Our family of four would like to visit family in the US this summer. However, there is a slight chance that our son would need surgery at the time. If that's the case, we would cancel the trip.

What's the best way to ensure a good cancellation policy on the flights? Is it to buy the more expensive tickets or to get some kind of insurance? We would likely fly Icelandair, KLM, or Air France.

lastminute.com has that option and doesnt cost that much but only used it for EU trps not sure for US

Insurance would generally cover someone "falling ill". You'd have to be careful how you played it with the insurance as it would seem your son is already ill, or if he's not what makes you think he might need surgery in 4-6 months?
If he has periodic check-ups and there's always the possibility of intervention then the insurance will likely be interested in that. Haveing said that, it seems in Switzerland insurance companies often pay out with making to many inquiries but maybe not for a family trip to the US.


Sure you'll pay more money for refundable flights.