Travel disruption

If your flight is cancelled, refunds should be sought from the airline or tour operator in the first instance.

Any bookings made through a credit card may also have recoverable costs. If your travel insurance policy includes trip disruption, you should be covered if you have to cancel your travel plans.

Check your policy details and speak to your insurer if you’re not sure what is included.

Some travel policies may cover disruption to travel, either automatically or as an optional extra. Check your policy details and speak to your insurer if you’re not sure what is included.

Disruption cover usually operates only if you have been unable to get compensation from any other sources first, such as the airline or tour operator.

Typically, policies will have a minimum delay period, so check your policy wording carefully.

If your flight is cancelled refunds should be sought from the airline, tour operator or accommodation provider in the first instance. Any bookings made through a credit card may also have recoverable costs.

If you want to book another flight back to the UK or need alternative transport, or if you’ve had to book more accommodation, we’d recommend speaking to your insurer first to check what is covered in your policy, and they can advise on next steps. 

If your travel insurance includes cover for disruption and it expires while you’re still stuck abroad, terms and conditions will usually automatically extend the cover. 

This will depend on your policy, so read the details carefully and contact your insurer to check.

Some policies do include cover for missed events, but this will vary, and it may only be covered if your policy includes cancellation cover or if you have separate event ticket insurance.

If delays mean that you’re unable to attend an event, check your travel policy to see what is included and speak to your insurer if you’re not clear.