If your airfare is prepaid and non-refundable, it should generally be included in your insured trip cost. If you forgot to include it when purchasing your policy, you may be able to update your insured trip cost before your trip begins, depending on your insurance provider and policy. Contact your travel insurance advisor as soon as possible.
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Should I Include Airfare in My Trip Cost? What If I Forgot?

Airfare is often one of the largest travel expenses you'll purchase, so it's no surprise that travelers frequently ask: "Should I include my flights when calculating my trip cost?" Or sometimes they realize after purchasing their policy: "I forgot to include my airfare. Can I fix it?" The most important takeaway: if your airfare is prepaid and non-refundable, it should generally be included in your insured trip cost. If you accidentally left it out, contact your travel insurance advisor as soon as possible. Depending on your policy and provided your trip has not yet begun, you may be able to update your coverage. The sooner you catch the mistake, the more options you may have.


Should I Include My Airfare?

In many cases, yes.

If you've prepaid for airline tickets and they are non-refundable, they are generally considered part of your total trip investment.

Your insured trip cost may include:

  • Airfare
  • Cruises
  • Hotels
  • Vacation rentals
  • Guided tours
  • Excursions
  • Rail tickets
  • Airport transfers
  • Other prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses

The goal is to insure the money you could actually lose if you had to cancel your trip for a covered reason.


What If My Airline Offers a Refund or Credit?

Not every airline ticket needs to be insured.

If your airfare is:

  • Fully refundable
  • Eligible for a travel credit
  • Protected through another reimbursement program

You may not need to include that amount in your insured trip cost.

Always review your airline's cancellation policy before purchasing travel insurance.


A Real-World Example

A couple books a dream vacation to Ireland.

They insure their hotels, rental car, and golf package but accidentally forget to include $2,400 in prepaid airline tickets when purchasing their travel insurance.

A week later, while reviewing their confirmation email, they notice the mistake.

Because their trip is still several months away, they contact ICI Traveler right away.

Depending on their insurance provider and policy, they're able to update their insured trip cost to include the airfare before departure.

Had they waited until after their trip began—or after needing to file a claim—they likely would not have been able to make that change.


What If I Already Purchased My Policy?

If you've already purchased travel insurance and realize your airfare wasn't included:

  • Contact your travel insurance advisor as soon as possible.
  • Ask whether your policy allows trip cost updates.
  • Be prepared to provide your airline confirmation and purchase information.
  • Don't wait until your departure date.

Many providers allow certain policy changes before travel begins, but every policy has different rules and deadlines.

Airfare Situation Should It Usually Be Included?*
Non-refundable airline tickets ✅ Generally Yes
Refundable airline tickets ❌ Often Not Necessary
Airline provides future travel credit ❓ Depends on your financial risk
Flights purchased with reward points It depends. See our article: How Do I Evaluate Flight Costs Purchased With Points?

*Always review your policy and airline cancellation terms.

💡 ICI Traveler Tip
Before purchasing travel insurance, make a simple list of everything you've prepaid. Include flights, hotels, cruises, tours, excursions, transfers, and other non-refundable expenses. It's one of the easiest ways to ensure your insured trip cost accurately reflects your travel investment.


Don't Wait to Correct a Mistake

Everyone overlooks something from time to time.

If you think you've accidentally left airfare—or any other prepaid expense—off your policy, contact us as soon as possible.

Making changes before your trip begins is often much easier than trying to address the issue after a claim occurs.

⚖️ Important Information

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee coverage or benefit eligibility. Travel insurance plans vary by provider, and all benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the policy purchased.

ICI Traveler is not the insurance carrier or claims department and cannot determine claim outcomes. All coverage decisions, claim approvals, and reimbursements are made solely by the licensed insurance company or claims administrator identified in your policy documents.

We encourage every traveler to review their complete policy documents to fully understand their coverage.

💙 Need Help? The ICI Traveler Team Is Here for You    

We're here when you need us. Before reaching out, we encourage you to explore our 🔎 Help Center, where you'll find answers
to hundreds of common travel insurance questions, coverage explanations, travel tips, and policy guidance.

📧 For general questions and non-urgent support: support@icitraveler.com

📞 For urgent questions or assistance before or during your travels: (800) 576-2674 / (719) 573-9080

Trusted travel insurance guidance for every destination, every traveler, every journey.