does travel guard cover flight cancellation

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Coverage available to residents of U.S. states and the District of Columbia only. These plans provide insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of each policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies, as well as any other coverage which you may already have or is available to you, including through other insurers, as a member of an organization, or through your credit card program(s). If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc .(Travel Guard). California lic. no. 0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482,  www.travelguard.com.  CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-HELP.

This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 1271 Ave of the Americas, Floor 41, New York, NY, 10020-1304. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states.

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How to Use Travel Insurance to Cancel a Flight

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Table of Contents

Basic process for travel insurance flight cancellation

Additional tips for travel insurance flight cancellation, if you need to cancel a flight with travel insurance.

Travel insurance can reimburse you for the nonrefundable portion of your flight expenses when you have to cancel a trip due to serious illness, a death in the immediate family, natural disaster or other reason specifically covered by your policy. But to make sure your claim is processed, you need to cancel your flight and file your claim the right way.

If you’ve been wondering how to cancel a flight with travel insurance — here's what you need to do.

The steps necessary to cancel a flight with travel insurance vary by travel insurance company, but many have the same basic process for submitting a claim.

1. Cancel your flight with the airline

Contact the airline to cancel your flight. For most airlines, this can be done online, through its app or by calling customer service. The airline isn't concerned about whether or not you have travel insurance protections.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance: Which is right for you?

2. Determine the amount of your claim

When you cancel a plane ticket, you may be entitled to a refund of some or all of your ticket price. Travel insurance reimburses you for the nonrefundable portions of your affected travel plans; your claim amount is the price of your nonrefundable travel plans minus refunds that you have received, up to your eligible limits.

3. Start your claim

Claims can be started online or over the telephone with most travel insurance providers. Some allow you to submit your claim through their mobile app. To get started, have your policy information and travel details handy.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

4. Review the claim documentation checklist

Travel insurance companies often provide a checklist of documents you’ll need to process your claim. Gather all of the documents required by the insurance company, even if you don't understand why it is asking for them.

5. Submit your supporting documents

Once you have the documents, submit them to the travel insurance company for its review. It's best to submit all of the information at once, rather than piecemeal, so that the claims adjuster can quickly make a decision.

6. Respond to additional requests right away

If the insurance company requests additional documents or information, respond as quickly as possible. If too much time passes, your claim could be denied.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

Here are tips for dealing with a trip cancellation to make the process as smooth as possible.

Determine if you're canceling for a covered reason. A common question travelers have when they need to cancel a trip is: Can I cancel my flight with travel insurance? Depending on your policy, the answer may be yes. With many trip insurance policies, you can expect to get reimbursed only if you cancel for a covered reason, like serious illness, terrorist attack or death in the immediate family. Review your policy to determine what reasons are eligible for coverage.

Document everything and save all receipts. Save all of your receipts, emails and other items related to the trip. Keep a journal of all communications with the airlines, your doctor (if applicable), the insurance agency and anyone else related to your claim. Consider scanning and backing up your documents in case they are lost.

Call your doctor if you’re sick. You may not be feeling well, but can you prove you are sick enough that a reasonable person would need to cancel the flight? A doctor’s advice that you cancel your trip can help prove that your travel insurance claim is valid.

Contact your travel insurance company right away. You should start your travel insurance claim as quickly as possible. If you don't submit your claim and supporting documentation within the required timeframe, your claim will be denied.

Consider rescheduling your flight. After the pandemic struck, many airlines dropped the fees for changing flights . If you are planning to make this trip in the near future, contact the airline to ask about rescheduling your flight. This could be quicker and easier than trying to get reimbursed through insurance.

Remember that travel companions might be covered, too. Review your travel policy to see if it covers travel companions as well.

Buy the right insurance coverage from the get-go. The most flexible types of plans are Cancel For Any Reason, or CFAR plans; you can avoid a lot of phone calls and proof-of-coverage demands by purchasing CFAR policies.

Travel insurance offers protection in case you need to cancel a flight. Follow the steps carefully and document everything to prevent the insurance company from denying your claim.

Before canceling, discuss your situation with the airline to see if you can cancel or reschedule your flight without incurring a fee. This may be quicker and easier than submitting a claim through your travel insurance provider.

To file a trip cancellation claim on travel insurance, contact your insurance provider online, through its app or by phone. They will provide detailed instructions on how to submit your claim, including what documentation they'll need based on your reason for filing a claim.

In many cases, yes, you can cancel your flight and be reimbursed if you have an eligible reason for canceling. You may not cancel the flight because you've changed your mind. You must have a valid reason that is detailed in your travel insurance policy.

Travel insurance reimburses the cost of nonrefundable travel plans if you need to cancel your flight for a covered reason. To receive reimbursement, you must file a claim and submit supporting documentation that validates your eligibility to receive reimbursement.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Travel Insurance for Flight Cancellations: 2024 Guide

See how much it would cost to protect your trip in the case of a canceled flight by clicking below.

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Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Taking off on a flight to your vacation destination is an exciting moment. But unforeseen circumstances can cause long delays and flight cancellations — and adventures cut short. That’s where travel insurance comes in. Travel insurance offers the assurance that you’ll get reimbursed for non-refundable travel costs from a travel insurance provider. Frequent or business travelers also benefit from this safety net for flight cancellations.

Flight insurance is usually sold as part of a comprehensive travel plan that includes trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage along with emergency medical insurance. Because most airlines aren’t required to compensate you for flight delays, trip delay travel protection helps you recoup losses for tours and accommodation.

We at the MarketWatch Guides Team outline below the benefits of comprehensive travel insurance to avoid travel expenses related to flight cancellations.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

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Understanding Travel Insurance Coverage for Real Scenarios

When you buy travel insurance, comprehensive plans typically reimburse you the costs of canceled and delayed flights through travel delay coverage and trip cancellation insurance. Depending on the plan you choose, you can get reimbursed full refunds or prepaid costs once you qualify during the claims process. Reimbursements may include the money you paid for extra accommodations and food.

Whether you buy flight insurance with your airfare from major airlines or through another travel supplier, flight cancellation protection is subject to limited circumstances. These may include:

• Bad weather or natural disasters that cause the airline to cancel flights
• Medical emergencies causing you to cancel flights
• The unexpected death or illness of a family member or travel companion
• Delays caused by missed flight connections

For more flexibility, consider CFAR — cancel for any reason coverage. It’s still subject to exclusions and conditions, such as the requirement to cancel within 48 hours of the departure date. But the reasons for canceling are at your discretion. About 75% of prepaid non-refundable trip expenses get reimbursed.

Will Travel Insurance Cover Airline Cancellation?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation , if an airline cancels your flight or makes changes that cause significant delays, you’re entitled to a refund if you choose not to reschedule. But the definition of a “significant delay” gets decided on a case-by-case basis, and refunds aren’t guaranteed.

Travel insurance covers the specific emergency reasons outlined in your policy. Under trip delay, interruption or cancellation policies, other expenses are covered. For example, if inclement weather results in a canceled flight with a delay to reschedule, you may need to cancel a non-refundable excursion through a tour operator. Insurance benefits help recoup these financial losses.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Delayed Flights?

If your flight is delayed significantly, an airline may offer to refund your money under certain conditions. Travel insurance features trip cancellation and trip delay benefits to reimburse you for applicable expenses incurred. Costs might include transportation, food and accommodations while you wait for a rescheduled flight if the airline doesn’t come through with hotel and food vouchers.

As a general rule, trip delay benefits apply after a specifically defined length of time. For example, you might need to be delayed for at least five hours to qualify for reimbursement or extra transportation. Daily spending limits typically apply for additional expenses incurred.

Will Travel Insurance Cover Costs if I Need to Switch Flights?

Travel insurance for flight changes is also available. But most policies don’t cover you if you simply change your mind about a flight. Trip interruption and cancellation policies cover a range of unforeseen circumstances. For example, a trip cancellation claim may reimburse the difference in cost between a canceled flight and a more expensive alternative to get you to a destination on time.

Does Travel Insurance Cover If Connecting Flights Get Canceled?

