Is Flight Insurance Worth It in 2025? What You Need to Know Before You Fly
Flight insurance seems like a small add-on, but is it really worth the money? In 2025, flight delays, cancellations, and surprise medical issues are more common than ever. In this article, we’ll break down exactly when flight insurance makes sense — and when you can skip it.
What Does Flight Insurance Actually Cover?
Most basic flight insurance policies cover things like:
- Trip cancellations or delays
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Emergency medical coverage (if you’re traveling internationally)
- Accidental death or dismemberment
It’s important to read the fine print — not all policies cover every situation.
When Flight Insurance is Worth It
You should definitely consider flight insurance if:
- You’re taking an international trip
- Your flight has a layover or connection (more risk of delays)
- You’re flying during holiday or weather-prone seasons
- You’ve booked non-refundable flights
- You’re traveling with kids, elderly, or someone with a medical condition
The average policy costs between $20–$60, depending on the provider and coverage.
When You Might Not Need It
If you’re taking a short domestic flight, and:
- Your ticket is refundable
- Your credit card offers built-in travel protection
- You don’t have checked bags
- You’re okay taking the risk
…then you might skip it — just be sure you’re covered elsewhere.
Credit Cards That Already Offer Flight Insurance
Some credit cards include trip delay or cancellation protection for free:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- American Express Platinum
- Capital One Venture X
Check your card’s benefits before buying a separate policy.
Our Top Flight Insurance Picks for 2025
Here are 3 trusted providers we recommend (based on real customer reviews):
| Provider | Coverage | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| VisitorsCoverage | Trip cancellation, medical, delay | $25–$70 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SafetyWing | Global nomad + trip delay/medical | $42/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| WorldNomads | Adventure + cancellation | $30–$90 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
(Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you.)
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If your trip is expensive, international, or during a risky season — yes, flight insurance is 100% worth it for the peace of mind alone.
If it’s a refundable short hop? You might be fine without it — just know what your credit card covers.
Need help choosing a policy? Check our full comparison here.