New data shows 66% of people now feel more at risk of having their travel plans disrupted by events like strike action or bad weather. However, only three in ten (30%) check whether their travel insurance includes disruption cover. 

The findings - from an Opinium* survey commissioned by Multitrip.com - have prompted a reminder for people to ensure they have adequate cover to protect their holiday investment. 

MD of Multitrip.com Jason Whelan explains: “Many travellers are unaware that standard travel insurance does not automatically cover costs linked to flight cancellations.” 

“Airlines are required to refund or rearrange flights if they’re cancelled, but this doesn’t cover costs for missed accommodation, transport, or additional expenses. Without travel disruption cover, travellers could be left significantly out of pocket.” 

Some providers, including Multitrip.com, offer an optional add-on that can offer protection to cover holiday costs in the event a flight is cancelled. Jason Whelan says their Travel Disruption** optional extra can offer additional peace of mind: 

“We understand how important holidays are to our customers and the potential impact any disruption can have.  With our Travel Disruption add-on, you’ll get extra coverage of up to €1,000 per person for additional or irrecoverable accommodation and travel expenses if your flight is cancelled. This will ensure customers are provided with an extra level of protection”. 

Travel Disruption** can be added to single and annual Multitrip.com Travel Insurance policies for an additional premium. It tops up the cover of a regular policy in the event of extended cancellation, extended delay, extended missed departure, extended holiday abandonment, and accommodation due to strikes, severe weather, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other circumstances. This applies to costs and expenses that are not recoverable from any other source. 

Whelan concludes: “Travel disruption cover must be bought at least seven days before travel or any known disruption to be valid. This is one of the reasons we always urge travelers to buy travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday. If you wait until closer to departure to arrange travel insurance, you run the risk of something disrupting your travel and not being covered.” 

Annual Multitrip.com travel insurance policies start from €19.95***. Multitrip.com’s Travel Disruption add-on costs from €17** and can be added to your travel insurance policy at the time of purchase. 


Sources

* Survey of 1,000 holidaymakers from Ireland who go on holiday abroad at least once a year, carried out online between 27th March and 1st April 2026   

** Travel Disruption excludes any existing public announcements. A 7-day moratorium period applies from the date of inclusion; cover is unavailable for trips departing/booked within 7 days. There is no cover under any section of the policy or Travel Disruption optional extra for claims arising from war, invasion, hostilities (declared or undeclared), civil war, military action, terrorism or weapons of mass destruction. From €17, price based on adding Travel Disruption cover online to an Essential European 1 Year policy for one adult, under 66, holding Private Health Insurance with medical cover abroad. 

*** Online European Essential 1 Year Price for 1 adult under 66 years holding Private Health Insurance with medical cover abroad.