Whether you’re a frequent traveller who needs multi-trip travel insurance or a student embarking on a study abroad course who needs student travel insurance, having the right coverage can help you avoid financial losses and travel disruptions.
Flight cancellations are one of the most common risks that travellers face, and understanding whether travel insurance covers them is crucial for making informed decisions.
In this article, we’ll explore whether travel insurance covers flight cancellations, what expenses get typically covered, and how to choose the right policy for your needs.
Is flight cancellation covered by travel insurance?
Yes, generally, travel insurance plans include protection for flight cancellation. The coverage offered for flight cancellations may differ among various insurance policies, so it’s crucial to read the terms and conditions before purchasing.
- In case the amount of coverage does not meet your requirement, consider purchasing a dedicated add-on for it or maybe even a standalone policy.
- Premium travel insurance policies may also provide a higher level of cancellation coverage, so it’s essential to compare policies to determine which offers the best value for money.
Various factors, including bad weather, technical issues with the aircraft, strikes, air traffic control restrictions, and other unexpected events, can cause flight cancellations. Natural disasters, political unrest, and security threats can lead to flight cancellations as well.
Airlines may sometimes cancel flights due to low passenger numbers or financial reasons. It’s essential to be aware of the potential causes of flight cancellations and to stay up to date with any travel advisories or alerts.
Travellers who frequently fly or study abroad may benefit from multi-trip travel insurance or student travel insurance, which can provide coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as other benefits tailored to their needs.
What’s covered: flight cancellations and travel insurance
Flight cancellation coverage protects you if your flight gets cancelled for the reasons mentioned in the policy. Suppose you, an immediate family member, or your co-traveller falls ill, meets with an accident, or passes away prior to the contracted date of departure. In that case, you can make a claim for flight cancellation as well as other booking amount refunds.
Exceptions to flight cancellation coverage in travel insurance
- Trip and flight cancellation benefits are not applicable if you cancel your trip due to anxiety, depression, nervous or emotional disorders, drug or alcohol abuse addiction, or overdose.
- If cosmetic or plastic surgery takes place for any reason other than an accident, you will not be eligible for cancellation benefits.
- Cancellation benefits do not apply to pregnancy and related conditions, any regulations or laws issued by the government or public authority, pre-existing medical conditions, or if you travel against your physician’s advice.
- You would not be eligible for cancellation benefits if the transport provider or his/her agent defaults, a strike or labour dispute existed, or a warning was issued when you purchased the insurance.
- Cancellation benefits do not cover delays caused by the withdrawal of common carrier services on the recommendations or orders of the Aviation Agency, Port Authority, or similar bodies.
Will you get coverage if you choose to cancel a flight yourself?
Coverage is usually limited to specific situations, such as unforeseen illness or injury, being called to court, being made redundant from work, or being a member of certain professions or government employees, as mentioned in your policy.
Are you covered against cancelled or delayed flights out of your control?
Travel insurance may cover flight cancellations or delays that are out of the passenger’s control, such as natural disasters. The insurance policy may allow the traveller to reclaim all their costs in such cases.
Process to claim flight cancellation insurance
The process to claim flight cancellation insurance is a simple one-
- Notify your insurance provider of the cancellation and its cause.
- Send the pre-requisite documents to your insurance provider, like the claim form, invoice, flight cancellation proof, etc.
Note that insurance providers mostly do not provide coverage if the flight is not cancelled at least 24 hours before its scheduled departure.
Tips for purchasing travel insurance that covers flight cancellations
- Look for a policy that specifically mentions coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, or travel delay related to flight cancellations.
- Read the policy details thoroughly to know the covered reasons for cancellation and any exclusions or limitations.
- Consider purchasing a policy with “cancel for any reason” coverage if you want more flexibility in cancelling your trip.
- Assess policies from various providers to determine the most suitable coverage and cost for your requirements.
Conclusio
Travel insurance can provide some coverage for flight cancellations, but the coverage and conditions vary depending on the policy and the circumstances. When purchasing travel insurance, it’s essential to understand the covered reasons and any exclusions or limitations and to purchase the policy as soon as possible to maximise the benefits. Multi-trip travel insurance can be an excellent option for frequent travellers, while student travel insurance can provide coverage tailored to the needs of students studying abroad. By following the tips for purchasing travel insurance that covers flight cancellations and selecting the right policy, travellers can know they will get protected in case of unforeseen events.
