When delayed departure isn’t applicable with travel insurance

Travelling is a joyous adventure, but sometimes it comes with its fair share of surprises. You may have heard of travel insurance and its various benefits, including the delayed departure benefit. While this feature can be a lifesaver in many situations, it's important to understand that it doesn't apply universally. 

In this blog, we'll delve into Allianz Travel’s delayed departure benefit details, helping you make informed decisions about your travel insurance coverage.

Please note any claims eligibility is subject to the terms and conditions of the travel insurance product you are purchasing. The reasons stated in this article are indicative and not binding. It is highly recommended to read our terms and conditions to see the exclusions, limits and conditions of our products. You can see all of the steps regarding making claims in the Allianz Travel Terms & Conditions.

Before we explore scenarios where the delayed departure benefit may not apply, let's take a closer look at what this coverage entails. Delayed departure benefit offers compensation in cases where your booked flight, train, or sea-going vessel experiences a delay exceeding 6 hours from the scheduled departure time indicated in your travel itinerary for specific reasons. 

This cover is applicable only when the delay occurs specifically at your designated departure point.  For example, suppose you have a connecting flight from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to London with a layover in Istanbul. In this scenario, if your delay occurs at Istanbul Airport during your layover, it would not be considered a designated departure point. Instead, the designated departure point would still be the UAE, where your overall journey began. The Delayed Departure Benefit applies specifically to delays at the initial departure point of your trip. However, it's important to note that if the delay happens at Istanbul Airport for a flight returning back to the UAE, it will also be covered under the Delayed Departure Benefit.

While the delayed departure benefit offers valuable coverage for travellers facing unexpected delays, it's important to know its limitations. Not every delay falls under the umbrella of this coverage, and understanding these exceptions is crucial for making informed decisions about your travel insurance.

Now, let's take a closer look at when the delayed departure benefit might NOT apply:

1. Failure to check in on time: If you do not check in at the departure point as required and this results in a delay, you may not be eligible for compensation under the delayed departure benefit for expenses incurred due to the delay.

2. Missed connections: Typically, this benefit does not cover situations where you miss a connecting flight or transportation due to a delay. In such cases, you may not be able to claim compensation through this coverage.

3. Documentation requirement: To claim a delay, it is generally necessary to provide a letter from the airline or relevant carrier explaining the reason for the delay. This letter should also include details of the scheduled departure time and the actual departure time of the flight or transportation. Failure to provide this documentation may impact your ability to claim the benefit.

4. Pre-announced strikes or industrial actions: If a strike, civil commotion, or industrial action was initiated or publicly announced before you purchased your travel insurance policy or your travel tickets for the journey (whichever is later), and this action leads to a delay, the delayed departure benefit may not apply.

5. Service withdrawal: If the carrier (such as an airline, train, or sea vessel) you are booked to travel on temporarily or permanently withdraws its service based on the recommendation or order of any government, civil aviation authority, port authority, rail authority, or similar authority in any country, any resulting delay may not be covered by this benefit.

Please note that to qualify for compensation, you must rebook/reschedule your travel by finding an alternative flight or transportation option. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the airline or transportation service is responsible for refunds or compensation, as the inconvenience is due to their operational decisions.

Serious fire, storm, or flood damage to the departure point:

 This coverage occurs when your journey is unexpectedly disrupted by significant events such as a major fire, a severe storm, or extensive flood damage at your departure point. If these events are delayed more than 6 hours, the delayed departure benefit is designed to assist with the additional expenses you may incur.

• Industrial action: Unforeseen labour strikes or other industrial action can sometimes impact your travel plans. The delayed departure benefit compensates if your departure is delayed by over 6 hours due to such circumstances.

• Bad weather: Weather-related disruptions are a common concern for travellers. When bad weather leads to a delay exceeding 6 hours, this coverage is meant to help cover the costs of extra accommodation, meals, and transportation necessitated by the delay.

• Mechanical breakdown or grounding: Even the most well-maintained vehicles can experience mechanical issues. If the international train or sea vessel you're booked on experiences a mechanical breakdown or your flight is grounded due to a mechanical or structural defect, resulting in a delay of more than 6 hours, the delayed departure benefit will provide financial support during this unexpected delay.

Understanding the circumstances under which the delayed departure benefit applies is essential for travellers seeking comprehensive coverage and financial protection against unexpected travel delays.

When it comes to securing comprehensive travel insurance coverage, it's important to choose an insurer you can rely on, one that understands the intricacies of your travel needs. Allianz Travel is a trusted option if you're seeking travel insurance that includes the delayed departure benefit.

Our travel insurance packages, which include the delayed departure benefit, are the following: 

Annual multi-trip insurance

Allianz Travel created this travel insurance product for frequent flyers as it is a convenient and more cost-effective way to travel any time of the year. Our annual multi-trip product covers all trips below 90 days within a year. The coverage includes the following: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses 
• Dental Expenses 
• Loss of Travel Documents 
• Hospital funds 
• Personal accident, 
• Missed Departure
• Delayed Departure
• Flight Overbooking

Single-trip insurance 

Our single-trip insurance packages are tailored for individuals who take one annual trip any time of the year. These packages come with a range of benefits and offer extensive worldwide coverage. The coverage includes:

• Emergency Medical Expenses 
• Dental Expenses 
• Loss of Travel Documents 
• Hospital funds 
• Personal accident 
• Missed Departure
• Delayed Departure
• Flight Overbooking

Get covered by Allianz Travel and Assistance before you embark on your next adventure. Allianz Travel has been around for over 30 years, so we know what travel insurance you'll need. When travelling internationally, it is essential to have insurance that covers medical emergencies, the loss or theft of travel documents and baggage, and other mishaps. Trust us to provide you with exactly that and more.