Travel insurance covers risks on your side (falling ill before you leave, medical costs abroad, baggage), while Regulation (EC) 261/2004 covers the airline's failures: delays, cancellations and overbooking. They are separate and do not cancel each other out: if your flight arrives 3 hours late, the €250 to €600 compensation is owed by the airline, insured or not. Here is what a policy really covers and how it fits with your rights.
What travel insurance usually covers
Every policy is different, but the most common cover includes:
- cancellation: your ticket cost back if you cannot travel for a reason the policy lists, such as illness or a bereavement;
- medical expenses: treatment, hospital stays and, if needed, repatriation during the trip;
- baggage: payment for theft, loss or damage, often with a limit per item;
- flight delay: some policies pay a fixed sum or extra costs after a set number of hours;
- assistance: a helpline to call if something goes wrong.
Always read the exclusions, excess and limits: that is where policies really differ.
Insurance or Regulation 261: who pays for what
| What happens | What the airline owes you (Reg. 261/2004) | What insurance may pay |
|---|---|---|
| Flight arrives 3 hours or more late | €250, €400 or €600 compensation and care | A fixed sum or extra costs, if the policy has delay cover |
| Flight cancelled | Refund or alternative flight, care and, unless an exception applies, compensation | Costs the airline does not cover, if included (for example pre-booked services you lose) |
| Air traffic control strike or severe weather | Refund or alternative flight and care, without compensation | Extra costs, if the policy covers them |
| You cannot travel because you are ill | Nothing, except a refund of airport taxes | Your ticket cost under cancellation cover |
| Lost or damaged baggage | Compensation under the Montreal Convention | Baggage cover |
| You fall ill during the trip | Nothing | Medical expenses and repatriation |
Can you claim from both?
In principle, yes: compensation under the Regulation is your right against the airline and does not depend on having insurance. Your insurer cannot pay it instead of the airline, and the airline cannot refuse it because you are insured.
Some policies, however, cut their delay payment if the airline has already paid you something, or require you to claim from the airline first. Check your policy wording before asking both for money.
Also keep in mind the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in Ireland: in EU countries it gives you access to necessary state healthcare on the same terms as residents, but it does not cover repatriation home or private care. It is not a substitute for insurance. UK residents have their own card scheme: check the NHS website before travelling.
What to do when your flight goes wrong
- Ask the airline straight away for care and a refund or alternative flight: these are owed in every case.
- Get written confirmation of the delay or cancellation and the reason: you will need it for both the airline and your insurer.
- Keep every receipt for meals, hotel, taxis and services you lose.
- Claim compensation from the airline if you arrived at least 3 hours late or the flight was cancelled without enough notice.
- Open a claim with your insurer for costs the airline does not cover, within the deadlines in your policy.
We recover your compensation for you
For delays, cancellations and overbooking you do not need insurance: with DelayFlight24 you can check for free in 2 minutes whether you are owed compensation for your delayed flight or cancellation. If you go ahead, we handle the claim, the reminders and, if needed, court action. You pay nothing upfront and our fee is 25% + VAT only if you get compensated. If you are the one who cannot travel, read our guide to a refund in case of unexpected events.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance and flights
If I am insured, can the airline refuse compensation?
No. Compensation for delays, cancellations and overbooking comes from Regulation 261/2004, not from your policy.
Will my insurance pay out if my flight is delayed?
Only if your policy has delay cover, and on its terms. You still claim compensation under the Regulation from the airline.
I was ill and did not fly: will the airline refund me?
Usually not, except on flexible fares and for airport taxes. For the ticket you need cancellation cover. See our guide to airport tax refunds.
Is credit card travel insurance enough?
It depends on the card: some include travel cover, often with limits and conditions. Read the card's policy document before you go.
Who do I contact about lost baggage?
The airline first, with a report at the airport; then your insurer if needed. The steps are in our guide to lost luggage.
Work out your compensation now
Enter where you flew from and to: in 2 minutes you will know whether you are owed compensation and how much.
- Free check, no commitment
- No upfront costs: 25% + VAT only if we win
- We deal with the airline for you
Find out more
- Air passenger rights
- Delayed flight: when you can claim compensation
- Cancelled flight: refund and compensation
- Overbooking: what you are owed
- What our service costs
Article updated on 22/10/2026 by the DelayFlight24 editorial team.