While booking flights, many travelers find themselves wondering, “Should I buy travel insurance for my flight?”. And if so, when’s the right time to purchase travel insurance – should it be done before or after confirming the flight reservation?
It can be confusing to know what’s best to do in this situation.
Luckily, in this blog post, we will delve into the topic of when to buy travel insurance for flights, as well as things to consider if you’re purchasing it before or after booking your ticket. By understanding the key factors involved when it comes to buying travel insurance for flights, you will be equipped to make an informed decision and safeguard your travel plans with confidence.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about buying travel insurance before flights.
What is Flight Insurance?
Flight insurance, (also known as travel insurance or trip protection), is a form of travel coverage that offers financial protection and assistance to travelers in case of unexpected events related to their flights.
It’s designed to mitigate the risks and uncertainties associated with air travel, providing peace of mind and financial security throughout the journey.
So, if you’re wondering, should you buy travel insurance for flights – yes, you should. By purchasing flight insurance, travelers can safeguard themselves against potential financial losses and ensure they receive support and compensation in the event of unforeseen circumstances impacting their flight plans.
What’s Covered in Flight Travel Insurance?
When it comes to buying travel insurance for international flights, you should first know what it covers. Flight travel insurance typically provides coverage for a range of situations and potential risks encountered during your journey – but it’s important to know most flight insurance won’t cover everything. While specific coverage can vary among insurance providers, here are some things covered by flight travel insurance:
- Trip Cancelation or Interruption: Asking yourself, “Should I buy travel insurance for my flight?” Well, this one might be the most important reason to buy. Flight insurance can reimburse non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances.
- Flight Delays or Cancelations: If your flight is delayed or canceled, flight insurance can cover additional expenses incurred, such as accommodation, meals, or transportation. When it comes to cancelations and insurance policies – it’s always best to opt for CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason).
- Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage: Flight insurance typically provides compensation for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage, ensuring you can replace essential items and cover associated costs.
- Medical Emergencies: Flight insurance may offer coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred during your trip, including hospitalization, doctor visits, or medication. It can also include medical evacuation in severe situations.
- Accidental Death or Dismemberment: In the unfortunate event of an accident resulting in death or permanent disability, flight insurance can provide a lump-sum benefit to the insured or their beneficiaries.
- Travel Assistance Services: Many flight insurance policies include travel assistance services, offering 24/7 support for various travel-related emergencies, such as medical referrals, legal assistance, or lost document replacement.
If you need to buy travel insurance before flights, it’s important to carefully review the specific policy details, terms, and conditions of your flight travel insurance to understand the exact coverage provided. Consider your travel needs and potential risks to ensure that the insurance you choose adequately addresses your requirements and provides the necessary protection during your journey.
Does Regular Insurance Cover Flights?
Should you buy travel insurance for flights? You might be thinking, but doesn’t my normal health or household insurance provide any coverage?
In most cases, no.
Regular insurance policies, such as health insurance or homeowner’s insurance, typically do not provide comprehensive coverage for flights. These policies are designed to protect individuals and their assets in specific contexts and may not include provisions for travel-related risks.
While some existing insurance plans might offer limited coverage for certain aspects of travel, such as medical emergencies abroad, it is crucial to review the policy details carefully.
Generally, regular insurance policies do not provide the extensive coverage needed to address common travel-related concerns like trip cancelation, lost baggage, or flight delays.
To adequately protect yourself against these risks, it is advisable to buy travel insurance for flights or trip coverage that specifically caters to the unique challenges associated with air travel.
7 Reasons Why You Should Buy Flight Insurance
Still asking yourself, “Should I buy travel insurance for my flight?”.
Well, should you buy travel insurance or not for a flight?
Ultimately, that’s up to you and the amount of risk you’re prepared to take.
But here are some pretty good reasons you should.
1. To Have Trip Cancelation Protection
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances out of your control may force you to cancel or postpone your trip. Flight insurance provides coverage for trip cancelation, ensuring you don’t suffer financially from non-refundable flights or other prepaid expenses.
