United Trip Insurance: What it Covers and How to Purchase

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Rick Spiegel

Planning a trip can be an exciting experience, filled with excitement and dreams of new adventures. But what if something wrong happens? Flight can be canceled or delayed, baggage can be delayed or lost, and other unexpected medical emergencies can occur. So, that’s where the United trip insurance comes in, providing financial protection along with peace of mind.

United Airlines is one of those airlines that understands the importance of protecting the travel insurance of their flyers. That’s why this airline offers United Airlines Trip Insurance. This comprehensive insurance coverage is designed to protect you from unforeseen events that might impact your trip. So, it does not matter if you cancel or change your plan at the moment, lost baggage, medical emergency. United Airlines always offers a safety net to help travelers from the risks and expenses associated with such situations.

In this guide, we’ll get to know about the various aspects of United travel insurance. Here you’ll get details about:

• What does United Trip Insurance cover
• How to purchase it
• Limitations of the trip insurance and much more

So, let’s dive into the details and find out what United Trip Insurance can provide for your next journey.

What Does the United Airlines Trip Insurance Mean?

Like most of the trip insurance policies, United Airlines trip insurance provides protection that need to cancel or change your journey. However, the airlines approved all these claims for some specific reasons. Most of the reasons are not included in this insurance except extreme situations.

As per the policy of United Airlines, you cannot use it if your mind changes about flying with the airline or if your babysitter suddenly backs out. According to this policy, this policy only covers major injuries, life-threatening illnesses, or military duties.

Furthermore, United Airlines specifically states in their insurance documents that trip insurance is only for inescapable situations, which is why you should purchase travel insurance.

Types of Coverage Included in United Trip Insurance Plan

There are several losses under which the United Airlines Trip Insurance plan provides coverage to the passengers. Here is a list of such types of coverage that you’ll get under Trip Insurance of United Airlines:

• Coverage for the Delayed or Lost Baggage
• Coverage for Medical Expenses
• Coverage for Trip Delays or Missed connections
• Coverage for the Repatriation or Emergency Evacuation

Coverage for the Delayed or Lost Baggage

It can be a frustrating situation if you find out that your baggage has been delayed or lost. It can disrupt all your planning and leave you without your essential items on your trip. So, that’s where United Travel Insurance comes in to provide you coverage and assistance in such situations.

So, if your baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged for an extended period of time, then United Airlines can help you by providing compensation for the inconvenience.

Coverage for Medical Expenses

While traveling, the last thing you wish to worry about is a sudden injury or illness. However, unforeseen medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly. That’s why United Airlines provides coverage for unforeseen medical conditions

Coverage for Trip Delay or Missed Connecting Flights

Missed Connecting flights or travel delays can be an unfortunate occurrence that can disrupt your travel plans. Fortunately, United Trips insurance includes coverage for such situations providing compensation along with assistance to help you in the best possible manner.

Moreover, if your flight is late for a specific amount of time, or you miss a connecting flight due to situations that are beyond your control, such as bad weather, mechanical issues, or air traffic congestion. In such a case United Airlines can provide reimbursement for the reasonable expenses incurred during the delay.

Coverage for the Emergency Evacuation or Repatriation

While we hope that our travels will be smooth and uneventful, emergencies can occur. So, it is important to get ready for all such situations. United Airlines Trip Insurance includes coverage for emergency evacuation or repatriation, providing crucial assistance and support under difficult situations that require immediate action.

So, if there is a medical emergency or a natural disaster that poses a threat to your safety, then United Airlines Trip insurance can cover the cost associated with the evacuation and emergency medical transportation.

Coverage for Accidental Death and Disembarkment

The last thing that we all want to think about is the possibility of injuries and accidents during our journey. However, it is crucial to be prepared for the unexpected situations. In such critical circumstances, United Airlines trip insurance offers coverage for the disembarkment and demise of loved ones.

Moreover, if you sustain accidental bodily injuries during the journey that result in death, permanent disability, accidental death and disembarkment coverage provided by United Airlines Trip Insurance can help provide compensation to you or your beneficiaries.

How to Purchase the United Trip Insurance?

If you are traveling with United Airlines for the time, and want to purchase their trip insurance. In such a case, you have two options to receive United Tip Insurance.

• First, visit the United Airlines official website.  You can use the ‘Manage Reservation’ feature or the United Airlines app to buy the Trip Insurance of United Airlines.
• Or directly call the Travel Card agent directly at 1-877-934-8308.

So, you have the opportunity to select the best coverage that matches your preference while making a flight reservation with United Airlines.

Common Reasons Covered under United Trip Insurance  for Cancellation or Trip Interruption

United Airlines travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation or trip interruption. Here are the most common claims that are covered by United Airlines:

Trip Cancellation

If you are traveling alone or with your travel companion, and have any of the following, then you can file a claim if:

• You are injured or ill and cannot travel
• United Airlines goes on strike
• You are quarantined or hijacked
• Bad weather causing your trip to be canceled
• You are called for military duty
• You are subpoenaed for jury duty
• Your home is damaged due to theft or any natural disaster
• You are late due to a traffic accident on the way to your airport.

