How Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance Saved My $1,400 Trip

Unfortunately, the process with Bookit.com wasn’t so simple. The OTA didn’t have a policy for extenuating circumstances, so this cancellation was subject to Bookit.com’s strict policy, which only gave us a $299 refund since we canceled the trip within a few days of departure.

I called Bookit.com multiple times and was finally given the email address of a supervisor who would review the situation. I sent an email explaining the reason for the cancellation and provided a note from the hospital signed by my grandfather’s attending physician. Over the course of a few weeks, I sent multiple emails and never received a response.

When my credit card bill arrived containing the $1,745 charge, I called Chase to dispute it. The dispute was filed, and that month, Chase credited me the amount and began investigating the transaction. However, the next month, Chase recharged me because Bookit.com replied to Chase and explained that the charge was valid since I was the one who canceled a nonrefundable trip.

I spoke to a Chase supervisor who advised me to file a claim with Chase’s travel insurance since this situation was likely covered by the card’s trip cancellation coverage. She further explained that the charge would remain on the credit card bill and I would have to pay it because, as ridiculous as it was, Bookit.com did follow its policy.

Then, after filing my claim, Chase’s benefit administrator would review my claim and reimburse me. Though I’ve held the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for many years, I’ve been fortunate to not need any of the card’s travel insurance protections, so this was a whole new process for me.

Read more. Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Offered on Cards