How to get a refund for non-refundable flights

If you have travel insurance, it's possible to get your money back if;

You bought the policy before the known event occurred

You have cover for cancellations costs

The cancellation is outside of your control

If you find yourself in this position, make sure to keep all your receipts, have proof that your expenses were non-refundable, and make a claim directly with your travel insurer.

Can I get a direct refund from the airline?

This depends on your airfare but, generally, if your flight is non-refundable then no. An airline may consider waiving cancellation fees for extenuating circumstances like a death in the family, but not if you've just changed your mind.

If your non-refundable flight is cancelled by the airline, they may offer you an alternative option, a credit value or a refund - if you're lucky.

How do I know if my flight is non-refundable?

There are a few ways to figure out the rules of your airfare;

• During the booking process, your change and cancellation fees will be outlined. If you're booking online, pay extra attention to pop-ups and extra links that could lead you to this information.
• Check "Manage My Booking" - Most airlines have an online portal where you can access the details of your booking.
• Check your original e-tickets, booking confirmation or any other emails/paperwork regarding your booking.
• Check with your airline, online aggregator (like SkyScanner and Webjet) or travel agent. It's important to refer back to the company that you booked with as airfare rules can vary.

Our expert says

"Rules on whether you can get a refund vary by airline, and cheaper tickets are generally less flexible. But if an airline cancels your flight altogether, it has to sort an alternative for you or give you a refund. Your insurer will usually only step in after the airline options are exhausted - such as if the airline itself stops operating altogether."

Angus Kidman

Editor-at-large

Cancellation and refund policies of major Australian airlines

Searching through terms and conditions can be tricky, not to mention boring. So we did it for you. Here's a brief summary of refund policies in place with major airlines.

Cancellation fees vary based on your destination and fare type, so we've highlighted the maximum fee the airline could charge to cancel an international return airfare.

*This information is accurate as of September 2023. These fees are per person and may not be applicable to codeshare flights.

Compare travel insurance policies that cover cancellations

Once you enter in your details and click "Get my quote" you can filter the results by clicking trip cancellation to see which policies come out on top.

Frequently asked questions

• What events or circumstances does travel insurance typically cover for non-refundable flights?

  Travel insurance policies generally cover non-refundable flights for unforeseen events that are outside of your control. Common examples include:

  • Sudden illness or injury to you, a travel companion, or a close family member
  • The death of you, a travel companion, or a close family member
  • Natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, or cyclones
  • Serious damage to your home from fire or flood
  • Being called for jury service or as a witness in court

• When should I buy travel insurance to ensure my non-refundable flights are covered?

  To maximise your cancellation cover for non-refundable flights, it is best to purchase your travel insurance policy as soon as you have paid for your flights or any other significant travel expenses. Cancellation cover typically begins from the date you purchase your policy, not your departure date. Buying early means you are protected against unforeseen events that could occur before you even leave home.

• What is the maximum amount travel insurance will pay for non-refundable flights?

  The maximum amount your travel insurance will pay for non-refundable flights depends on your specific policy and the level of cover you selected. Policies have a set benefit limit for cancellation costs, which will be outlined in your Product Disclosure Statement. You will also need to consider any excess that applies to your claim.

• Do I need to contact the airline before making a travel insurance claim for non-refundable flights?

  Yes, you should always contact your airline or travel agent first. Most travel insurance policies require you to seek reimbursement or alternative options directly from the travel service provider before making a claim. Your insurer will expect you to provide proof that the airline or agent would not provide a refund or a suitable alternative. Travel insurance acts as a secondary layer of protection, covering your remaining non-refundable losses.

• Does travel insurance also cover other non-refundable travel expenses like tours or car hire?

  Yes, travel insurance typically covers other non-refundable travel expenses in addition to flights and accommodation. This often includes pre-paid, non-refundable costs for items such as tours, activities, car hire, cruises, or event tickets. The cover is usually subject to the same terms and conditions as flight cancellation cover, meaning the reason for cancellation must be an insured event and outside your control.

• What if my flight is non-refundable because of a pre-existing medical condition?

  If your non-refundable flight cancellation is due to a pre-existing medical condition, you generally need to have declared this condition to your insurer and had it approved for cover. Many policies require a medical assessment and may involve an additional premium to cover pre-existing conditions. If you do not declare a pre-existing medical condition that leads to your cancellation, your claim for non-refundable flights may be denied.

• Will travel insurance reimburse me if the airline offers a flight credit instead of a refund?

  If an airline offers you a flight credit or voucher instead of a monetary refund, your travel insurance provider will typically expect you to accept this credit if it fully compensates you for the value of your non-refundable flight. Insurers aim to cover financial losses that cannot be recovered elsewhere. If the credit has restrictive conditions, such as a short expiry date, or is less than the original value of your flight, you may be able to claim the difference or the full amount if the credit is unusable. Always provide documentation of the credit offer to your insurer.

Written by

Nicola Middlemiss

Journalist

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Nicola Middlemiss is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance and insurance. She has contributed to Domain, Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Insurance Business Australia, offering in-depth insights into commercial insurance in the Australian market. Nicola holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Leeds and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which complies with ASIC standards. See full bio

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Nicola has written 243 Finder guides across topics including:

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Co-written by

Gary Ross Hunter

Journalist

Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards. See full bio

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Gary Ross has written 554 Finder guides across topics including:

• Health, home, life, car, pet and travel insurance
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