With flight delays and cancellations surging across major airports this summer, thousands of travelers are finding themselves stranded. A simple weather delay or staff shortage can quickly spiral into hundreds of dollars in unexpected hotel stays, airport meals, and rebooking fees.
Here is the good news: comprehensive travel insurance covers these unexpected costs.
What Does Travel Insurance Actually Cover?
When your flight is delayed significantly (usually 6 to 12 hours depending on the policy), the Travel Delay benefit kicks in. This provides reimbursement for:
- Meals: Airport food is expensive, but your insurance covers your breakfast, lunch, or dinner while you wait.
- Accommodations: If your flight is pushed to the next morning, your insurance will pay for a nearby hotel room.
- Transportation: The cost of an Uber or taxi to and from that hotel is fully covered.
Pro Tip: Always save your receipts! You will need them when you file your claim.
Picking the Right Plan
Not all plans are created equal. If you are traveling during peak season, we highly recommend checking out plans by SafetyWing or WorldNomads, which have excellent track records for quick claim payouts on travel delays.
Before you buy, compare plans using our Quote Tool to ensure your policy includes sufficient Trip Delay coverage—we usually recommend a minimum of $500 per person.