Travel Insurance covering missed flights

[kelvedon]

I have booked a flight on Emirates from Hong Kong to London that leaves early in the morning. To connect to this I have booked a separate flight through Qantas which arrives in Hong Kong the day before.

For travel insurance, I have always used Travel Insurance Direct. I asked them what would be covered if a delay in the first flight (SYD-HKG) meant I missed (and forfeited) my next flight. I was advised that if the delay was caused by severe weather, natural disasters, hijacking or strike they would cover the loss,

" However we have exclusions regarding, delays, rescheduling or cancellation of scheduled transport services caused by the carrier or related to the carrier, including maintenance, repairs, rescheduling, service faults or industrial activity other than a strike or corporate takeover."

In other words if the first plane "goes tech" ​and the subsequent delay means you miss your connection (in my case 13 hours) your not insured for your loss. Does anyone know of a travel insurance company that does cover these events?.

 

[Pushka]

TID covered me for Hotel expenses when in advance Cathay cancelled their direct flight to Adelaide. I had to get a letter from Cathay confirming. I don't see why this is different?

I'll see if I can find an email they sent. I left a query online in their help area and they replied.

 

[kelvedon]

TID covered me for Hotel expenses when in advance Cathay cancelled their direct flight to Adelaide. I had to get a letter from Cathay confirming. I don't see why this is different?

I'll see if I can find an email they sent. I left a query online in their help area and they replied.

Thanks Pushka, I can see they would cover that under the Delayed travel section, but disappointingly they will not cover the loss incurred if the delay means you miss your next flight.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

World Nomads offers policies that will cover missed connections in the situation you describe.

This is a somewhat unusual policy inclusion, because as you point out, most (if not all) companies will only provide for accommodation and food in the event you are delayed... not a replacement flight (or if they do offer a replacement flight, it's only for a defined 'major' event, such as to be able to attend your wedding).

Note the World Nomads limit is $1000. So would not necessarily cover you in the event of premium travel. there are other conditions, such as a minimum of three hours between the connecting flights.

in general, insurance companies and airlines don't offer protections for missed connections on separate tickets. notable exceptions are AA and CX. although on cx you must be connecting to/from another cx flight.

 

[clazman]

That is the problem with insurances, unless you read the fine print you would think you are covered.

 

[Vivien]

The only way to ensure that you get reimbursed if you miss your flight is to book flights on one
ticket, ie Sydney to London via Dubai, then the airline covers you. But keep fingers crossed that
you connect to your flight!!! Good luck!!

 

[dajop]

The only way to ensure that you get reimbursed if you miss your flight is to book flights on one
ticket, ie Sydney to London via Dubai, then the airline covers you. But keep fingers crossed that
you connect to your flight!!! Good luck!!

That is not the only way. The other way is to have a flexible fare that allows changes with minimal or no penalty, and ideally including after departure.

Of course both options may actually even be more expensive than missing the second flight entirely and having to pay for a new fare (i.e. self insurance!).

 

[Vivien]

That is not the only way. The other way is to have a flexible fare that allows changes with minimal or no penalty, and ideally including after departure.

Of course both options may actually even be more expensive than missing the second flight entirely and having to pay for a new fare (i.e. self insurance!).

There is that way too, but usually costs a lot more!! Depends on your budget.

 

[onlycopunk]

I've actually been in this situation before and most "decent" airlines will rebook you for free at the airport. I guess the key term is "at the airport" though.