Does Travel Insurance Cover Flight Delays?

We must plan travel, lodging, and all expenses well in advance when planning a trip. Along with that, it’s an ideal idea to prepare for unexpected events like sudden cancellations due to unavoidable circumstances or luggage loss while travelling, which is why travel insurance exists.

Trip cancellation insurance addresses the situation in which you are forced to cancel your trip or reservations due to circumstances beyond your control, such as becoming seriously ill or injuring yourself a few days before your departure. This coverage allows you to be reimbursed for all non-refundable travel expenses.

What is the procedure for trip cancellation insurance?

When you must cancel a trip unexpectedly, you not only have to deal with the frustration and disruption of travel insurance coverage*, but you also must deal with the financial fallout of the cancellation fees, which can be a considerable burden. Most travel and accommodation providers charge a higher cancellation fee and provide a lower refund the closer the departure or check-in date is.

When finalising cancellations, contact them as soon as possible (ideally within five days of the event) and provide documentation as proof (e.G., A medical certificate or a certificate from the employer). Because travel and accommodation cancellation policies vary by provider, you may be charged a percentage of the total cost or forfeit your deposit depending on when you cancel.

Cancellation insurance coverage is valid if the following conditions are met:

It is mentioned in the policy.

This occurs after you have purchased insurance.

Is unforeseeable

Is accidental

Here are a few examples of valid cancellation on various types of travel insurance scenarios:

A family member has passed.

A severe injury or illness (applicable to you or your family)

Residence damage due to a calamity or burglary/theft or fire

Changes to the dates of your paid time off

Terrorist attack or natural disaster at the vacation spot

Your tourist visa has been denied.

Having to retake an examination

Employment loss or new employment

Identity or travel ticket theft

The cancellation grounds may differ depending on the policy, so read the exclusion clauses. Here are a few examples of exclusions:

Strikes in organised public transportation unless the insurance period begins before the strike date.

Due to inclement weather, an airline, cruise line, or tour operator may cancel or change your travel plans.

Personal changes in travel plans made by the insured or a travelling companion.

A deterioration in the insured’s financial situation.

Refer to the policy’s “general exclusions” section as well.

Purchasing trip cancellation insurance:

While booking your trip, you can purchase trip cancellation insurance from the travel agency or tour operator’s website. The total cost of the insurance is proportional to the cost of the trip and will vary depending on the policy you choose. It typically ranges from 4% to 7% of the total trip cost.

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellation?

Yes, trip cancellation is covered by travel insurance, as are medical expenses, loss or theft of possessions, flight delays, and emergency evacuations. Trip cancellation insurance is the most used type of travel insurance.

Travel insurance is recommended as soon as you book your trip because it provides more comprehensive coverage against various financial risks. Apart from cancellation, you get coverage for medical emergencies during the trip, loss of baggage or documents during the trip or any emergency that may take place in your duration during the trip.

‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation.

* Standard T&C Apply