Travel Insurance for Airline Mishaps
Learn how travel insurance may help in the case of cancellation, delays, lost luggage and more.
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We’ve slept on the airport floor when flights were canceled, and we’ve been the ones waiting at the baggage carousel for the bag that never came. We get it – airline mishaps happen. Because of this, you may want to consider travel insurance for flight problems that could happen along your journey.
- How can travel insurance protect my flights?
- What are some things travel insurance would not cover when it comes to my flight?
- What else is covered by travel insurance?
- Tips for flying safely
How can travel insurance protect my flights?
In many instances, your airline may help when unexpected situations arise. There’s some things they won’t cover though. Depending on your country of residence, travel insurance could help with a variety of unwelcome experiences you may encounter when flying.
Some of the key benefits on our policies include:
Flight cancellation
If bad weather has you grounded and your airline has stopped service to your destination, trip cancellation protection could help. You could be reimbursed for the non-refundable travel costs that you now can’t use. This could include things like hotel rooms or guided tours, if you paid for these in advance.
Flight delay
When you’re flying, you’re at the mercy of the airlines to depart when they say they will. If you’re delayed for an extended period of time, travel delay insurance may help reimburse you for the unexpected cost of additional meals and accommodations that you had to pay for as a result of the delay. If you prepaid for non-refundable excursions that you miss because of the delay, you may be reimbursed for those as well.
Luggage lost, damaged or delayed
So you’ve made it to your destination, but your bags didn’t. If a common carrier (like an airline) loses your bag, baggage insurance may help reimburse the cost to replace your belongings. If your baggage is delayed for a long time on your way to your destination, you may also be reimbursed for things like toiletries and a change of clothes until you are reunited with your bag.
In-Flight turbulence and other injuries
Nobody enjoys turbulence, but it’s unfortunately one of those things we have to deal with. While it can be a little nerve wracking, it’s usually nothing to worry about unless carry-ons move around and something falls on you, you get hurt while you’re up walking, or those unexpected bumps cause you to spill a hot drink and get burned. If you get injured on your flight, your airline may assist with medical care. If they don’t, emergency medical coverage could reimburse you for medical costs if you need medical care when you get to your destination.
Extended layovers
What happens if you purchased travel insurance for a certain time and then you’re stuck past that date due to an extended, unplanned layover? If your airline is delayed in reaching its final destination, World Nomads may extend your coverage to the amount of time needed to make it to your destination. Contact us if this happens.
Can travel insurance protect my flights in any other way?
Depending on your country of residence, you could be covered for other flight mishaps, as well. Get a quote and read the policy documents. If you have questions, give us a call.
What are some things travel insurance would not cover when it comes to my flight?
If you check in for your flight and realize you’re stuck with the dreaded middle seat, we won’t cover the cost for your upgrade. Some other things travel insurance won’t cover include:
- Getting sick after drinking too many of those tiny airplane liquor bottles
- Your bag getting stolen at the airport when you’ve left it unattended
- Taking a flight even though your doctor has advised against it
- Cancellations and delays resulting from airline staffing issues
- Any costs that are already reimbursed by your airline
- Missing your flight because you overslept
- Flight cancellations arising from a named storm if you purchased your policy after the storm was forecast
What else is covered by travel insurance?
Once you step outside the airport, you could still be covered for a variety of unexpected situations you may encounter on your trip. In addition to air travel insurance benefits, World Nomads could help with several other unexpected circumstances you may encounter during your adventures.
Depending on your country of residence and the plan you have chosen, you could also be covered for things such as:
Activities: World Nomads offers adventure travel insurance for more than 150 activities. You could be covered for activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking. If you get hurt during your adventures, travel insurance may help with medical expenses and medical evacuation if you’re injured while participating in a covered activity. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, contact our customer service team and they can help explain what each policy includes.
Trip interruption: Sometimes an incident may happen once you’re already on your trip and you are unable to continue as planned. Maybe you get hurt while rock climbing or a close family member back home gets sick and you have to cut your plans short. Trip interruption coverage could help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Evacuation: If something happens and you need to get immediate medical care in a destination where there aren't nearby medical facilities, the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team could help get you transported to a place that offers the level of care you need.
Tips for flying safely
- Bring any medications onboard with you. Instead of packing any necessary medications in your checked bag, throw those in your carry on and take them with you. If the airline loses your bag or it is delayed, you won’t want to be without them.
- Move and stretch your legs. Being confined in one position for too long without moving your legs can cause ankle swelling and blood clots. Prevent this by moving your feet and massaging your legs at your seat.
- Stay hydrated. Yes, those bathrooms on a plane are cramped, but don’t try to avoid them by limiting your water consumption. Staying hydrated helps prevent things like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. You’ll want to drink at least 8 ounces of water for each hour of your flight. Humidity in the cabin is usually low, and you may also want to consider a hydrating nasal spray, skin moisturizer, and eye drops.
- Save your travel insurance information in your phone. Our hope is that you have a perfect trip, and you won’t need to make a claim. If you do though, you won’t want to be digging for information on how to make a claim. Save your policy information in your phone so it is easily accessible if you need it.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital urgently?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.