Helping Clients Through the Chaos: Squaremouth Answers Top Travel Insurance Questions Amid the Shutdown

 

St. Petersburg, FL – October 14, 2025 — With the current government shutdown disrupting air travel nationwide, travelers are left wondering what protections they actually have. From TSA staffing shortages to delayed flights and canceled trips, the impacts are wide-reaching and expensive. 

 

According to an article by CNBC, if the shutdown does not end by October 15, 2025, TSA agents and Air Traffic Controllers may not receive paychecks. This could cause more havoc if airport employees decide to call off work; the result would mean even greater travel disruptions than what we’re already seeing.

 

Squaremouth, a leading travel insurance comparison site, answers common questions travelers are asking about travel insurance coverage during the shutdown.

 

FAQs: Travel Insurance for Government Shutdowns

 

Am I Covered If I Miss My Flight Due To Long Security Lines? Typically, travel insurance doesn’t cover you if you miss your flight due to long TSA or security lines from the shutdown. This is because they’re considered preventable and routine travel risks, so get to the airport extra early!

 

Am I Covered If My Flight Is Canceled Due To Staff Shortages? Many policies offer Trip Cancellation or Travel Delay benefits during a government shutdown under specific conditions. If your flight is delayed because the airline is short on staff, a common carrier issue, it’s typically covered. Additionally, if air traffic control shortages cause delays and it’s labeled a common carrier delay, you will likely be covered. However, if your delay is due to TSA staffing issues, this is not considered a common carrier problem, and your travel insurance likely won’t apply.

 

Am I Covered If I Lose My Government Job As Part Of The Shutdown? If you purchased a travel insurance policy before the government shutdown was announced, Employment Layoff coverage may cover your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you were to involuntarily be laid off or terminated due to the shutdown.

 

Am I Covered If I Decide To Cancel My Trip Because The Government Is Shut Down? Canceling your trip solely because there is a government shutdown is not covered under standard policies. However, Cancel For Any Reason coverage may reimburse you if you cancel for reasons related to the shutdown or for any reason at all.

 

Can I Cancel My Trip If My Travel Partner Lost Their Job As Part Of The Government Shutdown? There are specific policies that will let you cancel your trip if your travel partner loses their job, depending on the policy’s specific terms. While Employment Layoff coverage could potentially apply if you purchased it before the shutdown was announced, always review the fine print in your policy.

 

As the government shutdown continues to impact travelers, Squaremouth urges consumers to review their travel insurance policies carefully before they leave for their trip. Understanding what’s covered and what is not is crucial, as not all plans offer the same protections.

 

For more information on travel insurance coverage during the government shutdown, click here.

About Squaremouth

Squaremouth is a trusted travel insurance comparison platform with over 20 years of experience. Known for its no-nonsense approach, award-winning customer service, and commitment to transparency, Squaremouth has helped more than 4 million travelers easily search, compare, and buy coverage. Squaremouth offers the largest portfolio of carriers and products in the U.S.