Does Travel Insurance Cover Missed Connections? [GUIDE]

August 31, 2023 - Meagan Palmer

With the increase in flight delays, cancellations, strikes, and staffing issues, it’s no wonder travelers are more concerned about multi-leg flights being disrupted. Many travelers like you have concerns about missing a connecting flight and the potential costs and inconveniences that may follow. This raises the question: does travel insurance cover missed connections?

The answer to this question depends on the specifics of your travel insurance policy. While some policies offer coverage for missed connections, others may have exclusions or limitations in place. It’s crucial to review your travel benefits in detail to understand what it covers and under what circumstances you would be eligible for compensation.

Table of Contents

• What Is A Missed Connection?
• What Happens If You Miss Your Connecting Flight?
• Can I Claim Compensation If I Miss A Connecting Flight From The Airline?
• What Happens to Checked Luggage If I Miss My Connecting Flight?
• Does Travel Insurance Cover Missed Connections?
• Missed Connection Exclusions
• Examples When Missed Connection Coverage Applies
• How to File a Missed Connection Travel Insurance Claim

What Is A Missed Connection?

A missed connection can happen when you miss the departure of your connecting flight, train, bus, or other type of common carrier due to a delay or cancellation of your initial mode of transportation. It’s an unfortunate event that can be caused by various circumstances, such as bad weather, aircraft breakdown, or common carrier delay.

When you encounter missing a connecting flight, it usually leads to stress, frustration, and unexpected additional costs. You may need to book new tickets, cover accommodations for an unplanned overnight stay, or even miss out on pre-booked activities at your final destination. We won’t leave you hanging, keep reading!

What Happens If You Miss Your Connecting Flight?

When you miss your trip’s departure, it can create a domino effect of missing other things like connecting flights, tours, or hotel bookings. Don’t panic yet!

First, it’s important to understand why you missed your flight. Was it due to an unexpected event like inclement weather or overbooking by the airline? Or was it because of a personal mistake, such as oversleeping or getting held up at the departure port? If the missed connection was caused by something out of our control, then there’s a better chance it could be covered under travel insurance.

However, if you booked separate tickets for your flights or missed your connection due to an individual error, coverage might not be applicable. In this scenario, your best course of action is to contact the airline directly and explain your situation. They might be able to rebook you on another available flight, though potential fees or fare differences might apply. Always double-check the airline’s specific rules and conditions for missed flights, as policies vary.

To lessen the chance of missing a connecting flight, always allow plenty of time between connections and consider potential factors like airport size, customs clearance, and security wait times. By planning ahead and purchasing travel insurance with missed connection coverage, you can more confidently navigate the unexpected and make the most of your trip.

Can I Claim Compensation From The Airline If I Miss A Connecting Flight?

Sometimes, the airline may also be responsible for providing compensation or assistance, especially if the missed flight is due to a common carrier delay, such as mechanical issues or staff strikes. If this is the case, contact the airline as soon as possible to inquire about your eligibility for reimbursement or other support.

What Happens to Checked Luggage If I Miss My Connecting Flight?

Don’t worry; you’re not alone when it comes to concerns about your checked luggage if you miss a connecting flight. People often wonder whether their belongings will be lost or delayed. Let’s debunk some myths and clarify the process regarding your baggage in these situations.

Usually, airlines are quite efficient when it comes to transferring your checked luggage between flights. In case you miss a connection, there’s a high chance your luggage will be re-routed to your final destination without any issues. Airlines have systems in place to ensure your bags arrive safely with you, even if you experience an unexpected change in itinerary. Check out our comprehensive guide on how travel insurance protects your baggage from delays, theft, or damage for more information.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Missed Connections?

The answer is typically yes, but it depends on the type of policy you have. Most travel insurance policies include missed connection coverage in the event you miss your cruise or tour departure due to circumstances already discussed. Typically, travel insurance policies with missed connection coverage can help reimburse you for:

• The cost of rescheduling your connecting flight, train, or bus
• Any fees associated with rebooking your transportation
• Reasonable accommodation and meal expenses
• Pre-paid and non-refundable costs for activities missed due to the delay

Each policy will have different maximum amounts they’ll cover. On Yonder’s site, you’ll find policies that include missed connection benefit maximums of $300 to $1,000 per person. Compare policies side-by-side using Yonder’s quote tool to find the right policy for the type of trip you’re taking.

Also, the length of delay the missed connection causes is important when it comes to travel insurance. The disruption must cause a delay of three to twelve hours for travel insurance coverage to take effect. Thinking of some other travel insurance-related questions? Find the answers to top travel insurance FAQs and more!

Keep in mind that travel insurance is meant to address unforeseen circumstances. If you miss your connection due to your own negligence, such as arriving late at the airport, your insurance might not cover the expenses incurred. Similarly, common carrier issues like flight cancellations or delays are the fault of the airline and may not be covered by your travel insurance.

Missed Connection Exclusions

While travel insurance policies often provide coverage for missed connections, there are a few important exclusions to be aware of in a policy:

• War or act of war
• Traveling against the advice of a medical professional
• Being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Foreseen or known events

Make sure to review the list of exclusions near the end of the policy wording, so you know when coverage won’t apply. 

Examples When Missed Connection Coverage Applies

Travel insurance can come to your rescue when you experience missed connections during your trip. Let’s look at some cases where coverage can assist you.

Example #1: Imagine you’re ready to leave for your trip, but your first flight is delayed due to inclement weather. As a result, you miss your second flight. With missed connection coverage, your insurance provider will help you make new travel arrangements and cover the additional expenses incurred.

Example #2: Suppose you’re on your way to the airport for the first leg of your journey, and suddenly, there’s heavy traffic because of an accident. This leads to a delayed arrival at the airport, causing you to miss your flight. In this case, missed connection coverage also comes in handy to help you rebook your flight and cover the extra costs.

Example #3: Picture yourself taking a flight to get to your port of call for your cruise departure, except your flight gets cancelled and you have to rebook another one out. This delay causes you to miss a pre-booked guided tour you had scheduled on the second day of the cruise. In such circumstances, your travel insurance may cover the expenses for missed activities and alternative transportation arrangements.

How to File a Missed Connection Travel Insurance Claim

Firstly, check your travel insurance policy to see if it offers benefits. Coverage can vary depending on the policy, so make sure you understand the terms and conditions. If your insurance offers missed connection coverage, they may provide compensation for additional transportation expenses, accommodations, and more.

You can connect directly with the travel insurance provider to initiate a claim. However, if you purchase a policy through Yonder, our team of travel insurance experts can assist in the claims process from initiation to appeals.

When filing a claim, make sure to have all necessary documentation readily available. Such documents may include your original ticket, any new tickets purchased, and receipts for transportation expenses incurred due to the missed connection. This will help expedite the process and strengthen your claim.