What To Know
- Be a primary cardholder on a qualifying Southwest credit card.
- If you frequently travel and value comprehensive protection, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card may be ideal.
- For those who travel less often, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers a balance of coverage and value.
When embarking on exciting journeys, it’s crucial to ensure peace of mind with comprehensive travel protection. For those who swear by Southwest Airlines, the question arises: “Does Southwest credit card include travel insurance?” This blog post delves into the intricacies of Southwest’s credit card offerings, deciphering their travel insurance coverage and providing valuable insights for informed travelers.
Southwest Credit Cards: A Spectrum of Options
Southwest offers a range of credit cards tailored to different travel needs. These cards include:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Travel Insurance Coverage: A Breakdown
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: No coverage
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Up to $10,000 per person, $20,000 per trip
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Up to $15,000 per person, $30,000 per trip
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per trip
Trip Delay Insurance:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: No coverage
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Up to $500 per person, $1,000 per trip
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Up to $750 per person, $1,500 per trip
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Up to $1,000 per person, $2,000 per trip
Baggage Delay Insurance:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: No coverage
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Up to $500 per person, $1,000 per trip
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Up to $750 per person, $1,500 per trip
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Up to $1,000 per person, $2,000 per trip
Lost Luggage Insurance:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: No coverage
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Up to $3,000 per person, $6,000 per trip
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Up to $4,500 per person, $9,000 per trip
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Up to $6,000 per person, $12,000 per trip
Eligibility and Activation
To be eligible for travel insurance coverage, you must:
- Be a primary cardholder on a qualifying Southwest credit card
- Use your card to purchase the entire trip (flights, hotels, etc.)
- Register your trip with Southwest within 14 days of making the purchase
Exclusions and Limitations
Like any insurance policy, there are certain exclusions and limitations to Southwest’s travel insurance coverage. These include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Acts of war or terrorism
- High-risk activities (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving)
- Travel to certain destinations (e.g., Cuba, North Korea)
Additional Benefits of Southwest Credit Cards
Beyond travel insurance, Southwest credit cards offer numerous other benefits, including:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® points on everyday purchases
- Free checked bags on Southwest flights
- Priority boarding
- EarlyBird Check-In
- Companion Pass benefits (with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card)
Choosing the Right Card for Your Needs
Selecting the right Southwest credit card depends on your travel habits and insurance coverage requirements. If you frequently travel and value comprehensive protection, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card may be ideal. For those who travel less often, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers a balance of coverage and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Southwest travel insurance primary or secondary?
A: Southwest travel insurance is secondary, meaning it will only cover expenses not reimbursed by other insurance policies (e.g., homeowners insurance, health insurance).
Q2: How do I file a travel insurance claim with Southwest?
A: You can file a claim online or by calling Southwest‘s customer service number.
Q3: What documentation do I need to provide for a travel insurance claim?
A: You will typically need to provide documentation such as receipts, tickets, and a police report (if applicable).
Q4: What is the maximum coverage amount for trip cancellation/interruption insurance?
A: The maximum coverage amount varies depending on the credit card you have. It ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 per person.
Q5: Does Southwest travel insurance cover trip cancellation due to COVID-19?
A: Southwest travel insurance does not cover trip cancellation due to COVID-19 unless you have purchased a specific COVID-19 coverage plan.
