5 Common Travel Insurance Claims (and How to Avoid Them!)

4. Cancelled Flights.

Unfortunately there's not much you can do to stop your flight being cancelled but you may be able to lessen the inconvenience.

How you can minimise your risk.

• Contact the airline you're flying with a few days before your departure date to see if there have been any changes.
• On the day of your departure, call your airline before you leave for the airport to check that there hasn't been any last minute cancellations.

5. Travel Delay.

Like cancelled flights, travel delay is usually something that's out of your control. If you're affected by a delayed departure remember to keep all receipts for expenses like meals and accommodation, as they can be used to support your claim.

How you can minimise your risk.

• Fly early in the day (delays tend to get worse as the day goes on).
• Fly midweek.
• Check your flight schedule on the airline website
• Get to the airport early.
• Obey any luggage restrictions especially for carry-on luggage.
• Check the On Time Performance for the airline you're booked with. The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE for short) have developed a great site where you can download a free monthly report showing the punctuality and reliability for all major Australian airlines. If the airline you're thinking of booking with is consistently late - choose another one.