If your connecting flights get canceled, the airline may offer you a refund or put you on another flight (likely the latter). Travel insurance reimburses you for non-refundable trip costs relating to trip interruptions or cancellations. If you miss a connecting flight for reasons listed in your policy, part of your prepaid trip expenses get reimbursed along with any extra expenses you incurred to get pushed forward on your trip or to get home.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Plan

The quality of travel insurance plans varies. That makes it important to compare as you shop. When selecting a plan for flight cancellations, choose one with competitive coverage for the following:

• Trip cancellation coverage : This policy can reimburse you for non-refundable, prepaid trip costs for trips canceled for reasons that are covered by your policy, such as the death of a family member or a medical emergency. Reimbursements include airline tickets, hotel rooms and tours. Coverage limits can range from $10,000 for basic plans up to $300,000 for premium plans.
• Trip delay coverage : If your flight gets delayed for reasons that are covered in your policy, such as severe weather or airline maintenance, your plan provides financial relief for expenses, such as alternative transportation, food and accommodations. Basic plans may have a $300 coverage limit and a daily spending limit of $150.
• Trip interruption coverage : You may need to cut your trip short because of an injury or an unexpected event. Trip interruption coverage may reimburse you for non-refundable expenses including prepaid airline tickets and accommodation. Coverage limits can range from $5,000 for basic plans to $300,000 for premium plans.

While it’s possible to buy basic travel insurance with trip cancellation policies only, most are comprehensive. They include emergency medical and baggage loss coverage. Upgrades for CFAR, pre-existing medical conditions and rental car coverage provide further protection.

Use the tool below to find and compare rates for plans with flight insurance to suit your travel requirements.

Making a Claim for Flight Cancellations

To file a claim, most travel insurance companies offer systems via websites, apps and customer support teams available by phone and email. For flight cancellations , claims are usually filed under trip cancellation, interruption or delay coverage. With each claim, you’re required to present supporting documentation highlighting reasons for cancellation. This may include:

• Proof of an emergency or incident, such as a doctor’s certificate or a police report
• Copies of itineraries for all trip components claimed, including flight bookings
• Receipts for expenses incurred because of flight delays, such as meals and accommodations

Insurance companies process claims to approve them for reimbursement. Once complete, most companies send a payment to your selected account ( credit card , bank, etc.).

Common Challenges Travelers Face

You can get confused reading travel insurance policies as you figure out what’s covered and what’s not. A common challenge travelers encounter is misunderstanding a policy’s terms and conditions. As a general rule, travel insurance covers losses from unforeseen circumstances.

With flights and trip cancellations, covered reasons include emergencies, such as unexpected natural disasters, the death of a family member or a serious illness or injury. Otherwise, any flight cancellation refunds fall to the discretion of the airline.

Tips To Minimize Flight Cancellations Risks

Unless you experience an unexpected emergency, it’s possible to minimize the risks of flight cancellations and enjoy smooth journeys. Reduce the likelihood of it happening to you with the tips below.

• Book flights that depart early in the morning. Statistically, they’re the least delayed and least canceled.
• Choose nonstop flights to eliminate the risk of missed or delayed connections.
• Pick airlines with multiple flights to your destination per day for easy rescheduling if necessary.
• Ensure your airline offers a suitable cancellation policy.
• Travel a day or two in advance of events or celebrations that you don’t want to miss
• Monitor the weather at home and at your intended destination to be forewarned of potential cancellations.
• Implement backup transport plans if possible, including driving routes, ferry and train timetables.

The Bottom Line

Travel is much more than a trip, it’s an investment. With so many things that can go wrong, it’s important to protect travel investments with comprehensive insurance for flight cancellations. Along with reimbursement for flights in emergencies, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing additional costs, such as hotel rooms and meals, are covered if your trip is delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if my flight is canceled.

Your airline will put you on another flight or, in some cases, offer you a refund. Travel insurance protects with reimbursement for flights canceled via predetermined reasons covered by policies, along with additional expenses.

Do I need flight insurance?

We recommend flight insurance as a safety net for unexpected circumstances. These may include the death of a family member or a serious injury that results in canceling flights.

What does flight insurance normally cover?

As part of comprehensive travel insurance plans, flight insurance covers the cost of non-refundable, canceled flights subject to limited reasons. Most providers also offer coverage for flight delays and tours missed due to cancellations.

Does travel insurance cover hotel expenses if my flight is canceled?

Yes. Trip interruption and cancellation coverage provide reimbursement for hotel expenses, meals and alternative transport required due to canceled flights.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Travel Insurance Companies for Flight Cancellations

Our team created a comprehensive rating system to objectively compare and contrast each travel insurance company. We contacted each company over the phone and online, requested quotes, compared coverage options and costs, reviewed terms and conditions, and analyzed customer service both through our experience and by reading customer reviews.

Each company is scored in the following categories: number of plans, customization, coverage details, cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) percentage, timeframe of delay coverage, coverage amount, customer service and support, and reputation.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

American Express adds new 'cancel for any reason' coverage option on flights

If you aren't familiar with " Cancel For Any Reason " coverage, you should be. This supplement to travel insurance policies allows you to cancel a trip for nearly any reason, and as long as you follow the terms, you will be able to get a refund for a large portion of your prepaid expenses.

American Express is now adding an optional service called Trip Cancel Guard, which you can purchase when booking flights through Amex Travel. With this new benefit, you can cancel flights prior to departure and request a refund.

However, there are some key details you should know about to help you evaluate whether this is a worthwhile addition to your booking.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

What is Trip Cancel Guard?

Trip Cancel Guard is a new offering from American Express that functions similarly to "cancel for any reason" coverage. However, it is not insurance. In fact, you can purchase this and travel insurance to cover your trip in different ways.

When purchased, Trip Cancel Guard provides reimbursement of up to 75% of your nonrefundable flights costs booked on AmexTravel.com — as long as you cancel at least two calendar days before your departure date.

This option is available when paying with any American Express card issued in the U.S. and must be added at the time of booking on AmexTravel.com. It's not available later as an addition to your flights and can't be purchased over the phone.

How does it work?

Trip Cancel Guard is in effect from the time you purchase it until one of three things happens:

• You cancel your benefit.
• You submit a reimbursement request for a canceled flight.
• You reach the end date for your benefit (within two calendar days of your departure date).

The benefit provides up to 75% reimbursement on nonrefundable, prepaid airfare.

Note that receiving a voucher or similar credits from the airline when canceling your flight(s) means Trip Cancel Guard can provide reimbursement once the credit or voucher has expired or is forfeited by its own terms and conditions. You cannot receive a voucher and reimbursement when the combination would exceed your maximum coverage.

How much does it cost?

Since this is a paid benefit, let's talk about costs.

Trip Cancel Guard is priced based on the cost of your flights. The cost is 8% of the total ticket price, including all taxes and fees.

If your flight costs $1,000, then the cost of adding Trip Cancel Guard is $80. For a $500 flight, the cost is $40.

This actually compares rather favorably to traditional "cancel-for-any-reason" coverage, which is typically a supplement added to a comprehensive travel insurance policy. For starters, you'd need to purchase the comprehensive policy (which can be 4-10% of the total cost of the trip) and then add the CFAR supplement. This could add another 40-60% on to the premium.

However, Trip Cancel Guard is also more limited coverage than adding CFAR protection to a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Key terms you should know about

First, you need to add this benefit and pay for it at the time of booking a flight at AmexTravel.com. You can't add it later or add it when booking on the phone.

Moreover, this benefit is only available on flight bookings. You can't add it to flight-plus-hotel or other combination packages, and your flight must cost $300 or more to be eligible.

You can add Trip Cancel Guard when booking and paying with an American Express card issued in the U.S. It's also available if you pay with Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program . However, if you transfer your points to one of the Membership Rewards transfer partners , Trip Cancel Guard isn't available on those flight bookings.

Should you use this new option?

When it comes to any form of travel insurance, everyone's situation is unique. If you want extra peace of mind when booking nonrefundable flights through Amex Travel, this new offering could make sense.

However, it's worth noting that many airlines no longer impose change or cancellation fees on most tickets. If you cancel a ticket, you'll generally receive a voucher or future flight credit for the full amount of your initial flight. The 75% reimbursement through Amex's Trip Cancel Guard will only kick in if that voucher ultimately expires.

