I’ve learned a thing or two about the ins and outs of family travel. One question that keeps popping up is, “Do I need flight insurance?” Let me tell you, after that recent mess with the IT outage that left thousands of flights delayed or canceled, it’s worth talking about!
Investing in a family vacation should come with protection, just like other investments. Flight insurance covers potential risks your family may face before and during travel. Unexpected events can be both costly and stressful, but having the right insurance offers peace of mind.
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Is it necessary, though? My past advice was that it depends on individual circumstances. However, considering recent travel disruptions with airlines like Delta and Southwest, my current stance is a resounding YES! I’m here to explain flight insurance, its coverage, and why it’s now more important than ever for your travel plans.
This post is sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company) and I have received financial compensation. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I have used Allianz for many years to protect my trips and provide peace of mind while traveling and I only recommend products or services that I truly believe in.
What is Flight Insurance?
Flight insurance, also known as travel insurance, is a type of coverage designed to protect travelers from financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances related to their trip. It typically includes various types of protection, from trip cancellation to emergency medical coverage.
Throughout my years of having an annual travel insurance plan with Allianz, flight-related issues have been the predominant cause of claims. Flight delays, flight cancellations, missed connections, and delayed luggage have consistently led to considerable stress for me and unexpected financial expenses. That’s why I highly recommend considering flight insurance when planning your next trip. You can purchase it at the time of booking or afterward.
Before delving into the specifics of flight insurance coverage, let me introduce you to a useful digital app that all travelers should have on their mobile device.
The Allyz® TravelSmart App
I have something in the travel toolbox, I think every traveler should have. Introducing the Allyz® TravelSmart App, a free travel companion designed to streamline your travel experience. This App ensures smooth sailing for all your journeys, whether or not you have travel insurance.
The Allyz® TravelSmart app provides every user (even those without a travel insurance plan) with:
- Real-time flight tracking, updates, and alerts are crucial during events like IT outages
- Ability to keep all your travel information in one place
- Translation help of basic first aid terms and universal pharmaceutical names of common medications in 18 languages
- Local emergency numbers and hospital finder near you
When you have an Allianz Travel Plan, it also includes:
- Ability to file a claim right from your phone if something goes wrong during your trip
- View and edit your travel protection plan details
- 24-hour emergency medical assistance for plan holders
- Safety alerts for your destination—both before your trip and while you’re there
Download the Allyz® TravelSmart app today and travel with confidence.
Coverage Provided by Travel Insurance
When considering whether you need travel insurance, it’s important to understand what it covers. Plans differ between insurance providers, but most offer coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical expenses, and baggage loss or delay. Some may also include coverage for rental car damage or lost travel documents. Always be sure to read the plan information before purchasing.You have 15 days to do so and cancel if needed.
Trip Cancellation
This type of coverage provides reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as illness, injury, severe weather, or even terrorism.
Trip Interruption
Similar to trip cancellation coverage, this type of insurance will reimburse you for any unused portion of your trip if it has to be cut short due to a covered reason. This can include the cost of returning home early or additional transportation.
Flight Delays and Missed Connections
If your flight is delayed for a significant amount of time, you can be compensated for meals, additional transportation, and overnight accommodations while you wait.
Baggage Loss or Delay
This coverage will reimburse you for lost baggage or provide compensation/reimbursement for essential items until your bags are returned.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Travel insurance can also cover any necessary medical expenses incurred during your trip, including emergency transportation and urgent care visits. It’s important to note that this type of coverage may vary depending on the plan and destination, so it’s always best to check your plan.
Emergency Transportation
If you have a medical emergency, Allianz will ensure you’re taken to the nearest suitable facility or back home. They manage at least one medical transport daily for their customers, underscoring the value of such coverage.
Why You Need Flight Insurance
So, do you need flight insurance? Recent events have highlighted some compelling reasons to consider it:
- Financial protection: It safeguards your investment in case of cancellations or interruptions, including those caused by technical issues beyond your control.
- Peace of mind: Knowing you’re covered can reduce travel-related stress, especially in an era of increasing flight disruptions.
- Unforeseen circumstances: It protects against unexpected events like natural disasters, personal emergencies, or large-scale technical failures that can ground entire fleets.
During my trip to Quebec City’s winter carnival, my suitcase was delayed and arrived late into the next day. My insurance compensated me for essential purchases like toiletries and winter clothing essentials needed for a day of outdoor adventure while I waited for my luggage. Also, my Allianz annual plan includes car rental insurance, eliminating the need for additional coverage.
My friend Nedra of AdventureMom.com was recently delayed coming back from Nicaragua during the global IT outage that impacted airports around the world. She shares:
I HIGHLY recommend travel insurance especially if it’s an expensive vacation or international trip. I just spent 2 extra nights in Houston because of a missed connection for our flight home due to our plane departing late.
Two years in a row I also had flight issues that caused me to miss tours and barely get to my cruise on time even though I booked an additional night at the location of our port the night before our cruise.”
Purchasing Flight Insurance
If you’re wondering, “Can I buy flight insurance after I’ve booked my flight?” The answer is generally yes. However, it’s often best to purchase insurance soon after booking your trip to maximize coverage benefits. The cost of flight insurance typically depends on factors such as trip length, destination, and coverage amount.
Note: Allianz Travel Insurance is available directly, through airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, travel advisors, and the Marriott website.
Annual Plan: A Frequent Flyer’s Best Friend
For families who travel a lot (guilty as charged), an annual planpolicy can be a game-changer:
- It’s cheaper in the long run: Trust me, I’ve done the math.
- Always covered: No scrambling to get insurance for last-minute trips.
- Comprehensive coverage: It’s got you covered for pretty much everything.
Final Thoughts
While the question “Do I need flight insurance?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, recent events have underscored its potential value. I can say that while flight insurance isn’t always necessary, it’s saved our bacon more than once. Those recent flight delays due to the IT outage? They’re a perfect example of why having a backup plan can be a lifesaver.
Remember, traveling is all about making memories – preferably good ones! So whether you decide to get flight insurance or not, the most important thing is to get out there and explore. Who knows? Maybe you’ll run into me and my crew at the next airport lounge, swapping travel stories and insurance tips!
For more flight tips for your next family vacation, see:
- How Early Can You Go Through Airport Security? + Tips on Navigating Arrival & Security Lines
- Travel’s the Ultimate Gift – Here’s How to Give Plane Tickets as a Gift
- 10 Simple Vacation Planning Tips That Help You Avoid Mistakes that Kill Your Joy
- Planning Tips for International Travel with Kids as a Single Parent + Minor Consent Form
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