Travel Insurance vs Airline Compensation: What's the Difference?

The simple distinction

Airline liability comes from passenger rights rules and international conventions. It covers rebooking, refunds, care during disruption, and in some regions fixed compensation.

Insurance is a contract you bought. It covers what the policy says it covers, often including delay payments, missed departure, medical costs and baggage delay, subject to limits and excesses.

Which to claim first

1. Claim rebooking and care from the airline, on the spot.
2. Claim fixed compensation from the airline afterwards if the rules apply.
3. Claim consequential costs from insurance: the hotel at the other end, the missed tour, the medical bill.

Common gaps

• Self-transfer itineraries are often excluded from missed connection cover
• Delay cover usually starts after a set number of hours, often 4 to 12
• Baggage cover may exclude electronics and valuables
• Pre-existing medical conditions must normally be declared