Does Travel Insurance Cover Flight Delays?

Yes — travel insurance reimburses meals, lodging, and transport when a covered flight delay exceeds the policy’s threshold (often 3–12 hours), and covers missed connections caused by the delay.

Usually Covered

By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

Trip delay benefit

Pays for reasonable expenses during a covered delay past the time threshold.

Missed connection

Covers catch-up costs if a delay makes you miss a connection.

Common exclusions

  • Delays below the time threshold
  • Delays you were warned about before departure
  • Reimbursement above daily caps

Tips

  • Know your policy’s delay threshold.
  • Keep all receipts during the delay.
  • Get written confirmation of the delay reason.

Frequently asked questions

How long must the delay be?

Usually 3–12 hours, depending on the plan.

Does it cover a missed cruise?

Often yes, under missed-connection coverage.

Related guides

Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

Part of our Travel Insurance guide

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