Does travel insurance cover missed flights
Find out if your travel insurance covers missed flights and related expenses, along with what is not covered and how to claim the compensation.
How Does Missed Flight Benefit Work?
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Travel insurance may cover missed flights for some specific reasons such as weather, medical, or any unforeseen events.
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Valid documentation is required to prove the reason for the missed flight.
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If your policy covers missed flights, then you may get help with rebooking costs, accommodation, meals, and other covered expenses.
Does travel insurance cover missed flights? This question bothers many, but the answer depends on the policy you buy. Your travel insurance covers the situation mentioned by your provider for missed flights.
For instance, you are on your way to the airport and witness a serious roadblock because of an accident. Fortunately, you do not get injured, but this whole circumstance becomes the reason for your missed flight. Now, it is your travel insurance policy that will decide your coverage eligibility.
This guide will help you to understand what may be covered or not covered in your travel insurance if you missed your direct flight or connecting flight. Knowing what your protection plan includes helps you avoid costs you didn't see coming.
Common Situations Covered for Missed Flights
While the coverage of each travel insurance policy varies depending on the insurer, there are some common circumstances that may be eligible to be considered for claiming the missed flight expenses.
1. Severe Weather Conditions
Weather is unpredictable sometimes and can be the reason for delays and cancellations of your travel plans. If a severe weather condition such as storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, or more is the reason for your late arrival at the airport, you might be liable to claim the non-refundable expenses for your travel delays or cancellations because of missing the flights.
2. Medical Emergencies
If you or your immediate family member experiences a medical emergency that needs attention and proper care, you can be eligible to miss your flight or trip cancellation. Having the right travel insurance will give you the right coverage.
3. Accidents or Delays in Transportation
Some insurers also include delays because of the accidents that occur while commuting to the airport. Delays caused by public transportation may also get coverage for missed flights.
4. Unforeseen Events
Several unexpected situations, such as natural disasters, civil unrest, wars, or the sudden death of a close family member, might be considered valid for missing your flight. Check with your travel insurance provider to see if they consider the extremity of these events valid for a missed flight claim.
5. Technical Airline Issues
If you missed your flight where you are not at fault but the airline is, then you can claim the coverage. Some policies may cover your missed flight or connection due to any technical issues with the common carrier.
What is Generally Not Covered?
Knowing what is not included under your travel insurance for missed connecting flights is equally important. Here are some of the exclusions.
Personal Negligence
Leaving late for the airport or oversleeping is usually not covered if you miss your flight. You need to get an estimate for reaching the airport on time for check-in and security clearance, as these are also not covered.
Known Strikes or Events
Coverage is not allowed for events that have already been declared in advance. For instance, a protest or strike that can block the roads during your commute will not be considered for your missed coverage compensation.
Forgetting Important Documents
If you fail to get on board because you forget important travel documents, such as a passport, you are not considered for coverage. As keeping your important documents is a personal responsibility, you might not be entertained by the insurer for missed flights.
Unimportant Family Emergencies
Minor illnesses or situations that do not meet the required criteria of the travel insurance provider are not covered for missed flights. So, check the covered emergencies well when buying travel insurance.
How Can Travel Insurance Help with Missed Flights?
Travel insurance may offer you some coverages that might reduce your unexpected increase in expenses due to missed flights. Here are some of the ways through which your insurer might help you.
Rebooking Costs
Travel insurance can pay you back for buying a new ticket if you miss your flight for a reason the policy covers. This helps a lot if you can't make your flight because of things you didn't see coming, like bad weather or an accident.
Accommodation and Meals
When you have to stay overnight because of a missed flight, travel insurance can pay for your room and food while you wait to catch the next flight. This means you won't be stuck somewhere with no help.
Travel Delay Compensation
If your trip gets delayed because of things your policy covers, like natural disasters or delays in public transport, travel insurance might reimburse for extra costs you have while you wait, such as food and a place to stay.
The amount of compensation varies depending on the insurer. For example, AXA Travel Protection Plans offer different coverages under its AXA Silver Plan, AXA Gold Plan, and AXA Platinum Plan. You can get coverage within $100 to $1250, depending on the plan you choose when buying the travel insurance.
Lost Deposits or Non-Refundable Fees
If you miss your flight, you can't get back money for your booked hotels or tours. Travel insurance can help you get that money back as long as you missed the flight for a reason the travel insurance covers.
What You Need To Claim For Missed Flights?
To claim your coverage for missed flights, you need to collect certain information that proves your side of the story. So, make sure that you have the information mentioned below.
Proof of Flight Delay or Cancellation from Airline
Get official papers from the airline that show your flight was late or canceled. This could be an email, a printed notice, or any other message that tells you about the change in your flight.
Obtain Medical Documentation
If you missed your flight because of a health problem, you need to show medical papers. This includes a doctor's note or reports that prove you were sick and couldn't travel.
Evidence for Road Traffic Accidents
If you missed your flight because of a car crash, gather proof like police reports, crash reports, or any papers that back up your story about what happened.
Save Relevant Bills
Keep bills for any money you spent because of the missed flight. This includes costs for places to stay, food, getting around, and any new plane tickets you bought. These bills are key to getting money back.
Call Your Travel Insurance Company Right Away
Tell your travel insurance company as soon as you can after you miss your flight. Many travel insurance companies have strict time limits for applying for coverage, so quick contact makes sure that your claim goes through.
Tips to Avoid Missing Flights
When you miss a flight, you cannot think at that moment if travel insurance covers missed flights. You have to be prepared, as neglecting this aspect might take a toll on your pocket. So, here are some tips that you need to follow before traveling so that you won’t miss your flight.
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Plan for Unexpected Delays: For unforeseen circumstances or delays, make sure to consider arriving early. Unexpected traffic, long security lines, or any other situations can slow down the whole process.
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Book Flights with the Same Airline: If possible, try to book the connecting flights with the same airline. This will help you get better assistance if you missed your connecting flight.
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Choose Flights with Adequate Layover Time: Try to have at least a layover of 2 hours as it will give you enough time to cover up any delays before your next flight.
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Contact Airlines Immediately: In case you missed your flight, connect with the airline immediately, as they will help you rebook your flight and offer you guidance on what action to take next.
FAQs
1. How much time does it take to process a claim for a missed flight?
The processing time for claims differs as per the travel insurance policy. It generally takes weeks to months, depending on the coverage you are applying for.
2. Is there a time limit to file a claim for a missed flight?
Yes, there may be time limitations for filing a claim for a missed flight. Check your policy documents carefully for deadlines.
3. Can I claim for missed flights if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
You may get coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if you disclose this at the time of purchasing travel insurance. You need to verify this with your insurer.
4. Will I be reimbursed for missed flight expenses if I’m late because of airport security delays?
No, airport security delays are not covered under travel insurance. If there is an extraordinary situation beyond your control, then you might have a chance to claim the coverage.
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