Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance typically covers certain additional expenses you may face when a canceled flight delays your trip at least 3 to 12 hours. If the airline delays your flight for more than 12 hours, your plan may allow you to qualify for trip cancellation coverage, which may reimburse you for additional travel expenses.
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Does travel insurance cover flight delays?
Yes. Travel insurance may cover flights that are delayed, depending on the policy. You must read the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to understand what it covers and under what circumstances. Delays must exceed a certain duration, typically 3 to 12 hours before coverage kicks in.
What does travel insurance cover when the airline cancels or delays my flight?
Comprehensive travel insurance plans typically cover delayed and canceled flights via "trip delay" coverage. Here's what's generally covered:
Extra accommodation and food costs
Your policy may reimburse you for hotel stays, meals, and other necessary expenses if you're stranded due to a covered delay or cancellation.
Missed, prepaid trip events
Coverage may include costs for nonrefundable, prepaid activities or events you miss because of a covered cancellation or delay.
Added costs for meeting up with your cruise or travel group
If you miss a group tour or cruise due to a covered delay, you may be reimbursed for the expenses incurred to rejoin your group at the next stop.
Flight rebooking costs
Your policy may reimburse the reissue fee charged by the airline to change your tickets if you decide to cancel or reschedule your trip for a covered reason.
Canceled connecting flights
Travel insurance often covers canceled connecting flights, but this also depends on the terms and conditions in your policy. Coverage typically includes reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses and the additional costs you might incur to arrange alternative transportation. The airline may offer you a refund or move you to another flight. The reason for the cancellation must be covered under the terms of your policy.
Travel assistance services
Travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations can cover minor to major inconveniences. Some plans may even provide access to assistance services that can make the necessary arrangements for you after a covered delay. Learn more about how travel insurance works.
Depending on your policy, you may be reimbursed for some or all the above costs caused by your flight delay, up to the limit stated in your policy.
When does travel insurance cover flight delays and cancellations?
Your policy outlines specific, unforeseen events that qualify you for coverage or reimbursement. While every policy is different, you can typically file a claim if your trip is delayed beyond the time threshold stated in your policy and your flight is delayed or canceled due to:
- Inclement weather
- Natural disasters
- Strikes
- Mechanical issues
- Airline going out of business (known as supplier default)
Comprehensive travel insurance plans typically cover supplier default, but each policy's terms determine the coverage. You may not receive reimbursement after your airline closes if you purchased insurance too late, if your costs are refundable, or if you purchased insurance directly through the travel supplier.
Pro tip:
You may benefit from cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage if you want the flexibility to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard travel insurance, such as safety concerns, family or work obligations, and more. However, you must cancel at least 48 hours before departure, depending on the plan. Check your policy for other rules.
Does travel insurance cover the cost of switching flights?
Travel insurance may cover the cost of additional transportation costs under specific circumstances such as:
- A significant flight delay
- Cessation of travel services
- Missed connection due to a covered reason
- Severe weather
- Medical emergency
- Other covered events
Your policy will specify what events it covers for flight changes, including required documentation and the extent of the coverage (typically, documentation for your original flight as well as the new one).
Should I file a claim through the airline or my travel insurance?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, federal law requires airlines to reimburse you if they cancel a flight or delay it for a certain amount of time and you choose not to travel — the time limit varies by airline. If your delay or cancellation qualifies, file a refund request through the airline. You can still file a claim through your travel insurance for other prepaid, nonrefundable costs caused by the covered delay or cancellation.
How can I file a claim with my travel insurance for flight cancellation or delay?
Contact your insurer at the phone number or website provided in your policy documents or online account. Your insurer may ask you to submit documentation so they can verify your losses and approve your claim.
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