
Travel insurance feels like the “I’m covered no matter what” button—especially for seniors who’ve seen enough travel chaos to want a safety net. The problem is that the safety net has fine print, and airlines have been tightening rules in ways that can turn one small mistake into a claim denial. That’s where airline policy changes become the hidden tripwire, because your insurer may treat what happened as “voluntary,” “avoidable,” or “not documented,” even when it felt like the airline caused the mess. Add in the reality that many benefits require specific proof from the airline and strict timelines, and it’s easy to see how people get burned. Here are the most common single mistakes that can wipe out reimbursement—and the simple habits that keep your coverage usable.