Travel Insurance With Flight Cancellation Cover
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Imagine you’re travelling to meet loved ones, and your flight gets delayed or you have to cancel it. It's really annoying, right? We can't change airline problems or bad weather, but travel insurance can help protect you from problems that come up out of the blue, such as flight cancellations due to unforeseen reasons, delays, and missed connections.
In this blog, we’ll break down what flight cancellation insurance covers, the conditions for claims, and what’s not covered under your policy.
Flight Cancellation and Delays: What’s Covered?
Flight cancellations or delays can happen due to weather, technical issues, or unforeseen events. Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered and what’s not:
Flight Delays
If your flight is delayed by more than a specific hour upon arrival, your insurance will cover compensation to ease the inconvenience.
Note: Rescheduling of flights by the airline is not covered under this benefit, nor are cancellations caused by the airline.
Missed Flights
If you miss your flight, your policy may cover the cost of booking a new flight, provided it departs within a specific hour of the original scheduled departure.
Note: Flight cancellations or rescheduling by the airline are not covered under this benefit.
Missed Connecting Flight
If you miss your connecting flight due to a delay of more than a specific hour of your original flight, your policy will cover the cost of booking the next available flight.
Note: This benefit does not apply if you miss the connecting flight because the airline cancels or reschedules the first flight.
Trip Cancellation
If you need to cancel your trip due to a medical emergency, the death of immediate relative, or natural disasters, your insurance will cover your flight cancellation charges.
Trip Cancellation Due to COVID-19
If your trip is cancelled due to a positive COVID-19 test and you are quarantined, your insurance will cover the flight cancellation costs if the trip falls within the government-specified quarantine period.
Weather events covered under Flight Cancellation or Delay coverage
Flight cancellations and delays often happen due to severe weather. Under travel insurance, severe weather generally refers to hazardous conditions that disrupt safe travel. These are some of the most common weather-related reasons for flight disruptions:
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are one of the leading causes of flight delays and cancellations. They can develop quickly, cover large areas of airspace, and disrupt take-offs and landings—especially during peak travel seasons.
Lightning
Lightning poses serious safety risks on airport grounds. When lightning is detected, airport operations may be temporarily halted, delaying aircraft preparation, departures, and arrivals.
Extreme heat
Very high temperatures can affect aircraft performance during take-off. In such conditions, airlines may reduce aircraft weight by offloading fuel, baggage, or even passengers—leading to delays or cancellations.
Extreme cold
Severe cold doesn’t usually affect planes mid-air, but it can disrupt ground operations. De-icing requirements and limited outdoor working conditions for airport staff can significantly delay flights.
Wildfires and smoke
Smoke and ash from wildfires can reduce visibility and interfere with navigation systems. Even if the fire is far from the airport, poor air quality can lead to flight delays or cancellations.
International Travel insurance with flight cancellation benefits helps protect you financially when severe weather disrupts your travel plans.
Did You Know?
More than 200 flights were cancelled in a day across India. Major airports across India faced widespread disruption this week, with sudden crew shortages and operational hurdles leaving travellers stuck for hours. Flight disruptions can ruin your travel plans. What if the next one is yours?
Choose ACKO AirPass and get compensated when your flight is delayed or cancelled*
When My Flight Ticket Cancellation Insurance not be Valid?
If you need to cancel your flight for the following reasons, you will not be eligible for flight ticket insurance cancellation:
If you or your co-traveller is suffering from an existing medical condition that has worsened.
If your cancellation is due to pregnancy or childbirth-related issues.
If a member of your immediate family is facing these issues.
If there are any unforeseen strikes or mob violence in the area.
If the government denies travel, poses a ban.
Lastly, if you've undergone any cosmetic surgery that isn't related to a serious accident.
When Won’t Flight Cancellation Insurance Apply?
Certain situations are not covered by flight cancellation insurance, including:
Cancellations due to pre-existing medical conditions.
Cancellations due to pregnancy or childbirth issues.
Cancellations by the airline.
Cancellations related to strikes or civil unrest.
Government travel bans or travel restrictions.
Cosmetic surgery that’s not linked to a serious accident
How to File a Claim for Flight Cancellation Insurance?
If you need to claim for any of the above reasons, follow the steps below and provide the required documents to file a claim for flight cancellation:
Fill Claim Form: Complete and sign the claim form to initiate the claim.
Submit Travel Proof: Share air tickets and the travel itinerary.
Provide Expense Proof: Submit documents for non-refundable prepaid expenses.
Explain Cancellation Reason: Attach written confirmation from the relevant authority.
Medical or Emergency Proof (if applicable): Provide medical reports, doctor’s statement, or proof of death/hospitalisation.
Share Refund Details: Submit airline or carrier reimbursement statements, if any.
Additional Documents: Provide any extra information required based on your claim.
