Travel Insurance Coverage for Hurricanes

Republished with permission from USI Travel Insurance Services

Peak travel season happens to coincide with peak hurricane season. If you’ll be traveling to (or from) a destination that may be prone to hurricanes, here’s what you need to know about insurance coverage.

Buy your plan EARLY

Buying your plan early can’t be stressed enough when it comes to coverage for hurricanes or other natural disasters and weather. Once a hurricane or storm becomes a named event, you will not be covered for related claims if you buy your plan after that date, as the hurricane or storm is now considered to be “foreseen.” So, buy your plan right after making your initial trip booking for optimal coverage.

Coverage for Hurricanes BEFORE Trip Departure

If a hurricane strikes prior to your trip departure, you may be eligible for a Trip Cancellation claim if the weather causes complete cessation of services for at least 48 hours of your common carrier (airline) and you’re prevented from reaching your destination. You would also be eligible for a Trip Cancellation claim if your primary residence OR your scheduled destination is made uninhabitable due to the hurricane or is inaccessible via your planned mode of transportation.

Keep in mind, travel insurance never covers fear of travel, so if you’re worried about your home or destination being hit by the hurricane but it doesn’t actually happen, it’s best to have the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade* so you have more flexibility to cancel and still recoup most of your investment.

Coverage for Hurricanes AFTER Trip Departure

If you’ve already departed on your trip, you may be eligible for a Trip Delay claim if your airline is delayed and prevents you from reaching your destination, or if there’s a mandatory evacuation at your scheduled trip departure city or destination which prevents you from traveling to/arriving at your destination. You may also be eligible for a Trip Interruption claim if you must end your trip early due to your destination becoming uninhabitable. 

Filing a Claim for a Hurricane or Other Weather-related Event

To file a claim for a hurricane or other weather event, gather official documentation showing the storm (such as a weather or news report), along with any documentation from your common carrier or destination accommodations showing the need to cancel, delay or interrupt your trip.

With this information in mind, hopefully next time you plan a trip it will be easier to know what to look for when researching travel insurance options. You can always visit our plan website, or contact the USI Travel Insurance Services Customer Service team for help selecting the best plan for your travel needs. Their representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time and can be reached at (855) 874-0156 or customercare@travelinsure.com. Be sure to mention you are traveling with ThirdHome, account #50054.

*CFAR available at an additional cost if plan is purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit. Terms apply. Not available to residents of NY.