From cancellations to delays: essential tips for a smoother trip

Travelling is all about discovering new places and experiences, but unexpected delays and cancellations can sometimes get in the way. Fortunately, with a few practical steps and the right travel insurance, you can handle these disruptions with confidence and minimise stress. From knowing whom to contact in an emergency to keeping essential documents at hand, these tips will help you stay prepared and enjoy a smoother trip, even if things don't go as planned. Santam Travel Insurance has comprehensive cover to assist you with any cancellations or trip disruptions.

Plan ahead for potential delays

Delays are an unfortunate part of travel, but planning ahead can help make them more manageable. Many delays are caused by factors outside your control, like severe weather, technical issues, or busy holiday seasons. While you can't predict when delays will happen, you can prepare for them.

Tips for handling delays

• Allow extra time for connections: If possible, schedule flights with at least a few hours between connections. This gives you a buffer if your first flight is delayed.
• Travel during non-peak hours: Early morning flights or off-peak travel times can sometimes reduce the risk of delays, as these flights are less likely to be impacted by earlier disruptions.
• Track flights and transport updates: Download your airline's app or set up text alerts to get updates on any changes to your flight schedule.

How travel insurance helps

Travel insurance can cover extra expenses if you're delayed for a covered reason, such as severe weather or airline strikes. If you're stuck in an airport for hours, knowing that you're covered for meals, transport, or even an overnight stay can help you stay calm and avoid extra expenses.

Know what to do in case of a cancellation

A sudden cancellation can be overwhelming, especially if you're on a tight schedule or travelling with family. Having a plan for what to do in the event of a cancellation will save time and stress.

Steps to take if your trip is cancelled

1. Contact your airline or transport provider: Most airlines provide options like rebooking or refunds when a flight is cancelled. Reach out to the airline's customer service or check their app to explore your options.
2. Call your travel insurer's assistance line: Your travel insurer can guide you on what costs are covered and help you make alternative arrangements if necessary.
3. Document the cancellation: Keep all emails, messages, and statements about the cancellation. These documents will be essential if you need to make an insurance claim.

How travel insurance helps

If your trip is cancelled for a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse your non-refundable expenses, including flights, hotels, and tours. Many insurers also offer 24/7 assistance, helping you make alternative travel arrangements quickly.

Keep important documents accessible

When travel plans are disrupted, having quick access to your essential documents can make a huge difference. Keeping both physical and digital copies on hand means you'll be prepared for any situation, whether it's rescheduling flights or checking into a last-minute hotel.

Documents to keep at hand

• Insurance policy and emergency contacts: Have your policy number and the travel insurance assistance line saved in your phone.
• Passport and identification: Keep a copy of your passport stored securely in case you need it for verification.
• Booking details: Save copies of your flight, hotel, and other bookings in an easily accessible place, like your phone or email.

How travel insurance helps

In an emergency, your travel insurer's assistance team can offer guidance and make recommendations on what to do. Having your insurance details on hand ensures that you can contact them quickly and get help without delay.

Make use of travel alerts and notifications

Keeping up to date with travel alerts can give you a heads-up if there are changes to your plans. Many airlines and transport providers allow you to sign up for real-time notifications, keeping you informed of delays, gate changes, and other important updates.

Tips for staying informed

• Sign up for airline and transport alerts: Most airlines offer free updates through their apps or via SMS. This way, you'll know as soon as anything changes.
• Download your airline's app: Airline apps often give you real-time information on flights, boarding gates, and any schedule adjustments.
• Check local news and weather reports: Staying aware of local conditions, like severe weather or strikes, can help you plan and potentially avoid delays.

How travel insurance helps

With cover for delays and interruptions, travel insurance can give you peace of mind even if travel alerts bring bad news. If an alert signals a long delay or cancellation, your insurance may cover the cost of rebooking, helping you stay on schedule without additional expenses.

Make the most of your travel insurance cover

Travel insurance is a valuable tool when navigating cancellations, delays, and interruptions. Understanding your cover can help you take advantage of the benefits available to you, reducing the impact of unexpected events on your trip.

How to maximise your travel insurance

• Understand your cover details: Familiarise yourself with your policy's delay and cancellation cover, including any limits or conditions.
• Keep receipts and documentation: For any expenses you incur due to delays or cancellations, keep receipts. These are essential for a smooth claims process.
• Use the assistance line: Most travel insurance providers offer 24/7 support. The assistance team can help arrange alternative travel, find accommodation, and answer questions about your cover.

How travel insurance helps

Travel insurance covers many unforeseen expenses that come up due to disruptions, from accommodation and meals to rebooking fees. By knowing your benefits and taking advantage of assistance services, you can confidently handle any disruptions with minimal hassle.

How Santam's travel insurance supports you during delays and cancellations

With Santam's comprehensive travel insurance, managing cancellations, delays, and other disruptions is simple. Here's how Santam Travel Insurance can help:

• Reimbursement for delays: Santam Travel Insurance covers the cost of meals, accommodation, and transport if your trip is delayed for a covered reason, such as severe weather or airline strikes.
• Protection against cancellations: Santam Travel Insurance covers non-refundable costs for trips cancelled due to eligible reasons, including illness, family emergencies, and airline strikes.
• 24/7 assistance: The support team is available around the clock to help with rebooking flights, finding last-minute accommodation, and answering questions about your cover.
• With Santam Travel Insurance, you're prepared to handle any travel disruption smoothly and get back to enjoying your trip.