As wild weather disrupts flights across New Zealand, brokers need to inform customers why they should not forgo travel insurance even when flying domestically.
Generally speaking, airlines are not liable to offer passengers compensation for flight delays outside the airline’s control, bad weather included. In such cases, travel insurance comes in handy.
Natalie Ball, director of
Comparetravelinsurance.co.nz, told
New Zealand Herald that under certain circumstances, comprehensive insurance can help travellers recoup flight costs and prepaid accommodation expenses.
“If you do experience a flight cancellation due to bad weather or a natural disaster, travel insurance will cover your pre-paid expenses should you be unable to receive compensation from the airline,” she said. “You’ll also be reimbursed for any additional expenses such as your meals and accommodation if you’re delayed for more than a six-hour period.”
Travel insurance may also prove helpful when there is a connecting flight to catch, but the airline is unable to find the traveller with the faster alternative flight to meet the connection.
Speaking about why it is smart practice to invest in travel insurance prior to a trip, Ball said: “A comprehensive policy will often cover your alternative travel expenses to reach a planned event on time if your scheduled transport is delayed or cancelled.
“If you’re still unable to make it, you may be able to seek reimbursement of your travel arrangements, such as prepaid event tickets and accommodation under Cancellation and Lost Deposits. Be aware however, that such claims would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.”
For connecting flights, travellers are urged to book each leg of their journey with the same carrier where possible to allow for easier rescheduling for such circumstances.
Travellers are also advised to take up travel insurance well in advance of their trip, as cut off dates usually apply when it comes to cancellation cover for events such as natural disasters. That means travellers can no longer get covered for specific events, such as a snowstorm or earthquake, once it’s reported in the media.
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