Atlantic Hurricane Season 2021: Travel Insurance Coverage Essential for Unforeseen Circumstances
The Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially underway, running from June 1 through November 30. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting 12 to 17 named tropical storms and five to nine hurricanes this season, travelers visiting vulnerable destinations like the southeastern US, Gulf Coast, Mexico and the Caribbean could encounter significant challenges.
Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, travelers are advised to work with trusted travel advisors and purchase travel insurance policies to cover the cost of a trip disrupted by a tropical storm or hurricane. Such policies can also cover non-refundable prepaid costs plus the additional cost of flying home early, along with emergency medical and dental benefits, emergency medical transportation benefits and coverage for delays or cancellations due to a hurricane or tropical storm.
Experts from SecureMyTrip issued a note of caution, stating that travelers must ensure that the most comprehensive travel insurance plans cover them, with the hurricane warning issued by NOAA being released 24-48 hours before the traveler’s scheduled departure. Cancellation must also be more than 14 days after the traveler’s effective date for trip cancellation coverage, meaning coverage would not be available for a traveler trying to purchase coverage 15 days or less before their departure.
Daniel Durazo, Director of External Communications for Allianz Partners USA, said that purchasing travel insurance as soon as travelers book their trips is essential during hurricane season. “What many travelers don’t realize is that once a hurricane that affects one’s destination is identified and named, it is too late to buy travel insurance. It is always smart to buy travel insurance immediately after booking your trip, so you know you can be protected,” Durazo said.
Allianz Partners processed 7,922 travel insurance claims during the 2020 hurricane season, with the vast majority stemming from Hurricane Ian and totaling over $8.6 million.
While travel insurance policies can be confusing, they are valuable in protecting travel investments during harsh weather conditions. Trish Gastineau of Simply Customized Travel recommends this optional coverage to all their clients. Gastineau also said that as soon as they notice a customer’s journey might be problematic due to a storm, they start gathering information and communicating with the travel partner’s representative or business development manager responsible for the client’s scheduled travel. “I will advocate on behalf of my client and do my best to update them in a timely manner…I know you are stressed and without information, you are most likely imagining the worst”, Gastineau added.
Travel consultants can relieve travelers’ stress by advocating on their behalf during challenging scenarios.
In summary, hurricane season is unpredictable, and travelers should work with trusted travel advisors to purchase travel insurance policies as soon as they book their trips and before any foreseeable events occur. Such policies can help protect travel investments from any weather-related travel interruptions and other unforeseen circumstances.
Source
