Missed your connecting flight? Know the instances when you would/would not be covered by Insurance

Missing your connecting flight while travelling abroad can be quite a hassle and a waste of time, effort and money, unless you’re covered by travel Insurance. It is also one of the likeliest reasons for unanticipated expenses. Who will pay for the flights depends on the reason for you missing your flight, and whether you have taken a comprehensive travel insurance policy covering this event?

To put it simply, you’ll be covered if you missed the flight because of a reason that is covered under the travel insurance policy. If you have missed the flight because of delays caused by the airline you’re travelling by, you wouldn’t be covered. The airline will book you onto the next flight and your insurance company won’t be obligated to do the same.

If you’ve booked all your flights with one airline carrier till your destination – you ought to be fine. On the off chance that you miss your connecting flight, the carrier will ensure you are accommodated on another flight, or they will provide food and accommodation.

However, if you booked on two distinct flights on separate airlines, and you miss your flight, you could have an issue! If the first flight gets delayed for any reason, the second flight with a different carrier does not have the obligation to put you on another flight. Furthermore, on the grounds that travel insurance does not cover for missed connections caused due to airline delay, you probably won't be covered for the expense to purchase another carrier’s ticket. In that case, you would need to raise the issue with the airline responsible for the delay.

When are you covered by your insurance if you miss your connecting flight?

You're secured for travel and convenience costs if:

• You miss your corresponding flight on account of a motor vehicle (rail, road, marine) mishap.
• You miss your flight in light of catastrophic events, extreme climate, hijacking, riots or civil unrest. The event must have started after the insurance policy has been issued.
• A doctor informs the insurer that you are unfit to proceed with your travel. You will require this information in a hard copy, and it can't be a previous ailment except if this was disclosed earlier and covered under the policy

When are you not eligible for claiming insurance when you miss your connecting flight?

You have to realise that most travel insurance policies would not provide you coverage in case of delays caused by the airline carrier

• In case of machine related issues, technical problems, delays or overbooking, the carrier ought to reimburse you.
• You wouldn't be covered on the off chance that you missed your flight since you didn't leave ahead of sufficient time. This includes traffic while in transit to the airport terminal forcing you to miss your flight.
• If you are offered remuneration or alternate flights by your carrier and you don't take them.
• If you miss your trip for a reason that is covered under the travel insurance policy, for example, turbulent weather, however you book another trip on a higher-class ticket, your insurance will just take care of the expense of the underlying ticket value that you’ve booked.

How to claim Insurance?

What are the documents required in order to claim for a missed connecting flight?

• Proof. On the off chance that you experience deferrals or cancellations of any kind you will require evidence of the cancellation or delay from the airline carrier.
• If you're involved in a road mishap that results in you missing your flight, ensure you get proof from the transport authority in that location.
• If you can't travel for health reasons, ensure you get a 'note' from your medical practitioner.