Allianz Travel Insurance Hurricane Coverage: What's Included

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Open suitcase neatly packed with colorful clothes and travel essentials.
Credit: pexels.com, Open suitcase neatly packed with colorful clothes and travel essentials.

Allianz travel insurance hurricane coverage can help protect your trip investment in the event of a hurricane.

If a hurricane causes you to cancel or interrupt your trip, you can file a claim for reimbursement of trip-related expenses.

Allianz's hurricane coverage includes financial protection for trip cancellations or interruptions due to a hurricane's impact on your destination.

This coverage can also provide reimbursement for travel delays, trip cancellations, or interruptions due to a hurricane's impact on your return journey.

Travel Insurance and Hurricanes

If a hurricane is predicted, you might wonder if you can cancel your cruise and get reimbursed. No, you can't cancel your cruise just because a hurricane is predicted, but if your travel carrier can't get you to your original destination for at least 24 consecutive hours due to a hurricane or severe weather event, your travel insurance can reimburse you for pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs.

If a hurricane cancels your flight, trip cancellation benefits can kick in, but you must have lost more than 50 percent of your scheduled trip due to a covered travel delay, and you must have made a good-faith effort to continue your travels.

Red seats at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, showcasing iconic stadium design.
Credit: pexels.com, Red seats at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, showcasing iconic stadium design.

If you're unsure what's covered, Allianz Global Assistance is here to help. They advise checking your plan documents thoroughly.

A foreseeable hurricane or storm is considered a known and foreseeable event once the National Weather Service issues a warning for it. Policies purchased on or after the warning date do not cover losses related to that event.

If severe weather delays or cancels your trip, your travel insurance can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable, unused trip costs if your travel carrier is unable to get you to your original itinerary's destination for at least 24 consecutive hours due to a natural disaster, severe weather, or another covered reason.

If you're planning a trip and a hurricane is forecasted to hit your destination, don't cancel your trip yet. However, if government authorities order a mandatory evacuation at your destination, or if the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or foreign equivalent issues a cyclone, hurricane, or typhoon warning at your destination, you can cancel your trip and get reimbursed.

Here are some scenarios where trip cancellation benefits can protect you in case of a natural disaster:

  • A wildfire burns down your home, and you cancel your planned vacation.
  • An earthquake severely damages your vacation rental in Mexico, and you cancel your trip.
  • A volcano erupts in Iceland, forcing your airline to cancel all flights for days, and you can't get to your original destination.
  • Your planned river cruise in Vietnam is canceled due to historic flooding of the Mekong.

However, a hurricane is forecasted to hit the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and you cancel your beach trip. This scenario is not like the others, and trip cancellation benefits will not cover you if you cancel your trip before a natural disaster actually happens.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

A Soccer Game at the Allianz Arena
Credit: pexels.com, A Soccer Game at the Allianz Arena

If a hurricane is predicted, you might wonder if you can cancel your trip and get reimbursed. No, you can't cancel your trip just because a hurricane is forecasted, but if your travel carrier can't get you to your destination for at least 24 consecutive hours due to a hurricane or severe weather event, you can get reimbursed for pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs.

If your home is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster, such as a wildfire or flood, you can cancel your trip and get reimbursed. This is because your primary residence is considered uninhabitable if a natural disaster has caused enough damage to make it inaccessible or unfit for use.

A mandatory evacuation order or a NOAA warning can also be a covered reason for trip cancellation or interruption. If government authorities order a mandatory evacuation at your destination within 24 hours prior to your departure date, or while you're on your trip, you can cancel your trip and get reimbursed.

Aerial image showing storm aftermath with damaged buildings and infrastructure in Chattanooga, TN.
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial image showing storm aftermath with damaged buildings and infrastructure in Chattanooga, TN.

Here are some covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption:

  • A natural disaster causes a 24-hour delay in getting you to your original destination
  • Your home is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster
  • Your destination is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster
  • A mandatory evacuation order is issued for your destination
  • A NOAA warning is issued for your destination

If you're already on your trip when a natural disaster strikes, your trip interruption benefits can kick in. You can get reimbursed for extra transportation expenses you incur to continue your trip or return to your primary residence.

