I hear this constantly: “I don’t need Medjet; I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve.” So I dug into the “Guide to Benefits” for 2026. The reality is shocking. While it does have a $100,000 evacuation limit, the strings attached make it a dangerous safety net for serious adventurers.
Key Takeaways
- The Cap is Low: $100,000 is the limit. As we learned, a jet from Asia/Fiji to the US is $180,000+. You are on the hook for the $80k difference.
- “Nearest Suitable”: Chase covers you to the nearest facility, not home. If you are in Nepal, you go to Kathmandu or Delhi. You do not go to New York.
- Secondary Payer: It is “Secondary” to other insurance. You must file with your primary health insurance first, get denied, and then file with Chase. This delays “Guarantee of Payment” significantly.
- Trip Payment Rule: You usually must have charged a portion (or all) of the trip to the card to activate the coverage.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Reliance on a Perk.”
Credit card benefits are “perks,” not core products. The claims administrator is a third-party (like Allianz or Broadspire). They are strict. They do not have a fleet of jets. They are an insurance adjuster.
- The Crisis: You need a jet NOW. Chase needs “proof of primary denial” and “receipts.” They rarely front the cash ($100k) instantly like a dedicated travel insurer does.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Chase Benefits Line: “We cover Emergency Evacuation up to $100,000. Transport is to the nearest medical facility capable of proper treatment.”
- Amex Platinum: “Unlimited” evacuation coverage (Premium Global Assist) IF you use their specific coordination team. This is much stronger than Chase, but still “Nearest Suitable” facility usually.
- Medjet: “We are a membership. We work on top of the card. Use the card to get to the local hospital, use us to get home.”
Comparison Table: Card vs. Membership
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Amex Platinum | Medjet (Membership) |
| Limit | $100,000 | Unlimited (via PGA) | Unlimited |
| Destination | Nearest Suitable | Nearest Suitable | Hospital of Choice |
| Trigger | Trip paid with card | Cardmember status | Membership active |
| Coordination | Reimbursement focused | Assistance focused | Transport focused |
[IMAGE: Credit Card floating in the ocean as a life raft (too small), compared to a large rescue boat labeled ‘Dedicated Insurance’]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Don’t Rely for Remote Trips: If you are going to Asia, Africa, or Antarctica, $100k is NOT enough. Buy supplemental insurance.
- Use Amex Platinum if Possible: The Premium Global Assist (PGA) is superior because it has no cap and pays costs upfront if you coordinate through them.
- Read the “Guide to Benefits”: Don’t trust a blog post. Download the PDF from your bank. Search “Emergency Evacuation.”
- Pay the Fare: Ensure you put the flight on the card. If you paid with miles only, check if you paid the taxes with the card (usually triggers coverage).
FAQ
Does it cover my spouse?
Usually yes, if the trip was paid with the card.
What if I have authorized users?
Amex Platinum covers authorized users. Chase usually does too.
Is it really secondary?
Yes. But since most US health insurance (Blue Cross) excludes international air ambulance, the denial is automatic, making Chase the payer. The delay is the paperwork.