Ticket protection is an optional service offered by many ticket sellers and event organizers that allows you to get a refund or replacement ticket if you can’t attend an event due to unforeseen circumstances. Here are the key things to know about whether ticket protection costs money and what it includes:
What is Ticket Protection?
Ticket protection, sometimes called ticket insurance, is a type of protection you can add on when purchasing event tickets. It protects the money you spent on tickets in case you can’t attend the event.
Some common reasons ticket protection would give you a refund or replacement tickets include:
- You or someone you’re traveling with gets sick or injured
- You have a death in the family
- You’re called in to work or have a work conflict
- Your flight or other transportation is cancelled or delayed
- The event is postponed or cancelled
Ticket protection gives you peace of mind that you won’t lose the money you spent on tickets if an unforeseen circumstance prevents you from attending.
Does Ticket Protection Cost Money?
Yes, ticket protection usually costs an additional fee on top of the base ticket price. Fees can vary greatly, but are generally in the range of 10-25% of the ticket price.
For example, if a concert ticket costs $100, adding ticket protection could cost an additional:
- $10-25 for basic protection
- $15-30 for enhanced protection
So you would pay $110-$125 total for the protected ticket.
What Does Ticket Protection Include?
Ticket protection coverage can vary, but often includes:
- Refunds – A full or partial refund of the ticket price if you can’t attend
- Replacement tickets – New tickets for a rescheduled event or future event
- Fee waivers – Waiving ticket exchange/reissue fees
- Travel coverage – Reimbursement for non-refundable travel costs like flights or hotels
Enhanced ticket protection plans may include extras like:
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- Reimbursement for additional expenses like meals or parking
- Extended cancellation timelines
Policies can differ widely, so it’s important to read the full details before purchasing protection.
When Should You Get Ticket Protection?
Here are some cases when ticket protection may be worth the extra cost:
- You’re buying expensive tickets that would be a big loss if you miss the event
- You’re traveling a long distance and spending a lot on travel
- It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event you couldn’t attend again
- You have health conditions that make you more likely to need to cancel
- You have an inflexible work schedule or other commitments
- You’re buying tickets far in advance when a lot could change
On the other hand, ticket protection probably isn’t necessary for inexpensive local events or events you can easily attend again another year.
Pros and Cons of Ticket Protection
Here are some key pros and cons to weigh:
Pros
- Get your money back if you can’t attend
- Peace of mind knowing tickets are protected
- Ability to release tickets for resale if needed
- Covers many unforeseen circumstances
Cons
- Adds extra fees to ticket cost
- May not cover all circumstances
- Replacement tickets depend on availability
- Deadlines and limitations apply
How to Get Ticket Protection
If ticket protection is offered for an event, it will generally be available as an add-on option during the ticket buying process online or over the phone. There is usually a checkbox or button to add protection to your cart.
Protection must be added at the time of initial ticket purchase, not afterward. Review the full policy details before purchasing to ensure the coverage meets your needs.
You will need to save receipts and documentation to file a claim later if needed. Claims are submitted to the ticket seller or event organizer, not the original ticket site.
Key Takeaways on Ticket Protection Costs
- Ticket protection provides refunds or replacement tickets if you can’t attend an event.
- It costs an extra 10-25% on top of base ticket prices.
- Coverage varies by policy – check details before purchasing.
- Consider for expensive tickets, long trips, once-in-a-lifetime events.
- Add protection during initial ticket purchase, not after.
While ticket protection does add an extra cost, it can give you valuable peace of mind and financial coverage in case the unpredictable happens. Evaluate the costs against the ticket value and your personal situation to decide if it is worth it for a given event.
Conclusion
Ticket protection provides a safety net in case you need to cancel your plans, but comes at an additional cost. The extra fees may be worthwhile for expensive tickets, far-off events, or performances you couldn’t see again. But basic protection may not be necessary for cheaper, local events you could attend next year. Take the policy details and your circumstances into account when deciding if ticket protection is right for your purchase.