Travel insurance allows travelers to leave with peace of mind, knowing that they are protected against a variety of risks that could arise while traveling. What is the role of this insurance in the context of flight disruptions and lost baggage?
Insurance allows you to be sure that you will be compensated for the damages suffered, regardless of the reason for the disruption, according to what is provided for in your contract.
The right to compensation is governed by various rules that can complicate the recourse and insurance allows you to obtain an ease in this regard. Indeed, the categories of compensation are more or less the same, but the conditions of application will be relaxed.
Obviously, each insurance coverage is different and it is advisable to check in your insurance contract the coverage provided for therein.
Flight disruptions (delay, cancellation and denied boarding)
| Coverage of additional | In the event of a flight delay, travel insurance can cover any additional costs the traveler may incur, such as meals, beverages, or accommodation, while waiting for the next available flight. |
| Travel | If the flight is cancelled or a delay results in a missed connection, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of the unused flight ticket. |
| Assistance with reorganizing the route | In the event of a major disruption, travel insurance can provide an assistance service to help the traveler rearrange their itinerary, book new accommodation, or coordinate alternative transportation. |
| Lost Match | If a flight delay results in the loss of a connection with another airline, the insurance may cover the costs of booking a new flight. |
| Reimbursement of prepaid | If flight disruptions result in the loss of prepaid activities (excursions, events, etc.), the insurance may reimburse these expenses, according to the terms of the contract. |
| Alternative transportation | If a flight is cancelled and an alternative means of transportation is required (e.g., a train or rental car), the insurance may cover these costs, in part or in full. |
Some insurance policies will exclude costs incurred by you as a result of your fault. For example, if you show up late at the boarding gate and lose your plane ticket due to lack of organization, the insurer may not compensate you.
However, if for a medical reason you cannot take your flight with supporting evidence, the insurance may be more inclined to compensate you, whereas it would be impossible to make this type of claim with the airline directly.
Delay, cancellation, or denied boarding?
Delay, cancellation, or denied boarding?You may be entitled to compensation of up to $2,400.
Have your case reviewed for free by a lawyer.
Baggage inconveniences
Travel insurance can also offer protection against baggage-related inconveniences during a trip, minimizing financial impacts and providing practical assistance in such situations.
| Lost Baggage | If the baggage is lost by the airline, travel insurance may offer compensation for the value of the lost property, depending on the terms and ceilings set out in the contract. |
| Compensation for delayed baggage | If luggage arrives late (usually after a certain predetermined period of time), travel insurance can cover the expenses needed to purchase essential items (clothing, hygiene products, etc.) while waiting for baggage claim. |
| Baggage theft coverage | If luggage is stolen during the trip, whether at the airport, hotel, or elsewhere, travel insurance can compensate the traveler for the stolen goods. Coverage can include personal items, but often with limits on valuables such as electronics, jewelry, or sports equipment. |
| Assistance with procedures | In the event of loss, theft, or delay of luggage, travel insurance often provides assistance to help the traveler report the incident to the relevant authorities (airline, local police, etc.) and complete the necessary paperwork to obtain compensation. |
| Coverage for damage to baggage | If the baggage is damaged during transport (possibly due to mishandling by the airline), travel insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged baggage. |
| Compensation for valuables | While some travel insurance policies offer limited coverage for valuables (electronics, jewelry, etc.), there may be reimbursement limits. In such cases, it is often recommended to purchase additional coverage for these specific properties. |
Insurance policies may exclude specific types of losses (such as forgotten or unattended items) or impose deductibles and limits on reimbursements.
Insurer’s recourse
If the insurance compensates the traveller for costs related to a flight disruption or the loss, delay or damage of baggage and the airline is legally liable for these disruptions (for example, under the European Regulation EC 261/2004, RPPA or other similar legislation), the insurer can take action against the airline to recover the sums paid.
Indeed, when an insurance company indemnifies an insured, it can exercise a right of subrogation. This means that the insurance takes the place of the insured to claim, on their behalf, the compensation to which they would have been entitled directly from the airline. In order for the insurance company to recover these amounts, the insured must provide all the necessary documentation (flight tickets, proof of delay/cancellation, connections with the airline, etc.) and possibly assign their rights to the insurer to allow this recourse.
The recourse against the airline often depends on the terms of the insurance contract. Some insurance contracts require the insured to first make a claim with the airline. If this claim is rejected or partially compensated, the insurance company then takes over.
In some cases, the insurance company may decide not to sue an airline if the amounts are small, if the procedure is deemed expensive or unlikely to be successful, or if the airline is protected by legal exceptions (extreme weather, etc.).