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- Flight insurance only covers flight delays, diversions, missed connections, and cancellations.
- While flight insurance isn't very thorough, it is far cheaper than comprehensive travel insurance.
- Flight insurance is best for international flights and trips where the flight is the highest expense.
Spend any time in one of the more than 5,000 commercial airports in the United States, and two things are abundantly clear: Air travel rates are soaring to new heights and the volatility of air travel is sky-high.
Flight delays and cancellations are rising, from perennial interruptions (including inclement weather and technical difficulties) to everyday mishaps (like runway collisions and baggage blunders). According to the Federal Aviation Administration data, a whopping 2.9 million individuals fly in and out of domestic airports daily on an average of 45,000 flights.
In other words, researching flight travel insurance (and picking the right one) is increasingly essential for today's savvy traveler. Flight insurance offers peace of mind and financial protection, whether you're taking off for a far-flung locale or a domestic weekend trip.
Introduction to flight insurance
Unlike travel insurance (intended to cover various nonrefundable prepaid costs), flight insurance only covers flight cancellations and delays. As a result, it's frequently offered for a nominal fee when booking airline flights, either directly from the airline or via a third-party site.
A general rule of thumb is flight insurance offers the least comprehensive limits and most gaps compared to other coverage options. However, it's also priced in proportion to your flight costs.
What does flight insurance cover?
Most flight travel insurance covers unexpected events directly related to air travel. The most common coverage kicks in when:
- A flight is canceled unexpectedly due to inclement weather.
- A flight is delayed unexpectedly and causes a missed connection.
- A flight is diverted to an airport other than the scheduled destination.
- An unexpected illness or injury prevents your travel.
- A terrorist event occurs at your travel destination.
Types of flight insurance
Basic flight insurance
Basic flight insurance includes trip cancellation and interruption. This benefit reimburses nonrefundable airline tickets or pays a set benefit if a flight is interrupted (for instance, due to a diversion to an airport other than your scheduled destination). It also covers flight cancellations for covered reasons.
The most common claims relate to the injury, illness, or death of you, your traveling companion, or a family member. You would need separate medical travel insurance to cover any injuries or illnesses during your trip. This benefit also covers canceling due to bad weather (at your point of origin or destination) as well as confirmed terrorist activity at your destination.
Comprehensive flight insurance
Lost or delayed baggage coverage
This benefit pays a fixed dollar amount (intended to replace essential items) if your luggage is delayed in arriving at your destination as scheduled or is lost or stolen at any point during your travels.
Travel assistance coverage
This benefit offers professional assistance during an unexpected travel or medical emergency. It also provides access to non-emergency concierge services in some cases.
In rare cases, some flight insurance policies offer coverage for medical emergencies and/or accidental death and dismemberment during air travel. When in doubt, read the fine print. All benefits are subject to plan limits.
Flight delay coverage
This benefit reimburses the cost of unexpected meals and/or accommodations if your flight is delayed for a reason outside your control. Most flight delay benefits start when your flight delay extends beyond your plane's scheduled gate departure or on the tarmac. In case of a missed connection, this benefit reimburses unexpected travel expenses for covered reasons like bad weather or mechanical issues.
How to purchase flight insurance
Buying through airlines and travel agencies
One way to purchase flight insurance is through your airline or travel agency. At the time of booking, you have the option to add travel insurance to your itinerary. Before adding this benefit, be sure to carefully review the plan's coverages and costs to ensure it meets your needs and fits your budget, as you may find a better plan elsewhere.
Standalone flight insurance policies
You can also buy a standalone flight insurance policy from an insurance provider, which is separate from the booking process. Insurance companies typically offer online quotes and policy purchasing options. If not, call a representative at the company to see your rates and finalize your plan. Alternatively, you can use an online comparison website to review coverage options and prices from multiple carriers at once.
Factors to consider when choosing flight insurance
Coverage limits and exclusions
When choosing a flight insurance policy, it's important to consider what it includes and doesn't. Flight insurance has limits for each type of coverage. For example, you may have a maximum and daily limit to cover expenses incurred during a flight interruption or delay.
You should also understand what a policy excludes. Insurance companies may have exclusions and limitations on coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities, or destinations with travel advisors.
