This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As a big believer in buying travel insurance before a big trip, I'm always interested in what is covered. Before investing in the extra money, I always work with my travel agent to help me through the fine print.

There are multiple reasons.

A family emergency can cause plans to change. The only time I ever used travel insurance was last spring when we postponed a trip to Europe after the attacks on Paris and Brussels, something that was covered, including miles on my preferred airline.

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, warns Thanksgiving weekend travelers that most programs do not cover travelers who get stuck in line at security.

The site said most travel insurance policies do include a travel delay benefit, usually triggered by an airline delay due to inclement weather or a mechanical issue. This can also cover a missed flight, but it has to be for a covered reason.

Squaremouth said travel insurance does not offer blanket coverage for any missed flight or travel delay. Policies list what is covered.

Things that are usually covered include a lost or stolen passport, travel documents or money; a traffic accident; road closure due to severe weather; strike or riot; quarantine; terrorism; natural disaster; or documented weather condition preventing a traveler from reaching the airport.

"Travel delays are one of the most common claims during the holidays," said Squaremouth spokesperson Rachael Taft. "Travel insurance can cover your expenses and help you get on with your trip in many of these situations, but even insured travelers need to plan ahead for longer security lines."