Travel insurance may cover strike action, but it depends on when you bought your policy and whether the strike was already known.
If the strike was unexpected and your policy includes disruption cover, you may be able to claim for delays, cancellations or missed departures. If it was already announced before you bought your policy, it’s unlikely to be covered.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to strike action, it can be frustrating. But there are rules in place to support you – and travel insurance can offer additional protection if your plans are disrupted. In this guide, you’ll learn:
- When strike action is covered: Usually when it’s unexpected and not publicly known
- What you may be able to claim for: Delays, cancellations and missed departures
- What to do first: Check your airline’s support before contacting your insurer.
Is strike action covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance can cover strike action, but it isn’t guaranteed. In most cases, cover depends on whether the strike was unexpected and when you bought your policy.
If disruption happens suddenly and wasn’t widely known, your policy may help cover certain costs. But if the strike was already announced before you bought your travel insurance, it’s usually treated as a known event and may not be covered.
When strike action may be covered example
If airport staff announce a strike after you’ve bought your policy and your flight is cancelled as a result, your insurance may help cover disruption costs.
What is considered strike or industrial action?
Strike action (sometimes called industrial action) is when workers stop or reduce work, often to protest working conditions or pay. This can affect travel in different ways, including:
- Airline staff strikes
- Airport ground crew or baggage handler strikes
- Air traffic control strikes
- Public transport strikes, such as trains
These disruptions can lead to delays, cancellations or missed connections.
What types of strikes are covered?
Travel insurance may cover different types of strike action, depending on your policy. Check your policy documents to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Are airline strikes covered?
Airline strikes may be covered if they were not known when you bought your policy and cause disruption to your trip.
Are airport or baggage handler strikes covered?
Airport or baggage handler strikes may be covered if they lead to delays or cancellations and were not expected in advance.
Are air traffic control strikes covered?
Air traffic control strikes can cause widespread disruption. If unexpected, they may be included under travel disruption cover.
Are train or public transport strikes covered?
If a strike prevents you from reaching the airport and causes you to miss your departure, you may be covered.
Are overseas strikes covered?
Strike action abroad may be covered if it affects your return journey or travel plans and meets your policy conditions.
The critical factor: timing
Timing plays a key role in whether strike action is covered. So it’s a good idea to buy your travel insurance early, to help protect you against unexpected events.
Does travel insurance cover announced strikes?
If a strike is announced before you buy your policy, it’s usually considered a known event and won’t be covered.
What is a known event?
A known event is something that has already been publicly announced or is widely expected when you take out your insurance.
Does it matter when I booked my trip?
Yes. It’s a good idea to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way, you’re more likely to be covered for unexpected disruption.
What can you claim for?
If your policy includes cover for disruption and the strike is eligible, you may be able to claim for:
- Cancelling your trip if you’re unable to travel
- Delays caused by strike action
- Missed departures due to disruption
- Additional accommodation or transport costs
Delayed by strike action example
If airport staff strike unexpectedly and your flight is delayed overnight, your policy may help cover the cost of accommodation and essential expenses.
What isn’t covered?
Travel insurance won’t cover every situation involving strike action. You may not be covered if:
- The strike was announced before you bought your policy
- The disruption was widely reported in advance
- Your policy doesn’t include travel disruption cover
- You choose not to travel, but your trip is still able to go ahead
Always check your policy documents so you understand what is and isn’t included.
Should I claim from the airline or my insurer?
If your travel is disrupted by strike action, your airline is usually your first point of contact. Airlines may offer:
- Alternative flights
- Refunds
- Assistance with delays
Your rights outside travel insurance
Depending on your journey, you may have rights through your airline.
For example, under UK and EU regulations, airlines may need to provide support such as meals, accommodation or alternative travel if your flight is disrupted.
Travel insurance works alongside these rights, helping cover additional costs that aren’t provided elsewhere.
Who to contact first example
If your flight is cancelled due to strike action, contact your airline first to rearrange your journey. You can then contact your insurer to see what your policy may cover.
Special scenarios
Strike action can affect travel in different ways – and not every situation is straightforward. Understanding your cover can help you feel more prepared if your plans are disrupted, so be sure to read through your policy documents.
What if my airline cancels due to strike risk?
If your airline cancels in advance due to expected strike action, your options will depend on when the strike became known and your policy terms.
What if multiple parts of my journey are affected?
If your trip involves multiple flights or connections, disruption in one part of your journey may affect the rest. Travel insurance may help, depending on your cover.
What if I choose not to travel?
If you decide not to travel but your trip is still running, your policy may not cover cancellation unless there is a valid insured reason.
Quick summary – strike action and travel insurance
When strike action is usually covered
- The strike was not announced before you bought your policy
- It causes unexpected disruption to your trip
- Your policy includes travel disruption cover
When strike action is usually not covered
- The strike was already known or widely reported
- You bought your policy after the announcement
- You choose not to travel without an insured reason
What to check in your policy
- Whether disruption cover is included
- What counts as a known event
- What you can claim for in case of delays or cancellations
The world’s waiting. So where’s next?
You’ve got dreams to fulfil and adventures to chase. And we specialise in providing travel insurance for over 50s, so you can focus on having the time of your life while you’re away.
Travel disruption cover can help if something outside your control affects your plans, depending on when you buy your policy.
With the right travel insurance in place, you can feel prepared for the unexpected and focus on enjoying your trip. Get a quote now.