Missed Flights and Travel Insurance

One common concern for frequent travellers and holidaymakers is missing a flight. Whether it's due to a sudden change in schedule, or unexpected delays, missing a flight can throw a spanner in your travel plans.

The big question: will travel insurance cover missed flights? In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of the missed flights benefit of your travel insurance policy, helping you understand when and how your travel insurance can come to your rescue.

Will Travel Insurance Cover Missed Flights?

The short answer is yes, but it depends on your specific policy. Travel insurance is designed to provide peace of mind by covering unforeseen events that can disrupt your travel plans. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for missed flights, but the extent of this protection can vary.

In general, travel insurance for missed flights covers scenarios where the traveller has a legitimate reason for missing the flight. This might include severe weather conditions, medical emergencies, or unexpected delays in getting to the airport. It is essential to read the fine print of your policy to understand what is covered and under what circumstances.

READ MORE: Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Is Missed Flight Cover Included in Travel Insurance as Standard?

Travel insurance policies vary, and cover for missed flights and connections can either be included as a standard feature or may require a request to be added to your policy. Standard travel insurance policies often cover common scenarios such as trip cancellation or medical emergencies.

However, for comprehensive protection, you might need to opt for additional protection that specifically includes missed flights, lost luggage/personal belongings, and other unexpected travel disruptions. While this added cover might come at an extra cost, it could be well worth it for peace of mind, ensuring that you are prepared for any unforeseen events during your travels.

Additionally, some policies offer 24/7 customer support and concierge services, which can be invaluable when navigating travel complications. Always read the fine print and understand what is included in your policy to make the best choice for your travel needs.

READ MORE: Characteristics of Travel Insurance

Is the Reason for Missing My Flight Important?

Absolutely! The reason behind your missed flight can significantly impact whether your travel insurance will cover the costs. Insurers usually have a list of acceptable reasons that justify a claim for a missed flight.

For instance, you should be able to claim for missing your flight or connecting flight, if it was missed due to:

• Your car breaking down.
• Your involvement in a traffic accident on the way to the airport.
• Accidents on the road that cause heavy traffic or closed roads.
• Significant delays in public transport.
• Technical fault or bird strike.
• The flight you are on is diverted.
• Shortage of airline crew.

Understanding the specifics of what your policy covers can help you prepare better and ensure you meet the criteria required for a successful claim. While travel insurance can be a lifesaver in many situations, it doesn't cover everything. Knowing what isn’t covered can save you from unpleasant surprises at the last minute.

What Happens If You Accidentally Miss Your Flight and It’s Your Fault?

Accidentally missing your flight is a common concern, and it’s essential to know where you stand with your travel insurance in such cases. Most travel insurance policies do not cover missed flights due to personal negligence, which includes:

• Oversleeping.
• Not allowing enough time to get to the airport.
• Your car broke down on the way to the airport, but the vehicle was not properly maintained or serviced.
• Strikes or industrial action, which were public knowledge before your flight.
• Getting stuck in traffic due to planned roadworks.
• Declining alternative flight options from your provider.

Most policies clearly state that protection is provided for unforeseen events beyond your control. Therefore, it is crucial to plan your trip carefully, leave plenty of time to get to the airport, and account for potential delays.

READ MORE: Common Travel Insurance Exclusions

Can I Claim if the Airline was at Fault?

If the airline is at fault for your missed connection, you might not need to rely solely on your travel insurance. Airlines are usually responsible for ensuring you reach your destination if they've caused a delay. This responsibility is part of their commitment to providing reliable service and adhering to consumer protection regulations.

In such cases, airlines are often required to rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost. This rebooking process is usually managed swiftly by the airline's customer service team, who will ensure you are informed about the next steps. Additionally, they may provide you with meal vouchers, accommodation, and transportation to and from the hotel if the delay extends overnight. These compensations are designed to alleviate the inconvenience caused by the delay and ensure you are comfortable while waiting.

Bear in mind, if your airline offers you an alternative flight, and you decline, you will then not be able to claim from your insurance. Alternatively, if you accept the replacement flight option, you will not be able to claim on your insurance either, as you have already been compensated for this inconvenience.

What Can I Claim for with Missed Flight Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance can cover various expenses related to missed flights, such as:

Additional Transportation Costs: Transportation expenses (taxi etc.) incurred to catch up with your trip. This is particularly useful if public transportation is unavailable, or you need to travel outside of regular transit hours.

Accommodation and Meals: If you need to stay overnight due to a missed flight, your insurance should reimburse you for any expenses incurred. This can cover a range of expenses, including hotel stays, meals, and even essentials like toiletries.

Alternative Flights: The cost of a new flight ticket if the only option is an alternative flight. This ensures that you can continue your journey without bearing the financial burden of unexpected airfare.

An excess will be applied when claiming your missed flight. These vary between providers, but you will be expected to pay it upfront, or the excess amount can be deducted from your claim payment, should your claim be successful.

READ MORE: Travel Insurance Excess Explained

It's essential to keep documentation of all expenses related to your missed flight and submit them when making a claim. This can include receipts, invoices, or any other proof of payment. Your travel insurance provider may also require proof of the reason for missing your flight, such as a medical certificate in the case of illness or a police report if your delay was due to an accident or other incident.

I Missed My Flight and Made Alternative Arrangements Myself - am I Covered?

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve missed a flight for reasons beyond your control, knowing whether you can make your own arrangements and still be covered is vital. Many travel insurance policies allow you to book alternative transport and then claim the expenses back.

This will also link back to the reason for missing your flight. For example, if you missed your flight due to a traffic accident, which caused significant travel delays, your provider may cover the cost of your alternative arrangements. However, if you missed your flight because you overslept, and then booked an alternative flight, you couldn't then claim for the missed flight.

As always, it's best to check your policy documents or contact your provider to see if they are ok with you booking an alternative flight before you make any arrangements.

How Much Can I Claim from My Travel Insurance for a Missed Flight?

The amount you can claim on your travel insurance for missed flight connections varies depending on your policy. Most policies have a maximum limit for missed flight cover, so it’s essential to review your policy documents thoroughly to understand the specifics. It is also a good idea to contact your insurance provider for clarification on any unclear points.

It is advisable to report the missed connection to your insurance provider as soon as possible to expedite the claims process. This can facilitate a smooth reimbursement process and help avoid any potential issues or delays in receiving your compensation.

Missing a flight can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right travel insurance, you can reduce the stress and financial burden. Understanding the protection provided by your policy, knowing the exclusions, and being proactive, can help you manage missed flights more effectively.

Having comprehensive travel insurance is crucial for peace of mind and ensuring a smooth travel experience. Make sure to review your policy details, and don’t hesitate to contact your insurance provider for any clarifications.