That said, if you're considering a restrictive basic economy ticket that wouldn't otherwise allow for penalty-free cancellations, this add-on could be a great option.

Bottom line

I book a lot of flights on AmexTravel.com. Given that I'm trying to see every country in the world, I wind up on a lot of smaller, regional airlines that don't have transfer partners I can use for free flights. Thus, I book with Amex Travel. Having the option to add the ability to cancel for any reason is fantastic.

You can be reimbursed for up to 75% of the cost of your flights, which isn't perfect. However, given that there's still a lot of uncertainty in international travel right now, getting something back is much better than nothing. If you follow the terms for when to add the benefit and the deadline for canceling your flights, this new perk can be very useful.

Just be sure to carefully consider the type of ticket you're purchasing through Amex Travel, as a fee-free cancellation with a future voucher could be enough flexibility for your situation.

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Is the American Express Cancel for Any Reason Coverage Worth It?

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Table of Contents

What is american express trip cancel guard, how to purchase trip cancel guard coverage, trip cancel guard vs. cancel for any reason insurance, trip cancel guard vs. american express card travel insurance, trip cancel guard vs. airline cancellation policies, submitting a claim, everything else you need to know, final thoughts.

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During the past few years, it’s safe to say that as travelers we’ve become more aware of the importance of securing travel insurance. This new awareness of the importance of travel insurance has also created questions as to which is the best travel insurance to purchase and whether we need it for any given trip.

We may be tempted to select the convenient point-of-sale option, normally offered at checkout when we’re purchasing a flight, though the option provides limited coverage.

If you’re an American Express cardholder, you’ll now have the option when purchasing a flight via AmexTravel.com to add coverage that protects your flight purchase if you need to cancel your flight for any reason!

American Express is not new to travel insurance. In addition to issuing credit cards and offering other important financial products, the financial institution has long been a provider of travel insurance via American Express Travel Insurance.

The addition of American Express Trip Cancel Guard coverage addresses travelers’ concerns about protecting their flight purchases while simplifying the process of securing the coverage.

Today we’re going to look at how the coverage works, how it compares to other travel insurance, and what you can expect to pay for the coverage.

Join us as we explore the American Express cancel-for-any-reason Trip Cancel Guard coverage and find out if it’s worth purchasing.

Trip Cancel Guard is a coverage you can add when purchasing flights via AmexTravel.com  whether paying with an American Express card , with Membership Rewards points using the Pay With Points option, or a combination of both.

The coverage provides for reimbursement of up to 75% of the cost of the non-refundable prepaid flight expense, penalty and change fees caused by the cancellation, or the amount of any expired vouchers/flight credits received for the canceled flight. Coverage is applicable when your flight is canceled for any reason and is valid until 2 full calendar days prior to your trip’s originally scheduled departure date.

Since Trip Cancel Guard is not insurance , you can purchase it in addition to a travel insurance policy .

Bottom Line: Trip Cancel Guard is a cancel-for-any-reason coverage, available at AmexTravel.com checkout, that provides for reimbursement of up to 75% of non-refundable expenses incurred when canceling a flight booked via the portal. The flight must be paid for with an American Express card, Membership Rewards points, or a combination of both. 

When you book a flight via AmexTravel.com online, you’ll have the opportunity to select the Trip Cancel Guard option at checkout. The charge for the coverage is calculated at 8% of the total price of the flight. In the above example, the flight price was $952.25. The Trip Cancel Guard cost of $76.18 could be added to the flight price.

You can use Membership Rewards points to pay for the entire flight + the Trip Cancel Guard coverage, or just a portion of the cost, then use your American Express card for the remainder.

The full terms and conditions and details of the coverage will be disclosed prior to finalizing the purchase.

Bottom Line: Trip Cancel Guard can be added at checkout when you purchase a flight via AmexTravel.com. The cost is 8% of the total flight price and, when added to the flight cost, can be paid using your American Express card and/or Membership Rewards points. 

You can purchase Cancel for Any Reason Insurance (CFAR) for most trips as an add-on to travel insurance policies secured via a travel insurance company. The timing of purchasing Cancel for Any Reason Insurance is normally limited to 14 days (or a similar duration) after your first trip deposit, and there are limits on the amount of coverage you can purchase.

The coverage will generally be expensive as it is based on the total trip cost, which can include lodging, flights, tours, ground transportation, and more. While the trip must be insured to 100% of the total cost , reimbursement is generally limited to 50% to 75% of non-reimbursed expenses. If you are uncertain as to whether you’re going to be able to take an expensive trip, the coverage could be worth it.

By comparison, Trip Cancel Guard covers just flights — and only those booked via AmexTravel.com with your American Express credit card and/or Membership Rewards points. The price is 8% of the total flight cost, allowing you to purchase coverage for the flight alone, not the entire trip as you would need to with CFAR.

Bottom Line: CFAR insurance must be purchased based on the total cost of your entire trip while Trip Cancel Guard covers just the flight , making it a more affordable option when the flight cost is your main concern. 

You may be wondering how Trip Cancel Guard coverage compares to the travel insurance that comes with your American Express credit card. First, credit cards do not offer cancel for any reason insurance , but you will find a variation of the following coverages on many American Express cards that could apply to flights:

• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption — Provides coverage if your trip needs to be canceled or if your trip is interrupted for a covered reason. Covered reasons for cancellation are limited but can include events such as illness, your dwelling becoming inhabitable, or legal obligations.
• Trip Delay Insurance — If your trip is delayed more than a specific number of hours for a covered reason, normally 12 hours or overnight, you could receive reimbursement for eligible incidentals, lodging, or transportation.

Neither Trip Cancel Guard nor the insurance that comes with your American Express credit card offers medical insurance . If this coverage is a priority, you’ll want to purchase medical travel insurance separately.

If you want to learn more about the travel insurance coverage that comes with credit cards offered by American Express , we go into much more detail in our article on the topic.

Bottom Line: Travel insurance that comes with your American Express credit card does not include Cancel for Any Reason Insurance. While you may find trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay insurance on several American Express cards, covered events are limited to those listed in the Guide to Benefits. Additionally, trip cancellation coverage will not include voluntary cancellation for a non-qualifying event, while Trip Cancel Guard does. 

Most airlines now have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to receive a flight credit for future travel, for the full amount of your ticket, if you need to cancel a flight for any reason.

You may not need to purchase additional coverage that provides reimbursement for just 75% of the amount paid. However, if you are purchasing a basic economy or another restrictive non-refundable fare that does not provide for a future travel credit or refund, Trip Cancel Guard might be a viable option. You may also prefer receiving 75% of your money refunded versus any travel credit issued by the airline.

Trip Cancel Guard could also make sense if you’re purchasing a flight that comes with heavy change fees. If you need to cancel the flight, you may have to pay a fee to rebook using the airline credit. Having coverage would allow you to submit a reimbursement for 75% of the total price of the flight once the credit expires which could be a better option than paying the change fee at rebooking.

If an airline does issue you a travel voucher or flight credit when you cancel your flight, you will not be able to submit a request for reimbursement with Trip Cancel Guard until those credits expire or are forfeited.

Bottom Line: Trip Cancel Guard could make sense when purchasing a flight fare that is restrictive including those with no changes, refunds, or fares that involve high change fees. 

Submit a claim after canceling your flight by completing a claim application online or by calling 800-228-6855 . You must submit the claim within 30 days of canceling your flight or “as soon as reasonably possible.”

The benefits administrator will ask for documentation supporting the cancellation including a statement regarding the amount of any voucher or reimbursement you may have received from the airline plus any fees you were charged for the cancellation.

If you have received a voucher/credit from the airline, your claim will not be valid until said voucher/credit has expired or forfeited.

Trip Cancel Guard must be purchased at the time of booking and cannot be added on later . The coverage remains active from the time of purchase until you cancel it, submit a claim, or until you reach the 2-day limit prior to your flight departure.

Coverage is secondary to any reimbursement or travel vouchers/flight credits received from the airline when you cancel your flight. If you receive a travel voucher from the airline, Trip Cancel Guard may apply once the voucher has expired.

