserve® offers up to $3,000 per traveler for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage. If your luggage is delayed more than six hours, you can claim up to $100 per day (for five days) to buy essentials.
That means you can still enjoy your first walking tour in Reykjavik or Venice while the airline tracks down your suitcase.
Emergency Medical and Evacuation Coverage
If a medical emergency arises while you’re more than 100 miles from home, Chase provides up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation and up to $2,500 for emergency medical or dental care.
It’s not a replacement for full medical insurance, but it’s a solid safety net for international travelers — particularly on trips like Peru & Machu Picchu or Croatia Small Ship Cruise.
Other Valuable Chase Sapphire Reserve® Travel Benefits
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Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $1 million for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier.
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Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $100 per day (for five days) for clothing and toiletries if bags are delayed.
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Roadside Assistance: Four service calls per year for towing, tire change, jump-start, or lockout.
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Purchase Protection: 120-day protection on new purchases against theft or damage (up to $10,000 per claim).
Why We Recommend It to Our Travelers
At Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, we see firsthand how unpredictable travel can be — from weather delays to luggage issues. That’s why we encourage travelers to use a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® when booking flights or tours.
It provides a strong layer of protection and added convenience without the hassle of buying separate policies for every trip.
One of the criticisms of the Sapphire Reserve® travel insurance coverage is that it is a bit light on the medical reimbursement. In that case, you can purchase an inexpensive but comprehensive health coverage from a supplier like Blue Cross Blue Shield.
A Note About Choosing Travel Insurance
Everyone’s travel insurance needs are different. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy offered through the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card and make certain it meets your specific requirements.
If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card may make sense for you. Yes, it has a hefty annual fee of $795, but it also includes valuable perks beyond insurance — such as airport lounge access, rewards points, and a $300 annual travel credit.
For those who travel often — especially on premium small-group tours like ours — this premium credit card can be well worth considering.
The Bottom Line
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is more than just a rewards card — it’s a built-in travel protection plan that helps you travel confidently. Whether you’re joining us in Iceland, Scotland, Italy, or Peru, this card’s benefits offer reassurance and value that frequent travelers appreciate.
Before your next adventure with The Traveling Professor, consider using the Sapphire Reserve® to book your travel — and go with peace of mind knowing you’re covered from take-off to landing.