Trip Cancellation Coverage for Volcanic Eruption near Mexico City
Major U.S. airlines canceled flights to Mexico on Thursday, affecting travelers in Houston, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Chicago and Los Angeles airports. The precautionary cancellations were a result of the Popocatepetl volcano spewing ash, steam and rock.
As of today, volcanic ash is not affecting flight operations, and Mexican airports are operating normally. However, those affected yesterday may be able to utilize the following travel insurance benefits:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption – Some insurance providers consider this event to be adverse or inclement weather. Policies that use this wording in the covered reasons for trip cancellation will typically provide reimbursement for canceling or interrupting a trip due to volcanic eruptions. Other policies provide coverage specifically for natural disasters.
Travel Delay – This benefit will offer coverage for reimbursement of meals and accommodations that need to be purchased because of a delay. To be eligible for this coverage, the delay must meet the time frame requirements, and the reason for the delay must be listed in the policy.
Missed Connection – This benefit provides reimbursement for the cost of catching up to a trip. Many policies will provide coverage in the event the delay is due to inclement weather, strike, natural disaster or any other delay certified by the common carrier.
Keep in mind that any compensation provided by the common carrier will be deducted from the amount reimbursed by the travel insurance provider.