If you purchase Trip Cancel Guard and change your mind, you will have 14 days from the date of purchase to request a refund , provided you have not canceled your flight or submitted a claim for reimbursement. The request for a refund must also be made before coverage expires at the 2-day window prior to departure.

If you change your flight, you must notify the benefits administrator to determine new flight eligibility and re-apply coverage to the new flight.

Trip Cancel Guard is a coverage that can provide peace of mind if you’re worried about losing the money you spent on a flight due to a voluntary cancellation. Perhaps you take just 1 major trip each year and don’t want to receive a flight credit should you need to cancel. Receiving 75% of the cost of your flight back in cash may be more desirable to you in this situation.

For those with health issues, Trip Cancel Guard may provide comfort in knowing you can book a flight and cancel with not having to worry about losing your entire investment or having to accept an airline credit you may not be able to use.

Also, there are some airlines that still charge change fees if you need to cancel voluntarily. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I recently had to cancel a Scandinavian Airlines highly-discounted flight to Europe that cost around $600 but came with a $300 change fee . The cost to purchase Trip Cancel Guard would have been $48. At cancellation, I received a voucher for future travel for $600 but would have to pay the $300 change fee to rebook. With Trip Cancel Guard, I could have waited until the voucher expired and submitted a claim to receive 75% of my flight cost ($450) reimbursed, a net loss of just $198 ($150 + $48) vs. $300.

Kudos to American Express for giving cardmembers an additional choice for protecting the value of flight investments. While the option may be useful in limited situations, it’s always good to have choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is american express cancel for any reason coverage worth it.

It can be in certain circumstances. If you do not have any use for a travel credit issued by the airline when you cancel a flight and prefer to receive up to 75% of the flight price reimbursed, it can be worth it.

If you want to protect your investment in a flight with a restrictive fare that has high change fees or does not provide for a travel credit or refund, the coverage could be worth considering.

Additionally, if your health is not stable and you want the flexibility of canceling your flight for any reason, the coverage could provide peace of mind knowing you’ll receive a portion of the cost returned versus an airline credit you may not use.

How does American Express Trip Cancel Guard work?

At checkout, when purchasing a flight via AmexTravel.com, you can purchase Trip Cancel Guard coverage for your flight. The coverage provides for reimbursement of up to 75% of non-refundable flight costs should you need to cancel the flight for any reason.

The coverage can be added to eligible flights for a cost of 8% of the total flight price. The flight and coverage can be paid for with your American Express card, Membership Rewards points, or a combination of both.

Can I cancel Trip Cancel Guard coverage and get a refund?

You can cancel Trip Cancel Guard coverage up to 14 days from the date of purchase and receive a refund provided you have not canceled the flight, submitted a claim for reimbursement, or have not reached the end of the coverage period of 2 days prior to the flight departure date.

Does American Express Trip Cancel Guard cover COVID-19?

Yes. Trip Travel Guard covers canceling a flight for any reason, including having COVID-19 or the fear of getting COVID-19.

Does American Express Trip Cancel Guard cover trip cancellation?

Trip Cancel Guard covers just flights purchased via AmexTravel.com with an American Express card, Membership Rewards points, or both. It does not cover entire trips, just flights.

You can purchase the coverage for your eligible flight at checkout.

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Tech Outage: How to Get Reimbursed if Your Flight Was Canceled or Delayed

Did the global Microsoft outage disrupt your travel plans? Here's how to get reimbursed if your flight was canceled or delayed.

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A global technology outage disrupted several major airlines, causing thousands of flight cancellations and delays on Friday July 19. The tech outage impacted banks , media outlets and hospital systems around the world as well. Days after the outage, Delta travelers are still experiencing the effects.

On Friday, many unlucky travelers had to wait for hours trapped at the airport to try to check in and get onto their flights with the systems down. The glitch led to all flights getting temporarily grounded for Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Spirit and United, according to The New York Times . There were challenges and delays at many American airports, including in major hubs like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and New York, CNN reported . 

Ultimately, the problem stemmed from a software update by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company . Over the course of the day Friday, the various impacted systems slowly returned to operational normalcy. 

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And while most airlines have recovered from the outage, Delta is still struggling. According to FlightAware, on Sunday, Delta canceled over 1,300 flights and delayed over 1,600. On Monday, the airline had over 700 cancellations and over 1,000 delays, more than any other airline. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta's main hub and the busiest airport in the world, is facing extreme crowds and long lines at airline counters as thousands of travelers get stuck at the airport. 

This past weekend, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, spoke to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, saying his agency has received " hundreds of complaints " about Delta and he expects the airline to issue prompt refunds and assistance to customers.

If your flight was canceled or delayed due to the tech glitch, here’s what you need to know about reimbursement for your disrupted flights. 

How to get reimbursed if your flight was canceled or delayed

Consumers are entitled to a refund if an airline cancels a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation . Refunds are also given if the airline makes a “significant schedule change” and/or “significantly delays” a flight and the consumer chooses not to travel. 

Although what determines a “significant change” has not been explicitly outlined by the DOT, in this case, the DOT will hold airline companies responsible for issuing reimbursements, USA Today reported . 

Typically, airlines don’t provide compensation for delayed flights over three hours, except for Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest. You can check the DOT’s Customer Service Dashboard to get more information about each airline’s policy. 

The good news is several major airlines, including Delta , American and United , have already issued waivers to customers in the wake of the tech outage to reimburse their flights or allow them to rebook travel for no additional cost. 

The following was shared by airlines: Delta customers can rebook travel up to July 28. United customers can rebook travel up to July 25. American Airlines is waiving a change fee for those who were booked to fly Friday the 19th. Frontier customers whose flights were delayed by more than 180 minutes or canceled can rebook flights at no charge or cancel flights for a full refund. Additionally, Frontier said that change fees are waived for rescheduled travel completed on/before July 25, 2025.  Spirit is allowing customers to rebook or get a refund on flights for those that were canceled or delayed by more than 2 hours. The fare difference is waived through July 28, 2024.

Often, if you need to rebook but can’t find suitable flights from the airline you made the initial booking with, you can rebook with a partner airline or another airline with which it has an agreement (again, at no additional cost). Changing travel dates, instead of opting for a full refund, is worth considering. If you take the refund and rebook travel at a later date, prices could be more expensive than they were to begin with, meaning you’ll end up spending more money. 

To start the reimbursement process, call your airline’s customer service line or go to the customer service desk if you’re already at the airport. 

Also note that not only can you get compensation for the price of the airfare itself, but most airlines also offer meal vouchers and hotel accommodations for customers. All major airlines offer meal vouchers when cancellation results in passengers waiting for 3 hours or more for a flight, and most offer complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation.

Unfortunately, automatic refunds aren’t available yet, but will be later this year. The Department of Transportation announced in April that airlines will soon be required to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed.  

Does travel insurance cover canceled or delayed flights?

Situations like this are when travel insurance comes in handy. Most travel insurance policies cover canceled flights or those delayed by at least 3 to 12 hours. 

Some policies also cover accommodation and food costs, missed trip events that were pre-paid and added costs for meeting up with your cruise or travel group, according to Progressive . If federal law requires an airline to reimburse you for a delay or cancellation, file a claim through your airline. However, other prepaid, nonrefundable costs caused by the covered delay or cancellation can be filed through your insurance provider.

If you don’t have a separate travel insurance policy, there’s a good chance you already have cancellation or delay coverage through your travel credit card , so it’s important to stay up to date with your card’s terms and conditions. Check out these 10 credit cards with travel insurance .

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Erin pairs personal experience with research and is passionate about sharing personal finance advice with others. Previously, she was a freelancer focusing on the credit card side of finance, but has branched out since then to cover other aspects of personal finance. Erin is well-versed in traditional media with reporting, interviewing and research, as well as using graphic design and video and audio storytelling to share with her readers.

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Travel insurance

What is trip cancellation travel insurance?

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• Trip cancellation insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if you’re unable to travel due to certain unforeseen circumstances, such as an illness or the death of a family member.
• Trip cancellation insurance generally won’t cover foreseeable or preventable events, such as a hurricane that was named before you bought coverage. 
• Basic trip cancellation insurance typically costs between 5% and 10% of the total cost of your trip.

