Will Travel Insurance Cover Flight Cancellation

Written and researched by Michael Kays (Travel Insurance Expert) | Fact Checked by Danya Kristen (Insurance Agent).

Picture this: You’ve packed your bags, your itinerary is set, and you’re buzzing with excitement for your upcoming vacation. But then, bam!

You receive that dreadful notification – your flight is cancelled.

Now, your immediate concern is, does your travel insurance cover flight cancellations? Let’s put on our detective caps and find out!

Travel Insurance and Flight Cancellations

In the world of travel insurance, flight cancellations can be a tricky territory. Generally speaking, yes, many travel insurance policies do cover flight cancellations. But, like a suspense novel, there’s always a twist: it depends on the ‘why’.

Insurance is all about covering unforeseen circumstances, so if your flight is cancelled due to factors beyond your control, like weather conditions, airline strikes, or perhaps a global pandemic (cough, COVID-19, cough), your travel insurance will likely step up to the plate.

Recommended Plans

✅ Atlas America

Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.

✅ Safe Travels Comprehensive

Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).

✅ Patriot America Platinum

Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.

When It’s a No-Go

However, if you’ve just decided you’d rather stay home and binge-watch your favorite show, or if you’re cancelling because you didn’t get the window seat, sorry to burst your bubble, but insurance won’t cover that.

Nor will it typically cover cancellations due to pre-existing conditions unless you’ve explicitly taken out cover for this.

Reading Between The Lines

A pro tip? Always read the policy wording. That document is the Holy Grail when it comes to understanding what’s covered and what’s not.

If the idea of wading through jargon-filled text doesn’t thrill you, remember it’s your ticket to understanding your rights and your coverage.

Conclusion

In the end, it all boils down to this – travel insurance can be a lifesaver when flight cancellations occur, provided they’re for covered reasons.

Just remember, the devil’s in the details. Make sure you understand what your policy covers, ask questions if you need to, and always keep an eye on the skies and your flight status!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my travel insurance cover a flight cancellation due to weather?

A: Typically, yes! If severe weather causes a cancellation, your travel insurance should cover you. But do check the specifics of your policy.

Q: If my airline goes bankrupt and cancels my flight, am I covered?

A: It depends on your policy. Some insurers do cover financial default of a travel provider, but not all. It’s vital to read your policy documents.

Q: Can I get my money back if I decide to cancel my trip?

A: Generally, if you’re cancelling for personal reasons, travel insurance won’t cover you. However, you might want to consider a ‘cancel for any reason’ add-on for more flexibility.