Travelling can be exciting, but it also involves a lot of planning and preparation. Part of that preparation includes buying travel insurance, which can help protect you from unforeseen circumstances. One such circumstance is a cancelled flight. However, the big question remains: does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?
The Short Answer: It Depends
It’s important to understand that travel insurance policies vary in terms of coverage, so whether or not your cancelled flight is covered will depend on the specific policy you have. However, many travel insurance policies do include coverage for cancelled flights under certain circumstances.
Common Reasons for Cancelled Flights
Flight cancellations can happen for a variety of reasons, some of which are beyond your control. Some common reasons for cancelled flights include:
- Bad weather
- Mechanical issues
- Air traffic control problems
- Strikes or other industrial actions
- Security concerns
What Types of Travel Insurance Cover Cancelled Flights?
There are different types of travel insurance policies that may cover cancelled flights:
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: This type of insurance can provide reimbursement if you have to cancel your trip due to a covered reason, such as illness or a death in the family. Depending on the policy, it may also cover cancelled flights.
- Travel Delay Insurance: This type of insurance can provide reimbursement for expenses incurred due to a travel delay, such as hotel accommodations and meals. Depending on the policy, it may also cover cancelled flights.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: This type of insurance typically includes coverage for trip cancellation and travel delay, as well as other benefits such as medical coverage and baggage protection. Depending on the policy, it may also cover cancelled flights.
What’s Not Covered by Travel Insurance?
It’s important to note that not all reasons for cancelled flights will be covered by travel insurance. For example, if you decide to cancel your trip for personal reasons that are not covered under your policy, your cancelled flight may not be covered either. Additionally, if you miss your flight due to your own negligence, such as arriving late to the airport, your cancelled flight will likely not be covered.
What Should I Do If My Flight is Cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled, the first thing you should do is contact your airline to find out what your options are. Depending on the circumstances, the airline may be able to rebook you on a later flight or provide you with a refund. If you have travel insurance, you should also contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage you have and what steps you need to take to file a claim.
Conclusion
In summary, whether or not your cancelled flight is covered by travel insurance will depend on the specific policy you have. It’s important to understand what your policy does and does not cover before you buy it, and to contact your insurance provider if you need to file a claim. With the right travel insurance policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected in the event of a cancelled flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What should I do if my flight is cancelled? | Contact your airline to find out what your options are, and contact your travel insurance provider if you have coverage. |
What types of travel insurance cover cancelled flights? | Trip Cancellation Insurance, Travel Delay Insurance, and Comprehensive Travel Insurance may include coverage for cancelled flights. |
What’s not covered by travel insurance? | Not all reasons for cancelled flights will be covered by travel insurance, and if you miss your flight due to your own negligence, it will likely not be covered. |