Does travel insurance cover missed flights?

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Nothing strikes panic into a passenger’s heart faster than the possibility of missing their plane.

Unfortunately, the misfortune of a missed flight is part and parcel of modern day travel. 25% of travellers have missed a flight at some point say survey results from tinz.co.nz. With Kiwis taking over two million trips per year, there’s sure to be plenty of turmoil on the tarmac. 

Missing a flight may be part of the broader travel experience, but it’s certainly a frustrating one. Whether you’re running late, are at the mercy of bad weather or have been messed around due to an overbooked flight, the number one question remains: would we cover you for a missed flight? 

The simple answer? Maybe! It all depends on the situation. 

Travel insurance will cover you if you have missed a flight for circumstances that are beyond your control. Unfortunately, this doesn’t include inconveniences like not getting to the airport on time or having to turn back home because you’ve forgotten something crucial.

still confused? hang tight

In simple terms, it’s worth remembering that travel insurance will only cover you for insured events. These usually entail situations that are beyond your control, such as falling seriously ill before your flight or getting sideswiped by another car on your way to the airport. It’s important to keep in mind that your policy won’t cover you for a missed flight or connection caused by the airline.

what's not covered?

• When the delay is caused by your airline: Mechanical faults, delays or overbooking on your flight should all be compensated for by your airline. 
• You’re running late and don’t make it to your gate on time. Unfortunately, tardiness is not an insurable event. 
• You are offered compensation or an alternative flight by your airline and you decline it. 
• You’ve upgraded your flight. If you miss your flight due to a covered event such as a car accident, we would not pay for a first class or business ticket if you hadn’t originally booked the upgrade.

when you are covered

• If you’ve missed your flight and neither you nor your airline can be blamed you could potentially have a successful claim on your hands. You would be covered if you: 

• Are involved in a car, rain, bus or marine accident and cannot get to the airport in time for your flight. 

• Can’t make your plane due to a natural disaster, severe weather, hijacking, riots or civil unrest. The event must have begun after the insurance policy was issued. 

• Are ill or injured and a doctor informs your insurer that you are unfit to get on a plane. You will require this notice to be in writing and the illness or injury in question cannot be due to a pre-existing condition.

making a claim - what you need to know

If you’ve missed your flight you’ll need to get some evidence so that you can make a claim 

• Get it down on paper: Be sure to get any written proof regarding your missed flight or delay from your airline. 

• Road report: You may be in rough shape following a traffic accident, but if the incident has prevented you from getting on your plane, do your best to get written evidence of the event from the transport authority in that destination. 

• Health first: If a medical issue has restricted you from boarding your flight, get your doctor to provide you with a note detailing your health problems.

beat missed flight mayhem

The following handy helpers can minimise your chances of getting stuck on the tarmac; 

• Pack smart: It makes sense to make the most of your last night on your holidays but make sure you leave yourself a decent window of time to pack and get organised. Doing so can alleviate any last minute stresses. 

• Streamline your flights: Booking all flights on your trip with the same airline can make your journey a calm, hassle free process. Should you be delayed, your airline will be obliged to get you on the next flight or pay for necessary accommodation. 

• Call your airline: If you think you’re likely to miss your flight notify your airline. They may be able to get you on a later flight if you’re lucky! 

• Maximise your stopovers: Giving yourself less than three hours between connecting flights can be a recipe for disaster. A longer connection time will lessen your chances of missing your flight. 

• Manage your baggage: Sending your luggage all the way through to your final destination will minimise any setbacks and potential delays when trying to make your connections.

No matter what your journey entails, a missed flight can super-size your stress levels. Good time management practices along with a sound understanding of your travel insurance policy can help you handle any unexpected holiday hassles.