As the United States government shutdown drags on, travelers across the country are feeling the ripple effects in real-time. From longer TSA lines to canceled flights, the impact is undeniable and costly. For those with travel plans in the coming weeks, the big question is: Does travel insurance protect me during a government shutdown?
To help answer that, Squaremouth, a leading travel insurance comparison platform, provided guidance on the most common questions travelers may have.
Government shutdowns cause longer lines due to staff shortages. Shutterstock
What’s covered
The most pressing concerns right now stem from TSA staffing shortages and the possibility of widespread air travel disruptions. If the shutdown continues past October 15, 2025, TSA agents and air traffic controllers may stop receiving pay, which could then escalate if workers call off or strike.
Here are some of the top questions travelers are asking:
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1. Am I covered if I miss my flight due to long security lines?
Unfortunately, no. Travel insurance policies usually do not cover missed flights due to long TSA lines, as this is considered a foreseeable travel delay. Squaremouth advises travelers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to avoid this risk.
2. What if my flight is canceled or delayed due to staff shortages?
If your flight is delayed or canceled due to airline staffing issues or air traffic controller shortages, it may fall under a common carrier delay — which is typically covered by Trip Delay or Trip Cancellation benefits. However, if TSA shortages cause the delay, that likely won’t be covered, as TSA is not considered a common carrier.
Prepare for airport delays as the government shutdown continues.
3. Can I cancel and get a refund for my trip because there’s a shutdown? What if I lost my job because of the shut down? What if my travel companion lost their job?
Not with a standard policy. However, if you opted for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement regardless of the reason for canceling, including concerns about the shutdown. If your policy includes Employment Layoff coverage and you purchased it before the shutdown was announced, you may be eligible for reimbursement of prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. This applies to involuntary layoffs caused by the shutdown. Some policies with Employment Layoff coverage may extend to a travel partner, but this varies. Always check your policy details to confirm whether your travel companion’s job loss qualifies for cancellation benefits.
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With government shutdowns, comes many questions and unnerving feels. Since they unfortunately do happen, knowing what your travel insurance policy actually covers is more important than ever. Squaremouth encourages all travelers to read the fine print and speak with an agent if they’re unsure about their coverage.
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This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Oct 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Airlines section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
