If you’re booking a self-transfer flight, consider getting self-transfer flight insurance to avoid unexpected flight cancellations or delays that could ruin your travel plans. With this insurance, you can protect yourself against missed connections and other travel mishaps that could add stress and uncertainty to your trip.
In this article, we’ll discuss why self-transfer flight insurance is a wise investment for any traveler.
Did you miss a connecting flight? File a compensation claim online.
1. How Does Self Transfer Work?
What are self-transfer flights?
Self-transfer flights, also called self-connect or DIY connecting flights, are flights that are booked separately with different airlines or bookings instead of as a single journey. This means that you book two or more separate flights to reach your final destination, rather than a single connecting flight.
You are responsible for making your own connection between the flight legs, which typically involves collecting your baggage, checking in again for the next flight, and going through security and immigration (if necessary).
Self-transfer flights, although cheaper than traditional connecting flights, may have some risks. These include missed connections due to delays and cancellations, visa and immigration requirements, luggage issues, or other unexpected problems.
Thus, you should carefully plan your itinerary, keep enough time between flights, and purchase appropriate insurance to protect against potential risks.
In this article, we will talk about insurance for self-transfer flights.
Read more:
2. What Is a Self-Transfer Flight Insurance?
Self-transfer flight insurance may be either of these two:
- An add-on service that you can purchase to protect your flight booking;
- Regular travel insurance.
The main difference is the coverage.
Regular travel insurance covers more compared to the add-on service.
3. Why Self Transfer-Flight Insurance Is Important?
It is highly recommended for every traveler to obtain insurance as it offers financial protection and support in case unforeseen circumstances arise while on a trip.
There are several reasons as to why insurance is crucial:
3.1 It Helps Save Money
When your trip is interrupted, you will need to deal with the consequences yourself. The airline is not responsible for your self-transfer flight.
If you miss your connection, you will need to book a new flight yourself, and pay for this flight yourself. If you have insurance, it may cover the additional expenses that you incurred. For example, your insurance may provide reimbursement for the cost of a new flight, as well as accommodation if you need to stay in a hotel overnight.
Some insurance policies provide financial coverage for transportation expenses that arise due to travel delays or cancellations, including the cost of a taxi.
3.2 It Gives You Peace of Mind
If you have insurance, you worry less.
Having travel insurance can reduce a your worries. Knowing that unexpected events are covered can bring peace of mind and ease anxiety about potential risks or unexpected costs.
If you’re worried about facing a medical emergency during your travels, having travel insurance that covers medical expenses can ease your concerns.
Similarly, if you’re worried about the possibility of trip cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, trip cancellation coverage can provide financial protection and reduce your worry of experiencing financial losses.
Many travel insurance policies offer assistance services that are available 24/7 and can help in case of emergencies. These services may include medical assistance and emergency travel assistance. Being aware of these services can bring peace of mind and alleviate concerns about possible unforeseen events.
3.3 It May Provide Coverage for Lost Luggage
The airline lost your bag? Don’t worry!
Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or delayed luggage, which can help you replace essential items or cover the cost of buying new clothes or toiletries.
3.4 It May Cover the Costs of Medical Treatment
Travel insurance could cover the expenses for emergency medical treatment, such as surgery, hospitalization, and medication, if a traveler becomes sick or injured on their trip.
Additionally, if emergency transportation to a medical facility is necessary, travel insurance might cover the costs of medical evacuation, including air ambulance or other modes of transportation.
Keep in mind that it depends on the insurance policy and type. If you get the Kiwi.com’s insurance, Kiwi Guarantee, it won’t cover medical emergencies.
4. How to Buy Self-Transfer Flight Insurance?
How to get self-transfer flight insurance?
There are two options available for getting your flight insured.
4.1 Buying Insurance After You’ve Booked a Flight
It’s the best option.
In most cases, insurance is not expensive, and it’s easy to get.
Self-transfer flight insurance in this case, is just a regular travel insurance. And there are several ways how you can buy it:
- Through an insurance company. You can directly approach an insurance company that offers travel insurance. You can compare different policies online or by contacting the companies.
- Through your credit card. Some credit card companies offer travel insurance as a bonus for using their card. Check with your credit card company to see what coverage they provide.
- Through an online broker. Several online brokers specialize in selling travel insurance. You can browse and compare policies on their websites, and purchase the policy that suits you.
- Through a bank. Many banks offer travel insurance as part of their range of financial products. You can check with your bank to see if they offer travel insurance or other insurance products.
When buying travel insurance, it is important to read and understand the terms and conditions of the policy thoroughly. Make sure you are aware of the coverage, limits, and exclusions of the policy.
4.2 Buying Insurance Together With the Flight
There’s another option – buy insurance with your flight.
Many third-party ticket search engines and online travel agencies offer their own self-transfer flight insurance. For example, Kiwi.com has Kiwi Guarantee which offers protection and support for customers in the event of flight disruptions or other travel-related issues. It’s a flight delay and flight cancellation insurance.
If your flight booked through Kiwi.com is canceled or delayed for more than four hours, customers can receive compensation to cover additional travel expenses, such as meals, transportation, and accommodation. Yes, even if it’s not an airline-protected flight. Kiwi insurance works also with self-transfer flights.
Keep in mind that Kiwi Guarantee is not a free service. It is an add-on service that you can purchase to protect your flight booking. The cost of the service can vary depending on the cost of your flight as well as the specific terms and conditions of the guarantee.
Expedia has its own optional travel insurance, too. It’s called “Expedia Flight Protection Plan”, and it safeguards customers in case of unforeseen events that may interrupt their trips. Their plan covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, as well as baggage loss or delay.
Keep in mind that not all insurance policies bought from third-party ticket search engines and online travel agencies cover medical expenses. And if they do, the coverage may be significantly less than that of regular travel insurance policies. We would suggest buying self-transfer flight insurance from an online travel agency as an addition to your travel insurance – in situations when it doesn’t cover trip interruption.
5. What Should You Know When Buying a Self-Transfer Flight Insurance?
What should you take into account when buying self-transfer flight insurance, travel insurance, or any other insurance, for that matter?
It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of travel insurance policy to understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Make sure that the policy covers all the important aspects of your travel, such as trip-cancellation, medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, and travel interruptions or delays.
Compare the coverage and benefits offered by different policies and choose one that fits within your budget. Make sure that the insurance policy provides coverage for the entire duration of your trip and the type of trip you are taking (such as leisure, business, or adventure).
Research the reputation and customer service of the insurance provider to ensure that their claims process is efficient and effective in case of an emergency.
If you miss your connection, you may need to provide documentation of the missed connection, such as a flight itinerary or other proof of travel, in order to make a claim with their insurance provider. It’s also important to notify the airline as soon as possible and follow any procedures or requirements they have for rebooking or changing flight arrangements.
Do you have more questions about self-transfer flight insurance and travel insurance? What is your experience with insurance?
About the author:
Una is an organized globetrotter and foodie who’s been living a digital nomad lifestyle since 2013. She always starts her day early with a good book before diving into work. Apart from traveling and aviation, her other passions include gym, hiking and cycling. Una is also a strong proponent of AI technology. She firmly believes in its potential to simplify life and has often advocated for its wider adoption in our day-to-day activities. Her favorite airlines are Qatar Airways, Emirates, and KLM.