Trip Interruption

The trip cancellations also cover similar claims for you and your travel companion including:

• Bad weather causes trip cancellations or interruption
• A car accident causes you to miss your flight
• You will be attending the childbirth of an immediate family member
• Sickness or injury
• Called for jury duty
• A natural disaster, burglary, or vandalism makes your home inhabitable

United Airlines Trip Insurance- Limitations and Exclusions

There is no doubt that United Airlines Trip Insurance offers coverage for a wide range of unforeseen events. However, it is crucial to understand that there are certain limitations and exclusions. 

Here is a list of the most common limitations and exclusions of United Airlines Trip Insurance:

Pre-existing medical conditions

You’ll get coverage for your medical conditions that are pre-existing only if it is specified in the United Airlines trip insurance policy. However, if it is not mentioned in the policy, the expenses related to such conditions might not be covered.

Intentional self-inflicted injuries or suicide

If any incidents or injuries result from suicide or self-harm attempts are also not included in the trip insurance coverage.

Acts of war or terrorism

 If any passenger faces any losses from the act or war, declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism are also excluded as per the travel insurance policy of United Airlines.

Reckless or unlawful behavior

Any incidents or losses that lead to reckless or unlawful behavior are not included in the United trip insurance.

Participation in extreme sports or hazardous activities

 Coverage may be limited or excluded for injuries or incidents that occur while participating in certain extreme sports or hazardous activities, such as mountaineering, skydiving, or racing.

Travel to high-risk destinations

Some policies may exclude coverage for travel to specific high-risk destinations, as determined by the insurance provider.

So, it is essential to go through the policy documents and understand the specific exclusions and limitations before purchasing the trip insurance of United Airlines. It will help you understand the coverage boundaries and make you aware of the decisions while planning your journey.

Additionally, before you request to file the claim, it is important to understand which evidence or documentation is necessary to get compensation for the loss. Also, the failure to provide the essential documents might result in a reduction or denial of the claim.

By understanding all the limitations and exclusions related to the trip insurance of the airline, you can have more realistic expectations of the coverages offered by United Airlines.

How much does United Travel Protection Plus cost to a traveler?

United Airlines travel insurance offers you the facility to change or cancel your trip at any time. Moreover, it guarantees the lowest price on select vacations, also you’ll receive travel coverage from the airline too.

Below is a list of pricing of the Travel Protection Plus Plan:

The above-mentioned pricing is per person. Also, it is valid on vacation packages and destinations (except scheduled air-only vacations).

Does United Airlines Credit Card Provides Trip Insurance Benefits?

Yes, the United Airlines credit card provides the benefit of trip insurance. These cards come with are array of trip protections. So, if you must use your eligible credit card from United Airlines. The primary cardholders and their immediate family members traveling together get most of the travel benefits. The immediate family members are:

• Spouses
• Siblings
• Parents and grandparents
• Children and grandchildren
• Aunts and uncles
• Nieces and nephews

The benefits credit card provides under the trip insurance are:

• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I buy trip insurance with United Airlines?

Yes, you can buy travel insurance with United Airlines. To add trip insurance to your journey, you can visit the official website of United Airlines. Moreover, you can directly call the travel guard agent at 1-877-934-8308.

What insurance does United Airlines have?

United Airlines offers coverage for various types of insurance. These insurance are for luggage, Emergency medical expenses, Non-flight accidental death and dismemberment, and many more. However, the amount of reimbursement you’ll get is different. Generally, it ranges from $500-$27,500.

What does trip insurance on a flight cover?

On United Airlines, you’ll get a range of trip protection including trip cancellation, delay or interruption, evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, and many more. So, you can

What does trip cancellation insurance cover?

If you think that you won’t be able to take a trip due to any emergency, then trip insurance will cover all your prepaid, forfeited, non-transferable, and non-refundable costs. However, the reimbursement that you’ll get will depend on the time and date of your departure.

Can I purchase insurance on a plane ticket after purchase?

Yes, you can purchase insurance on a plane after purchasing the travel ticket. However, it is recommended to purchase the trip insurance as soon as possible.

What is the difference between trip cancellation and trip insurance?

Trip cancellation coverage offers coverage for the money that you lose after canceling the ticket. On the other hand, trip insurance offers coverage for the additional money covered reason that you have to spend to resume your trip or return home.

Does travel insurance cover non-refundable flights?

If you cancel your flight due to serious illness, demise of an immediate family member, natural disaster, or any other reason that is covered by your travel insurance policy. In such a case, the travel insurance will provide you the reimbursement for the non-refundable portion of your flight expenses.

How much does United charge for travel insurance?

United Airlines offers travel insurance for passengers for a specific amount. The package value of their travel protection plus plan is up to  $799.99 per person. Whereas., the airline charges around $79.99 for flyers who are 13 Years & Older for the same plan.

What is not covered under the United Trip Insurance?

If you have purchased trip insurance from United Airlines, then you will not get coverage for any injuries or accidents that happened due to the use of drugs or intoxication. Moreover, your medical bills won’t be covered by your travel insurance if you do such activities.

What are the limitations or exclusions of United Airlines Travel Insurance?

There are various exclusions or limitations of United Travel Insurance including – participation in extreme sports or hazardous activities, unlawful or reckless behavior, suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injuries, etc.