2. In The Event of Flight Delays and Cancelations
Flight disruptions are common, and they can significantly impact your travel plans. Flight insurance provides compensation for expenses incurred due to delays, missed connections, or flight cancelations, such as accommodation, meals, and alternative transportation arrangements.
3. To Protect Your Baggage
Losing your luggage or having it delayed can be a major inconvenience. Flight insurance provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, offering reimbursement for essential items and replacement costs.
4. In Case of Medical Emergencies
Accidents or illnesses can occur while traveling, and the costs of medical treatment abroad can be exorbitant. Comprehensive flight insurance may include coverage for emergency medical expenses, ensuring you receive necessary medical care without worrying about hefty bills.
5. In The Event of An Emergency Evacuation
In critical situations, such as natural disasters or political unrest, flight insurance or trip coverage can cover the costs of emergency evacuation and repatriation to your home country, ensuring your safety and well-being.
6. For Travel Assistance Services
Flight insurance often provides access to 24/7 travel assistance services. These services can assist you with travel-related emergencies, such as providing legal referrals, arranging emergency cash transfers, or helping with lost travel documents.
7. For Peace of Mind
Perhaps the most valuable reason to buy flight insurance is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that you are financially protected against unforeseen events during your trip allows you to relax and fully enjoy your travel experience.
Should you buy travel insurance for a flight?
We think so. Just remember, the specific coverage and terms may vary among different insurance providers, so it’s essential to carefully review the policy details to ensure it meets your specific needs.
When’s The Best Time To Buy Insurance For A Flight?
If you’re wondering when to buy travel insurance for flights – do I buy travel insurance before or after purchasing flight?
The best time to buy insurance for a flight is typically at the time of booking. Purchasing travel insurance early ensures you have coverage for any unforeseen events that may occur before your trip even begins. By buying insurance early, you can take advantage of benefits like trip cancelation coverage, which may have specific eligibility requirements or waiting periods.
Waiting until the last minute to purchase insurance can limit your coverage options and may exclude certain benefits.
However, it’s worth noting that some insurance providers offer the option to buy insurance even after booking a flight. While this is possible, it’s important to carefully review the policy to understand any limitations, restrictions, or time-sensitive benefits associated with purchasing insurance after booking.
Ultimately, the best practice is to consider your travel plans, assess the potential risks, and purchase travel insurance as early as possible to maximize coverage and ensure peace of mind throughout your journey.
Can You Buy Insurance After You Already Booked A Flight?
Yes, you can buy travel insurance after you’ve already booked your flight. Although it’s generally best to purchase it at the time of booking, it’s possible to buy insurance at a later stage as well.
Just keep these factors in mind:
- Coverage Limitations: Some insurance providers may have restrictions on coverage if you purchase insurance after booking your flight. Certain benefits, such as trip cancelation coverage, may have specific eligibility criteria or waiting periods before they become effective.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, coverage for those conditions may require purchasing insurance within a specified time frame after making your initial trip deposit. Buying insurance after booking the flight might limit or exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Time-sensitive Benefits: Certain benefits, such as “cancel for any reason” coverage or coverage for specific events like hurricanes or terrorism, may have time-sensitive deadlines for purchase. These benefits may not be available if you wait too long after booking your flight.
- Read the Policy: When purchasing insurance after booking a flight, carefully review the policy to understand what coverage is included, any limitations or exclusions, and the effective dates of coverage. Be aware of any specific requirements or deadlines mentioned in the policy.
So, how late can you buy travel insurance before your flight?
Generally speaking, you can buy coverage before the date of your trip. It’s always best to consult with insurance providers or agents to understand the specific terms and conditions related to purchasing insurance after booking your flight.
How To Get Flight Insurance
Wondering how to buy travel for flight?
Getting flight insurance is a relatively straightforward process.
In general, you can buy flight insurance from two primary sources:
- Airline companies: When you’re booking your flight, the airline often presents you with the opportunity to add flight insurance for an extra fee. While it’s the most budget-friendly option, the coverage and assistance services may be limited.
