Travelers take risks when they book trips during stormy seasons. Winter storms can shut down airports, train stations and even whole cities; high wind gusts can cause flight delays; and hurricanes come with their own set of complications for travel.
What can you do as a traveler to make sure you are protected in the event that Mother Nature doesn’t comply with your plans? Purchase travel insurance, of course. The right plan can provide many important benefits to get you back on track and help with many additional expenses.
Flight Delay Due to Weather
In the case of a standard weather-related delay, travel insurance can offer coverage, up to the stated amount, that reimburse for the costs incurred. If the delay lasts six hours or more (depending on the plan details), reimbursement for incidental necessities, like food and temporary lodging, may be available. On the very rare occasion, some plans may pay for these arrangements up-front, eliminating the need to file a claim for reimbursement.
Don’t worry if you are feeling overwhelmed with impromptu arrangements. Most travel insurance companies have assistance services that can help make arrangements for alternative lodging and transportation as needed; such as getting a seat on another flight, changing a rental car reservation or getting a room at a nearby hotel. Some plans may even assist in catching up to a cruise ship that has already left port.
Trip Cancellation Due to Weather
Unfortunately, weather does cause trip cancellations, especially during hurricane season or the winter. If a severe storm wreaks havoc on your travel plans, you’ll be extremely glad you invested in a plan that includes trip cancellation insurance.
In the case that a storm has caused your destination to become uninhabitable – meaning your accommodation is no longer available for you to stay due to damage from the storm, your comprehensive plan may cover trip cancellation up to 100% of your insured trip cost.
The same may be said if damage occurs at your primary place of residence, prior to departing and after you purchased a travel insurance plan. Many comprehensive travel insurance plans will offer trip cancellation benefits if your home is damaged badly enough that you must change your plans to deal with repairs.
Caveat to Coverage
Neither travel delay nor trip cancellation benefits would be available if the coverage is needed for a “known peril”. This is a fancy insurance term for a weather event that was predicted prior to you purchasing your travel insurance plan. If you purchase a plan after the storm has been predicted or, in some cases, after a tropical storm or hurricane is named, you could be denied benefits if you file a claim citing the storm as the reason for coverage.
Bottom line? Don’t hesitate to purchase a plan – especially if you are traveling during a time where weather could be a factor. Hurricane season in the Atlantic stretches from June 1st to November 30th and, of course, the winter months can always be a concern.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
Ask a Question
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Question
If we have fully paid for a cruise and have to cancel last minute due to a medical issue, does your policy cover reimbursement of that cost?
By MaryS - January 23, 2018
Answer
The number one covered reason for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption is the unforeseen illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel, by order of a licensed physician; or the unforeseen hospitalization or death of a family member. To see all of the covered reasons to cancel or interrupt your trip, please click on the dollar amount that appears under the words "Trip Cancellation" when viewing a quote. This applies to all comprehensive policies, and Trip Cancellation reimburses 100%.
By MattG - January 24, 2018
Question
I got domestic flight to JFK when 4 hours to next flight to Europe. I am concerned is domestic flight will be delayed or cancel and I will not get on Europe flight. What would be the best way to take care of it?. Flights are not of the same carrier.
By Wojciech - February 24, 2018
Answer
For this concern, there are some policies that offer a Missed Connection benefit if you miss your Trip Departure due to a covered delay of the common carrier for a specified amount of hours (usually 3 or more). Please look for this coverage under the Travel Delay benefit when viewing comprehensive quotes.
By MattG - February 26, 2018