The average household spent more than $2,000 a year on travel before the pandemic. As traveling rebounds and you’re ready to plan your next trip, a trip cancellation policy can give you peace of mind. But it’s important to understand what trip cancellation insurance does and does not cover.  

What is trip cancellation insurance?

Trip cancellation insurance is a type of travel insurance designed to reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses when you cancel your trip because of a reason listed in your policy. 

Trip cancellation insurance is often part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan, but it can also be purchased separately. 

You can typically purchase trip cancellation insurance up to the day before your scheduled departure. It’s best, however, to buy a travel insurance plan as soon as you make your first trip deposit. You won’t be charged extra for buying a plan earlier, and you will be covered for a longer period of time.

What trip cancellation insurance covers

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for 100% of your nonrefundable and prepaid trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason, which may include: 

• Death of your travel companion, business partner or family member (policies differ on who is considered a family member).
• Injury or illness of you or a travel companion (documented by a doctor).
• Complications from pregnancy for you or your travel companion.
• Traffic accident en route to departure.
• Mechanical breakdown or other failure of your transportation.
• Mandated shutdown of an airport or air traffic control system.
• Air traffic control or airport shutdown due to fire or power outage.
• Mandatory evacuation due to an unforeseen natural disaster.
• Severe, sudden weather.
• Your home or your trip lodging is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster, vandalism or burglary.
• Hurricane warning or hurricane watch (you must have purchased the policy before the storm was named).
• Terrorist attack.

What trip cancellation insurance does not cover

While trip cancellation policies differ, most plans will not cover incidents that could be foreseen or planned around. For instance, most trip cancellation policies will not cover cancellations resulting from:

• Alcohol or substance use.
• Committing a felony.
• Dental treatment or elective procedures.
• Harm resulting from dangerous activities such as skydiving or bungee jumping.
• Mental or nervous health disorders.
• Normal pregnancy and childbirth.
• Participation in amateur or professional sporting events.
• Self-harm. 

What is “cancel for any reason” coverage?  

If you want to be able to cancel your trip for any reason, not only those specified in your policy, consider buying “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. This premium upgrade will add about 50% to the cost of your trip cancellation insurance but will give you greater flexibility with your plans.  

CFAR coverage typically reimburses up to 75% of your nonrefundable trip costs when you cancel a trip. But you have to cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure if you hope to file a successful CFAR claim. 

How much does trip cancellation insurance cost?

A basic travel insurance policy with trip cancellation coverage typically costs between 5% and 10% of the total cost of your trip. That means if you take a $5,000 safari trip to Tanzania, your travel insurance might cost between $250 and $500. 

How much you pay for trip cancellation insurance will depend on the travel insurance company, the plan and level of coverage you choose, the number of travelers in your party and their ages, your trip length and trip expenses. 

How to get trip cancellation insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance policies usually include trip cancellation benefits, but you can also buy a standalone trip cancellation policy. 

To shop for trip cancellation insurance, follow these steps. 

• Check if your credit card has travel insurance. If your credit card provides trip cancellation benefits when you pay for trip expenses with that card, you may opt to skip buying a separate trip insurance policy.
• Compare quotes. Choose a travel insurance company by comparing travel insurance plans and quotes online . 
• Buy the plan you want. You can buy travel insurance online. Be prepared to enter your travel dates and destination, the total value of your trip and information about your travel companions.
• Review your plan . After buying travel insurance, you typically have a free look period of 14 or 15 days. If you read the details of your plan and decide it’s not a good fit, you can cancel and request a refund during that period. 

Credit card rewards and trip cancellation insurance

The following cards provide complimentary travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits when you pay for your travel using the card :

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .
• Chase Freedom Flex® * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® .
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .¹
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card * The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .¹
• The Platinum Card® from American Express .¹
• United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .
• United Club℠ Infinite Card * The information for the United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

All information about The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Check to see if your credit card offers travel insurance with trip purchases and what coverage it provides. Travel insurance provided by credit cards isn’t usually as comprehensive as a separate policy.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you need to cancel a trip for a covered reason. Valid reasons for trip cancellation typically include unforeseen events such as a death in the family, sudden weather that leaves your destination uninhabitable or an illness that is documented by a doctor.

Most travel insurance plans bundle together several types of coverage, including trip cancellation insurance. If you have trip cancellation insurance, you can file a claim for any prepaid and nonrefundable expenses associated with a trip when you decide to cancel for a reason listed in your policy. 

When it comes to travel insurance, you’re not limited to cancellation coverage. The best comprehensive travel insurance plans also include coverage for incidents related to epidemics, emergency medical needs, baggage loss and damage, travel delays and trip interruption.

¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

*The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Freedom Flex®, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, United Club℠ Infinite Card and United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Lizzie's commentary has been published in Bankrate, CNBC, the Washington Post, the Washington Examiner, MSN and more.

Kara McGinley is deputy editor of insurance at USA TODAY Blueprint and a licensed home insurance expert. Previously, she was a senior editor at Policygenius, where she specialized in homeowners and renters insurance. Her work and insights have been featured in MSN, Lifehacker, Kiplinger, PropertyCasualty360 and more.

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Flight cancelled or delayed? Here’s what you need to know about refunds and compensation

Flights around the world have been disrupted after a massive outage caused Windows computers to suddenly shut down .

On Ryanair’s website, the company urged passengers to arrive at airports three hours early, blaming a “third-party IT issue, which is outside Ryanair’s control and affecting all airlines operating across the network”.

Travellers at airports including Gatwick, Los Angeles and Madrid have shared photos on social media showing long queues as airlines grapple with increasing delays. Air passengers in India were even given hand-written boarding passes in an effort to keep things running smoothly.

What are passengers caught up in the chaos entitled to? The detail around customer rights in this area is sometimes complicated, but the main principles are straightforward. If your flight to or from the UK or the EU is delayed or cancelled at the last minute you are not only legally entitled to be looked after by your airline, you may – though not in the case of today’s IT outage – be due cash compensation too.

Because airlines will often attempt to avoid paying out, it is worth being sure of your rights when it happens to you. Our guide explains everything you need to know, the rules on compensation and how to make sure you get it. Find more advice on the immediate practical steps  here.

What am I entitled to if my flight is cancelled?

If your flight to or from a UK or EU airport (or with a UK/EU airline) is cancelled outright, whatever the reason, your airline must offer you either a full refund or a seat on the soonest available alternative flight, even if it is with a rival carrier.

Contact your airline directly if you do wish to claim a refund, but beware that in doing so you will waive your right to being placed on another flight.

If you opt for an alternative flight, it is your choice as to whether you take the next available flight, or travel at a later date. If you decide to travel at a later date, you may be able to claim compensation on reasonable expenses, such as overnight accommodation and the cost of phone calls.

If you are flown to a different airport, the airline must also cover the cost of onward travel, though you should keep expenditure to a minimum (by taking the train from Heathrow to Gatwick, for example, rather than a taxi).

What if my airline cannot provide an alternative flight ticket?

If your airline cancels your flight and is unable to offer an alternative, you must make your own arrangements and seek a refund from it at a later date. Once again, you should keep costs to a minimum, choosing the cheapest available route and, where necessary, staying in budget hotels. Keep your receipts, as well as evidence such as screenshots to prove you bought the cheapest available tickets.

My flight is delayed: what support am I entitled to?

In the event of a long delay (see below), and regardless of the cause, airlines must provide food and drink appropriate to the time of day (often in the form of a voucher) and a means of communicating your delay or a refund for the cost of essential phone calls. For overnight delays, you must be given hotel accommodation and transport to it – or to return home if you are on the outward leg. If there’s a major disruption, you may have to make your own arrangements and claim back the cost. Be reasonable when booking accommodation – don’t expect a full refund for an expensive hotel unless there is no alternative. Receipts are essential.

A long delay means, for short flights (up to 1,500km), two hours or more; for mid-haul journeys (1,500 to 3,500km), three hours; for longer trips, four hours.

Can I get compensation if my flight is delayed?

To claim additional cash compensation, the hold-up must have been the airline’s fault. This does not include severe weather or IT breakdowns, for example.

However, a recent Supreme Court decision found that it does include staff illness. A passenger had brought a case against BA Cityflyer after their compensation claim for a cancelled flight in 2018 was turned down by the airline on the grounds that the cause of the delay – a pilot falling ill – was an “extraordinary circumstance” and therefore the company was not legally responsible.

