Lost Luggage, Delayed Flights, and More: How Travel Insurance Has Your Back
Date Published: July 30, 2025Picture this: You’re standing at the baggage carousel at your dream destination, watching everyone else grab their suitcases while yours is nowhere to be found. Or maybe you’re stuck at the airport for hours because your flight got delayed, missing your connecting flight and hotel reservation. These travel nightmares happen more often than you’d think, but with the right travel insurance, these stressful situations become manageable bumps in your journey rather than vacation-ruining disasters.
Why Travel Insurance Matters More Than Ever
Travel has become increasingly unpredictable in recent years. Weather events, airline staffing issues, and global events can all disrupt your carefully planned trip. Travel insurance acts as your safety net, protecting both your money and your peace of mind when things go wrong.
Many travelers skip travel insurance thinking it’s an unnecessary expense, but the cost of coverage is typically just 4-8% of your total trip cost. Compare that to potentially losing thousands of dollars on a canceled trip or facing enormous medical bills abroad, and travel insurance becomes a smart investment.
Protection Against Flight Delays and Cancellations
Few things are more frustrating than watching your vacation get trimmed by hours—or even days—because of flight delays or cancellations. Travel insurance helps reimburse non-refundable expenses like hotel bookings, excursions, or connecting flights. Depending on your policy, we can also cover the costs of meals, transportation, and accommodations during the delay.
Coverage includes:
- Trip interruption
- Trip delay
- Missed connection benefits
- Airline bankruptcy protection
Whether you’re flying out of Calgary International or Edmonton International Airport, delays are out of your control—but your financial protection doesn’t have to be.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Luggage? You’re Covered
Baggage issues are more common than most travelers expect. Airlines misplace or delay thousands of bags daily. When your suitcase doesn’t arrive when you do, our travel insurance policies ensure you’re not footing the bill alone.
Key baggage protections include:
- Reimbursement for delayed luggage (including essential items like toiletries and clothing)
- Full or partial compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings
- Coverage for high-value personal items (e.g., electronics, jewelry, passports)
At Insureline Empire, we help Alberta residents travel with confidence knowing their personal items are financially protected anywhere in the world.
Medical Emergencies Abroad: Financial Lifeline When You Need It Most
Provincial health plans, including Alberta Health Care, do not cover most medical expenses outside Canada. Without insurance, even minor treatments can become a massive financial burden. Emergency evacuation and repatriation costs can soar into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Our comprehensive travel insurance includes:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Prescription drugs
- Emergency dental care
- Air ambulance or evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
From a ski injury in Switzerland to food poisoning in Thailand, we ensure you receive proper care without draining your savings.
COVID-19 and Travel: Are You Still Protected?
Travel continues to evolve in the post-COVID world. Many destinations have varying entry requirements, and outbreaks can disrupt plans without warning. Our policies include options for pandemic-related coverage, including:
- Trip cancellation if you contract COVID-19 before departure
- Quarantine accommodation coverage
- Medical care if you fall ill abroad
Insureline Empire provides clear and up-to-date travel insurance solutions that align with evolving government and airline regulations.
Adventure and Sports Travel Coverage
Alberta’s adventurous spirit doesn’t stop at the Rockies. Whether you’re hiking in Patagonia or diving off the coast of Belize, our policies can include adventure travel coverage for higher-risk activities such as:
- Scuba diving
- Mountain climbing
- Whitewater rafting
- Skiing and snowboarding (outside of Canada)
We tailor policies to match your lifestyle and travel plans—without surprises or hidden exclusions.
24/7 Worldwide Travel Assistance
Insurance means nothing without service. That’s why every Insureline Empire travel policy includes 24/7 global emergency assistance. No matter the time zone or issue, help is just a phone call away.
Services include:
- Emergency medical referrals
- Hospital and translator coordination
- Lost passport support
- Legal assistance
- Family communication
Wherever your passport takes you, we’re only a call away—standing by to support you and your family.

Travel Insurance Myths Debunked
Myth: “My Credit Card Covers Everything”
While some credit cards offer travel benefits, coverage is often limited and may not include medical expenses or comprehensive trip protection.
Myth: “I’m Young and Healthy, So I Don’t Need It”
Accidents and unexpected events can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health status.
Myth: “Travel Insurance is Too Expensive”
The cost of travel insurance is minimal compared to potential losses from trip cancellation, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Myth: “I Can Buy Insurance Anytime”
Some benefits, like trip cancellation coverage, are only available if you purchase insurance shortly after booking your trip.
Custom Travel Insurance for Alberta Residents
Whether you’re taking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, a business trip, or a quick cross-border getaway, we offer flexible coverage options for:
- Single-trip plans
- Multi-trip annual plans
- Student travel insurance
- Snowbird coverage
- Family travel plans
As Alberta’s trusted travel insurance advisors, we make it easy to get the protection you need—quickly and affordably. Our local team helps match you with the best plan to suit your destination, duration, and travel style.
Get Travel-Ready With Insureline Empire
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, having the right travel insurance gives you confidence to explore the world. From lost luggage to medical emergencies, delayed flights to trip cancellations, comprehensive coverage ensures that unexpected problems don’t derail your travel dreams. At Insureline Empire, we go beyond generic policies, offering Alberta-focused travel insurance solutions built around your real travel needs. For more insights, feel free to contact us or call us at 780-761-2200.