Travel Insurance: Canceled and Delayed Flights (2024)

FAQs

Does travel insurance cover you for delayed flights? ›

It's worth checking with your travel insurance provider to see if you can make a claim. You could be entitled to get compensation if your flight is more than 3 hours late, and the airline's at fault. But, if the delay is out of the airline's control you may be unlikely to receive compensation.

Yes, travel insurance often covers canceled connecting flights, but this also depends on the terms and conditions in your policy. Coverage typically includes reimbursem*nt for non-refundable expenses and the additional costs you might incur to arrange alternative transportation.

If an airline delays your flight, it must rebook you on a different flight. However, until 2024, federal law didn't require airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation for delayed flights. According to the DOT, you're entitled to a refund if your flight is “significantly” delayed.

If your flight is canceled without travel insurance, start by contacting the airline immediately for options. They might offer to rebook you on another flight or provide a refund. Check if you're entitled to compensation under relevant regulations.

When making a claim, you will need to provide travel documents that show the delay (such as a ticket, boarding pass or flight number) and provide proof of reasonable expenses.

If your flight gets cancelled by the airline, you are entitled to receive either a full ticket refund or a new flight. If the flight is cancelled after you have already arrived at the airport, you are also entitled to care.

If your flight has been delayed for 2 hours or more, you are entitled to free-of-charge meals or refreshments, depending on the duration of your wait. If your domestic flight has kept you waiting for over 6 hours, the airline must communicate a reschedule time more than 24 hours before the original scheduled departure.

Here's how much you're entitled to: Arrival of 1-2 hours after scheduled time: Compensated 200% of your one-way ticket price (up to $675 USD) Arrival of 2+ hours later than scheduled time for domestic flights: Compensated 400% of your one-way ticket price (up to $1350 USD)

Does travel insurance cover cancelled or missed flights? Your travel insurer may cover you if your flight was cancelled and the airline company doesn't or can't reschedule your flight. Your insurer may also cover you if the airline company doesn't reimburse you as a result, or only reimburses part of your expenses.

How to handle flight delays and cancellations? ›

When you're faced with the unfortunate event of having to cancel your trip, your travel insurance cover steps in to alleviate the financial strain. Here's what you can typically expect it to cover: Pre-booked transport, such as plane or train tickets. Accommodation costs, including hotels, hostels, or campsites.

Unlike in the case of missed flights, travellers are generally covered when there is a flight delay, rescheduling or cancellation that impacts further travel arrangements, or they cannot return home as expected and, as a result, they need to extend their stay or arrange new flights.

A standard travel insurance should provide some level of medical cover. Most policies will include cover for: Emergency medical expenses, including hospital charges and ambulance fees. Returning you home, or repatriation costs, if you can't use your original ticket.

Will Travel Insurance Cover Costs if I Need to Switch Flights? Travel insurance for flight changes is also available. But most policies don't cover you if you simply change your mind about a flight. Trip interruption and cancellation policies cover a range of unforeseen circ*mstances.

Bad weather must only affect the 'flight in question' for airlines to use as a defence. If your flight was delayed because of the knock-on effects of a different flight being affected by bad weather, you should be able to claim compensation.