Missing a flight can be a stressful and costly experience, leaving many travellers wondering: does travel insurance cover a missed flight? The answer isn’t straightforward, as cover depends on your policy’s specific circumstances and terms. This guide will help you understand when travel insurance may or may not cover missed flights.
Travel insurance
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When does travel insurance cover a missed flight?
Travel insurance may cover missed flights under certain unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. Common scenarios include:
- Public transport delays: If your train, bus, or other public transport is delayed, causing you to miss your flight, some policies may offer cover. However, you’ll typically need to provide official documentation of the delay from the transport provider.
- Road accidents or vehicle breakdowns: Should you be involved in a road accident or experience a vehicle breakdown en route to the airport, certain policies may cover the missed flight. Again, documentation such as a police report or breakdown service confirmation will be necessary.
- Severe weather conditions: Extreme weather events like snowstorms or floods that prevent you from reaching the airport may be covered. Insurers will require evidence, such as weather reports or news articles, to support your claim.
- Unexpected illness or injury: If you or an immediate family member falls ill or is injured unexpectedly, leading to a missed flight, some policies may provide cover. Medical documentation will be essential to substantiate your claim.
When is a missed flight not covered?
Travel insurance generally does not cover missed flights resulting from:
- Personal negligence: Oversleeping, arriving late at the airport, or not allowing sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
- Known issues: Missing a flight due to ongoing traffic congestion or known public transport strikes, unless specified in your policy.
- Airline faults: If the airline cancels or delays your flight, they are typically responsible for rebooking or compensating you, not your travel insurer.
What does missed flight cover include?
When your missed flight claim is accepted, travel insurance may cover:
- Additional transportation costs: Expenses incurred to reach your destination, such as booking a new flight.
- Accommodation and meals: If you need to stay overnight due to the missed flight, reasonable costs for lodging and food may be reimbursed.
- Missed connections: If a delay causes you to miss a connecting flight, some policies may cover the costs associated with rebooking.
Tips for ensuring cover
- Review your policy: Not all travel insurance policies include missed flight cover. Look for terms like “missed departure” or “travel delay” in your policy documents.
- Purchase add-ons if necessary: If your standard policy doesn’t cover missed flights, consider purchasing additional cover.
- Document everything: Keep all receipts, reports, and official communications related to the incident that caused you to miss your flight.
- Act promptly: Inform your insurer as soon as possible after missing your flight to initiate the claims process.
Summary
While travel insurance can provide a safety net for missed flights, cover is highly dependent on the specific circumstances and your policy’s terms. Unforeseen events like severe weather or unexpected illness are more likely to be covered, whereas personal oversights are not. Always read your policy carefully and consider additional cover if your travel plans involve tight connections or potential risks.
