How Does Air Travel Insurance Work? An In-Depth Exploration for Travelers

Travel comes with uncertainties, especially air travel. Last-minute cancellations, long flight delays, and missing baggage can derail your best-laid plans.

Air travel insurance, also known as flight insurance, can protect you from costs related to travel mishaps that you’d otherwise have to pay out of pocket.

Often, air travel insurance is part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. While you might value a travel insurance policy for its flight-specific benefits, such as coverage for cancellations, delays, missed connections, and lost baggage, you may also get value from other benefits, including emergency medical and trip interruption coverage. 

There are numerous air travel insurance policies to choose from, whether you want something budget-friendly, a fully comprehensive plan, or a flexible option with Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) that allows you to change your mind without penalty.

This guide explains types of air travel insurance, how to find the right fit, and highlights top-rated policies for various scenarios.

The 5 Best Air Travel Insurance Policies

Whether you’re concerned about cancellations or lost bags, air travel insurance can be valuable. Usually, air travel insurance covers trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, missed connections, and lost or delayed baggage, but may offer additional benefits such as emergency medical coverage. How much you pay for flight insurance depends on your coverage, age, destination, and other details.

The best flight insurance should allow you to cancel your trip under covered circumstances, cover interruptions if you need to fly home early, and offer relief if you encounter flight delays, miss a connection, or lose your luggage along the way.

We’ve reviewed several options for air travel insurance to help you understand the types of coverage and costs available. Consider these flight insurance policies:

* For a 45-year-old

‌Best Air Travel Insurance for Cancellations and Interruptions: Battleface

Air travel insurance typically covers trip cancellations, which means you get your money back if you cancel a nonrefundable flight for covered reasons. However, not all air travel insurance plans offer trip interruption coverage, which is what you need if you have to cut your trip short — and potentially buy a costly last-minute flight home. The Battleface Discovery Plan offers 100% trip cancellation and 150% trip interruption coverage. We like to see 150% trip interruption coverage, as you may need to spend more than your flight originally cost to get home on short notice. This plan was quoted to us at $64.20 for a 45-year-old visiting Spain on a 2-week, $3,000 trip.

‌Best Budget Air Travel Insurance: Trawick International

A good budget flight insurance policy should cover major benefits but not put too much of a burden on your overall trip costs. The Trawick International Safe Travels Protect policy was quoted to us at $76.21. That’s a bit more costly than the Battleface Discovery Plan but offers good value with 100% trip cancellation and interruption benefits and coverage areas the Battleface quote didn’t offer: up to $300 for travel delays, $200 for baggage delays, $500 for baggage and personal item loss, and $250 for missed connections.

‌Best Baggage Loss Air Travel Insurance: AXA Assistance

Lost baggage can be a hassle if you’re stranded without essentials and have to purchase replacements. The AXA Assistance Silver plan offers good coverage against this inconvenience, with up to $750 in baggage loss benefits at $150 per item. There’s also a $200 baggage delay benefit after a 24-hour delay. It’s a comprehensive plan, so you also get benefits for trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical and evacuation, travel delays, and missed connections. We were quoted $101 for this policy.

‌Best CFAR Air Travel Insurance: Seven Corners

The Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic plan is reliable if you need the flexibility to cancel your flight for nearly any reason. With this plan, you can cancel your flight up to 48 hours before departure to get reimbursed for up to 75% of your nonrefundable trip cost. At a quoted $176.08, this plan offers peace of mind for cancellations and other essential coverage, including trip interruption, emergency medical and evacuation, travel and baggage delay, baggage loss, and missed connection.

‌Best Flight Delay Air Travel Insurance: IMG

Flight delays can be inconvenient and costly, with unexpected expenses for meals, accommodations, and missed connections. IMG’s iTravelInsured Choice plan’s travel delay coverage kicks in after a 6-hour delay with $150 per day up to $1,000 per person. There’s also a $500 missed connection benefit after 6 hours if your delayed flight makes you late for a cruise or tour. Additional coverage areas include 100% trip cancellation, 150% trip interruption, and emergency medical and evacuation benefits. This plan had a quote of $99.16.

Why Get Air Travel Insurance?

It would be wonderful if getting from A to B and back went flawlessly on every trip. But the reality is that air travel is unpredictable. There’s always the potential for weather or mechanical delays, oversold flights, lost luggage, and other air travel mishaps. 

Air travel insurance is a safety net for the moments when things go wrong and can protect you from unexpected costs. If your flight plans go sideways, air travel insurance can help you get back on track and save you money.