The Court’s judgement was that staff illness does not constitute an “extraordinary circumstance”, and that compensation should be paid. As the consumer watchdog Which? pointed out in response, this is a blow to airlines which have long tried to pass off problems travellers might consider to be day-to-day issues as “extraordinary” and thus avoid payouts. The ruling opens the door for many more claims from passengers who suffer cancelled or delayed flights.it does include delays and cancellations caused by staff sickness) and cause a delay of three hours or more beyond the scheduled arrival time.

Can I get compensation if my flight is cancelled?

Again, this applies only if the airline is to blame for your flight being cancelled. Otherwise (as outlined above) you are only entitled to a refund or a seat on an alternative flight.

If the cancellation is the airline’s fault, similar rules and amounts for compensation apply as for delays and there are particular conditions and variations depending on how far in advance the flight was cancelled (see caa.co.uk/consumers ). See below for how much you could be entitled to.

Which flights qualify for compensation?

Under current EU and British law, you must be departing from, or arriving at, a British or EU airport (this includes Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) on any airline to qualify for compensation. The rules also used to apply to anyone travelling anywhere else on an EU or British airline, however a recent EU court ruling means that some long-haul flights to Britain via EU airports are now excluded. Read more on the rule change here.

How much can I expect for a delayed flight?

For delays of three hours or more which are the fault of the airline, you are entitled to a cash payment of £220 for short flights and £350 for a flight of 1,500–3,500km. For flights over 3,500km you should receive £520 for a delay of three to four hours. You don’t have to take the flight if it’s delayed for five hours or more, and will be entitled to a full refund within seven days.

However, as already stated, these amounts do not apply in all cases. If your delay is caused by bad weather for example, you will not be entitled to compensation.

What is covered?

You should get compensation for delays caused by most things within an airline’s control, including technical problems such as component failure and general wear and tear. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has said that a strike by the airline’s own staff comes under its responsibility and could mean a right to compensation. It might depend on how far in advance the carrier has given you warning of disruption.

What is excluded?

Compensation is not payable in “extraordinary” circumstances, such as war or civil unrest, security issues, natural disasters, extreme weather (including an airport’s failure to de-ice the aircraft on time or wildfires), air traffic control restrictions, strikes by airport staff, a medical emergency on board, and some crew issues. These are unforeseeable emergencies and airlines are not liable for them.

How long do I have to make my claim?

You can claim for qualifying delayed flights over the past six years. Airlines have tried to limit claims to the past two years but this has been rejected by the courts.

Can I claim if a shorter delay means I miss a connecting flight?

Yes, if all the flights are made under the same booking reference and the connection is made at an EU airport. For example, if you are due to fly from London via Madrid to Buenos Aires and you miss your connection in Madrid because the flight from London arrives an hour late, you can claim for long-haul compensation as long as the delay in arriving at your final destination, in this case Buenos Aires, is more than three hours.

What if I miss my connecting flight because of a meltdown with airport border-control e-gates?

Many connecting flights don’t involve going through passport control. But if you are arriving in the UK on an international flight and then connecting to a domestic one, you will have to do so. If you miss it because of technical problems with the e-gates for example – these have been an issue recently – you won’t be entitled to any compensation, but if you are travelling with the same airline on both flights it will normally allow you to rebook for a later flight – though not always, it may depend on the type of ticket you have. If you are changing airlines – arriving on BA from overseas and then have a domestic flight with another airline which you miss for example – you will normally have to make a new booking at your own expense. Your travel insurance may help with this however, subject to a deduction for the excess on the policy.

Can I claim for a delayed flight outside the EU on a non-EU airline if my journey began in the UK?

It depends. If, for example, you were flying London-Dubai-Singapore and your London-Dubai flight arrived more than three hours late you can make a claim. However, if the delay was on the Dubai-Singapore sector you probably would not be eligible for compensation. There is also no compensation for delays on any sector of your return flight to the UK.

The airline has offered me vouchers as compensation, what should I do?

It is your choice whether to accept them or not. The Regulation says that the airline should pay compensation in cash.

I have submitted a compensation claim to the airline but it says the delay was due to ‘extraordinary circumstances’. What do I do next?

Double-check that you have a case by reading through the CAA’s ‘Delays and Cancellations’ information at caa.co.uk/passengers . If you decide to make a claim and the airline does not settle it within eight weeks, then most large airlines are members of an Alternative Dispute Resolution Scheme (which are listed by the CAA ), so you can refer the problem to the appropriate body.

If there is no ADR available, your options are as follows. If your delayed flight departed from a UK airport you can ask the CAA’s Passenger Advice and Complaints team to review your case and it will contact the airline on your behalf if you have a valid claim. Use the online form to send details of your complaint including copies of supporting information.

However, most large airline have signed up to an Alternative Dispute Resolution Scheme, in which case, the CAA will no longer look at the complaint. In these cases, if your case is not resolved after eight weeks, you can refer it to the ADRS - these are listed by the CAA .

If your flight departed from another EU country you need to contact the National Enforcement Body (NEB) in the country where the airline has its home base. The NEB will eventually - usually months later - provide a written ruling on your claim. This is not legally binding but most airlines pay out at this point.

Is there another route to pursue my claim?

You can take a UK-based airline to court once you have a written rejection. Use the  Money Claim Online  service, which costs £35 depending on the value of your claim (to a maximum of £1,000). This service only covers England and Wales. For Scotland visit  scotcourts.gov.uk ; for Northern Ireland visit  courtsni.gov.uk .

I’m worried about all the form-filling involved. Is there another way?

Some specialists will handle claims for you on a no-win, no-fee basis, though they take about 30 per cent of the payout. Try Bott & Co (01625 415800; bottonline.co.uk ), for example, which will deal with flights that depart or arrive in England and Wales and any eligible flights on UK-registered airlines. Its website has a free flight checker to find out if you have a valid claim. Dutch-based EU Claim (020 3318 3583; euclaim.com ) runs a similar kind of service.

What about travel insurance for delays?

Your travel insurance policy will probably offer compensation for a delay, though in most cases, it is likely to be a derisory amount – say £20 – and even then it is only available after an extremely long delay – typically of 12 hours or more.

What about other arrangements I have paid for?

If you have booked a hire car, a hotel, a villa or other accommodation independently of your flight, and you are delayed or unable to travel, the airline is not liable for any losses you may incur. You are still responsible for paying the bill.

What happens if my airline goes out of business?

If you have booked a seat-only ticket on a charter flight, or are on a package holiday, the CAA under the Atol protection scheme will arrange a refund or, if you are abroad, will take responsibility for repatriating you.

In such cases they can claim the fare back from the card company. Stranded passengers may still lose out, however, because they will have to buy a new ticket home, which will probably cost more than the original. Most flights with scheduled airlines are not protected by the scheme.

What can I do to protect my scheduled flight tickets?

Apart from paying with a credit card, you could take out insurance. Some policies offer cover for the failure of an airline. This is often referred to as Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI). The level of this protection varies, but Travel Plus  – offers cover up to £2,500, not only for loss on air tickets and the extra cost of replacing flights, but also for items such as a villa deposit, which you may lose if you can’t travel because of the airline’s failure. Check with your provider if it offers SAFI cover — it may be an optional extra.

Reader Service: Are you wondering what you need to do before flying ? Or when you need to buy travel insurance ? Learn more about the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance service and find answers to your questions.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.

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Caught in the CrowdStrike Outage? Here’s How to Get Compensated.

Air travelers paying for last-minute lodging and other expenses are entitled to be reimbursed if their flight was impacted by an event in the airline’s control, like the CrowdStrike failure. Here’s how to get your money back.

• Share full article

By Christine Chung

The global software outage last week caused thousands of travelers flying in the United States and internationally to have their flights delayed, canceled or both. In the days that followed, some airlines were trying to reboot critical computer systems affected by the outage, with many of their passengers still stranded at airports.

During a travel meltdown, it may seem nearly impossible for air travelers to find immediate help . Gate agents are swamped, customer service phone lines have hourslong hold times, and seemingly confusing or incomplete instructions online only add to the headaches.

