EU flight cancellation rules and travel insurance advice for summer travelers

EU Regulation 261/2004 requires airlines to refund passengers within seven days or pay compensation up to €600 when a flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure. The rule applies to flights leaving the EU, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, and to flights arriving in the EU if the carrier is European. Passengers must keep boarding passes and other documentation to claim their rights.

Travel insurance contracts provide multi‑risk protection for pre‑departure cancellations, medical emergencies, repatriation, lost baggage and flight delays. Comprehensive policies can cover up to €12,000 per person for medical costs and up to €500,000 abroad, far exceeding typical credit‑card limits. With recent flight cancellations, geopolitical tensions and health incidents, experts recommend securing dedicated travel insurance before the summer holiday season.