Does Travel Insurance Cover Hurricanes?

Key Takeaways

• The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to November 30 each year, with an average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes per season
• Travel insurance can cover hurricane-related issues, as long as you bought the policy before the hurricane was named
• Covered scenarios can include flight cancellations, destination under hurricane warning, uninhabitable accommodations, and mandatory evacuations

What Is Hurricane Travel Insurance?

Hurricane travel coverage is a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions caused by hurricanes or tropical storms, as long as you bought the plan before the storm was named.

Once a hurricane has been named, it becomes a “known peril” and is excluded from coverage in travel insurance policies purchased from that point on. This is why it’s important to buy travel insurance as soon as you make your first trip deposit, to ensure you have coverage for storms that have not yet been predicted.

When Do I Need Hurricane Travel Insurance?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. When traveling during this period, you should plan for unexpected weather. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can protect your trip investment if a storm derails your plans, before or during your trip.

Hurricane travel insurance is a good idea if:

• You’re planning to travel between June 1 and November 30. Hurricanes can cause major flight interruptions. If flights are grounded or delayed, travel delay benefits can reimburse additional expenses you incur, up to the policy limit.
• Your trip includes a hurricane-prone destination. The U.S. East Coast, Mexico, and the Caribbean are prime spots for hurricanes. Even if you only have a connecting flight in one of these places, your travel plans are at risk if the weather takes a turn.
• You live in a hurricane-prone area. If storm damage makes your home uninhabitable, trip cancellation coverage can reimburse you for a trip you’re no longer able to take. Or, if a storm hits at home while you’re traveling, trip interruption coverage can help defray the extra cost of heading back early. It can also reimburse any unused prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover For Hurricanes?

Provided you bought travel insurance before the hurricane was named, your plan will cover the issues listed in your policy document. This can include trip delay, cancellation, interruption, and evacuation benefits.

Hurricane travel insurance typically covers the following scenarios:

• A hurricane warning or watch is issued for your destination
• There are mandatory evacuations at your departure city or destination
• Inclement weather causes common carrier delays
• You are called to serve in the military or as a first responder following a natural disaster
• Your primary residence is made uninhabitable by a natural disaster
• Your trip destination is made uninhabitable by a natural disaster

Every travel insurance plan is different. Make sure to read your travel insurance policy to see what coverage is included in yours. Many travel insurance companies offer a free look period that gives you several days to look over your policy and request a refund if you decide its coverage does not meet your needs.

Hurricane Travel Insurance Scenarios

Here are some common ways hurricanes can wreak havoc on travel plans, and how hurricane travel insurance can help.

Airline Or Cruise Line Delays Or Cancels Your Trip

If your airline or cruise line delays or cancels your scheduled departure due to bad weather, you may be eligible for the trip cancellation, travel delay, or trip interruption benefits in your travel insurance plan.

Most plans require the airline or cruise line to cease operations for 24 to 48 hours before coverage applies. This can help reimburse you for the unexpected, additional expenses you incur for being held in transit longer than expected.

Depending on the plan, you might be eligible for inconvenience benefits if there is a change to your itinerary. Some plans also include a missed tour or cruise connection benefit.

Your Destination Is Under A Hurricane Warning

Some travel insurance plans will have coverage that becomes eligible for reimbursement when a destination is under a NOAA-issued hurricane warning or alert.

InsureMyTrip tip: It’s important to know how detailed your travel insurance plan is regarding specific hurricane warnings and coverage eligibility. Be sure to read your policy for details.

Your Hotel Cancels Your Reservation Because Of Storm Damage

If a storm hits before your arrival date, a hotel, resort, or vacation rental may cancel your reservation because storm damage has made it uninhabitable. Travel insurance plans typically provide coverage for this.

File a claim for reimbursement if the accommodation you selected does not provide a full refund for your prepaid reservation.

Your Home Is Uninhabitable As A Result Of A Natural Disaster

If you can’t travel because you need to deal with storm damage to your primary residence, you might be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip or cut it short.

Your Destination Becomes Uninhabitable During Your Trip

If your accommodations have become uninhabitable due to a storm and you want to head home early, trip interruption benefits might help. This coverage typically provides up to 150% of your insured trip cost, which could help you to purchase a last-minute, one-way flight home.

Check if your plan also has weather evacuation coverage, which could help if a storm strikes while you’re on vacation.

What Hurricane Travel Insurance Does Not Cover

Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what’s covered. Hurricane travel insurance typically does not cover:

• Storms named before policy purchase. Once a storm is named, it becomes a “known peril” and is excluded from new policies
• Fear of travel without official warnings. Concern about potential weather without an actual NOAA warning or travel disruption is not a valid reason for canceling your trip, unless you have Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) is an optional travel insurance upgrade that allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard travel insurance. To qualify for CFAR, you must purchase the coverage within 14 to 21 days of making your initial trip deposit. The timeframe to purchase varies by plan.

