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What is trip delay Insurance?
A traveler contacted us after her connecting flight was cancelled due to severe weather, leaving her overnight in an unfamiliar city. She had questions about where she could stay, what expenses were eligible, and how to move forward. It can be difficult to deal with unexpected changes during a trip, but since trip delay insurance was included in her travel protection plan, I was able to help her understand how the benefit applied.
This coverage reimburses certain expenses, such as meals, hotel stays, and local transportation, when travel is delayed for a covered reason, subject to the terms of the travel insurance plan. I guided her through the steps she needed to take, from tracking receipts to documenting the delay, and explained what to include when filing a claim. By the end of our conversation, she had a clear plan and felt more in control of the situation.
Trip delay insurance may offer reimbursement if your trip is delayed for twelve (12) or more hours due to covered reasons outlined in your policy. These may include:
Common carrier delays
Severe weather conditions
Traffic delays due to an accident not involving you
Lost or stolen travel documents, passports, or money
Quarantine
Hijacking
Unannounced strike
Natural disaster
Civil commotion or riot
Road closures ordered by government authorities
Be sure to review your specific travel insurance plan to confirm what events are covered.
How AXA Covers Trip Delays
Three of AXA’s Travel Protection plans include Trip Delay insurance, which may reimburse you for eligible additional expenses incurred during a covered delay. The maximum benefit per person varies by plan:
How Does AXA Travel Protection Address Travel Delays
Whether you're traveling to your destination or returning home, AXA Travel Protection plans include trip delay insurance that may help with unexpected expenses during a covered delay. Covered events may include severe weather, traffic accidents, lost or stolen documents, unannounced strikes, and other reasons listed in your plan.
Depending on your selected plan, trip delay insurance may reimburse for eligible costs such as:
Unused Accommodations
Reimbursement may be available for prepaid lodging you are unable to use due to a covered delay.
Meals and Essential Expenses
Trip delay insurance may cover reasonable costs such as meals,, local transportation, and necessary communication during the delay.
Rejoining Your Trip
If the delay interrupts your journey, coverage may include the cost of an economy fare to help you rejoin your original travel itinerary.
Returning to Your Scheduled Destination
If a delay causes you to miss your return trip, the plan may reimburse for a one-way economy fare to your originally scheduled return location.
Pet Kennel Fees (Platinum Plan Only)
If a delay prevents you from picking up your pet on time, the Platinum Plan may cover additional kennel fees up to the amount listed in your travel insurance plan.
Coverage for Both Departure and Return
Trip delay insurance applies whether the delay occurs en route to your destination or while returning home, provided it meets your plan’s requirements.
If you experience a covered trip delay and need to file a claim, AXA Travel Protection makes the process straightforward. To help ensure your claim is processed smoothly, follow these general steps:
1. Review Your Plan Documents:
Check your travel protection plan to confirm that your situation qualifies as a covered trip delay and meets the minimum delay duration requirement.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation:
Collect receipts for expenses such as meals, lodging, or transportation. You may also need documentation from your transportation provider confirming the delay and its cause.
3. Submit Your Claim Promptly:
Visit AXA’s claims portal or contact the claims team to start the process. You’ll need to complete the claim form and upload the necessary documents.
4. Follow Up as Needed:
If additional information is required, AXA’s claims team will reach out. You can check the status of your claim online or by phone.
Remember to keep all original documents until your claim is fully resolved.
Need Coverage for Unexpected Trip Delays?
Trip delay insurance is included with most of AXA Travel Protection plans and can help reimburse you for eligible expenses caused by covered delays, such as severe weather or transportation disruptions.
Is Trip Delay Insurance Different from Trip Interruption Coverage?
Trip interruption insurance typically does not cover pre-existing medical conditions (unless a waiver is purchased), foreseeable events, intentional acts, or situations caused by your own reckless behavior. It also generally excludes coverage for financial default of travel suppliers that occurs more than 14 days after policy purchase.
Is trip delay coverage necessary?
Trip interruption coverage typically begins once you've departed on your trip and continues throughout your covered travel period. The exact start time is specified in your policy documents and usually coincides with when you leave your home to begin your trip.
What is the minimum delay duration required for trip delay coverage to apply?
Trip interruption coverage ends when you return to your home or to your original departure point, or on the scheduled end date of your trip as stated in your policy, whichever comes first.
Does trip delay insurance apply to both the outbound and return portions of a trip?
Trip interruption insurance with AXA Travel Protection provides reimbursement for unused, prepaid travel expenses and additional transportation costs if your trip is cut short due to a covered reason, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies. Coverage limits vary by plan.
What documents are required when filing a trip delay claim?
Yes, AXA may cover trip interruption due to illness if the illness is unexpected, occurs during your trip, and is serious enough that a physician advises you to return home. Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of your specific plan.
What kinds of expenses may be reimbursed during a trip delay?
Yes, trip interruption coverage is included in all four AXA Travel Protection plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The maximum benefit amounts vary by plan, ranging from $100,000 to 150% of trip cost.
Does AXA offer trip delay insurance for international and domestic travel?
No, trip interruption and trip cancellation are different benefits. Trip cancellation covers you if you need to cancel before your trip begins, while trip interruption covers you if your trip is cut short after you've already departed. Both benefits may be included in AXA plans but apply at different times.
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With over 65 years of travel assistance experience, AXA supports millions of travelers across 164 countries. Our licensed representatives are available 24/7 to guide you through medical needs, trip concerns, or questions about your plan. You'll always speak with real people who are here to help, wherever you travel.