Here are a few common situations where air travel insurance can make a difference:

• Flight Delays and Cancellations: Weather, technical issues, and staffing shortages can sometimes ground flights for hours or lead to cancellations. Air travel insurance can help if you’re left stranded or miss a connecting flight, covering meals, hotel rooms, and rebooking costs.  
• Missed Connections: A missed connection can derail your itinerary. When you miss a connecting flight, you could face steep rebooking costs to change your itinerary. Air travel insurance could help you cover these expenses and make it easier to get back on track.
• Denied Boarding or Schedule Changes: Airlines may overbook flights and deny boarding. Changes to itineraries are also a possibility. While you may get airline compensation, air travel insurance can help cover costs for accommodations or rebooking if what the airline offers doesn’t meet your needs.
• Air Emergencies: Rarely, flights may be diverted or forced to make emergency landings for medical emergencies, security concerns, or mechanical issues. Air travel insurance can help you if an emergency causes a major delay or an overnight stay, covering expenses for hotels, meals, and transportation.
• Lost or Delayed Baggage: If you’re waiting at the baggage carousel only to realize your luggage isn’t there, you may need to pick up replacement items while you find out whether you can be reunited with your necessities. That means unexpected clothes, toiletries, and medication costs, which travel insurance can cover. Air travel insurance can help you replace your belongings if your baggage is declared lost.

Air travel insurance is commonly part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan, which can give you coverage for medical emergencies and evacuations, trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen belongings, travel assistance services, and accidental death and dismemberment.

As you consider the value of air travel insurance, think about scenarios such as heading off on a winter getaway only to have your flight grounded by a snowstorm, requiring an extra hotel night and meals. Or you arrive at your destination without your checked bag and all your clothes and toiletries inside. Air travel insurance can’t take away the hassle of these experiences, but it can help you pay for the hotel, meals, and finding replacement clothes and toiletries for your trip.

What Air Travel Insurance Costs

You should expect to pay 5% to 10% of your total nonrefundable travel costs for air travel insurance. If you’re taking a $2,500 trip, you’ll likely pay $125 to $250 for an air travel insurance policy.

However, various factors influence air travel insurance costs. These include:

• Trip duration and cost
• Coverage options
• Deductibles
• Coverage limits
• Your age
• The destination

For example, a flight-only travel insurance policy is likely to cost less than comprehensive travel insurance, and you should expect to pay more if you’re taking an expensive or lengthy trip.

Hot Tip:

Our guide to average travel insurance costs can help you understand how much you’d pay for travel insurance.

What Air Travel Insurance Covers

Air travel insurance coverage depends on the type of plan you select. If you get flight insurance, your coverage will be limited to flight-specific benefits, such as reimbursement for canceled flights and travel delays. You can expect more broad coverage with a comprehensive travel insurance policy covering flights, medical expenses, and rental cars.

Here’s a look at air travel insurance coverage areas if you get a comprehensive policy:

• Trip Cancellation: Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses, including your airfare and prepaid reservations if you have to cancel your flight for a covered reason such as a serious illness or family emergency.
• Trip Interruption: If you start your trip but have to cut it short for a covered reason, you can typically get up to 150% of your nonrefundable trip costs back, which can reimburse you for the remainder of your trip and extra costs such as last-minute flights home.
• Travel Delays and Missed Connections: Some air travel insurance policies cover travel delays and missed connections. This coverage kicks in if your flight is seriously delayed — such as 6 hours or more — or you miss a connecting flight for covered reasons.
• Baggage Delay or Loss: If your luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged, you can get reimbursed. This can help cover essentials such as clothing and toiletries until you’re reunited with your belongings.
• Emergency Medical and Evacuation: If you need urgent treatment during your trip, emergency medical coverage and evacuation benefits can help pay for your treatment and, if necessary, specialized transportation.
• Rental Car Collision Waiver: Travel insurance may cover damage to a rental vehicle if you decline the rental agency’s insurance.
• Travel Assistance Hotline: Most travel insurance companies offer a 24/7 hotline for emergencies that can connect you to medical providers, help you replace lost documents, or communicate with your family during an emergency.

Types of Air Travel Insurance Plans

Here’s a look at the main types of air travel insurance, each tailored to different travel needs.

• Flight Insurance: Flight insurance is basic and flight-specific and covers issues directly related to air travel. These policies are not as common as comprehensive travel insurance. Still, they can offer savings if you only need coverage for air travel issues such as flight cancellations, delays, missed connections, and lost or delayed baggage. This type of coverage can be good if you are taking a short domestic trip or already have other forms of travel protection but want added peace of mind for your flights.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance offers a wide range of travel protections, expanding beyond flight-related concerns to cover trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical and evacuation benefits, protection for baggage and personal belongings, and more. These policies are designed to cover the full scope of travel, including air travel and on-the-ground risks. Comprehensive travel insurance is a good choice for international or long journeys or if you want to be fully protected on your trip and not just while flying.
• Annual or Multiple-Trip Travel Insurance: Frequent travelers may consider an annual or multiple-trip travel insurance policy. These policies typically mirror the benefits of comprehensive travel insurance but provide ongoing protection rather than applying to a specific trip. They can save you the hassle of purchasing a travel insurance policy for every trip.

