What is Flight Insurance?

Flight Insurance: What You Need to Know Before You Fly

You’ve booked your flight and now the trip countdown begins! But then you see the offer to “add flight insurance” and wonder if it’s worth it. Airline ticket protection can sound confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple once you know what it covers (and what it doesn’t). Here’s a quick breakdown of flight insurance, how it works, and whether it’s the right fit for your trip.

Airline Ticket Protection Explained

Flight insurance is a coverage option that’s often offered as an add-on when booking an airline ticket, either directly through an airline or booking sites like Expedia or Priceline. You should think of it as a “light” version of travel insurance: it usually comes with lower coverage limits and focuses mainly on flight-related issues.

Every flight insurance plan has a “certificate of coverage,” which lists what’s included, the maximum payout limits, and what situations qualify as “covered reasons.” It’s important to review those details before you buy.

Do I Need Flight Insurance?

If your trip is short, inexpensive, or mostly refundable, just having flight insurance might be enough. But if you’ve prepaid for hotels, excursions, or other nonrefundable parts of your trip, a comprehensive travel insurance plan offers broader protection.

In short: flight insurance can help for simple trips, but full travel insurance is best for bigger adventures.

What Does Flight Insurance Cover?

Flight insurance typically helps with unexpected events related to air travel, like flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, or lost and damaged baggage. It can also cover you if you can’t fly due to a documented medical reason.

Coverage amounts (or benefit caps) are usually lower than other types of travel insurance, so it might not cover every cost you incur.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Canceled Flights?

Yes, but with some rules. If your flight is canceled due to a covered reason (like bad weather, illness, or an airline strike), travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. Always check your policy to see what qualifies.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Delayed Flights?

Yes! Most plans include trip delay coverage, which reimburses extra costs from delays, such as meals or hotel stays. You’ll typically need to meet a minimum delay time (for example, 6 hours) before coverage kicks in.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Missed Flights?

If you miss your flight for a covered reason, like a car accident or severe weather, travel insurance may help reimburse the cost of rebooking. However, oversleeping or showing up late doesn’t count as a covered reason.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Flight Changes?

Some plans cover fees or fare differences if you must change your flight due to a covered event, such as illness or injury. Otherwise, voluntary flight changes are your responsibility.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Nonrefundable Flights?

Yes, this is one of the biggest benefits! If you have to cancel your nonrefundable flight for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed for the cost you’d otherwise lose.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Flights Booked with Points?

Unfortunately, travel insurance plans don’t cover the value of points you use to book a trip. However, they can cover any fees or taxes you paid out of pocket when using those points. Some plans may also offer a set benefit to cover the reissue fee or the airline’s charge to keep your frequent flyer miles if you have to cancel for a covered reason. Be sure to read the policy details carefully so you understand exactly what’s required for coverage.

Can You Purchase Travel Insurance After Booking Flights?

Yes, but timing matters. You can usually buy travel insurance up until the day before your trip starts. However, to get the best coverage (like Cancel for Any Reason upgrades), it’s smart to buy soon after booking your first trip deposit.

How Does Flight Insurance Work?

If your flight is delayed, canceled, or baggage is lost, your first step is to file a claim with the airline, it’s part of their “contract of carriage.” Once the airline compensates you, your flight insurance can help cover any remaining eligible costs up to your plan limit.

How Much Does Flight Insurance Cost?

Flight insurance is generally inexpensive; often a few dollars added to your ticket. However, it only covers limited situations.

In comparison, comprehensive travel insurance costs around 4–10% of your total trip price but offers much more protection. For instance, a couple in their 50s taking a $5,000 trip to Ireland could get full travel insurance starting around $180, depending on the plan and coverage limits.

Should I Get Flight Insurance?

If you’re only flying domestically or your trip costs are minimal, flight insurance might be a good fit. But if you’ve prepaid for hotels, tours, or cruises, you might want to compare plans that offer broader trip protection.

Comprehensive plans can cover medical emergencies, trip interruption, and even evacuation if needed. Plus, most include 24-hour travel assistance, a big help when plans go sideways.

Is Flight Insurance Worth It?

It depends on your travel style. If your main concern is protecting your flight investment, it’s a small price for peace of mind. But if you want coverage for your entire trip, not just the flight, comprehensive travel insurance is worth the upgrade.

Travel Insurance & Drone Disruptions

If a security threat like drone activity causes a delay or cancellation, airlines may not be required to compensate you since it’s beyond their control. However, travel insurance could step in to help cover extra costs (like an overnight hotel stay), depending on the plan’s terms.

Airline Refunds for Cancellations

When your flight is canceled or significantly delayed because of something in the airline’s control, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires the airline to provide a full refund. This rule applies to both domestic and international flights departing from the United States, regardless of the reason for the disruption.

However, every airline has its own refund and compensation policy, which can vary in how they handle delays, rebookings, or vouchers. Some carriers may automatically offer travel credits, while others require passengers to request a refund directly.

It’s always a good idea to review your airline’s contract before you travel, so you know what to expect if your plans change. And remember, these federal protections only apply to the flight portion of your trip. For coverage on hotels, tours, or other prepaid expenses, comprehensive travel insurance can help safeguard the rest of your investment.

Pro Tip: Before you book, compare flight options on sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights, then compare travel insurance quotes to make sure you’re fully covered for whatever the skies bring your way.