WARWICK,
R.I., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent
global computer outage causing major travel issues – emphasizes the
importance of having a travel insurance policy. According to the
experts at InsureMyTrip, travel insurance may offer valuable
assistance during tech outages and IT system failures that impact
flights and travel – especially plans that include Travel
Delay and Missed Connection coverages.
Key Travel Insurance Benefits
Travel Delay is designed to provide reimbursement for
expenses related to covered delays that meet the required number of
hours, such as meals, transportation, and accommodations if an
overnight stay is required.
Missed Connection is designed to provide travelers with
coverage if a delayed flight (for example, three hours or more)
causes a traveler to miss a cruise or tour departure.
Emergency Assistance Services are available to
policyholders. This can help rebook flights or find other services
needed during the flight delay or cancellation.
Comprehensive Plans include the most benefits of all
plan types, offering the best protection for the
investment. Comprehensive Plans include the following
coverage:
- Trip Cancellation
- Travel Delay
- Trip Interruption
- Baggage Loss/Delay
- 24-hour Assistance
- Travel Medical
MORE: Tech Outage Travel Disruptions and Travel Insurance
"It's important to read your policy to understand what issues
may be covered, and now that this is a known issue, coverage can't
be purchased for it," says InsureMyTrip Director of Product
Meghan Walch.
Airline Delay and Cancellation Policies
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enacted new rules
this year, requiring airlines to provide passengers with automatic
cash refunds when a carrier significantly changes a flight or
significantly delays a flight or baggage.
However, these rules apply only to issues within the airline's
control.
For incidents outside of the airline's control - like weather or
a system-wide failure – carriers are not required to provide
any kind of compensation to impacted passengers.
Travelers concerned about protecting pre-paid, non-refundable
trip expenses should consider travel insurance.
Filing a Claim for Tech Outages or IT System
Failures
Hundreds of policyholders may be looking to file a claim after
the outage impacted their travels. While InsureMyTrip does not
handle claims directly (those are handled by providers), we have
some tips to help expedite the travel insurance claims process.
- Know your plan: Carefully read the wording in your
policy to understand coverage details and the claims process.
- Have documents ready: You'll need to show proof of
purchases or money lost due to the delay. So, compile receipts and
proof of expenses to accurately be reimbursed, including:
- Receipts and itemized bills for all expenses
- Unused travel tickets and proof of payment for those
ticket
- Proof from airline that baggage was lost or delayed
- File right away: With the outage, claims may take
additional time to process because of volume, so don't wait to file
a claim. Some plans may even have cut-off dates.
- File online: Submit a claim on the provider's online
portal, when possible. This can help speed things up and allow you
to check the status of your claim. If it has been more than three
months without a decision, InsureMyTrip representatives can help
contact the provider to see what's holding things up.
InsureMyTrip CEO, Suzanne Morrow,
is available for interview about travel insurance coverage related
to the computer outage.
Media Contact:
Meghan Kayata
Press@insuremytrip.com
About InsureMyTrip
You like options. We do too. It's simple. InsureMyTrip finds you
the right travel insurance plan, every time. InsureMyTrip is the
authority on travel insurance. We are committed to empowering
travelers to make the best possible insurance decisions by
leveraging our technology, data intelligence, and expertise.
InsureMyTrip is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.
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SOURCE InsureMyTrip