Factors for Choosing Air Travel Insurance

You have numerous options for air travel insurance, so you should consider all the details to find a policy that fits your travel needs and budget. 

Before you select an air travel insurance policy, evaluate your itinerary and coverage needs so you can find a policy to match. For example, a trip with multiple flights or layovers should prioritize coverage for travel delays, missed connections, and lost or delayed baggage. Medical and evacuation coverage is helpful on an international trip. If you have any concerns that you might need to cancel or cut short your trip, choose a policy with trip cancellation and interruption benefits.

Compare policies thoroughly to evaluate key coverage areas, exclusions, and costs. Balance a policy’s price with the coverage you need, and consider adjusting deductibles to dial in your quote. It’s also helpful to research the provider’s reputation to determine your potential experience if you need to make a claim.

Here’s what you should consider as you shop for air travel insurance policies:

• Cost: The cost of an air travel insurance policy varies depending on factors including your age, destination, trip length and cost, and your coverage selections. You should expect a comprehensive travel insurance policy to offer broader coverage at a higher price, while basic flight insurance is often more affordable and limited to flight-specific coverage. Compare quotes from multiple providers and consider what coverage you’re willing to pay for.
• Coverage Scope and Limits: Look at what each policy covers, as not all air travel insurance offers the same benefits. Some policies only cover flights, while others include medical, baggage, and more. Also, consider the deductibles and coverage limits, which can influence your cost and how much the policy will pay if you need to make a claim. And if you’re planning international travel, consider a plan with robust international air travel insurance for medical emergencies and trip interruptions.
• Flexibility: A CFAR policy allows you to cancel your trip for reasons outside of the standard covered events and reimburse you for a portion of nonrefundable costs. You’ll pay more for a CFAR policy than a regular travel insurance policy, but it can give you peace of mind if you’re concerned you may need to cancel your flights and other nonrefundable travel.
• Exclusions and Restrictions: Every policy has exclusions where coverage doesn’t apply. For example, a travel insurance policy might exclude preexisting medical conditions, extreme sports, and known risks such as booking a flight to a destination with a named hurricane. Be aware of the details to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.
• Additional Benefits and Services: Look beyond the basic air travel insurance benefits and see if a policy offers additional benefits such as telemedicine access, 24/7 travel assistance, or language support. All of these can be valuable if you need help while you’re traveling.
• Provider Reputation and Customer Service: Customer service and reputation varies among air travel insurance providers. Look for providers with good customer service ratings and easy-to-use online claims portals so you can rest assured that it’d be simple and successful if you need to make a claim.

How To Get Air Travel Insurance

There are various ways to purchase air travel insurance. You’re likely to first encounter it as you book your flights. Many airlines partner with travel insurance companies to offer airline travel insurance at the time of purchase. 

However, you’re not limited to the policies offered in partnership with airlines. You can get travel insurance quotes directly from travel insurance companies or use a travel insurance comparison website to get quotes and buy your policy.

You can directly purchase travel insurance from insurance companies by visiting the insurer’s website. Get quotes from multiple companies to compare policy costs, coverage, and insurer reputation. 

Another option for comparing and purchasing air travel insurance is on travel insurance comparison websites such as Squaremouth. You can use sites like these to enter your information, including travel details and your age, to get quotes for travel insurance policies that fit your search. You can use the results to easily compare the costs and features of each policy. 

Credit Card Air Travel Insurance

You may already have air travel coverage if you have a travel credit card. Many credit cards, especially premium travel credit cards, offer travel protections as a cardholder benefit. These often-overlooked protections can include coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions, rental car coverage, and baggage delay or loss benefits.

For example, when you pay for your flight with the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, you get travel insurance coverage such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and more.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

Book your flight with Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. and receive travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation, interruption, and delay insurance for your air travel, along with other travel protection benefits.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Capital One Miles

 

The great thing about credit card travel insurance is you don’t have to pay extra for it. While you may have to pay an annual fee to hold the card, your flights purchased with the card are protected automatically at no additional cost. 

However, the drawback of credit card travel insurance is that it may not offer sufficient coverage for your needs. It’s a good idea to compare your card’s coverage limits and policy details before you forgo a travel insurance policy that could offer greater benefits.

Final Thoughts

You might plan for a smooth journey, but you should be prepared for potential disruptions to air travel. One way to prepare is by purchasing air travel insurance, which can give you a financial safety net if you experience snags in your flight plans. This can help alleviate the stress of experiences such as unexpected delays, lost luggage, or last-minute cancellations — and it can help you keep your plans on track.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa^® or Mastercard^® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.