asane

A complete guide to insurance rights and coverage

Online Niel November 1, 2024

A canceled flight, either by the airline or the traveler, can disrupt travel plans and affect finances. Over the past year, as we all know, flight cancellations to and from Ben Gurion Airport have increased due to the security situation. Especially in such circumstances, it is essential that you understand your rights and the types of insurance coverage available to help you in these situations. This article looks at the differences between airline-initiated cancellations and passenger-initiated cancellations, and explains how and when flight insurance with a cancellation/shortening clause can provide you with appropriate compensation.

What happens when 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 laws. 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 distance of the flight and the time remaining until the replacement flight.

In such cases, flight insurance it does not cover additional cancellation costs as the responsibility for compensation rests with the airline. Therefore, if your flight is canceled by the airline, there is no need to contact your insurance provider.

What happens when the traveler cancels the flight?

If the traveler chooses to cancel or shorten their flight, other types of protection are needed – and this is where travel insurance plays an important role. There are two main types of insurance to cover passenger-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
Hospitalization
Accident
Death of a close family member
Receiving an emergency call for military reserve service

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

2. Any-Reason Cancellation Insurance: Known as ‘Travel Guarantee’, this more extensive insurance allows travelers to cancel their flight for any reason, whether due to a change in personal plans, a decision not to continue travel or even discomfort. This cover offers a refund, but it is important to note:

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

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

What should you know about flight cancellation insurance?

In comparison travel insurance options, it’s important to understand that choosing between basic and comprehensive flight insurance depends on the flexibility you need. If you are planning a flight with a low chance of cancellation, basic insurance, which covers emergency cancellations, may be sufficient. If, like many reservists these days, you are worried about a potential military call-up, be sure that purchasing such insurance in advance covers this scenario.

On the other hand, if you foresee a reasonable chance of needing to cancel your flight for any reason—whether due to a security situation or changes in plans—considering a cancellation policy for any reason can give you peace of mind. These policies are available for all travellers, whether it’s a single flight, a family holiday or a longer trip. Just make sure the insurance fits your personal needs.

Stay up to date with the latest news!

Subscribe to The Jerusalem Post newsletter

How to choose the right insurance?

Beyond deciding whether to include the full cancellation option, it’s essential to review other aspects of the policy you’re considering purchasing, 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 according to your requirements. Price comparisons between companies can save you a significant amount.
Understand the terms of the insurance: pay attention to the fine print – what are the exact terms of reimbursement? How much of the cost will be reimbursed? And within what time frame must the cancellation be made 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 or rental car insurance.

Take no risks — Compare policies on the Beast and find the most affordable and protective option

To find the policy that comprehensively and affordably covers you for flight cancellations, we recommend using Bestie, Israel’s leading insurance comparison platform. Beast allows you to compare various travel insurance policies and get personalized quotes that match your travel plans. With Bestie’s smart engine, you can get multiple flight insurance options with just a few clicks, comparing not only prices, but also terms, including coverage and cancellation conditions. So why wait? Visit Bestie now, compare and find the most cost-effective policy for you.

In collaboration with the beast