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Will Travel Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

Most travel insurers define a natural disaster as "a large-scale extreme weather or environmental event that damages property, disrupts transportation or utilities, or endangers people, including, but not limited to, earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, or volcanic eruptions."

However, not every significant weather or environmental event qualifies as a natural disaster which will be covered as per the terms and conditions in your travel insurance plan. These nuances in coverage can sometimes be confusing. To help you navigate these details, this guide will provide a closer look at how travel insurance can protect you if your travels are affected by a natural disaster.
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Common Claim Benefits For Natural Disasters Coverage In A Travel Insurance Plan

It's important to note that coverage for natural disasters can vary depending on the insurance plan. Below are some benefits typically included in most plans. Therefore, before purchasing travel insurance, carefully read the policy wording to understand which types of natural disasters are covered.

Emergency medical and dental coverage

Emergency medical and dental coverage
Payment for medical and dental expenses if you are injured or fall ill due to a natural disaster while traveling.

Travel cancellation

Travel cancellation
You need to change your travel dates and book a new ticket for a later date after having already booked your trip.

Travel postponement

Travel postponement
You need to change your travel dates and book a new ticket for a later date after having already booked your trip.

Travel delay

Travel delay
Your departure is later than scheduled, often due to a delayed flight. Insurers define a delay as a specific number of hours, typically about 6 hours. Do note that travel (flight) delay is different from baggage delay, so it is wise to check with your travel insurance agent on what will be separately covered for your baggage in the situation of any lost or damaged baggage due to a natural disaster.

Trip curtailment/shortening

Trip curtailment/shortening
You are on your trip but must cut it short due to an unexpected event occurring during your travels.

Emergency evacuation and repatriation

Emergency evacuation and repatriation
Coverage for the cost of emergency evacuation to the nearest safe location or back home if a natural disaster makes your current location unsafe.

Accommodation coverage

Accommodation coverage
Payment for additional lodging expenses if a natural disaster makes your accommodation uninhabitable.

24/7 assistance services

24/7 assistance services
Access to a helpline for emergency assistance, including help with rebooking travel arrangements, finding medical care, and other urgent needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get travel insurance coverage against natural disasters?

There is no one “best” way to get covered against natural disasters for your overseas trips, but there are several ways you can do it, such as through your preferred travel insurance mobile app, purchasing your travel insurance via an airline or travel insurance company’s website or by contacting your insurance agent. If you prefer to do it yourself via a comparison platform like MoneySmart, you’ll be able to do a quick comparison of the best plans with suitable coverage against specific natural disasters, which are available for you.

Does my travel insurance cover unexpected expenses incurred which are related to natural disasters?

You’ll need to check with your travel insurance agent and confirm the aspects of your insurance coverage for events related to natural disasters, as such coverage can vary depending on the insurance plan. Some benefits which are typically covered in most plans include emergency medical and dental coverage, travel cancellation and postponement, travel delay or curtailment, emergency evacuation and repatriation, accommodation coverage, and 24/7 assistance services.