Does Travel Insurance Cover Delayed Flight?

You arrive at the airport an hour before the departure because you don’t want to miss the flight. You sit and wait for the scheduled flight but suddenly, the status becomes delayed. Downer, isn’t it? Instead of getting excited about the whole trip, it becomes frustrating, and the real fun hasn’t even begun.

Whether you like it or not, delayed flights happen now and then, and that’s something out of your hands. Even experienced travellers would say the same thing. Despite travelling several times, delayed flights are annoying, and they can take a toll on anyone’s patience and mood. So, what’s your best armour against delayed flights? Shell a little for Travel Insurance Delayed Flight just in case you need to reschedule or book a different flight.

Basic Rights of Passengers due to Delayed Flights

Let’s say that you’re waiting for your flight at an EU airport. You’re also flying with an EU-registered airline that arrives at an EU airport.

If the flight is delayed for two hours, the airline is responsible for you until they get you on your flight. They are obliged to give you access to calls or emails, a snack or a meal with a drink, or overnight accommodation whenever necessary. You also have the right to seek any form of assistance when you need it. If you have out-of-pocket expenses, your travel insurance coverage may reimburse you once you make a claim.

When to Make Insurance Claim

In addition to access to communication and more refreshments, travellers are entitled to financial compensation if flights get delayed for, at least, three hours. That’s according to EU laws. The compensation depends on your flight’s distance and the length of delay to your arrival.

Every passenger receives €250 for a flight distance of 1,500km or less. If the flight distance is within 1,500km to 3,500km, passengers are entitled to a compensation of €400 per person. If the delay to your arrival is four hours or more with a flight distance of, at least, 3,500km, you can claim compensation of €600.

While there seems to be a rainbow after the rain, don’t get your hopes up just yet. To make a successful claim, the delay MUST be the airline’s fault. If the delay happens due to natural occurrences or unforeseen circumstances like protests and strikes, the chances of getting compensation are from low to none.

Abandoning too Delayed Flight

If the delay reaches more than five hours, you can opt not to take the flight, regardless of the cause of the delay and the flight distance. You can get a full refund for that booking, including a return ticket if it’s booked in the same airline. If you take the flight, however, you can claim compensation up to €600, given that the cause of delay is the airline’s fault.

Another life-saver is your Travel Insurance Delayed Flight. It can also provide you with some coverage if you choose not to go through with your travel due to severe flight delays. Read through the policy and find out its limits and how much coverage it provides when flights are delayed.