Is It Important To Get Travel Insurance?
The simple answer is yes.
I have an annual policy with Allianz and I’m happy with it. Yes, not every situation is covered, but most things are. Just remember to read the policy properly, ask questions if it makes no sense before you buy it.
✈️ What Passengers Should Know About Claiming Insurance for Flight Changes
1. Check Your Policy Details First
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Not all policies cover flight changes — especially if it’s a basic or budget policy.
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Look specifically for terms like:
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Trip Delay
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Trip Interruption
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Missed Connection
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Travel Cancellation
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2. Understand Covered Reasons
Insurance typically covers unforeseen and involuntary reasons, such as:
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Severe weather
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Mechanical issues
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Airline strikes
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Terrorist events or civil unrest
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Sudden illness or injury (with documentation)
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Death or illness in the family
✋ What’s NOT covered usually includes:
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Airline schedule changes with plenty of notice
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Traveler’s personal choice or convenience
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Non-emergency visa/passport issues
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“Change of mind” scenarios
3. Document Everything
To file a successful claim, passengers must keep evidence, like:
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Official airline communication (texts, emails, announcements)
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Receipts for extra expenses (meals, hotels, transport)
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A copy of the original and revised itinerary
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Written proof from the airline (e.g. reason for the delay)
💡Pro Tip: Take photos of airport displays showing delays/cancellations, especially if communication from the airline is sparse.
4. Know the Time Thresholds
Most policies only kick in after a certain delay duration, like:
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6–12 hours for trip delay
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3+ hours for missed connections (some policies)
🕒 The longer the delay, the more coverage you may be eligible for (up to a dollar cap).
5. Submit Your Claim Promptly
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Claims typically need to be submitted within 20–90 days, depending on the insurer.
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Many now allow online submissions with photo uploads of receipts and supporting docs.
6. Coverage Can Include:
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Reimbursement for meals and lodging
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Compensation for lost prepaid expenses
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Extra transport costs to catch up to a tour or cruise
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Emergency purchases (clothes, toiletries) if bags are delayed
✅ Summary for Passengers:
Always buy your travel insurance before your trip begins and choose a policy that matches your travel style and risk tolerance. Know what’s covered, keep receipts, and file your claim with documentation as soon as possible.
In terms of the most recent pandemic, some things are still covered by Allianz. They have a whole section on their website about this. Check it out:
If you would like to purchase travel insurance and I recommend it, head over to TravelInsurance.com for assistance. If you purchase insurance here, I do receive a small commission.