Travel Insurance for Flight Cancellations
Sometimes, travel arrangements don’t work out as expected. Flight cancellations may derail even the best-laid-out plans, whether you’re a frequent traveler or not. Knowing your travel insurance options for flight cancellations is crucial when planning your next trip because of the ambiguity around airline laws and the shifting nature of travel limitations.
What is Travel Insurance for Flight Cancellations?
Travel insurance for flight cancellations is a specific type of travel insurance that covers losses incurred due to canceled flights. While standard international and domestic travel insurance policies can cover medical expenses and lost baggage, this policy focuses on protecting travelers from the financial impacts of unexpected flight cancellations.
Flight cancellation insurance can help reimburse prepaid, non-refundable costs associated with your trip in case of an unexpected flight cancellation. This type of coverage can also include additional benefits such as:
- Missed connection coverage
- Accommodation coverage
- Rental car reimbursement in some circumstances
Consequently, having flight cancellation insurance may help to reduce the stress and cost burden associated with canceled flights.
How Does Travel Insurance Work for Canceled Flights?
Travel insurance for flight cancellations works in a straightforward way. If you purchase a policy that covers this type of event, you’ll be eligible to receive compensation if your flight is canceled due to any of the covered reasons listed in the policy such as common situations like weather or mechanical issues or an employee strike.
To determine if you are eligible for coverage, the insurer will usually investigate whether an event that the policy covers caused the cancellation. For example, if your flight was canceled due to weather or mechanical issues or an employee strike.
What Does Travel Insurance for Flight Cancellations Cover?
Although coverage varies by insurer, most policies offer protection for the following types of circumstances:
- Coverage for canceled flights due to weather.
- Coverage for canceled flights due to personal reasons, such as illness or death in the family.
- Coverage for additional expenses, such as additional reasonable lodging arrangements and meal expenses incurred due to flight cancellations.
If you’re considering purchasing travel insurance, it’s essential to research different policies and choose one that provides adequate coverage in case of a flight cancellation.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Flight Cancellations Due to COVID-19?
Although this varies, some policies cover flight cancellations caused by COVID-19. Aegis’s Go Ready Pandemic Plus Plan offers you the widest range of COVID-related coverage, including protection against financial loss due to flight cancellations or delays brought on by COVID-19.
How to Find the Right Travel Insurance Policy for Flight Cancellations
Consider reviewing multiple policies to locate reasonably priced comprehensive travel insurance that’s right for your needs. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind while contrasting possible policies:
- Coverage limits: What’s the maximum amount that may be refunded to you in case of a flight cancellation or postponement?
- Types of insurance: Does the policy cover missed connections or additional expenses related to flight cancellations?
- Exclusions: Are there any kinds of losses not protected by the coverage?
- Cost: What is the cost of the coverage, and is it within your budget?
When comparing policies, it’s essential to carefully read terms and conditions to understand what is covered and excluded. Additionally, you should know the claims process to see how long it will take to receive reimbursement for flight cancellation.
How to Make a Claim on Your Travel Insurance Policy
When facing a flight cancellation, the first step is to contact your airline and ask for any refunds or rescheduling options. Should that fail, you can make a claim against your travel protection insurance plan.
To make an effective insurance claim for flight cancellations, you will need to provide certain pieces of information, such as:
- A copy of the ticket or itinerary showing the flight was canceled
- Proof of payment for all prepaid non-refundable costs associated with your trip
- Documentation from the airline or other third party confirming the flight was canceled due to one of the covered reasons listed in your policy
- Proof that you did not receive a refund or credit from the cancelled flight
Submitting your claim as soon as possible is a good idea, as some insurance companies may reject claims filed after specific deadlines. The insurer will assess your claim and determine if you meet all the policy requirements before they provide compensation.
Tips for Avoiding Flight Cancellations
Although you can’t predict when a flight will be canceled, here are some steps to help minimize the chances of your trip being disrupted:
- Check for travel advisories in the country you’re visiting before booking the flight.
- Look into different airlines and compare their cancellation policies.
- Ensure to purchase flight insurance with coverage for trip cancellation and interruption.
- Try to book non-stop flights as they usually have a higher rate of on-time arrivals.
- Monitor your flight closely in the days leading up to departure, and be prepared to make changes.
Why Travel Insurance for Flight Cancellations is Important
Nobody likes to plan for the unexpected, but travel insurance is essential to any trip. Flight cancellations can be stressful and costly, so having travel insurance for flight cancellations can provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the worst-case scenario.
At Aegis General, we understand how frustrating it can be when a flight cancellation disrupts your plans. We offer competitive rates and excellent customer service, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible value for your money. Check out our Go Ready VIP Plan today and start protecting yourself from the unexpected!