Insurance

Flight insurance is a coverage option typically offered as an add-on when booking an airline ticket, either directly through the airline or via third-party sites like Expedia or Priceline.

Understanding Airline Ticket Protection

Flight insurance is considered a "lighter" coverage option due to its lower plan limits compared to other types of insurance. Each insurance plan, including flight insurance, includes a certificate that outlines the coverage for unexpected events and the maximum value of the coverage. Together, these details define the plan limits.

What Does Flight Insurance Include?

Most flight insurance plans provide coverage for unexpected events related to air travel. Typically, this type of policy covers flight delays, trip cancellations or interruptions, and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage, up to the plan's limit. It also covers you if you are unable to fly due to a documented medical reason on the day of your trip. However, keep in mind that due to the relatively low coverage limits, some gaps may remain.

How Does Flight Insurance Work?

One of the most important things to understand when considering flight protection is that these benefits are secondary to any compensation you may receive directly from the airline. If your flight is delayed or canceled, or if you have a claim for lost or stolen baggage, you must first file a claim with the airline for compensation under the "contract of carriage" associated with your ticket. This contract outlines how the airline must refund or compensate you beyond the cost of your ticket in various situations. Your flight insurance policy will then cover any difference between what the airline compensates you and the limit of your policy.

What Is the Cost of Flight Insurance?

The cost of flight insurance varies depending on the provider, whether it's offered by the airline or a third party. While the cost may be relatively low compared to the price of a flight, we've discussed earlier in this article why you might want to consider comprehensive travel insurance instead.

Comprehensive travel insurance covers all your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs and typically costs between 4-10% of the total trip cost. For example, a couple in their 50s traveling to Ireland for a 10-day trip costing $5,000 could insure their trip with a comprehensive plan starting at around $180, depending on the plan’s limits and exclusions.

Is Flight Insurance Worth Getting?

While the cost of flight protection is relatively low compared to other types of coverage, it’s important to consider other aspects of your trip beyond the flight itself. Flight insurance may leave some coverage gaps due to its lower maximum value and narrower range of covered events. If you have significant expenses related to pre-booked excursions or non-refundable hotel costs, your total trip cost may exceed the coverage limits of airline insurance. In such cases, it’s a good idea to explore other travel insurance options to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.

Comprehensive travel insurance often provides higher coverage limits and a broader range of benefits, allowing you to insure your entire trip, including the flight. For example, if you are injured during your trip, comprehensive travel insurance may reimburse covered medical expenses up to the plan limit, and may also cover transportation to another hospital if the nearest one cannot adequately treat your condition, subject to the discretion of the insurance company and attending physician. All comprehensive plans also offer a 24-hour assistance line for travelers.