# Freight Insurance for Cold Chain Goods

*Last updated: 2026-06-24*

> A consignment of vaccines lost because a reefer unit fails mid-voyage is precisely the scenario cold chain freight insurance is designed to address.

A consignment of vaccines lost because a reefer unit fails mid-voyage is precisely the scenario cold chain freight insurance is designed to address. It protects shippers and freight forwarders against financial loss from spoilage, quality degradation, or total loss of temperature-sensitive goods when the cold chain is interrupted. Equipment failures, power outages, and temperature excursions typically fall within scope; delays caused by customs holds or inadequate pre-shipment preparation are commonly excluded. Insurers require continuous in-transit temperature monitoring and prompt notification of any loss event as standard policy conditions. Premiums run substantially higher than for general cargo cover, reflecting the intensive monitoring requirements and the specific loss potential of perishable and pharmaceutical goods. Unlike narrower reefer transport policies, cold chain coverage can extend across the full logistics flow—including cold storage and handling—not just the shipping leg.

**Source:** [https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/cargo-insurance/](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/cargo-insurance/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Freight Insurance for Cold Chain Goods |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 135 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-24 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/cargo-insurance/ |

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