Tech Outage Disrupts Flights, Travel: How Travel Insurance Coverage Can Help

Last updated on 07/19/2024

We all know anything can happen while you are traveling – but what if a computer outage disrupts your travel plans?

The good news is - travel insurance may be able to help in the event of tech outages and IT system failures that affect flights and travel – especially plans that include Travel Delay and Missed Connection coverages.

These Coverages are Included in Most Comprehensive Plans

Travel Delay is designed to provide reimbursement for expenses related to covered delays that meet the required number of hours, such as meals, transportation, and accommodations if an overnight stay is required.

Missed Connection is designed to provide travelers with coverage if a delayed flight (for example, 3 hours or more) causes a traveler to miss a cruise or tour departure.

Policyholders also have access to emergency assistance services, which may help rebook flights or find other services needed during a travel delay caused by an IT system outage.

If you need to file a claim, InsureMyTrip can help. While we do not handle claims directly (those are handled by your travel insurance provider), we have some tips to help expedite the travel insurance claims process:

1. Know your plan: Carefully read the wording in your policy to understand coverage details and the claims process.
2. Have documents ready: You’ll need to show proof of purchases or money lost due to the delay. So, compile receipts and proof of expenses to accurately be reimbursed – including
   • Receipts and itemized bills for all expenses
   • Unused travel tickets and proof of payment for those tickets
   • Proof from the airline that your baggage was lost or delayed
3. File your claim right away: If there is a major computer system or tech outage, claims may take additional time to process because of volume, so don't wait to file a claim. Some plans may even have cut-off dates.
4. File online: Submit a claim on the provider's online portal, when possible. This can help speed things up and allow you to check the status of your claim. If it has been more than three months without a decision, InsureMyTrip representatives can help contact the provider to see what's holding things up.

If you have questions or want to ensure your policy will cover you in the event of disrupted travel, please contact our Customer Care team at 800-487-4722.