Noob Travel Insurance Q - How Does It Work?

archieduh on 02/12/2022 - 18:24
Last edited 02/12/2022 - 18:24

So.. I have travelled a litlle but never purchased travel insurance.

We are traveling to Sydney during Christmas. When I booked flights were $190 - and I thought it was mind-boggling.
But now the same flights are like $700. So I am scared if my flight gets cancelled the day of the flight I might be out of pocket booking alternate flights on those days maxing my credit card.
Considering travel is over 3 weeks away, can I buy travel insurance now?
And If I do, in the event my flight gets cancelled and I have to say buy 4x $1000 one way tickets, will insurance cover it?
Will they ask for a proof that no cheaper flights existed (or they would have a cap of say $250 max per person per sector)?

Tried finding links but they all talked generic stuff like lost luggage, get alternate flight - but not what if the cost that day is 40x higher than usual..

Thanks for your time

Travel Insurance Travel Insurance

Comments

  • i like free on 02/12/2022 - 19:28
    +1

    Quite often credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance if you buy the tickets on their card. You can call them to check and see what is covered. Make sure it is activated though!
    You can still buy travel insurance right now and you can be covered if flights get cancelled but you need to check the policy specifically about flight cancellations to know if you’re covered. I’ve never bought travel insurance for domestic but if you’re travelling overseas always 100% have travel insurance for the medical component. I broke my ankle a few months ago in Turkey and it would have cost me $30k (hospital, surgery and repatriation) if I didn’t have it.

    • archieduh on 02/12/2022 - 19:51

      Thanks.
      Since I have already purchased tickets I have to find out about regular insurance.
      For knowledge.. in such cards, does insurance would blanket cover any cost of re-booking?
      Asking as what if i booked a $1000 Qantas when i could have a $300 Jetstar that day but I knew my coverage is for $$$ so i just book?

      • i like free on 02/12/2022 - 20:59
        +1

        This I’m not sure of. It might vary between insurer so it would be good to check their policy T&Cs with one your interested in buying

      • Ughhh on 02/12/2022 - 21:19
        +1

        Unless you want surprises, best to check your cards pds rather than relying on "generic info", that's assuming you have a higher level card that has complimentary insurance.

        Always check pds

  • avoidfullprice on 02/12/2022 - 20:46
    +1

    in the event my flight gets cancelled and I have to say buy 4x $1000 one way tickets, will insurance cover it?

    ACL protects you that airline should give you refund or credit should flight is cancelled

    The latter part depends on the nature of that cancellation. Severe weather?

    • archieduh on 02/12/2022 - 22:07

      Sorry if I wasn't clear.
      What I mean is, i have booked $200 flights already for 27-Dec. If flight gets cancelled they will refund me the $200 per person.
      But i still need to travel and on that day if the only options available are $1000 then what do I do?
      I can't afford it but will insurance cover it?

  • djsweet on 02/12/2022 - 21:27
    +1

    Normally if domestic flights are cancelled they just put you on the next one. I've never had a situation where I wasn't offered a replacement flight for no additional fee. I have been in the situation where the replacement flight offered was of no use to me and I ended up having to pay 3 times as much for a last minute flight on a different airline (well work did). But the option was there. As long as it isn't absolutely critical you make it to your destination same day as your original booking, I wouldn't worry.

    • archieduh on 02/12/2022 - 22:10

      Thanks. If not the same day, i need to be there next afternoon.
      I have had an experience twice where
      1. my flight was cancelled 3 hours before departure time (was at the airport) and I was rebooked on once 54 hours later. i ended up taking a train.
      2 flight was cancelled a 8 hours before and only alternate was 1 day later.

      So that's why trying to proactively think what to do

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