Cover For Strike and Industrial Action

Many of us have experienced strikes during our travels, whether it’s an airline strike, baggage handlers strike, or air traffic control strike, these disruptions can turn a much-anticipated holiday into a stressful ordeal. So it’s always a good idea to understand exactly how travel insurance works, just in case the industrial action disrupts your holiday plans.

By being well-informed about your travel insurance cover, you’ll know exactly where you stand, what steps to take, and how to claim compensation if necessary.

Buy Travel Insurance When You Book

When it comes to cover limits and terms relating to strike action, it will vary depending on your travel insurance provider. It is very important you carefully check the level of cover an insurance provider is offering, as policies can differ significantly in what they include. Some providers may cover cancellations or delays caused by strike action, while others may exclude such events from their policies entirely.

It’s a good idea to buy your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday. This ensures that you are protected from a range of unforeseen events that could occur before your trip even begins. This is even more important if you haven't booked a package holiday and have organised things like your flights, accommodation, and car hire separately. Booking these elements individually can sometimes increase your risk, as each component may be subject to different terms and conditions.

Unless you book your holiday and purchase cover before the strike dates are announced, you will find that you will not be covered for things like flight delays, cancellations, or other strike-related travel issues. This means that if a strike is announced after you've booked your trip but before you've purchased travel insurance, you could be left to bear the financial burden of any disruptions.

It’s safer to buy your travel insurance sooner rather than later because you never quite know when a strike may happen. Strikes can be announced with little warning and can cause significant interruptions to your travel plans. By securing your insurance early, you ensure that you are protected against these unforeseen disruptions, allowing you to travel with greater peace of mind. Additionally, early purchase of travel insurance can sometimes offer better rates and more comprehensive cover options.

READ MORE: When to Buy Travel Insurance

Missed or Delayed Flights Due to Industrial Action

Industrial action can cause significant disruptions to your travel itinerary, often resulting in missed or delayed flights. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to know what your travel insurance covers. Many comprehensive travel insurance policies include provisions for missed or delayed flights due to strike action, but the specifics can vary.

First, check your insurance policy documents to understand the protection specifics. Policies typically provide compensation for additional expenses incurred due to delays, such as extra accommodation, meals, and transportation.

When dealing with missed or delayed flights, keep all receipts and documentation related to your expenses. Evidence of the delay, such as a confirmation email from the airline or airport, can also be crucial when filing a claim. Staying informed and organised will make the claims process more straightforward and less stressful.

Remember, each insurance provider will have its own set of rules and limits, so it’s essential to read through the terms thoroughly when purchasing a policy. If your policy includes a clause for strike action, ensure it meets your needs in the event of industrial action disrupting your travel plans. By being prepared and informed, you can manage these unexpected situations more effectively and continue your journey with as little hassle as possible.

READ MORE: Missed Flights and Travel Insurance

Travel Abandonment

If you are facing a long flight delay due to strike action, you may want to consider abandoning the trip altogether. It’s crucial to understand that it’s unlikely you will be able to claim for both travel delay and abandonment, so it’s worth thoroughly checking your policy terms to see what your specific policy details are before you make any decisions.

Another common policy rule is that you must have checked in for your flight to prove your intent to travel. Additionally, you may need to obtain a letter from your airline carrier to confirm the reason for needing to abandon your trip if you wish to submit a claim. This letter acts as a verification document, ensuring that your claim is valid and falls within the guidelines of your travel insurance policy. It’s always a good idea to keep detailed records of all communications with your airline and insurance provider to smooth out any potential issues that may arise during the claims process.

Airline Flight Cancellation

When an airline cancels your flight, they must offer you a full refund or an alternative flight to get you to where you need to be. This obligation ensures that passengers are not left stranded and have options to continue their journey. Because of this, it’s unlikely you will be able to claim for cancellation on your travel insurance policy, as the airline is responsible for providing a solution.

However, you may be able to claim for other losses, such as missed hotel stays, car hire reservations, and other prepaid expenses that you've incurred due to the flight cancellation. This can be a significant relief if you've invested a lot in your travel plans. But this will depend on the level of cover you have in place, so make sure you check those policy details carefully.

Airline or Travel Provider Failure

If your airline, or travel provider (such as your hotel) goes into administration and ceases trading, then you may be covered by your travel insurance. However, it's important to note that not all insurers will cover this scenario, so make sure you thoroughly check your policy details and understand what is included. Some travel insurance policies specifically exclude cover for supplier failure, leaving you vulnerable in such situations.

If your airline goes into administration and you find yourself stranded or you’ve lost your flights, then having scheduled airline failure insurance included in your cover can be a lifesaver. This type of insurance ensures that you should get your money back for your cancelled flights, allowing you to either rebook with another airline or receive a refund.

In addition to flight protection, some policies may also offer assistance with accommodation and alternative travel arrangements, which can provide peace of mind during an otherwise stressful situation.

READ MORE: End Supplier Failure

Booking your holiday through an ATOL-protected travel provider secures your investment with a safety net. If the company ceases trading after your purchase, the ATOL scheme covers you. You'll receive a full refund, and you won't risk being stranded abroad.

If the company goes into administration while you're already on holiday, ATOL protection ensures your journey back home is guaranteed. This provides peace of mind, eliminating the worry of being stuck overseas without a way back. The ATOL scheme is essential for safeguarding your holiday against travel provider financial instability.

READ MORE: Our Definitive Guide to ATOL Protection

Navigating the complexities of travel insurance, especially in the face of unexpected disruptions like strike action, flight cancellations, or the failure of airlines and travel providers, requires careful preparation and understanding of your policy details. Staying informed about what is and isn’t covered can make a significant difference in your ability to manage these situations effectively.

By being proactive and thorough in reviewing your travel insurance terms, you can ensure that you have the necessary protection in place, providing peace of mind for your travels. Remember, a well-planned approach to travel insurance not only saves you time and stress but also secures your investment in your well-deserved holiday.