- Travel insurance companies: For comprehensive protection, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy from a leading insurance provider in your country. These policies typically include flight insurance as a part of the coverage and may offer additional benefits like coverage for medical expenses, baggage delays, and more.
If you decide that the answer to the question, “Should I buy travel insurance for my flight?” is “Yes”. Rather opt for travel insurance companies and take a look at the typical process.
- Research Insurance Providers: Start by researching reputable insurance providers that offer flight insurance. Look for companies that have a good track record, positive customer reviews, and a range of coverage options.
- Compare Coverage and Prices: Compare the coverage options and prices offered by different insurance providers. Consider the specific benefits you need, such as trip cancelation, baggage protection, or medical coverage, and choose a plan that best suits your travel requirements.
- Visit the Provider’s Website or Contact Them: Visit the insurance provider’s website to review policy details, terms, and conditions. If you have any questions or need assistance, reach out to their customer service via phone or email for clarification.
- Enter Trip Information: Provide the necessary trip details, such as the destination, travel dates, number of travelers, and any additional information required by the insurance provider. This information helps them calculate the premium and offer you the appropriate coverage.
- Select Coverage and Customize if Needed: Choose the desired coverage options based on your needs. Some providers offer the flexibility to customize the coverage by adding or removing certain benefits, allowing you to tailor the policy to your preferences.
- Review Policy Details: Carefully review the policy documents, including terms, conditions, and any exclusions or limitations. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not, as well as any specific requirements or deadlines for filing claims.
- Make the Payment: Proceed with making the payment for the insurance premium. Most providers offer secure online payment options for convenience.
- Receive Confirmation and Policy Documents: Once the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation of your insurance purchase along with policy documents. Keep these documents in a safe place and have them easily accessible during your trip.
Carefully review the policy details and choose a reputable insurance provider that offers comprehensive coverage to protect your travel plans and provide peace of mind throughout your journey.
Things To Consider When Looking For Flight Insurance Providers
When searching for flight insurance providers, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you select the right coverage for your travel needs.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Coverage Options: Evaluate the range of coverage options offered by different insurance providers. Look for comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancelation, trip interruption, baggage protection, medical expenses, and other relevant benefits based on your specific requirements.
- Policy Limits and Exclusions: Review the policy limits and exclusions carefully to understand any restrictions or limitations on coverage. Pay attention to coverage caps, deductibles, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, or specific destinations.
- Reputation and Financial Stability: Research the reputation and financial stability of the insurance provider. Look for companies with a track record of excellent customer service, prompt claims handling, and a strong financial standing to ensure your claims will be handled efficiently.
- Cost and Value: Compare the cost of insurance premiums across different providers, but also consider the value you receive for the price. Look for a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage that suits your needs.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: Read customer reviews and ratings of insurance providers to get insights into their service quality and customer satisfaction levels. Consider feedback from other travelers to gauge their experiences with claims processes and overall satisfaction.
- Policy Flexibility: Consider whether the insurance provider offers flexible policy options, such as customizable coverage or the ability to add additional coverage elements to tailor the policy to your specific needs.
- Travel Assistance Services: Evaluate the travel assistance services provided by the insurance provider. Look for access to 24/7 customer support, emergency helplines, and services like medical referrals or travel document assistance.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when considering, “should I buy travel insurance for my flight?”, as well as when it comes to selecting a flight insurance provider. Carefully review policy details, compare options, and choose the provider that offers the coverage, value, and peace of mind you seek for your upcoming journey.
Leading Companies To Buy Flight Insurance From
Did we convince you? Are you asking yourself, “where can I buy flight-only travel insurance?”
Don’t worry, we have a list of some leading insurance providers you can consider.
Purchasing flight insurance can provide you with valuable protection and enhance your overall travel experience by mitigating potential risks and uncertainties.