Passengers who foot the bill for last-minute lodging and other expenses are entitled to reimbursement if their flights were impacted by an event in the airlines’ control, like the CrowdStrike outage. Here’s how to get your money back.

[Are you seeking compensation from an airline following the Crowdstrike outage? We want to hear from you .]

If they caused the disruption, airlines owe passengers assistance

It is the airline’s fault when a situation under their control — issues with crew, maintenance, baggage and fuel, or software outages — leads to a delay or cancellation. Weather and air traffic control issues do not count. On Friday, the Transportation Department noted that this I.T. outage fell under the control of the airlines.

What passengers will get from airlines depends on how long they were forced to wait, but it could include transport to and from hotels and the costs of accommodation.

Know what you are owed, and ask for it

Strategize your ask. Gate agents may not always know the airline’s commitments or the Transportation Department policies. Usually, airlines prefer to take care of the details, distributing vouchers or directly booking hotel rooms. But during the CrowdStrike fallout, they initially did not believe they were required to provide assistance and later, seemingly, remained unaware of their obligations in some instances or were too overwhelmed by the numbers.

That meant many travelers had to take matters into their own hands to find transport, accommodation and meals, but they are eligible for reimbursement. However, how much will vary by airline and travelers won’t necessarily know before submitting receipts.

Reimbursement can generally be requested through an online form — hold onto your receipts!

Some airlines have online forms for reimbursement requests, while others will require you to contact customer service to start the process. Below are the online reimbursement or customer-services sites for some of the main U.S.-based airlines affected by the outages:

Delta Air Lines

United Airlines

American Airlines

Allegiant Air

Spirit Airlines

If your flight was canceled and you decided not to rebook, you can get a refund

Don’t expect this to be seamless or automatic. Airlines generally have online forms where you can request refunds; you’ll need all of your trip details for this. You can get a refund to your original form of payment; you do not need to accept flight credits or a travel voucher. In addition, you can contact the airline’s customer service team for more help and to check on the status of your claim.

Check the fine print of your credit card agreement or travel insurance policy

If you purchased travel insurance, the policy could cover certain types of trip interruptions, including select air travel issues — and your credit card agreement might also, though it may have a requirement that the affected flight was booked using it.

Here, too, remember to save your receipts and any other documentation, and brace yourself for a possibly lengthy process.

Consider lodging a complaint with the Transportation Department

On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the agency had opened an investigation into Delta’s response to the outage, after receiving numerous passenger complaints about the carrier. If you have a complaint yourself, you can submit it here .

That form can be used for concerns or comments related to other airlines as well, but not for security or safety issues. The Transportation Department investigates complaints, though they advise passengers to contact airlines first.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Domestic Travel Insurance: What Does It Cover?

D omestic vacations are generally less expensive than international ones, and your health insurance policy may already cover medical emergencies you experience, even across state lines. So, do you need one of the best travel insurance policies while vacationing in the U.S.? And what would a policy cover during a domestic trip?

In this article, we explain what domestic travel insurance covers to help you determine whether purchasing one of these policies is right for you. Keep reading to find out more.

Table of contents

What does domestic travel insurance cover, domestic travel insurance exclusions, do you need travel insurance for domestic trips, how much is domestic travel insurance, when to buy domestic travel insurance, domestic travel insurance faqs, summary of money’s guide to domestic travel insurance.

While travel insurance is mainly associated with international travel, you can also purchase this type of policy for domestic trips. Coverage options vary by insurance company and plan, yet most travel insurance policies afford the following types of coverage.

• Emergency medical coverage: Reimburses you — up to the policy limit — for medical treatment related to accidents or illnesses you experience during a trip. Coverage generally excludes pre-existing conditions and may be primary or secondary to any existing medical insurance you have that’s in effect at your destination. (Check with your insurer to confirm that coverage.)
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage: Covers emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to a hospital close to your home, if medically necessary and recommended by your doctor. It also covers expenses related to transporting your remains to your return destination if you die during the trip.
• Trip cancellation coverage: Refunds you a percentage of pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs — up to a limit — if you cancel or interrupt your trip for eligible reasons. Valid reasons for canceling include natural disasters and the illness or injury of a traveler or their family member.
• Trip interruption coverage: If you must interrupt a trip for a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse you for the unused portion of the trip and any expenses you incur returning home. Reimbursement is usually capped at 150% of the trip’s cost.
• Travel delay coverage: Trip delay coverage reimburses you up to your policy limits if you experience flight delays and incur additional expenses like meals or lodging. It may also cover airport delays and flight change fees.
• Baggage loss and baggage delay coverage: Refunds you the cost of replacement items (up to a per-item limit) if your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip. You usually have to wait a specified number of hours before filing a claim and provide purchase receipts or a list of items in your luggage. Coverage may also be subject to a deductible.
• 24-hour emergency and travel assistance: Most travel insurers offer worldwide travel assistance services. These include help with replacing lost documents, luggage, prescriptions or medical devices and arranging hotel accommodations and medical transport services.

For more information about these and other coverage options, read our article on what travel insurance covers .

Travel insurance add-ons and benefits for domestic trips

Again, while options vary by company, insurers generally offer add-ons and other benefits that can enhance a base travel insurance policy. These include:

• Rental car collision coverage: Also called collision damage waiver (CDW), this add-on waives policyholders’ financial responsibility (up to a limit) if their rental vehicle is damaged in an accident or collision. When available, this option generally costs extra.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage: While standard cancellation coverage reimburses policyholders for cancellations related to specific covered events, cancel for any reason coverage reimburses policyholders for a portion of their trip cost (50% to 75%) if they cancel for any reason whatsoever. This option can increase the policy’s price by as much as 50%.
• Waiver of pre-existing conditions: Travel insurance policies commonly exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Unless you qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver at the time of purchase, you won’t be reimbursed for medical expenses related to a condition diagnosed before — even shortly before — your policy’s effective date. Qualifying for this waiver often requires meeting specific criteria, such as being medically fit to travel and insuring the entire trip cost.
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D): This coverage pays out a sum of money if you die, lose a limb or experience vision loss during your trip due to an accident. Depending on the policy, coverage may apply at specific times (while boarding or traveling by plane) or throughout the trip. Some, but not all, policies automatically include this benefit.

Before researching travel insurance for your next trip, keep in mind that some insurers define domestic travel as any trip that takes you over 100 miles from home but is still within the U.S. That means shorter trips may not be eligible for coverage.

Additionally, you may not be covered in all states. Read your policy information thoroughly to understand the coverage exclusions.

According to the NAIC, other common travel insurance exclusions include:

• Pandemics (although some companies cover certain losses related to COVID-19)
• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver)
• Civil or political unrest at the destination
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Coverage for high-risk activities (think snowboarding or parasailing)

You don’t necessarily need to purchase a travel insurance plan for a trip within the U.S., especially if your health insurance plan already offers out-of-state or out-of-network coverage.

Additionally, your auto insurance policy generally extends the same coverage and limits to rental vehicles as to the cars you own, so you may not need additional protection. (And rental car companies may not accept a collision damage waiver from a travel insurer as a valid form of coverage.)

Furthermore, some of the best travel credit cards offer benefits that can duplicate or supplement travel insurance coverage. For example, many top-tier credit cards include trip cancellation and interruption coverage and collision damage waivers for rental cars.

Not all credit cards provide these benefits, however, so review your credit card’s benefits guide or contact the issuer for details. You should also verify whether your credit card’s coverage is primary or secondary to other forms of insurance you’re already carrying.

What you’ll pay for a domestic travel insurance policy will depend on factors such as your age (and the age of your travel companions), the insurance company, the plan and coverage options you choose and the total cost of your trip.

Here are some price examples from various insurers for a $4,500 (total) domestic trip for two travelers.

Read our guide to the best travel insurance companies for more information on these and other insurers. And if you’re planning a cruise, check out our top picks for cruise travel insurance .

Generally, it’s best to buy travel insurance soon after making your initial trip payment. That will ensure you qualify for optional benefits such as CFAR coverage and pre-existing condition waivers.

