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Unfortunately, there are many instances when delays or cancellations occur in US-based flights annually. Unfavorable weather conditions, technical failures, lack of crews, air traffic controller-related problems can completely spoil carefully arranged travel arrangements. Already since 2026, the US Department of Transportation estimates that hundreds of thousands of flights monthly become delayed or canceled due to the congestion and increasing passenger volume. In case of such inconvenience, you will be required to take care of accommodation, additional food, and transportation.
In this article, we will discuss what role travel insurance plays protecting you against delays and cancellations’ effects financially. Learn about the types of coverage you need, how to make travel insurance claims, and some useful tips for US travelers.
Why Are American Travelers Prone To Flight Delays And Cancellations?
American flights constitute one of the busiest airline systems. Numerous domestic flights from coast to coast combined with numerous international flights mean that something may always interrupt your journey. Unfortunately, airlines are not too inclined to compensating for delays in US. You may get alternative transportation but rarely expect the cost of food and hotels paid back to you.
Travel insurance reimburses losses caused by flight delays or cancellations.
How Travel Insurance Protects From Cancellations & Delays
Below, please find the types of insurance coverage helping you when dealing with delayed or canceled flights:
Trip cancellation coverage
Trip interruption coverage
Travel delay coverage
Missed connection coverage
Baggage delay (with other types of coverage)
Let’s elaborate on the described types.
1. Trip Cancellation
In case of flight cancellation leading you to cancelling the whole trip, trip cancellation coverage reimburses your losses.
Reasons for coverage typically include:
Extremely adverse weather conditions making it difficult to depart
Airlines’ bankruptcy or closing down of the operation
Health problems prohibiting travel
Sudden death in family
Unexpected legal duties such as jury duty
Additionally, modern travel insurance plans include “Cancel For Any Reason” provision providing with some percent compensation whatever the reason.
2. Trip Interruption
Trip interruption provides with coverage when a flight cancellation occurs while your trip is taking place.
3. Travel Delay
In case of severe delay (6-12+ hours depending on policies), the following expenditures may be reimbursed:
Meals and vouchers
Hotel accommodation
Transportation vouchers
Rebooking fees
The daily limit for this type varies between $100 and $500 and the total amount from $500 up to +$1,500.
4. Missed Connection
In case of missing a connection flight due to delays, rebooking is covered.
5. Baggage Delay (in combination with other coverages)
It’s also possible to obtain baggage delay coverage when it concerns cancellation or delay of flights.
Real-Life Examples: What Travelling Insurance Did For Americans
Example 1: Severe Winter Weather Conditions in New England
In this case study, a family living in Boston suffered from delay and cancellation of flights to Florida and received $1,200 for hotel and food expenses.
Example 2: Aircraft Mechanics Delay in Chicago
An American businessman encountered flight delay of 14 hours when flying to Las Vegas from Chicago and was reimbursed for a hotel stay, vouchers on meals, and transport – $450.
Example 3: International Delay
The flight to Italy from Miami provided by American Airlines was canceled due to crew shortage. The insurance company returned $4,800 for hotel reservation and guided tours.
How Travel Insurance Compares to The Airline Obligation
Main differences between insurance compensation and airline liability include the following:
Domestically, the airline company is obliged to arrange another flight, however, it won’t pay hotel or meal vouchers.
International air carrier has to compensate according to law but not too much.
If you choose not to travel after a delay or cancellation, the company has to reimburse tickets according to DOT rules.
As you see, travel insurance offers broader coverage with more various reasons.
How To Select the Best Travel Insurance Plan in 2026?
List of criteria for choosing a plan includes the following:
Minimum trigger of travel delay: no longer than 6 hours
Compensation per day: $150-$300
No exceptions regarding “common carriers”
Possibility to “cancel for any reason”
Excellent medical and emergency evacuation coverage
The best travel insurance providers in the USA include:
Allianz
Travelex
Travel Guard (AIG)
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Seven Corners
To find the optimal plan, compare travel insurance on InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth websites.
Step-by-Step Instructions How to Make Claim
Things to do in case of delays or cancellation:
Document everything properly
Create evidence by saving copies of screenshots from airline websites.
Communicate with the Airline Company
Learn information about potential rebooking opportunities.
Contact Travel Insurance Provider
Call a toll-free assistance number as soon as possible.
Obtain the Proof of Incident
Remember to collect receipts concerning all expenses incurred due to delay.
File Your Claim
You can claim compensation on-line including supporting documents.
Staying in touch
You may wait for 30-60 days for a decision on your claim.
Advice on How to Make Use of Your Travel Insurance Fully
You should apply the following advice to maximize the benefits of your policy:
Buy it not later than 14-21 days after you’ve made a first payment for your trips
Apply multi-trip policy for repeated travels within a period of one year
Apply travel insurance together with airline credit card bonuses
Buy refundable or flexible tickets
Consider weather forecasts and airline status 24-48 hours prior to departure
Buy plans with “Cancel For Any Reason” option in case of uncertainty about weather
Costs of Travel Insurance For Delayed/Canceled Flights
Flight cancellation/delay coverage is typically a part of comprehensive travel insurance plans. Its price ranges approximately from 4% up to 8% of trip price. That means you’ll have to pay approximately $160-$320 for $4,000 total trip expense (insurance costs). Therefore, the cost is reasonable.
Conditions When You Won’t Be Covered or Limitations of Benefits
Under the following conditions, you won’t be able to file a claim or benefits are limited:
Your fault in delay
Weather conditions known in advance
Malfunction of equipment (some outdated policies only)
Be sure to read Exclusions in the policy documents.
When Travel Insurance Is Especially Useful
If you are planning international trips, especially during holidays, consider purchasing insurance coverage.
Here are some conditions for which travel insurance is especially helpful:
International flights
Holiday trips
Travel with tight connections
Prepaid vacations requiring significant prepayment
Family vacation
Weather-sensitive regions (Florida, Caribbean, US NE in winter)
Conclusion
Delays and cancellation are rather common occurrences in the world of aviation. However, travel insurance can ease your concerns and minimize expenses through reimbursements of food, hotel accommodations, and rebooking.
Become acquainted with different coverage types, learn how to submit claims, select the most appropriate plan. Don’t worry about your vacations to Florida, New York, or Europe.
Choose travel insurance ahead of your vacation and feel free to travel!
Have happy and safe journeys!
FAQ on Travel Insurance
Question 1: Does Travel Insurance Cover Delays and Cancellations?
Yes, the majority of policies include the specified type of coverage.
Question 2: How Long Does the Travel Have to Be Delayed?
Typically, it’s 6-12 hours delay.
Question 3: Does Travel Insurance Reimburse Meals and Hotels in Case of Delay?
Yes, it does up to a certain amount of money per day (from $100 up to $300+).
Question 4: The Airline Provides Me Free Hotel Vouchers – Will it Reimburse My Losses?
No, the insurance policy can reimburse additional expenses.
Question 5: Should I Buy a Travel Policy or Rely On Credit Cards Only?
The first option is usually more profitable.
Question 6: Is it Possible to Purchase Travel Insurance in Case of Delay?
No, you should buy insurance policies in advance.
Question 7: Can Travel Insurance Provide Coverage For Weather-Sensitive Cancellation?
Yes, it is among the standard reasons of trip cancellation.
Question 8: How Can I Prove the Existence of a Delay?
Take screenshots, print boarding pass, emails from airlines, etc.
Question 9: Are There Suitable Plans for Domestic Use?
There is a great variety of plans for US citizens.