If your flight gets canceled because of a government shutdown, don’t expect help from your travel insurance. That’s the harsh reality many travelers are now facing — through no fault of their own.

With the FAA forced to cut flights at 40 major airports, thousands of travelers are scrambling to rebook, reroute, or cancel altogether.

But some insurance companies are telling customers that these disruptions are a “foreseeable event” — meaning they can deny claims. For anyone who bought a policy after the shutdown began, even the most basic trip protections may no longer apply.

This is unacceptable. When Americans buy travel insurance, they’re promised peace of mind. They shouldn’t need a legal team to collect on that promise.

We call on major travel insurers, including Allianz, AIG Travel Guard, and Nationwide, to guarantee coverage for government shutdown-related delays and cancellations — including full or partial refunds for missed flights, hotels, and events.

If airlines are canceling flights due to FAA staffing shortages, that should count as a “common carrier delay” eligible for coverage. And if insurers want to exclude shutdowns in the future, they should say so clearly at the time of purchase — not bury it in fine print after the fact.

This also goes for credit card companies that promote travel protections as part of their rewards programs. If travelers can’t rely on those benefits when it matters most, then they’re not really benefits at all.

Travelers across the political spectrum are being hurt by the consequences of Washington’s gridlock. Whether you’re trying to get to a job interview, a funeral, a family reunion, or your child’s college tour — this kind of disruption causes real financial and emotional harm.

If insurance companies want our trust, they need to stand behind their products — not disappear the moment people need help.

Sign if you agree: No more fine print. No more denials. Cover shutdown-related delays now.