What is travel disruption insurance?

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Key takeaways 

• Travel disruption insurance is designed to cover unexpected events that could interrupt or cancel your travel plans 

• It can pay out to cover losses in the event of severe weather, strikes, natural disasters, illnesses and other unexpected disruptions 

• It’s not always included in standard travel insurance, so it’s crucial to check your policy documents to understand what you’re covered for 

 What is travel disruption insurance? 

Travel disruption insurance is a type of cover that gives you financial protection against unexpected events that could upend your travel plans. 

Travel disruption cover lets you either rearrange bookings or recoup costs if your travel plans are cancelled or delayed as a result of things like severe weather, illnesses or strikes. 

Is travel disruption included in standard travel insurance? 

Travel disruption insurance is not a standalone insurance policy – it forms part of some travel insurance policies.  

Be sure to check if your insurer includes it as standard - if not, you can normally add it on for an extra fee. 

Most standard travel insurance policies will cover you for cancellation or curtailment, but this may not apply to certain emergency situations unless your policy specifically includes travel disruption. 

Do I need travel disruption insurance? 

Travel disruption isn’t a legal requirement, but it can come in useful in emergency and unexpected situations. 

For example, if there is a breakdown on public transport that causes you to miss your flight, or if there is an airline strike, or if extreme weather grounds all flights then travel disruption cover can step in. 

What does travel disruption insurance cover? 

Travel disruption insurance will generally pay out if certain events or situations disrupt your holiday plans, usually by causing delays, holiday abandonment, missed departures or extended stays.

While it will vary between insurers and policies, you should usually be covered in the following situations: 

• Strikes and industrial action 

• Extreme weather like a storm or flood 

• Natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions 

• Delays on public transport or traffic accidents 

• Outbreaks of disease 

• Civil unrest 

• Any of your travel providers going bust 

• If your booked transport is cancelled or delayed by more than 12 hours 

What isn’t covered by travel disruption insurance? 

It will vary by insurer, but you’ll often find that travel disruption policies won’t pay out for: 

• Weather or natural disasters that were announced before you booked your holiday and bought cover 

• Holidays you didn’t enjoy 

• Missing booked travel due to poor planning or time management 

• Delays in security or customs 

• Car breakdowns caused by your own poor maintenance 

• Costs you can recover from your travel or credit card provider 

Does standard travel insurance cover natural disasters? 

Standard travel insurance usually covers claims related to natural disasters – but it might be capped at a certain amount, and limited to certain travel and accommodation costs. 

How do I make an insurance claim for travel disruption?

To claim compensation for disrupted travel plans you should contact your travel providers - your airline, hotel and travel agents - first. You may be entitled to refunds directly from them, and insurers will expect you to try this first. For example, European airlines flying you within Europe are required by law to provide assistance if your flight is delayed or cancelled. 

If you are still out of pocket you should then contact your insurer and let them know what happened. Be sure to keep receipts and proof of the circumstances that affected your travel plans. 

What else can I claim for? 

As well as the cost of any missed flights or accommodation, your travel disruption policy can cover the cost of expenses you incurred because of the disruption. These costs could include: 

• Alternative accommodation if you need to book a different place to stay 

• Car hire costs if you need to use it longer than intended or if you paid for a car hire that you can’t use or get refunded 

• Activities and excursions you couldn’t get to 

• Pet boarding or pet sitter fees you paid for that you ended up not needing 

Compare travel insurance quotes 

Finding the right travel insurance policy is easy when you compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket. Just tell us a little about yourself, where you’ll be travelling and the type of cover you’ll need, and we’ll search for deals that meet your exact needs.