Important Things to Know About Flight Delay Insurance

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Imagine you're all set for your dream vacation—bags packed, boarding pass in hand—and you reach the airport, only to see the dreaded message flashing on the screen: "Flight Delayed." Now what? This is precisely where flight delay insurance steps in to save your day and money.

Whether you are on a business trip or a vacation, waiting for a delayed flight is the last thing you want. Also, a delayed start to a planned trip can spoil the fun even before the journey starts!

But did you know you can avail yourself of certain benefits from the airline authority for unfortunate hiccups, such as flight delays?

In this blog, we'll uncover everything you need to know about airline delay compensation, how the coverage works, and why including flight-related coverage in your travel insurance is smart.

Top 4 Reasons For a Flight Delay

Knowing the reason for the flight delay is your right, and the airline authority is entitled to inform you why your flight is delayed. Usually, a flight is delayed because of one of the following reasons:

• Delayed landing due to airline security issues.
• Delay due to unprecedented weather change.
• Delay due to technical problems.
• Delay due to the aircraft's unpunctual schedule.

Due to these circumstances or more, your flight can be delayed. But don't worry. Flight delay insurance can help you get coverage for the financial losses incurred in the event.

What is Flight Delay Insurance?

Flight delay insurance or airline delay compensation is a travel insurance benefit that compensates you for hassles incurred due to an unforeseen flight delay. This  benefit can be utilised as compensation for meals, accommodation, transport, and even rebooking charges. The primary idea is straightforward: if an airline delays your flight, this insurance helps cover the incurred  costs.

Why You Need Airline Delay Compensation?

In today's world of travel, getting paid when your flight is late isn't a perk anymore—it's something travellers should expect. Here's the reason.

• Rising Delays: According to global airline stats, over 42% of flights are delayed by more than 15 minutes.
• Hidden costs: Delays can lead to missed hotel bookings, non-refundable tickets, and extra meal expenses.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you're financially protected brings immense relief during travel stress.
• Support with Missed Connections: If a delay causes you to miss a connecting flight, you may be eligible for missed connection insurance.

When Can You Claim Flight Delay Insurance Benefits?

According to the DGCA, you shall be entitled to compensation from the airline authority if your flight is delayed. Below are a few scenarios when the airline authority should provide benefits such as refreshments or refunds.

• In case of a delay of 1-2 hours, the airline service shall provide you with refreshments free of cost.
• In the event of a flight delay of 3 to 5 hours, the airline authority must provide passengers with free meals.
• In case of a delay of more than 6 hours, the airline service has to inform the passengers at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
• Given a delay of more than 6 hours, the airline must offer passengers the option of taking an alternate flight or a complete refund.

However, you must note that if the reason for the delay is not under the flight operator’s control, the airline service is not liable to compensate you for the same. Some scenarios when the airline is not entitled to provide you with any benefits are:

• If the flight is delayed because of natural calamities.
• If the delay is caused by riots or wars.
• If the delay is because of political instability.
• If the flight is delayed for security reasons.

Simply put, if the flight is delayed because of reasons beyond the control of the flight operator, the airline shall not be liable to compensate you. But this does not mean you will have to derail your finances even before the trip starts! Your overseas travel insurance can come to your rescue.

What is a Flight Delay Benefit in Travel Insurance?

You may get adequate compensation for your flight/trip delay under ‘Explore- The Travel Insurance’ by Care Health Insurance. The policy offers compensation of up to a specified limit for the losses incurred due to a flight delay of more than four hours.

A flight delay benefit is significant if you travel long distances and have to change flights before reaching the destination. Here are a few scenarios when travel insurance by Care Insurance shall compensate you for a flight delay of more than four hours:

• Delay of flight due to unforeseen natural calamities such as storms, floods, etc.
• Delay of flight due to terror attacks or war
• Delay of flight due to a sudden strike or political issues
• Delay of flight due to the fault of crew members, etc.

Please note that your insurance policy shall not be eligible to compensate for any losses informed to you at least six hours before the flight's scheduled departure.

Travel Insurance Benefits That Go Beyond Delays

While we’re focusing on delays, your travel insurance usually includes a bundle of other important protections:

• Medical emergency cover
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Personal accident cover
• Passport or document loss assistance

So yes, flight delay protection is just one of the many perks.

>> Read More: What are the benefits of Travel Insurance?

Trip Delay Coverage vs. Flight Cancellation: What’s the Difference?

These two often get confused. Let’s clear it up:

So, if your flight is delayed by 8 hours due to a technical issue, trip delay coverage helps. If you cancel your trip due to illness, trip cancellation insurance applies.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance for Flight Delays

Here are a few things to consider while buying a plan:

• Check the Delay Threshold: Ensure you understand how many hours of delay are required for coverage to apply.
• Coverage Limit: Look for the maximum reimbursement amount — some policies cap it at ₹5,000, others go up to ₹25,000 or more.
• Includes Missed Connection Insurance: Great for multi-stop international trips.
• Ease of Claim: Check if the insurer offers a simple digital claims process.
• Customer Support: A 24/7 helpline is essential during emergencies.

Standard Exclusions to Be Aware Of

While flight delay protection is valuable, it doesn’t cover everything. Watch out for these exclusions:

• Delays due to personal negligence
• Pre-existing delays (e.g., if the delay was already announced before your check-in at the airport )
• No documentation of expenses or flight delay.

Real-Life Example: How Delay Insurance Saved the Day

Rajeev, a 32-year-old traveller from Mumbai, booked a trip to Paris with a layover in Dubai. A technical fault delayed his Mumbai–Dubai flight by 12 hours, causing him to miss his connection, which was set to depart after 10 hours. Thankfully, he had bought a comprehensive travel insurance policy that offered compensation for each block of 4 hours delay. Rajeev then could use that compensation amount to avail meals while he waited for his next flight.

His travel delay reimbursement claim was processed within a week — all because he had the right coverage.

Note: A flight delay insurance may not offer financial coverage for the expenses that the airline authorities have already compensated. Hence, it is crucial to read the coverage terms in the policy documents.

Care Travel Insurance: Your Partner in Flight Delay Protection

Care Health Insurance offers travel insurance plans that include trip delay coverage, missed connection insurance, and other travel insurance benefits like emergency medical care, baggage loss coverage, and trip cancellation protection.

Here’s how Care’s travel insurance keeps you protected:

• Flight Delay Protection: Reimbursement for delay-related costs.
• 24x7 Travel Assistance: Get help whenever and wherever needed.
• Affordable Premiums: Pocket-friendly plans for international travel.
• Hassle-Free Claims: Simple digital process for speedy reimbursements.

So the next time your flight gets delayed, know that you’re not alone—and definitely not unprotected.

Summing It Up

Delays are becoming more frequent in today’s travel landscape — whether due to unpredictable weather, overbooking, or infrastructure issues. But your travel doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With airline delay compensation and coverage for flight delays under your travel insurance coverage, you can turn setbacks into smooth departures.

Suppose you are travelling from India to Canada via Amsterdam. You take a connecting flight with a four-hour gap between the two flights. Unfortunately, the trip gets delayed by four hours due to severe weather conditions. In such a condition, you may miss the next flight that is running on time.

Although the loss of time can not be compensated, your travel insurance for Canada by Care Health Insurance shall cover you for the financial losses as per your eligibility and the sum insured. All you have to do is buy travel insurance beforehand and read the policy details carefully. Thus, to ensure you have a buddy in a stressful situation, you should buy the right travel insurance plan today.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.