Here are some leading insurance companies that sell flight insurance with an overview of what typical policies cover. These insurance providers are partnered with Air Doctor – which means you can access the Air Doctor service as part of your coverage – to find a local doctor anywhere, anytime. Plus, you don’t need to pay out-of-pocket (since your insurance provider covers the cost), and you don’t need to deal with the hassle of filing a claim.
Note: All policy information is taken from each insurance provider’s respective website.
Allianz Partners:
Allianz Partners is a prominent insurance company offering flight insurance. Their policies provide comprehensive coverage for travelers.
Key features of their flight insurance include:
- Medical expenses coverage up to a specified limit, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and ambulance services.
- Emergency medical transportation and repatriation coverage.
- Coverage for emergency dental care.
- Accidental death and disability coverage.
- Trip cancelation and interruption coverage.
- Travel delay coverage.
- Baggage loss, theft, and damage coverage.
- Personal liability coverage.
- Legal assistance coverage.
- 24/7 emergency assistance services.
Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with Allianz Partners.
ERGO Reiseversicherung:
ERGO Reiseversicherung, a part of the ERGO Group, is a reputable German insurance company specializing in travel insurance, including flight insurance.
Their flight insurance policies offer the following coverage:
- Medical expenses coverage up to a specified limit.
- Emergency medical transportation and repatriation coverage.
- No deductible or excess.
- 24/7 emergency assistance services.
- Trip cancelation or interruption coverage.
- Baggage and personal belongings coverage.
- Personal liability coverage.
- Legal assistance coverage.
- Flexible policy durations ranging from short-term to long-term.
Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with ERGO Germany.
ERGO Seguros de Viaje:
ERGO Seguros de Viaje is a Spanish insurance company, also a part of the global ERGO Group, that provides flight insurance policies for travelers.
Key features of their coverage include:
- Medical expenses coverage up to a specified limit.
- Emergency medical transportation coverage.
- Repatriation of remains coverage.
- Trip cancelation or interruption coverage.
- Travel delay coverage.
- Baggage coverage for loss, theft, or damage.
- 24/7 multilingual assistance services.
- No deductible or excess.
- Coverage for up to a specified number of days.
- Option to extend coverage for an extended period.
Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with ERGO Spain.
FBTO:
FBTO is a renowned Dutch insurance company offering flight insurance policies for travelers.
Their coverage includes:
- Medical expenses coverage up to a substantial amount.
- Emergency medical transportation coverage.
- Coverage for repatriation of remains and funeral expenses.
- Trip cancelation, interruption, and delay coverage.
- Personal liability coverage.
- Coverage for loss or theft of luggage.
- 24/7 travel assistance and emergency support.
- No deductible or excess.
- Availability of coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, subject to medical screening and additional premium.
Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with FBTO.
DR-WALTER:
DR-WALTER, a German insurance company specializing in travel insurance, is a reliable option for flight insurance. Their policies include:
- Coverage for medical expenses up to a significant amount.
- Emergency medical transportation and repatriation coverage.
- Trip interruption and cancelation coverage.
- Lost or stolen baggage coverage.
- Emergency dental treatment coverage.
- No deductible or excess.
- 24/7 emergency assistance services.
- Flexible policy options, including single trip and annual multi-trip coverage.
- Optional add-ons for hazardous sports and activities coverage and rental car insurance.
Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with DR-WALTER.
These leading companies provide a range of flight insurance options with varying coverage levels to cater to different travel needs. It is advisable to review the specific terms and conditions of each policy before making a decision.
Travel Worry Free With Air Doctor
Don’t forget to use the Air Doctor app if you’re looking for a reliable, local doctor while abroad. With the app, you can effortlessly browse and schedule consultations with nearby doctors, even if your insurance provider isn’t affiliated with Air Doctor.
However, if you want to ensure that your consultation expenses are fully covered and you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket, it’s essential to check with your provider regarding their partnership with Air Doctor or their willingness to cover the consultation costs.
Our user-friendly app enables you to browse through local doctors who speak your language, facilitating appointments for clinic, at-home, or virtual consultations with the doctor of your preference, regardless of your location or the time of day.
