Should I buy ticket insurance?
What ticket insurance covers
Ticket insurance, often called event ticket protection, reimburses you if you can't attend due to covered reasons. These can include illness, injury, jury duty, military deployment, or severe weather that prevents travel. It may also cover lost or stolen tickets.
However, coverage varies by provider and policy. Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions or certain events like pandemics. Always read the terms to see what's included and what's not.
- Illness or injury
- Jury duty or military deployment
- Severe weather
- Lost or stolen tickets
- Exclusions apply
When it might be worth it
If you're spending a lot on tickets, especially for travel-heavy events like festivals or destination concerts, insurance can provide peace of mind. It's also useful if you have a health condition that might flare up or if you're traveling far.
For inexpensive tickets or events you can easily skip, the cost of insurance may not be justified. Consider the total cost and your risk tolerance before buying.
- High-value tickets
- Travel involved
- Health concerns
- Non-refundable tickets
- Low-cost tickets may not need it
Common mistakes
- Assuming insurance covers all reasons for missing an event; it only covers specific listed reasons.
- Not reading the fine print; some policies require documentation and have strict deadlines for claims.
- Buying insurance for cheap tickets where the cost outweighs the benefit.
