For a simple, low-cost, refundable domestic flight with flexible plans, travel insurance often isn't worth the extra cost — the airline's own change or refund policy may already cover most of what insurance would offer. The calculation changes quickly, though, once you add a non-refundable hotel, a rental car, or a pre-paid tour that isn't tied to the airline at all.
The biggest practical value of travel insurance on a domestic trip is usually trip cancellation and interruption coverage — reimbursing pre-paid, non-refundable costs if you have to cancel or cut a trip short for a covered reason like illness, a family emergency, or a serious weather event.
Many domestic flyers already have some baggage and delay protection built in through a travel credit card, which can reduce or eliminate the need for a separate insurance purchase — worth checking your card's benefits before paying for standalone coverage.