Can I Claim Flight Cancellation Insurance for Any Reason?
Unfortunately, not every reason qualifies for compensation. Travel insurance providers have specific terms and conditions that must be met for a claim to be valid. Be sure to carefully review the policy exclusions and inclusions before purchasing insurance.
Protect Your Journey with the Best Travel Insurance for Flight Cancellations
Though flight delays, cancellations, and other disruptions are often unavoidable, having the right travel insurance in place ensures that you’re financially protected in case of an emergency. Whether it’s a medical emergency, flight delay, or natural disaster, insurance can give you the reassurance you need.
Can you claim both Airline compensation and travel insurance?
Yes, you can generally claim both travel insurance and airline compensation. However, you shall not be reimbursed twice for the same expense, also known as double-dipping. Below is a detailed discussion of when you can claim both airline compensation and travel insurance and when you cannot.
When Can You Claim Both Travel Insurance and Airline Compensation?
You can claim both travel insurance and airline compensation under the following scenarios:
The “Shortfall” Claim
If airline compensation doesn’t fully cover your loss, travel insurance pays the remaining amount. For example, if the airline pays ₹10,000 for delayed baggage but your expenses are ₹18,000, insurance may cover the ₹8,000 difference, as per policy terms.
Missed Connections
If a delay results in a missed connection, an airline will either offer rebooking or partial compensation. On the other hand, travel insurance covers additional expenses, such as buying new flights, accommodations, food, and even local transportation.
Non-Airline Related Reasons
Travel insurance is helpful if there are disruptions to the journey due to factors such as adverse weather, disasters, strikes, passport problems, or illness, when airlines usually do not provide any compensation for the inconveniences.
Lost or Delayed Baggage
The compensation for delayed or lost baggage is usually limited to an amount that the airline agrees to pay. Additionally, it covers clothing, toiletries, and damages not covered by the airline's liability and loss, making it easier to recover the entire amount spent.
Medical Emergencies during Travel
In the event of a disruption resulting in an overnight stay and a medical problem, the airline can cover the delay compensation, with medical treatment and emergency costs covered separately by travel insurance. This enables dual claims under different heads.
When Can You Not Claim Both Travel Insurance and Airline Compensation?
It is not possible to claim both the travel insurance and airline compensation under the following scenarios:
Claiming Duplicate Expenses
You cannot be paid the same hotel bill, meal cost, or baggage loss twice. When the airline has already paid the entire amount, the insurer will refuse to accept the duplicate claim section.
Secondary Coverage
Many travel insurance policies operate as secondary coverage, meaning they only pay when the airline's compensation is adjusted. In this case, only the amount uncovered is claimed.
Airline Exclusions
In cases where the problem is covered by the airline's exclusions, including weather, airport shutdowns, or air traffic control, the airline is not liable to pay compensation. In such a situation, insurance can be the only solution.
Not Meeting Desired Thresholds
When the delay or baggage problem does not meet the minimum hours or claim limit threshold, neither claim is allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions related to the flight cancellation insurance, here’s what you need to look at:
Does my insurance cover flight cancellations?
Yes, your travel insurance covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and rescheduling as long as the cause meets the insurance policy's terms.
Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations due to weather?
Yes. Travel insurance may cover flight cancellations caused by adverse weather conditions. However, the extent of this coverage is strictly determined by the precise terms and conditions of your policy and when you purchased it.
Will I Get Compensation because of an Airline Strike?
Yes. If an airline strike disrupts your travel (e.g., flight delayed over 12 hours or cancelled), making you stranded, you are eligible for compensation if the airline fails to provide alternate travel arrangements. In such cases, you can claim costs for overnight hotel accommodation, food, and transport to the hotel.
Can I claim insurance if my flight is cancelled?
Yes, you can claim if the cancellation is due to eligible reasons like medical emergencies or natural disasters. However, airline cancellations are not covered.
How soon can I file a claim for flight cancellation?
You can file a claim when your flight is cancelled, rescheduled, or interrupted, but it should be done as per the policy terms.
Can I cancel travel insurance within 24 hours?
Yes, travel insurance can typically be cancelled during the money-back guarantee period, but terms may vary depending on the provider.
What are the valid reasons for flight cancellation coverage?
Some valid reasons include:
- Health issues (accidents or death in the family)
- Bad weather or natural disasters
- Terrorist attacks
If a close family member gets COVID-19, can I claim flight cancellation insurance?
If a close family member tests positive for COVID-19 and you need to cancel your trip, you may be eligible for compensation. Make sure you read the policy exclusions and inclusions.
Can I claim flight cancellation insurance if the government imposes a ban or COVID-19 restrictions?
Unfortunately, cancellations due to government travel bans or COVID-19 restrictions are generally not covered. You may, however, cancel your policy and receive a refund (as per policy terms).
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