What Is Trip Delay Insurance?

With news about airline delays, weather issues and airport inefficiencies, trip delays are more common than ever. No one likes a long travel day or an overnight stay at the airport if you've been looking forward to your long-awaited vacation for months, but a sudden flight delay threatens to derail your carefully planned itinerary. 

Missed connections, overnight stays and unexpected expenses can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare. This is where trip delay insurance comes in. It offers a financial safety net to help you navigate the frustrating realities of travel disruptions. Should you get trip delay insurance and when is it worth it? Find out below. 

How Does Trip Delay Insurance Work?

Trip delay insurance is a type of travel insurance coverage that reimburses you for certain expenses incurred because of a significant delay in your travel plans. If your flight, cruise, train or other mode of transportation is delayed for a specified period — usually six to 12 hours or more — the insurance kicks in, providing compensation for additional costs like meals, accommodation and transportation. 

While millions of travelers don't use trip delay insurance and it's certainly not essential, when you're stuck in an airport halfway to your destination, you'll be happy you bought it. 

Trip Delay vs. Trip Interruption Insurance

Trip delay insurance and trip interruption insurance aren't the same, even though the names are similar. It's important to understand the distinction between the two and ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

Trip delay insurance covers expenses related to a temporary delay. On the other hand, trip interruption insurance is designed to protect you if your trip is cut short or you need to return home early because of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances. 

According to Progressive, "Trip interruption applies to trips unexpectedly cut short for a covered reason, and trip delay applies to travel plans that are delayed (but not cut short) for a covered reason." 

While both can be valuable, you'll find more details on trip delay insurance below. 

What Does Trip Delay Insurance Cover?

Trip delay insurance can provide reimbursement for a variety of expenses incurred during a travel delay, which can end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. Reimbursed expenses vary by policy, but typically include:

• Meals and accommodations during the delay period 
• Transportation costs to catch up with your planned itinerary
• Expenses for activities or tours missed because of the delay
• Change fees for rescheduling flights or other bookings
• Reasonable communication expenses for phone calls or internet access en route

What Is Not Covered?

Like all other insurance policies, trip delay insurance has limitations and exclusions. Common scenarios not covered include:

• Delays for personal reasons or negligence
• Delays caused by preexisting conditions or known events
• Delays resulting from natural disasters or civil unrest
• Expenses not directly related to the travel delay

How Much Does Trip Delay Insurance Cost?

The cost of trip delay insurance varies by provider, the length of your trip, the total cost of the trip and the coverage limits you choose. Most travel insurance companies offer trip delay coverage as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan or as an add-on option.

For example, a basic travel insurance plan covering a week-long domestic trip might cost around $50 and include up to $500 in trip delay coverage. For longer international trips or higher-end itineraries, the cost could range from $100 to $500 or more, with trip delay coverage limits ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 or higher.

Pros and Cons of Trip Delay Insurance

Like any insurance offering, trip delay insurance has advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons to consider before getting trip delay insurance. 

Pros

• Financial protection against unexpected travel disruptions
• Can offset additional costs from travel delays
• Peace of mind 
• Reduce travel stress

Cons

• You'll pay for peace of mind
• Adds to your travel expenses
• Limitations and exclusions may apply, so you may not get the coverage you need
• Time-consuming claims require documentation

How to Get Trip Delay Insurance

It's not difficult to get trip delay insurance. You can contact your primary insurance provider, or search for trip delay insurance online. Here's how to get trip delay insurance: 

• Research trip delay insurance and compare total costs, coverage and limitations.
• Reach out to your primary insurance provider for possible trip delay insurance add-ons.
• Check online providers to see about better rates.
• Decide whether you want to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip delay coverage or get a standalone product.
• Buy trip insurance for your travel dates, and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you're covered.

When purchasing trip delay insurance, review the policy details carefully, including the coverage limits, deductibles and any exclusions or requirements. Additionally, ensure you meet any eligibility criteria, such as purchasing the policy within a specified timeframe before your trip.

Compare the Best Trip Delay Insurance From Benzinga’s Top Providers

Compare Benzinga's best trip delay insurance providers. Benzinga’s trusted partners can help you get the best insurance for your needs. 

How to File a Claim for Trip Delay Insurance

If you experience a travel delay that qualifies for coverage under your trip delay insurance policy, filing a claim can be a hassle. Be sure to save all documentation or receipts. Then, follow these steps:

• Contact the provider: Notify your travel insurance provider as soon as possible about the delay.
• Provide documentation: Gather and retain all relevant documentation, such as receipts for additional expenses, flight itineraries and proof of the delay.
• Fill out the claim: Complete the claim form provided by your insurance company, providing detailed information about the delay and expenses incurred.
• Submit the claim: Submit the completed claim form along with the required documentation within the specified timeframe.
• Follow up to finalize: Cooperate with any additional requests from the insurance company for information or documentation.

How to Be Ready for Travel Delays

While trip delay insurance can provide financial assistance, you'll also want to be proactive and prepare for travel days. By preparing for potential travel disruptions, you can have a backup plan in place. 

Here are some tips to help you stay ready:

• Allow ample time for connections and transfers. For example, one hour is usually too little time for an airline connection. 
• Pack essentials, medications and valuables in your carry-on luggage.
• Keep copies of important travel documents and contact information with you. 
• Monitor weather and travel advisories for potential delays or cancellations, and make alternate plans if necessary. 

Do You Need Trip Delay Insurance? 

Travel delays can be frustrating and disruptive, but with the right preparation and protection, you can minimize their impact on your trip. Trip delay insurance isn't for everyone. If you have ample savings and are willing to pay out of pocket for trip delays, you might not need it. However, on the off chance that everything goes wrong, trip delay insurance can help you save more.

By understanding the benefits and limitations of trip delay insurance and taking proactive steps to be ready for potential disruptions, you can enjoy your well-deserved vacation without being stuck in an airport or losing savings. If you want to research more options, consider whether travel insurance is worth it, then find the best travel insurance companies or check out travel cancellation insurance. Some credit cards or business credit cards may also offer travel insurance. 

Frequently Asked Questions