A complete guide to your rights and insurance coverage

A canceled flight, either by the airline or by the traveler, can disrupt travel plans and impact finances. As we all know, flight cancellations to and from Ben Gurion Airport have increased dramatically over the past year due to the security situation. Especially in such circumstances, it is essential that you understand your rights and what types of insurance coverage are available to help you in these situations. This article discusses the differences between airline-initiated cancellations and traveler-initiated cancellations and explains how and when flight insurance With a termination/reduction clause you can offer appropriate compensation.

What happens if the airline cancels the flight?

If an airline cancels a flight, Israeli law (and, in many cases, international aviation regulations) requires the airline to compensate passengers in accordance with passenger rights law. The compensation includes a full refund of the ticket or an option for an alternative flight. In addition, the airline must provide services such as food, accommodation and transportation, depending on the flight distance and the time remaining until the replacement flight.

In such cases flight insurance does not cover additional cancellation fees as the responsibility for compensation lies with the airline. Therefore, if the flight is canceled by the airline, you do not need to contact your insurance company.

What happens if the traveler cancels the flight?

If the traveler chooses to cancel or shorten their flight, other forms of protection are needed – and this is where travel insurance comes into play. There are two main types of insurance to cover traveler-initiated flight cancellations:

1. Basic Flight Cancellation Insurance: This insurance is included in most travel insurance policies and covers flight cancellations for specific reasons, such as:

Sudden illness
Hospital admission
Accident
Death of an immediate family member
Receipt of an emergency call for military reserve

In such cases, the traveler may receive a full or partial refund for the ticket, depending on the policy terms. However, if the traveler cancels the flight for personal reasons, basic insurance will not cover the cancellation.

2. Cancel for Any Reason Insurance: Known as ‘Travel Guarantee’, this broader insurance allows travelers to cancel their flight for any reason – whether this is due to a change in personal plans, a decision not to continue the journey, or even discomfort. This coverage provides reimbursement, but it is important to note:

Refunds are typically limited to approximately 75%-80% of the total ticket cost.
The cancellation must be made within a certain time before departure (usually 48-72 hours).

This insurance gives travelers much more flexibility in case of unexpected plan changes, but is generally more expensive than basic insurance.

What do you need to know about flight cancellation insurance?

When comparing travel insurance options, it is important to understand that the choice between basic and comprehensive flight insurance depends on the flexibility you need. If you are planning a flight where the chance of cancellation is low, basic insurance, which covers emergency cancellations, may be sufficient. If, like many reservists these days, you are concerned about a possible military call-up, you can rest assured that purchasing such insurance in advance will cover this scenario.

On the other hand, if you foresee a reasonable chance that you will have to cancel your flight for any reason (whether due to the security situation or changes in plans), considering a cancel-for-any-reason policy can provide peace of mind. This policy is available to all travelers, whether for a one-way flight, a family vacation or a longer trip. Make sure the insurance meets your personal needs.

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How do you choose the right insurance?

In addition to deciding whether to include the extended cancellation option, it is essential to review other aspects of the policy you wish to purchase, as choosing the right insurance is crucial to ensuring full coverage. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Compare travel insurance prices: Search for the most affordable and valuable policies based on your requirements. Price comparisons between companies can save you a significant amount of money.
Understand the insurance terms: Pay attention to the fine print: what are the exact reimbursement terms? How much of the costs is refunded? And within what period must the cancellation take place to receive a refund?
Choose insurance that suits your trip: Select coverage that suits the nature of your trip. If it’s a long trip, you may need broader coverage, including extreme sports insurance or a rental car.

Don’t take risks: compare policies on Bestie and find the most affordable and protective option

To find the policy that gives you comprehensive and affordable cover for flight cancellations, we recommend using Bestie, Israel’s leading insurance comparison platform. With Bestie you can compare different ones travel insurance policies and receive customized quotes to suit your travel plans. Bestie’s smart engine allows you to get multiple flight insurance options in just a few clicks, comparing not only prices but also terms, including coverage and cancellation policies. So why wait? Visit Bestie now, compare and find the most cost-effective policy for you.

In collaboration with bestie