If you don’t know whether to purchase travel insurance coverage in the first place, consider your risks. Travel insurance may make sense if you’re planning an expensive trip and your airfare or hotel bookings are non-refundable. A policy could reimburse you for some of those expenses if you have to cancel or postpone your travel plans at the “last minute.”

That can be especially true when traveling to a destination where weather-related risks are common. For example, if you’re visiting California during peak wildfire season or Florida during hurricane season, travel insurance could offer peace of mind and financial protection against travel disruptions caused by a natural disaster.

Does travel insurance cover domestic flights?

How much is travel insurance, is travel insurance worth it.

If you’re a U.S. resident traveling to other states, domestic travel insurance may be an option worth considering. A comprehensive travel insurance policy for domestic vacations can cost between 3% and 14% of the total cost of your trip, depending on the coverage options you select.

If you’ve booked expensive, non-refundable accommodations, are traveling to a state where natural disasters are common or don’t have health insurance coverage that extends out of state, travel insurance could offer you a measure of financial protection against common travel mishaps — all for a fraction of the cost of your trip.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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After a Flight Cancellation Left Me Stuck for 4 Days, These Are the 12 Travel Essentials I'll Always Pack

These versatile accessories had to work overtime when my five-day trip became a nine-day trip.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

Travel + Leisure

My family and I celebrated the start of the new year in Hawaii, where we’d filled our days with horseback riding, archery, stargazing, and plenty of quality pool and beach time at the stunning Four Seasons Lanai . As family vacations go, it was just about flawless. But after five days, we were preparing to head home to Los Angeles via Maui when things took a turn: Our Alaska Airlines flight on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 out of the Official Kahului Airport was canceled, and every aircraft of the same type grounded after loose bolts were discovered on the popular plane models. 

After looking furiously in vain for new flights to get my family back in time to restart work and school as originally planned, it finally clicked: We were really stranded indefinitely in paradise, so we intended to make the most of it — even if we'd only packed enough for five days. Luckily, I always keep my suitcase stocked with a handful of staples that work overtime until we can get back home.

And with the recent far-reaching IT-systems outages which have grounded planes across the country, many people are likely finding themselves in the same situation that my family was in earlier this year with lengthy flight delays and cancelations. Take it from someone who has been there, here are the travel essentials that I turned to when our five-day trip became a nine-day trip, so the next time unforeseen circumstances extend your vacation, you'll be prepared as well.

MacBook Air

I'm a travel writer, and let’s be honest: I barely take a shower without bringing my laptop. So of course I had my Macbook Air with me (even though the trip was originally intended to be purely a vacation). Fortunately, this ultra-lightweight tool opened up all the possibilities. Not only did I use it to plumb the corners of the internet for alternative flights and investigate my travel insurance coverage, but I also used it to get right back to work so I didn’t lose income during the extra days away from my desk.

Dramamine Motion Sickness Tablets

Although our original flight was canceled out of Maui, we still decided to head over there. A storm was coming into Lanai, and if we didn’t take the ferry to Maui right away, it might not have ran when we needed it (so even if a flight back to the mainland opened up, we wouldn’t be able to reach it). I made a last-minute booking for us at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea , which is famously the filming location for the first season of The White Lotus , and we made for the harbor right away. We prepared for our 75-minute sail with Dramamine an hour ahead and that preparatory step allowed us to enjoy the sunset and whale watching from the boat — instead of being consumed with queasiness. 

Apple AirTag  

When we arrived at the Four Seasons Maui following the ferry trip, I was bleary from the Dramamine (it works to combat seasickness, but it does make me drowsy). So I wouldn't have blamed myself for misplacing my key carry-on — the one containing my laptop and medicines — in my fog. But when I pulled up the Find My app on my iPhone, I could easily see where my luggage was by tracking the AirTag that I had stashed inside. It turns out that it was just downstairs with the bellman, and the hotel staff was able to bring it up immediately. 

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

Dagne Dover

The carry-on in question was this powerhouse from Dagne Dover. I test out tons of weekender bags as a travel product reviewer, but this one remains my favorite — and it’s the one that I always recommend. It’s just the right size with its 16.5-inch by 9-inch by 11-inch frame and comes stocked with the most thoughtful pockets and features, including a designated laptop compartment and a trolley pass-through sleeve to attach it to your suitcase handle. Plus, it has a cool, timeless look with its durable neoprene material that truly stands up to the rigors of world travel. You'd never guess that my go-to black Dagne Dover carryall has endured several years of use.  

Anrabess 2-Piece Linen Shorts Set

After coming to terms with the fact that our return flight was indefinitely canceled, we made a shift in mindset to make the most out of the remaining days. We approached the new week like a normal work week (in a far more beautiful environment than is typical), and I structured my day as I usually would: with dedicated time for writing and for working out, too. I hadn’t brought gym clothes, but I turned my favorite Wayre shorts-and-tank set into a hardworking outfit to wear from breakfast to the hotel gym and beyond. This Amazon lookalike serves the same purpose, and the price for the two-piece set can’t be beat.

Cadence Capsule Set 

Keepyourcadence

With my toiletry supply waning, I had to ration carefully. But these snazzy, tight-sealing magnetic capsules kept everything impeccably organized so that I could see exactly what I had left and what I might need to supplement. Mine have customized label tiles on top so I always know what’s inside at a glance, creating less of a hassle in my toiletry bag. 

Birkenstock Sandals 

I love Birkenstock sandals for travel because they slide on and off easily in the airport and airplane. And then they serve so many purposes at the destination, too. I wore these for beach walks, meals, and even to the pool. In a neutral color, they’re especially versatile for dressing up or down, which came in handy as we filled our itinerary with additional activities in light of the flight cancellation.

Prettygarden Joggers Set

Since I was planning on spending five days in a tropical climate, the only long pants that I brought were part of a matching joggers-and-top set that I wore on the plane. But after the flight cancellation extended my trip, the weather turned rainy, and I had to wear my sweatsuit at the destination, too. In the market for a matching travel set? I recommend this affordable Amazon duo that is made with soft fabric and features a versatile crewneck long-sleeve top and relaxed-fitting joggers ( with pockets). 

Revlon So Fierce! Big Bad Lash Mascara

It turned out that I’d forgotten to bring mascara on the trip, but I was fine with going barefaced for the sake of our family vacation. In an unexpected twist, a broadcast news reporter from NBC Los Angeles reached out to me wanting to feature me in a story about stranded passengers affected by the 737 Max 9 groundings, and it was apparent that I needed at least a little makeup to go on TV. So before our Zoom interview, I scurried to the nearest drugstore and was only able to find Revlon's So Fierce! Big Bad Lash Mascara (it was the single remaining tube of mascara in the makeup aisle). It worked perfectly for my two minutes of fame, and will now become a permanent staple in my travel toiletry bag.

Earth Breeze Eco Sheets Laundry Detergent

I’d brought plenty of clothes for the length of my original trip, but when the delay kicked in — well, I found myself washing underwear in the hotel bathtub. These portable Earth Breeze laundry detergent sheets are great to travel with; their liquid-free design means that they work for going carry-on only. And they really last; you can just tear a portion of the sheet and it's enough soap to hand wash your clothes in the sink or tub.

Bagatelle Padded Shoulder Denim Blazer

I’d brought a medium-wash denim blazer along as an extra layer to wear over dresses if the weather got cool in the evenings. When the cancellation extended my trip, I wore it as a professionally-appropriate layer for a spontaneous breakfast meeting with a work colleague based in the destination; it instantly elevated a beachy, slinky dress with modesty and polish (and no stuffiness). This Bagatelle version serves the same levels of elegance and function, but you can also opt for the Amazon-favorite Tankaneo Women's Oversized Denim Blazer (that's only $32) for a similar look. 

Anker Portable iPhone Charger

If you follow my coverage, you already know my motto: ABC — that’s “always be charging.” My phone was my lifeline when I was stranded in paradise and acted as my connection to work, online travel booking platforms, my kids’ school district, and my family located elsewhere in the hotel as well as back at home. Keeping it fully charged on the go was a must, which is why I always make sure to have a powerful portable charger like this handy Anker one on deck. The space-saving model has a built-in lightning connector, making it exclusively compatible with Apple iPhones and offers a long-lasting battery life that can get your device back to at least 70 percent in little to no time at all. 

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