Purchasing insurance for your Ticketmaster tickets can give you peace of mind in case you need to cancel your plans or something unexpected comes up that prevents you from attending the event. However, ticket insurance also comes at an additional cost on top of the ticket price. Here are some key considerations to help you decide if ticket insurance is right for your situation.
What does ticket insurance cover?
Ticket insurance offered through Ticketmaster provides coverage for the following:
- Cancellation for covered reasons – You can get a full refund if you need to cancel due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, or death.
- Reimbursement if event is canceled – You’ll get your money back if the event organizer cancels the event for any reason.
- Reimbursement if event is postponed – You’ll get the option to attend the rescheduled event or get a refund.
- Reimbursement for travel delays/interruptions – Coverage for expenses like hotel, meals, and transportation if your travel plans are disrupted on the way to the event.
- Access to unused tickets – If you can’t attend, Ticketmaster will help resell or donate your tickets.
It’s important to note that the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions will depend on your policy. Certain circumstances like pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered.
How much does ticket insurance cost?
Ticket insurance through Ticketmaster costs a flat rate of 10% of your ticket order total. For example, if you purchase two tickets for $100 each, the insurance would cost an additional $20.
The price stays the same regardless of the number of tickets you buy. It also does not vary based on the type of event or seat location.
What are the key benefits?
Here are some of the main benefits that ticket insurance provides:
- Peace of mind – Insurance protects you financially if you can’t attend due to unforeseen circumstances outside your control.
- Easy refunds – Ticketmaster will handle processing refunds for covered claims so you don’t have to fight for your money back.
- Convenience – You can add insurance during the standard ticket checkout process and don’t have to buy a separate policy.
- Flexibility – If you can’t make it, insurance allows your tickets to be resold or donated rather than go to waste.
- Broad coverage – Insurance protects against a wide range of situations from illness to travel delays to event cancellations.
Knowing you can get your money back removes some of the risk and uncertainty from buying tickets in advance.
What are some key exclusions?
While ticket insurance provides good protection, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from coverage.
- Self-inflicted injuries or illness occurring under the influence of drugs/alcohol are not covered.
- Mental health conditions, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical complications are sometimes excluded.
- Loss of enjoyment or leisure time if you can no longer attend is not reimbursable.
- Travel arrangements like flights and hotels are generally not covered.
- Policy may exclude hazardous activities, professional sports, or other high-risk events.
It’s important to read the full policy details to understand exactly what circumstances are and are not covered.
When does coverage start and end?
Standard Ticketmaster ticket insurance takes effect as soon as your purchase is confirmed. It continues in force right up until the scheduled start time of the event.
You’re covered for eligible refunds whether you need to cancel the day you bought the tickets or an hour before showtime. The policy expires once the event begins.
Some sports or multi-day event tickets may have special coverage considerations. Read the policy information carefully when purchasing insurance.
How does the claims process work?
If you need to file a cancellation claim with your Ticketmaster ticket insurance, here are the basic steps:
- Notify Ticketmaster as soon as possible before the event that you need to cancel.
- Provide documentation required by the policy such as a doctor’s note if canceling for a medical reason.
- Ticketmaster will review your claim and documentation for eligibility.
- If approved, you will receive a refund for the ticket cost. Processing time varies.
- For covered claims, you will not pay any deductible or additional fees.
Reputable insurers like Ticketmaster aim to process claims quickly and hassle-free. Make sure to follow the proper procedures and submit documentation on time.
Are there any common customer complaints?
While most customers are satisfied with Ticketmaster’s ticket insurance, here are a few common complaints that come up:
- Delayed processing of refunds – Claims can take weeks or even months to get paid out.
- Denied claims – Illness, injuries, or other circumstances may not meet the insurer’s criteria for a covered claim.
- Lack of flexibility – Customers may want to transfer tickets to a friend rather than get a full refund.
- Difficulty understanding policy – Fine print and exclusions can be confusing for buyers.
- Added fees – Some feel insurance markup is excessive on top of high ticket prices and service fees.
Being aware of these pain points can help set proper expectations. Also consider trip or event cancellation insurance through your credit card or travel provider as an alternative.
Should you buy Ticketmaster ticket insurance?
Here are some tips to decide if purchasing ticket insurance makes sense for your situation:
Consider it if:
- You’re buying expensive tickets that would be a major loss if you can’t attend.
- You have concerns about the event being canceled or postponed by the organizer.
- You have a busy schedule and high probability of conflict or cancellation.
- You’re traveling a far distance and need coverage for your ticket and travel.
- You have a medical condition that frequently impacts your availability.
- You want peace of mind and the ability to easily get a refund if plans change.
Don’t buy it if:
- Your ticket purchase is relatively low cost.
- You have another insurance policy that would provide similar coverage, like travel insurance.
- You have a flexible schedule and very low chance of needing to cancel.
- You understand and accept the financial risk of unused tickets if you can’t attend.
- You’ll likely give or sell tickets to friends and family rather than seek a refund if you can’t go.
Also weigh the added 10% cost versus the likelihood you’ll actually need to cancel. The lower the probability, the less worth it insurance becomes.
Alternatives to consider
Instead of Ticketmaster’s insurance, you may want to look into:
- Credit card trip/event cancellation insurance – Many credit cards include this benefit at no added cost.
- Travel insurance packages – Can insure flights, hotels, and event tickets together.
- Ticket exchanges – Some events let you freely exchange tickets through their site up to day of event.
- Reselling sites – Resell through marketplace sites if plans change.
Research all options to find the best coverage and value for your specific situation. Weigh the peace of mind insurance provides against the additional cost.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s ticket insurance provides a convenient way to minimize your financial risk when purchasing tickets in advance. While the 10% price tag may seem steep, it can be worth it for expensive tickets or trips where unforeseen cancellations would cause major losses. For lower cost events or tickets, self-insuring by accepting the risk of unused tickets may be reasonable. Consider your unique circumstances and risk tolerance to decide if ticket insurance makes sense for your next event booking. Carefully read the full policy details before purchasing so you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.