Picture this: You land in New York City, excited to shop on Black Friday or drink hot chocolate in the park. Then—wham—your flight is late by six hours because the government shutdown has air traffic workers sitting idle. It’s like a bad holiday movie. And it could be real this year. The US government shutdown started on October 1 and is now on day 38 as of November 7, 2025. Add in huge Thanksgiving crowds—119 million Americans traveling—and hospital bills that can reach $100,000 for a small fall on ice. That $30 cheap travel insurance? It seems like a good deal, but it might leave you in big trouble. Let’s talk about why saving money here could cost you a lot, and how to avoid the problems.
The Big Mess: Shutdown Plus Busy Holidays
Congress couldn’t agree on money for the government, so this shutdown is the longest ever. Key things like airport security are running on very few people. Flights are late more than ever—up 25% because of short-staffed air control. Parks like Yellowstone are closed off, leaving walkers stuck. For people from other countries, it’s worse: A cold from a crowded airport could cost $5,000 to treat, or a bad hike might need a $50,000 ride to the hospital. Cheap plans under $50 often don’t cover extra costs from the shutdown, like new flight tickets. If talks break down by November 21, get ready for total jams.
Problem 1: Health Coverage That’s Too Small
US hospitals charge a ton—a sprained ankle from holiday shopping could cost more than your ticket home. Basic plans limit health payments to $25,000 to $100,000. But they skip old health issues unless you get a special okay right after you book (within 14 to 21 days). Quick help rules for sudden problems? They run out fast if your sore back flares up while walking around.
Suggestion: Look for plans with at least $250,000 for health care and getting you home. Use a website that compares plans and pick ones made for US trips.
Problem 2: When Government Problems Aren’t Covered
The small print loves tricks. Normal delay help works for bad weather or broken planes, but not for airport security shortages or air control mix-ups. Your long wait of 12 hours? No money back. And this shutdown is something everyone knew about, so claims get turned down. During holidays, new tickets can cost three times more—from $300 to $900—because prices jump.
Suggestion: Add a “Cancel For Any Reason” option. It costs 40% more, but pays back 50 to 75% no matter what, even shutdowns. Call the company and ask: “Does this cover air control problems?”
Problem 3: Hidden Rules That Surprise You
Cheap plans hide bad surprises deep in the words:
- Age or health: Over 65? Prices go way up, and new operations might not count without an okay.
- Fun activities: Skiing from a helicopter in the mountains? Basic plans say no—add extra cover.
- Lost bags: Late by less than six hours? No help. Protests called “public trouble”? Not covered.
- Sickness waves: Old rules from virus times might skip big flu spreads on full planes.
Suggestion: Read the “not covered” part like it’s your morning coffee—look for words like “company goes broke” (airlines in trouble?) or “stuck at home sick.” Plan to spend 5 to 7% of your trip cost ($150 to $300 for a $4,000 trip). Take pictures of every problem to help with money claims later.
Your Plan: Smart Steps for Easier Trips
Airlines are cutting flights, and car rentals disappear at closed places—so pick tickets you can change for free, and bring extra phone chargers for long waits. Forget the too-cheap deals; go for full plans from good companies that really protect you. Watch news from the White House, and think: Good cover isn’t extra spending—it’s your safety net against $20,000 surprises.
This holiday, keep the fun and skip the scares. Your big US trip? It needs smooth sailing, not heavy bags.