By understanding a policy's coverages and exclusions, you can choose the best travel insurance that aligns with you and your traveling member's needs at the best price.
Cost vs. coverage benefits
Of course, travel insurance costs are a factor, especially for those on a limited budget. At the time of booking, a $10 plan has a certain appeal compared to a $50 flight insurance policy. Controlling for the price, savvy travelers aim for the highest limits.
You can find our guide on the best cheap travel insurance here.
Application process for flight insurance
Documentation and application steps
According to Travelex insurance, you'll need to provide the following information:
- Trip dates
- Trip cost
- Destination
- Initial trip deposit date
- Traveler information (names, date of birth, etc.)
- Information about your health (if applicable)
- Planned activities (if applicable)
Tips for a smooth application
The insurance company will ask for information about you and your trip. So, for a hassle-free application process, be sure to prepare your:
- Itinerary
- Receipt of trip payment
- Medical records (if applicable)
Additionally, ensure you understand your policy's terms to select accurate coverages and limits. If you have any questions, you can call an insurance agent or broker to help you find the right policy for your travel needs.
Managing your flight insurance policy
Accessing policy information and support
Keep your policy documents in arm's reach by carrying a physical or digital copy. If you get in an unexpected event that requires you to cut your trip short or need medical attention, you can access your insurance company's information. It's also important to save your insurers emergency hotline number in your contacts, in case you're in an emergency situation.
Claim filing procedure
When you file a flight insurance claim, your insurer will ask you to provide the following:
- Details of the incident: The reason why your coverage needs to be enacted. For example, if a connecting flight is cancelled, causing you to miss majority of your trip. Each affected policyholder may be required to provide a detailed description of their experience.
- Documentation: Proof that the event that required coverage occurred. This may include receipts of expenses incurred, an email from your airlines, police reports, or medical reports.
- Your policy information: This includes your name, the names of any dependents traveling with you, and your policy number.
It takes about two weeks for your insurer to process your claim. However, this timeline can vary depending on other factors such as the extent of the incident, the number of affected parties, and how long it takes all parties to provide documentation.
Flight insurance final considerations and tips
Choosing the right policy for your needs
Finding the right travel insurance for your needs can be overwhelming. But understanding your policy's coverage details, knowing your travel needs, and comparing policies can help you find a flight insurance policy you're happy with. If you need a bit more help, don't hesitate to speak to an insurance agent or broker to help you understand your travel insurance policy.
Flight insurance FAQs
Is flight insurance necessary for all types of air travel?
Flight insurance isn't necessary for all air travel, but you'll want it for expensive or international trips.
Can I purchase flight insurance after booking my flight?
Yes, you can purchase flight insurance after booking a flight either through your airlines, travel agency, or a third-party insurer. While it's more convenient to buy it at the time of booking, booking it after your flight allows you to understand travel insurance benefits better and find the most suitable policy for your needs.
Does flight insurance cover flight cancellations due to weather?
Most flight insurance policies cover cancellations due to inclement weather. However, it's important to check the policy's specific terms as your coverage may exclude foreseeable events (i.e., Travel advisory for forecasted storm issued before you purchase your insurance may not be covered.)
How do I file a claim if my flight is canceled or delayed?
If your flight is canceled or delayed, you'll want to notify your insurance provider as quickly as possible, as policies often limit the your insurance provider and provide your policy details and associated documentation. You can do this by calling your insurance provider, but many providers offer an online form or app to make filing your claim easy.
What is typically not covered by flight insurance?
Common exclusions in flight insurance policies include cancellations due to pre-existing conditions, civil unrest, or travel provider insolvency. Unless you get cancel for any reason coverage, you can't get flight insurance due to any known risks.
Hannah Van Sickle is a freelance writer who lives and works in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. After a decade teaching English at public and private high schools, she made the switch to freelancing. Hannah works with college-bound seniors on their application essays and contributes regularly to Berkshire magazine and The Berkshire Edge; essays about her journey parenting daughters can be found at Refinery29, Modern Loss, and SheKnows.
Alani Asis is a personal finance expert covering insurance, retirement, credit cards and more. In addition to writing reviews, guides, and personal finance explainers for Business Insider, Alani was a Mortgage Support Specialist. You can reach her via Twitter at @AlaniAsis.
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