CFAR allows you to cancel your trip up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason, and typically reimburses 50 to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. This can be valuable if you miss the window to purchase coverage before a storm is named.

How Hurricane Warnings Affect Travel Insurance Coverage

The National Hurricane Center (NOAA) periodically issues advisories and warnings for hurricanes. Some travel insurance plans will provide specific coverage if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning for your destination, while others have general coverage for severe weather that affects a trip.

Finding The Best Hurricane Travel Insurance

When choosing a hurricane travel insurance plan, keep these things in mind:

• Buy travel insurance as early as possible to maximize your benefits. Many policies include weather- and disaster-related cancellation coverage, but some hurricane protections only apply if you purchase the policy within 14 to 21 days of making your initial trip deposit.
• Travel insurance only covers unforeseen events. Once a hurricane has been named, it is generally too late to purchase coverage for that storm.
• Consider adding cancel for any reason (CFAR) and, if available, interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage. Depending on the policy, these add-ons may reimburse up to 50% to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs, regardless of your reason for wanting to cancel or head home early.
• Compare policies carefully. Review the specific language related to severe weather, named storms, and hurricanes. Some plans provide coverage if the NOAA Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for your destination within three days of departure. Other policies may use a shorter 24-hour window, and some may not include explicit hurricane cancellation coverage at all.

InsureMyTrip is a Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador™

As a dedicated NOAA partner, InsureMyTrip is committed to improving travelers’ readiness and responsiveness against extreme weather. The Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA, to strengthen partnerships with external organizations toward building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events.

InsureMyTrip tip: If you’re concerned about finding the right plan with coverage for NOAA warnings, please contact our award-winning customer care team for assistance getting the best plan for your unique needs and trip.

Hurricane Alley: Vulnerable Destinations

Hurricane Alley is the region of warm Atlantic waters known for its significant hurricane activity.

These destinations are vulnerable to hurricanes:

• Belize
• Bermuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Costa Rica
• Florida
• Jamaica
• Mexico
• Puerto Rico
• The Bahamas
• Turk and Caicos
• U.S. Virgin Islands

InsureMyTrip tip: Keep an eye on the weather once a tropical depression is announced, as these can quickly turn into tropical storms or hurricanes.

Tips For Traveling During Hurricane Season

With a few adjustments to your travel routine, you can adequately prepare yourself for the possibility of a hurricane affecting your trip.

• Plan ahead. Invest in travel insurance as soon as you make your first trip deposit. This might give you the option to add time-sensitive benefits and will ensure you have coverage for future storms. Read reviews from fellow travelers and compare plans all in one place to make it easier to find the best coverage to meet your personal coverage needs.
• Pack your travel insurance. We recommend you bring your plan document on your trip so you can reference how your plan can help you in any situation. At a minimum, bring the confirmation number and policy number from the insurance company, as well as the claims/emergency assistance contact information. You’ll need to reference that basic information when calling the company.
• Stay calm and call. If a hurricane impacts your trip, call the insurance company to find out the next steps for your situation. If you need any assistance with the claims process, our IMT Assist team is here to help.
• Save your receipts. Keep your receipts and document everything, in case you need to file a claim. This will help minimize potential slowdowns during the claims process.

Which Travel Insurance Has The Best Hurricane Coverage?

Many travel insurance plans on our site offer specific coverage for hurricane-related travel issues, but coverage might vary based on your state of residence. Be sure to review your plan details carefully before purchasing, or speak with a licensed agent to ensure the plan has the coverage you want.

Hurricanes And Flight Cancellations

Flight cancellation policies vary by airline and circumstance. When an airline cancels a flight due to bad weather, you’ll typically be rebooked on the next available flight.

InsureMyTrip tip: Airlines are not required to reimburse travelers for losses incurred as a result of a canceled flight caused by weather. Travelers concerned about protecting prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses should buy travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Travel Insurance Cover Hurricanes?

Yes, travel insurance typically covers hurricane-related trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions, as long as you bought the policy before the storm was named.

When Should I Buy Travel Insurance For Hurricane Season?

Buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Coverage applies only to storms that develop after your policy purchase date.

What Happens If A Storm Is Already Named?

If a storm is already named when you purchase your policy, it is considered a “known peril” and will not be covered.

Consider adding Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage to your policy as a backup option. This will allow you to cancel for any reason and get up to 50% or 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses reimbursed, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your trip.