Booking flights is exciting, but even the best-laid plans can hit a bump. From sudden illness to wild weather, things happen. The good news? With Tower Travel insurance, those bumps don't have to ruin your holiday. We'll walk you through what's usually covered (and what's not), how to make a claim, and why the right cover can help you avoid unexpected costs and stress.

What does trip cancellation insurance cover?

Trip cancellation cover helps when something outside of your control means you can't travel or need to come home early. It usually covers reasonable prepaid, non-refundable costs like flights, accommodation, or tours. Think of it as protection for the things you can't control, not when you simply change your mind.

What's usually covered

Cancellation due to:
  • Sudden illness or injury for you, your travel companion (who is travelling with you 75% of the trip), or a close family member with you. You'll need a medical certificate or letter from a medical professional. Pre-existing conditions are excluded unless approved.
  • Bereavement or serious medical emergency in your immediate family 9excluding pre-existing conditions).
  • Major damage to your home, like fire, flood, or burglary.

What's usually not covered

Cancellation due to:
  • Changing your mind and choosing not to travel.
  • Financial difficulties.
  • Forgetting your passport or arriving late to the airport.
  • Not having the right visa or entry requirements.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions for you, your travel partner, or close relatives with you that haven't been approved in writing.
  • Disasters you knew about before booking.
  • Costs refundable by your travel providers.
Tip: Always take a moment to read your policy wording, especially the definitions section. Some words have special meanings and it's easy to think you're covered when you're not. A check now may save a headache later.

Does travel insurance cover flights cancelled by airlines?

When an airline cancels your flight, it can be a hassle, and usually out of your hands. Depending on the cause of the cancellation most airlines will offer a refund, rebooking, or travel credit. But they may not cover the extra costs that come with the disruption, like:
  • Extra hotel nights
  • Meals during layover
  • Missed accommodation or tours
  • Lost transfers
Start by claiming any refunds with your airline or travel provider. If that doesn't cover everything, your travel insurance could help with those extra expenses. Tip: Check your rights with flights and events.

Travel insurance for missed connections

Missed connections may happen when your first flight is delayed and you can't make the next one. If that delay is outside your control, for example an airline schedule change or severe weather conditions, it can disrupt the rest of your journey. Airlines will usually rebook the missed flight, but they don't often cover the extra costs this creates, like accommodation or transfers. That's where travel insurance can help. Just make sure you're checked in on time for your original flight. If you arrive late or miss check-in, you're unlikely to be covered, even if traffic or bad weather help you up.

Delays and disruptions

Not every hiccup means a cancellation. If your delay is 12 hours or more due to an insured event, a Tower International Comprehensive policy will cover reasonable costs, up to policy limits, for:
  • Extra accommodation if you're stuck overnight.
  • Meals and snacks while you wait.
Tip: Keep all your receipts and documents handy. You'll need them when you submit your claim online to help make the process faster and easier.* *Policy terms, excesses, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. Cover subject to current underwriting criteria.

Cover for COVID-19

We include COVID-19 benefits to help cover costs if you test positive before travelling or during your journey, subject to policy terms and limits. Learn more about Tower's travel insurance policies and COVID-19 cover.

Tips for choosing the right cover

Every trip's different, so choose travel insurance that fits your plans. Check out our travel insurance tips for help before you buy. Read your policy carefully and make sure you understand what you are and aren't covered for, and the policy limits. If you're doing activities like skiing, cruising, or driving overseas, make sure you know what's included in your policy. At Tower, we offer: so, you can choose the right level of cover for you.

How to make a claim

Making a claim is easy: What we might need:
  • Airline delay or cancellation notice.
  • Receipts for extra costs.
  • Flight booking confirmation and boarding passes.
Help protect your trip (and your wallet) with our travel insurance. From missed connections to airline cancellations, our forward thinking cover keeps you moving with confidence. Tower Travel insurance is issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by Tower Limited. You should read the policy wording before making any decisions about your insurance policy. The links we provide to third-party websites are for your convenience and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by us. The information provided on this page is general in nature and is not intended to be professional or legal advice. Tower does not accept any liability for the accuracy or content of information on this website that belongs to third parties or on any third-party website.

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