Travel Insurance For Hurricane Season

Last week we reported that the Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially underway, running from June 1 to November 30 each year. Due to the many possible disruptions bad weather can cause for travelers, we also mentioned that travel insurance is an important consideration to cover cruisers during this time period. Even travelers who aren't going to a hurricane-prone destination may need insurance to protect them from delays or damages.

Our partners at Insure My Trip have prepared some information to assist you if you are considering the purchase of travel insurance for your cruise.

Top Tips For Travel Preparedness During Hurricane Season

• Plan Ahead. If you're traveling during the official season, consider buying travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This will give you access to the greatest number of options, as well as help you secure coverage before anything happens.
• Understand the "Unforeseen." Travel insurance generally only covers "unforeseen" events. In other words, if you see on the Weather Channel that a tropical storm is brewing near your destination, it's already too late to purchase travel insurance.
• Know Your Options. A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy may be a good investment during hurricane season. CFAR offers greater flexibility to travelers in choosing to cancel their plans, which can be extremely helpful when there's unpredictable weather to content with.

What To Ask When Buying Travel Insurance For Hurricane Season

• What will happen if my destination is made uninhabitable by a storm?
• What if my own home is damaged by a storm, and I don't want to leave on a trip without repairing it?
• What about delays and cancellations on both ends of my itinerary?
• Is there any insurance policy available to me that will allow me to cancel my trip because of a hurricane warning?
• Can I get Cancel For Any Reason coverage? Would it be wise for me to do so?
• If I have to interrupt my trip because of bad weather, what kind of insurance will cover the cost of my missed travels?

Do I Need Travel Insurance For Hurricane Season?

• Because of the many possible disruptions bad weather can cause for travelers, it's always a good idea to consider whether or not you may need travel insurance coverage if you're planning a trip during this time of year.

Finally, consider the following questions to determine if you need travel insurance for hurricane season.

• Are you planning to travel between June 1 and November 30?
• Are you traveling to or through any destination on the East Coast of the United States, or in the Atlantic region?
• Do you live anywhere on the East Coast of the U.S., or in the Atlantic Region, or does your flight originate there?

Image Courtesy NOAA/NASA