Flight travel insurance is typically available as an add-on when purchasing an airline ticket, either directly from the airline or through the various third-party sites that you find online, which they offer at a discounted price at the time of purchase. Due to the lower plan limits compared to other options, flight insurance is considered “light” coverage.
Every insurance plan, including flight insurance, has a certificate that specifies what is covered in the event of an unexpected event and the maximum amount of coverage. This certificate describes the plan limits. It is important to understand these limits before your trip begins to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings at the time of claim.
What is flight insurance covered for?
Most travel insurance for flights cover only unexpected events related to your air travel. This policy generally covers flight delays, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage up to the plan limit.
It also covers you if you cannot fly on the day of your trip due to a documented medical condition. Keep in mind that because the limits are so low, there may be some gaps in coverage.
Eligibility:
- The passenger must be at least three years old on the travel date. The maximum age on the date of travel is 70 years.
- If you cancel your flight ticket at least one day (24 hours) before the scheduled departure date, you can claim flight cancellation insurance.
- The fee will be assessed per passenger and per sector. For example, if you book a round trip, the price will be charged twice.
What is the process of flight insurance?
One of the essential things to remember when considering flight protection is that any benefits are secondary to any compensation you may receive directly from the airline. If conditions necessitated the delay or cancellation of your flight or if you had a claim for lost or stolen baggage.
You must file a claim with the airline first for compensation under the “carriage contract,” which includes your ticket purchase and outlines how the airline must refund or compensate you above your ticket cost in various situations. Your flight insurance policy would then cover the difference between what the airline paid you and the policy limit.
Should I purchase flight insurance?
While the cost of flight protection is low compared to other types of coverage, it is critical to consider the parts of your trip that follow your flight. Because of the lower maximum value and narrower range of covered events, flight insurance may leave you with coverage gaps if you have made a significant investment in your travel arrangements.
If you have a pre-booked excursion or non-refundable hotel costs, your total trip cost could easily exceed the plan maximum of airline insurance. Consider other travel insurance coverages to select a plan that meets your needs. You can insure your entire trip, including your flight, because comprehensive travel insurance may have higher limits on maximum plan value and a broader range of benefits.
For example, suppose you are injured while travelling. In that case, comprehensive travel insurance may reimburse you for covered medical expenses up to the plan limit and transportation to another hospital if the nearest one does not have the required facilities. All comprehensive plans also provide travellers with a 24-hour assistance line.
‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.‘
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