Buying and Cancelling Insurance

You can buy travel insurance right after you book your trip, so you know you can be protected. This is the best time to purchase travel insurance, as it will cover you for unexpected events.

Travel insurance can help if you experience a weather-related trip cancellation. If severe weather or a natural disaster causes a delay, you can cancel your trip and get reimbursed for prepaid, nonrefundable costs.

A mandatory evacuation is a covered reason for trip cancellation, even if it's due to weather-related damage. If you're in an area that's been ordered to evacuate, you can cancel your trip and get reimbursed.

Explore the iconic Allianz Arena in Munich, home to FC Bayern, captured empty and sunlit.
Credit: pexels.com, Explore the iconic Allianz Arena in Munich, home to FC Bayern, captured empty and sunlit.

Here are some other weather-related covered reasons for trip cancellation:

  • A destination is uninhabitable due to weather-related damage or another reason
  • Your home is uninhabitable due to weather-related damage or another reason
  • A multi-day tour or event is canceled due to a natural disaster or severe weather
  • You or a traveling companion is called for duty due to a natural disaster or emergency

Keep in mind that benefits and covered reasons vary by plan, so be sure to read your policy documents for details and exclusions.

If a hurricane's already on the horizon, it may be too late to get travel insurance that covers potential losses. Travel insurance is designed to offer protection against sudden and unforeseen situations, not known events like a named storm.

Natural Disasters and Emergency Coverage

Natural disasters can be unpredictable and devastating, but having the right travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. If a hurricane or severe storm ruins your vacation, travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid trip costs, including flights, hotels, and tour bookings.

Travel insurance can also cover emergency medical expenses if you're injured during a natural disaster. This includes medical and dental emergencies, as well as emergency transportation to a nearby medical facility if local facilities are unable to provide adequate care.

Flooded coastal area with palm trees and an occluded path post-storm damage in Florida.
Credit: pexels.com, Flooded coastal area with palm trees and an occluded path post-storm damage in Florida.

In some cases, travel insurance can even cover trip interruption or delay benefits, which can reimburse you for unused prepaid trip costs and additional expenses for meals, accommodation, and transportation during your delay. This can be especially helpful if your travel carrier is unable to get you to your destination for at least 24 consecutive hours due to a natural disaster or severe weather.

If a natural disaster strikes while you're already on your trip, you can also rely on trip interruption benefits to help you continue your journey or return home. This can include paying for extra transportation expenses, such as flights or trains, to get you to your next destination or back home.

Here are some covered reasons for trip cancellation or interruption due to natural disasters:

  • A mandatory evacuation is ordered due to a natural disaster at your destination
  • Your destination is uninhabitable (because of weather-related damage or another reason)
  • Your home is uninhabitable (because of weather-related damage or another reason)
  • The multi-day tour or multi-day event that is the main purpose of your trip is canceled due to a natural disaster or severe weather
  • You or a traveling companion serving as a first responder is called for duty due to a natural disaster or other emergency

Keep in mind that benefits and covered reasons vary by plan, so be sure to read your policy documents for details and exclusions.

Damaged Vacation Rental or Hotel Assistance

Destruction after Hurricane
Credit: pexels.com, Destruction after Hurricane

If a severe storm damages your vacation rental or hotel, travel insurance can help.

Travel insurance can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable, unused trip costs if your destination is uninhabitable. This applies to both vacation rentals and hotels.

If your primary residence is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster, fire, flood, burglary, or vandalism, you may be able to cancel or interrupt your trip and receive reimbursement.

A natural disaster, fire, flood, burglary, or vandalism must cause enough damage to make a reasonable person find their home or destination inaccessible or unfit for use. This is known as an "uninhabitable" situation.

Timing is everything when it comes to travel insurance and severe weather. If a storm is named or identified by a forecasting entity, it becomes a foreseeable event and you won't be covered for losses related to that storm.

