With the ever-changing weather patterns on our planet, it’s not surprising that natural disasters have become a real concern for globetrotters.
Hurricanes in particular have been causing havoc for travellers in recent years. With weather forecasters warning that there could be an increase in hurricane activity this season, it’s only logical to take cover. Travellers should take to protect their travel investments before the next hurricane hits.
For tourists caught in a hurricanene zone, a heavenly holiday can turn to disaster in a flash. Even if you’re not in the eye of the storm, missed flights, mass evacuations and power outage hell can turn your trip upside down. Natural disasters are just another reason you should buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Hurricanes, though rare, can occur anywhere. Risks can be greater depending on the time of year and your destination. For instance, the Atlantic hurricane season usually lasts from May to September and can affect the regions surrounding the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico.
In particular, the coast of Carolina, the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands are all highly prone to hurricanes and may be affected on average once every 1.5 years. When heading to those areas it’s highly recommended to keep an eye on weather warnings and advice from the government.
If the earthquake was not a known event when you bought your policy you would be covered for:
Cancellations before you leave: Whilst TINZ covers cancellation and delay costs, you could be able to claim for costs on non-refundable hotel payments, or any costs to your holiday that you cannot recoup.
Cancellations when already abroad: Provided you are within the designated disaster area, you would be able to claim for the funds required to find alternative accommodation in a safe area. If your flights have been cancelled you would also be covered for any additional accommodation and meal costs your incur.
Medical costs: Your medical costs are always covered, even on our most basic plan. Any injuries you incur as a direct result of the hurricane would make for a legitimate claim, provided you had not invalidated your policy in any way. Emergency medical evacuation is also included.
Not following travel warnings: Although hurricanes may seem to occur randomly, in fact the bureau of meteorology usually gives us fair warning for any incoming twister patterns. If you are specifically advised not to travel due to a bad weather warning, you may not be covered should your trip turn south.
When the hurricane is a known event: If the storm is being reported and you have not bought travel insurance, it’s not too late to buy cover, however any claims made in relation to the hurricane may not be paid out. Travel insurance exists to protect against ‘unforeseen’ events, as opposed to those already happening that are being reported in the media.
Insufficient cover: It’s not enough just to have travel insurance; rather your policy needs to be comprehensive enough to cover you for cancellation and delay expenses. Basic travel insurance will cover you for medical bills only, leaving you unable to claim for non-medical losses in the event of a hurricane.
Hold on to everything: Take a record of every expense you encounter as a result of the hurricane and get documented evidence or confirmation from airlines, local authorities, hotels or other businesses.
Keep an eye on the cut-off dates: We recommend you to get in touch with us as soon as an incident occurs and not to leave it to late. You won’t want to miss out on a successful claim due to a technicality.
Stay informed: It’s a good idea to have a through read of our Policy Wording before you head off. Keeping informed will help you know where you stand when it comes time to claim.
Stay in touch: After you initially let us know of any natural disasters, be sure to stay in touch! Resist any large payments until you receive confirmation that you will be covered for any major costs. Keep a record of your communications and we’ll be sure to do the same.
Whether you’re a frequent traveller or just a blue moon nomad, a hurricane can truly blow your trip to pieces. Making sure you’re covered and understanding any significant exclusions can keep you calm and in control during a natural disaster.
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