Picture this: You’re at the airport, bag on shoulder, passport in hand – and then the dreaded announcement comes over the tannoy. Delayed. Or maybe you’re packing at home when a family emergency hits. Either way, your plans are suddenly in limbo.
Last-minute travel disruptions aren’t just frustrating, they can also be expensive. But with the right travel insurance in place, you may be able to recover some of those unexpected costs, and get back on track faster.
Why plans change and how to stay prepared
Even the most carefully planned holidays can be derailed by the unexpected. Life doesn’t always wait until you’re back from the beach. Travel, with all its moving parts, is especially vulnerable to disruption.
Here are some of the most common reasons travel plans change at the last minute and what you can do to prepare, just in case.
Someone gets sick
You’re packed for Portugal, excited for sun and seafood, but wake up with a high fever. Or your child suddenly comes down with chickenpox the night before your flight. Illness, whether yours or a close family member’s, is one of the most common reasons trips are cancelled.
Make sure you’ve declared any pre-existing medical conditions when buying your policy, as this helps avoid claim issues later. Our cancellation cover may help you reclaim your travel and accommodation costs if you can’t go.
Flights are delayed or cancelled
You’ve breezed through security, grabbed your overpriced airport sandwich – and then the dreaded announcement comes: “This flight has been cancelled.” Flight delays or cancellations can happen for any number of reasons: mechanical issues, poor weather, overbooking, or simply staffing shortages.
Keep an eye on your airline’s app for live updates and check your travel disruption cover to see what you can claim if you’re stuck.
Emergencies at home
Just as you’re unwinding on the first day of your getaway, the call comes: a burst pipe at home, or a loved one suddenly needs you. No one wants to cut a holiday short, but sometimes there’s no choice.
Curtailment cover could help you return home and recover some of your unused holiday costs. Make sure you contact us before you incur any costs, and keep receipts and documentation to support your claim.
Bad weather and natural disasters
A sunny forecast can quickly turn stormy. Snow, floods, hurricanes, volcanic ash – extreme weather can close airports, cancel trains, and make some destinations temporarily unsafe to visit.
Check before you travel. If your trip is affected by weather, and it’s deemed unsafe to travel, your policy may help with rearranged flights, extra accommodation, or cancellation costs. Certain natural events, like volcanic ash clouds or hurricanes, are only covered if you’ve added our Natural Disaster cover to your policy.
Industrial strikes
Train strikes, airport staff walkouts, or airline crew disputes – sound familiar? Industrial action is becoming more common across the UK and Europe, and it can grind your travel plans to a halt.
If strikes are announced after you’ve booked your trip and bought insurance, you may be covered for cancellations or delays. But if it’s a known issue before booking, it may be excluded – so timing matters.
When travel insurance can step in
When the unexpected happens, your InsureandGo policy can help reduce stress and protect your pocket. Here’s how travel insurance steps in when plans go off course:
- You need to cancel your trip before you go – If illness, injury, redundancy or even home damage prevents you from travelling, cancellation cover may help you reclaim your prepaid, non-refundable costs, including flights, hotels, and excursions.
- You miss your flight – Missed your departure due to car trouble or public transport delays? If it’s outside your control, our missed departure cover can help you get back on track with alternative transport arrangements.
- You need to come home early – If you have to cut your trip short due to a medical emergency or urgent situation back home, curtailment cover may help with both your return travel and compensation for the unused portion of your holiday.
- You’re stuck due to a delay or cancellation – Disruptions like bad weather or strikes may leave you stranded. Depending on your cover level, we can help with the cost of extra accommodation, meals, or transport while you wait for your new arrangements.
Our Black travel insurance includes higher cover limits for cancellation, curtailment, and delays. Ideal for longer or more expensive trips.
What to do if your travel plans change
When disruption strikes, acting quickly can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. We recommend which things to tackle to get your trip back on track.
1. Contact your airline, tour operator or accommodation provider
Start here. Many airlines and travel companies have policies in place for cancellations and delays, especially if the disruption is due to weather, strikes, or operational issues. They might offer:
- A refund
- A voucher or credit
- Alternative travel dates
Be polite but persistent. Explain the situation clearly, and you may find they’re more willing.
2. Let InsureandGo know as soon as possible
If your trip is cancelled, delayed, or you need to come home early, contact us quickly. The sooner you notify us, the easier it is to confirm your cover and start any necessary claims.
You can reach us 24/7 for medical emergencies or use our online portal to begin a claim for cancellations, delays or other issues.
Need help now? Visit our emergency assistance page or check your policy documents for contact numbers.
3. Keep all documentation and receipts
This is important! You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim. That includes:
- Booking confirmations and invoices
- Official delay or cancellation notices from airlines or rail providers
- Medical certificates, if illness is involved
- Police reports, if there’s been theft or an incident
- Receipts for extra accommodation or transport you had to book
Take photos of important paperwork on your phone and keep a dedicated folder of all of your travel documents.
4. Rebook carefully and reasonably
If you need to arrange alternative transport or accommodation, aim to make reasonable decisions, both for your budget and for your claim.
For example:
- Choose the next available economy flight (not first class!)
- Stay in accommodation of a similar standard to your original booking
Your travel insurance can often help reimburse these costs, as long as they’re fair and supported by receipts.
5. Take a breath and ask for help
Travel disruptions are frustrating, but you don’t have to handle everything on your own. Our team is here to help guide you through the next steps, so you can focus on what matters: getting back to your plans, or safely home.
Be ready for the unexpected
No one books a holiday expecting it to go wrong, but life has a way of surprising us. Flight cancellations, sudden illness, or emergencies at home can happen to anyone, and often when we least expect it.
With InsureandGo travel insurance, you’ll have the reassurance that if your plans change last minute, you’re not on your own. From covering unexpected costs to offering 24/7 support, we’re here to help you navigate whatever comes your way, so you can focus on making memories, not worrying about “what ifs.”