Policy-defined Natural Disaster

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for managing natural disasters in the United States. For an event to be declared a natural disaster, the governor of the affected state or territory must request it, either in advance or after the event. If the event has caused significant damage, the President of the United States may officially declare a natural disaster.

Drone view dramatic impact of massive hurricane on small village with destroyed cottages and uprooted trees
Credit: pexels.com, Drone view dramatic impact of massive hurricane on small village with destroyed cottages and uprooted trees

Not every major weather or environmental event counts as a natural disaster. For example, a hurricane that brings heavy rains but doesn't damage buildings may affect your vacation but not be considered a natural disaster. It's essential to understand what's covered under your policy and what's not.

To give you a better idea, here are some examples of natural disasters that may be covered under your policy:

  • Earthquake
  • Fire
  • Flood
  • Hurricane
  • Volcanic eruption

These are just a few examples, and it's crucial to review your policy documents to see what's specifically covered.

Severe Weather and Evacuation

Severe weather and evacuation can be a major concern when planning a trip to a hurricane-prone area. Government authorities may order a mandatory evacuation at your destination if a storm is forecasted to hit.

If you're traveling to a coastal area during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), travel insurance is a must. This is because you'll be covered for trip cancellation or interruption if a mandatory evacuation is ordered at your destination.

Bright green emergency exit sign with arrow in a dark industrial setting, indicating evacuation route.
Credit: pexels.com, Bright green emergency exit sign with arrow in a dark industrial setting, indicating evacuation route.

You won't be covered if you buy travel insurance after the evacuation is announced or the severe weather event becomes a foreseeable threat. It's essential to purchase a plan as soon as possible, ideally right after you book your trip.

If a government authority orders a mandatory evacuation at your destination that goes into effect within 24 hours prior to your departure date or while you're on your trip, that can be a covered reason for trip cancellation or interruption.

Here are some scenarios where you might be covered:

  • Your home is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster.
  • Your destination is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster.
  • Your travel carrier has a 24+-hour delay in getting you to your original destination.
  • A NOAA warning or mandatory evacuation is issued for your destination.

Note: You must have purchased your policy before the evacuation order or warning was issued.

Definitions and Coverage

Travel insurance can be a lifesaver during hurricane season. If a hurricane ruins your vacation, travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid trip costs and extra costs like flying back home early.

Timing is everything when it comes to buying travel insurance. If a storm is named or identified, it's considered a foreseeable event, and you won't be covered for losses related to that storm if you buy insurance after it's been named.

Aerial view of dramatic consequences of massive hurricane with ruined houses and kindling woods lying on green lawn
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial view of dramatic consequences of massive hurricane with ruined houses and kindling woods lying on green lawn

Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as a natural disaster. A wildfire that burns down your home, making it uninhabitable, can be a covered reason for trip cancellation.

However, trip cancellation benefits won't cover you if you cancel your trip before a natural disaster actually happens. But there are some exceptions: if government authorities order a mandatory evacuation, or if a cyclone warning is issued by NOAA or a foreign equivalent, you may be covered.

Here are some scenarios where trip cancellation benefits might apply:

  • Your vacation rental is severely damaged by an earthquake, making it uninhabitable.
  • A volcano erupts, forcing your airline to cancel flights for days.
  • Historic flooding cancels your river cruise.

If your travel carrier can't get you to your original destination due to a natural disaster, you might be able to make a trip cancellation claim. But you'll need to have lost more than 50% of your scheduled trip and made a good-faith effort to continue your travels.

If you're unsure about what's covered, check Allianz Global Assistance's Coverage Alerts page. Once a storm is named or a warning is issued, it's considered a foreseeable event, and policies purchased on or after that date won't cover losses related to that event.

Ruben Quitzon

Lead Assigning Editor

Ruben Quitzon is a seasoned assigning editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in finance and journalism, Ruben has honed his expertise in covering complex topics with clarity and precision. Throughout his career, Ruben has assigned and edited articles on a wide range of topics, including the banking sectors of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

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