Hurricane Season Travel Insurance
Researchers predict an above-average hurricane season in 2018, potentially impacting travelers’ vacations. Fortunately for those who prepare early enough, travel insurance can cover many of the impacts these storms can have. This resource explains how travel insurance can help this hurricane season.
Plan Ahead
It is important to get your policy early before a storm is named. Travel insurance only covers unexpected situations; once a storm is named, it is no longer unexpected and can’t be covered on any policies purchased after that date.
Cancelling or Leaving Your Trip Early When There’s a Storm
Most travel insurance policies can pay you back for your trip costs if a storm significantly impacts your ability to take your trip. This includes storms both at your destination or your home. Each policy has specific situations that trigger travel insurance coverage. Most policies require one of the following before coverage begins:
- Your flight or cruise is delayed for at least 12-48 hours
- Your hotel or your home is severely damaged and rendered ‘uninhabitable’
- A hurricane warning or mandatory evacuation is issued for your destination or the city you are scheduled to fly out of
Cancel For Any Reason
The fear of traveling is never covered by travel insurance. If you are worried that a storm is headed to your destination but it hasn’t yet triggered your policy’s coverage, your claim may be denied. The only option for travelers who want more freedom to cancel their trip is Cancel For Any Reason coverage. This type of policy can be more expensive but it can pay you back a portion of your trip costs without having to provide any reason for cancelling. This upgraded coverage must be purchased within 14-30 days of your initial trip booking and 100% of your trip costs must be insured.
Squaremouth’s Hurricane Center helps travelers understand travel insurance coverage specific to storms. This resource is regularly updated with press releases, answers to FAQs and helpful videos.
Fact Sheets and Press Releases
3 Things You Must Know Before Buying Travel Insurance During Hurricane Season
What to Know About Travel Insurance if Tropical Storm Dorian Halts Your Labor Day Weekend Travel Plans
3 Things to Know Ahead of Hurricane Season, From Travel Insurance Expert, Squaremouth
Hurricane Willa: Too Late to Get Travel Insurance, Says Squaremouth
Read MoreST. PETERSBURG, Fla. October 23, 2018 — Virtually overnight, Hurricane Willa intensified into a major storm bound for Mexico’s popular Pacific coast, taking many beach-bound travelers by surprise. With the aftermath of the storm yet to be seen, travelers may be concerned about upcoming trips, especially given the impact of recent storms Michael and Florence. But according to travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, now is not the time to buy a travel insurance policy for coverage from Willa.
Hurricane Michael: The Traveler’s Guide to What’s Covered by Travel Insurance
Read MoreST. PETERSBURG, Fla. October 9, 2018 — In less than 48 hours, Hurricane Michael has intensified from a tropical storm to a category 2 hurricane, threatening Gulf Coast residents and travelers alike. The storm's rapid development caught some travelers off-guard, with the end of hurricane season only a month away.
Hurricane Florence Evacuation Not Enough to Trigger Travel Insurance Coverage for Residents in Storm’s Path
Read MoreST. PETERSBURG, Fla. September 11, 2018 — Residents of the East Coast are preparing for Category 4 Hurricane Florence, with more than 1 million facing mandatory evacuation orders. But according to travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, it is still too early for Hurricane Florence to trigger travel insurance benefits for residents with homes in the storm’s path.
Too Late to Buy Travel Insurance for Rare Hawaiian Hurricane Lane
Read MoreST. PETERSBURG, Fla. August 22, 2018 — Hurricane Lane may become the third hurricane ever recorded to make landfall in Hawaii. As residents scramble to prepare, tourists are researching their options to cancel an upcoming trip or cut their vacation short. Travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, says it is now too late to purchase a travel insurance policy for the unexpected storm.
More Travelers are Purchasing Travel Insurance This Hurricane Season
Read MoreST. PETERSBURG, Fla. May 14, 2018 – Last year’s hurricane season brought major storms to highly traveled destinations, resulting in a significant increase in claims. This year, researchers predict another above-average hurricane season and leading travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, reports an increase in people purchasing travel insurance for hurricane season.
- See all 10 articles
After Record-Setting Hurricane Month, Squaremouth Explains Travel Insurance Coverage
Read MoreST. PETERSBURG FL September 29, 2017 — In the past month, hurricanes Harvey and Irma halted travel in the U.S., and Maria ripped through the Caribbean as a Category 5 storm. With two months left in hurricane season, leading travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, explains the key travel insurance takeaways travelers should know now.
What to Know About Travel Insurance if Hurricane Maria Halts Your Caribbean Travel Plans
Read MoreST. PETERSBURG FL September 21, 2017 — Hurricane Irma ripped through the Caribbean as a Category 5 storm, leaving many areas uninhabitable. With Hurricane Maria now hitting the same region, travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, explains travel insurance coverage for those whose Caribbean vacations are impacted by the storm.
FAQs
- Can travel insurance cover me if my home is in a hurricane's path?
- When can I buy travel insurance to cover a tropical storm or hurricane?
- Does a storm have to become a hurricane to be covered by travel insurance?
- Does the Hurricane & Weather benefit cover tropical storms?
- What types of current events are covered by travel insurance?
- Can I cancel my trip due to a hurricane or tropical storm?
- Can I still buy travel insurance after a tropical storm or hurricane is named?
- Can I return home early if there is a hurricane at my destination?
- See all 15 FAQs
- Can I cancel my trip if I’m afraid a storm will hit during my trip?
- What if my flight or cruise is delayed because of a hurricane?
- Can I still buy a travel insurance policy for hurricane season?
- Can I cancel my trip if a storm hits my home?
- Can I still buy travel insurance for Hurricane Matthew?
- What if my flight or cruise is delayed or canceled due to a hurricane?
- What if I want to cancel my vacation because of a hurricane?
Hurricane Event Center External Resources
Most travel insurance policies have coverage for hurricanes and tropical storms, as long as you bought a policy before the storm was named. Travel insurance providers may use these resources to gather information on storms and determine whether or not a storm is covered: