How Travel Insurance Protects You When Flights Go Wrong

Image: A screen displays a flight delay (Photo Credit: phive2015/Adobe Stock)
Image: A screen displays a flight delay (Photo Credit: phive2015/Adobe Stock)
Eraine Wessler
by Eraine Wessler
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Wed April 1, 2026

Flying can be unpredictable. When things go perfectly, travelers can cover thousands of miles in just a few hours. But a single mishap can send even the best-laid plans off course. That's where travel insurance comes in—offering financial protection when something goes wrong at the airport or beyond.

Cancel for Any Reason

One of the most flexible benefits available is Cancel for Any Reason coverage. This allows travelers to get partially reimbursed for canceling a trip for a reason not otherwise covered under their plan. Whether the reason is personal or practical, travelers can still recover some of their money. 

Traveler holding a United States passport at the airport.

Traveler holding a United States passport at the airport. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/kieferpix)

Flight Cancellations and Trip Interruptions

When an airline cancels a flight due to inclement weather or other covered reasons, trip cancellation benefits can help recover prepaid, non-refundable costs related to airfare, hotels, cruises and more. Similarly, if a traveler is forced to start a trip late or cut a vacation short due to a covered reason, trip interruption benefits can reimburse unused travel costs plus additional transportation expenses needed to rejoin or return from a trip.

Flight Delays

Delays happen for a wide range of reasons—winter storms, mechanical issues, staffing shortages and more. When a trip is delayed for a covered reason, trip delay benefits can help cover added expenses such as meals and hotel accommodations incurred during the wait. 

Family preparing for travel at the airport

Family preparing for travel at the airport. (Photo Credit: Jacob Lund/Adobe)

Baggage Benefits

Lost, stolen or damaged luggage is one of the most common travel frustrations. If checked baggage is lost or damaged while in an airline's care, travelers can receive reimbursement through baggage benefits. If bags are simply delayed, the baggage delay benefit can cover the cost of necessary personal items purchased while waiting for luggage to arrive.

Missed Connections and Pet Kennel Coverage

Missing a trip departure due to a delayed flight can trigger missed connection benefits, helping cover the transportation costs needed to catch up with a cruise or tour. For pet owners, some plans also include a pet kennel benefit, reimbursing additional kennel fees when an airline delay pushes back a traveler's return home.

Choosing the Right Plan

IMG's iTravelInsured plans are designed to fit a range of needs and budgets. iTravelInsured Choice is ideal for cost-conscious travelers, while iTravelInsured Travel SE and Travel LX offer higher limits and additional benefits like rental car damage coverage for those who want more comprehensive protection.


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