More than ever it’s important to know what you’re covered for in terms of your cover options when a strike occurs. While you may not want to think of the possibility of a strike derailing your trip overseas. The fact is that if they occur, you’ll want to know what to do, and in what circumstances you’ll be covered. Keep reading to learn how World Nomads travel insurance can offer cover when it comes to trip delays and interruptions, and cancellations due to airline strikes.

Does World Nomads travel insurance cover strike action?

In the event of cancellation, delay, or restriction of your travel arrangements by your travel service provider due to a strike our policies may cover you depending on your specific circumstances and the plan you’ve purchased. If you purchased a plan and received your Certificate of Insurance before a strike was announced, you may be covered. If you purchase your plan after a strike has been declared, there is no coverage available as the strike is a ‘known event.’

When the workers union releases a formal statement declaring the day and time of the strike, that is considered an announcement. Policies purchased after this announcement will not be covered in the event of delays and any incurred costs.

If you want to know what you’ll be covered for in the event off a cancellation, read our FAQ article which will give you advice on terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.

What coverage may be included in the event of a strike?

Our Explorer Plan offers cover for missed connection in the event of a strike, provided you purchased your travel insurance plan prior to the announcement of the strike action. There is no cover under our Standard Plan for delays or interruptions due to strike.

  • The failure of a common carrier which causes you to miss your connecting flight
  • Strike or industrial action which causes you to miss your connecting flight
  • Adverse and unforeseeable weather conditions which causes you to miss your connecting flight
  • You being denied boarding because the flight has too many passengers for the seats available (and no alternative transport is offered by the carrier)
  • The vehicle in which you are travelling being involved in an accident or breakdown, or you being delayed as a result of a major accident on a motorway.

Important: you’ll need to provide verifiable written evidence of the timing and circumstances of the event (in this case the strike), the actual costs incurred and that any pre-paid expenses were non-refundable according to the conditions of your service provider. Where applicable, this includes:

  • Notice from the travel supplier or airline carrier confirming the reason, timing and duration of the strike causing the delay, cancellation or interruption;
  • Any compensation or offers made to you; and
  • Confirmation of your claim and settlement with them, if applicable.

For more information around delayed and missed flights click on our FAQ article - Travel insurance: delayed and missed flights - to get the latest information.

What can I do to minimise travel disruptions?

While it’s frustrating, you should always remain patient and show respect for the officers who are attempting to maintain travel operations. Here are some tips to help make life easier:

  • Allow more time to arrive if you know there are strikes occurring that may cause delays, but not prevent you from travelling.
  • If you can use eGates then do so, as this may give save you time and alleviate further delays for other passengers.
  • Checking in online in advance of arriving at the airport will also reduce potential waiting times for travellers.
  • Keep in mind that other ad-hoc events can have further impact on delay times (i.e. weather, increase in passenger numbers etc).

What should I do if my plans are affected?

If you think your travel plans will be affected by a strike, you should first:

  • Contact your airline, or tour operator to check if tourist services are affected.
  • If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.

What if I need to make a claim?

In the event of a claim, you must do everything you can to minimize and reduce the cost of the claim and provide all supporting documentation of the event and expenses incurred. See our article on how to make a claim for more information.

Emergency Assistance around the clock

If you’re in an emergency situation, injured or sick and need help, contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible. Their details are listed on your Certificate of Insurance.

If you have any other concerns, please contact us.

What's not covered?

Travel insurance isn't designed to cover everything. Common claims we see where there's no cover for trip delay, interruption, or cancellation include:

  • Any expenses for delays, rescheduling or cancellation of scheduled public transport services arising from reasons within a carrier’s control, including but not limited to maintenance, repairs, schedule changes, service faults, corporate takeover, or industrial activity other than a strike
  • Delays that are less than the minimum amount of time specified in your Policy Wording
  • Delays on a return flight
  • A loss arising from a change of mind, disinclination, or reluctance to travel
  • A loss arising from travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a ‘Do not travel’ warning issued by the U.S. Government (see state.gov)
  • You not providing receipts for your expenses
  • Delays caused by expected and foreseen events
  • Costs that are unnecessary or extravagant
  • Expenses that are covered by your carrier
  • Any other reason listed under the General Exclusions, which are applicable to all sections of the policy.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.


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