Cancellation due to Hurricane Warning: if your destination is under a NOAA-issued hurricane warning some plans recognize this as a covered reason for canceling the trip.
WARWICK – When Deepak Chopra said “All great changes are preceded by chaos,” he could have been talking about hurricanes and travel insurance. The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history with two Category 5 storms so devastating their names are instantly recognizable: Katrina and Wilma.
As a result, 2006 was a year of change for the travel insurance industry and InsureMyTrip.com. “The 2005 hurricane season was a wake up call for the industry,” explains Jim Grace, President and CEO of the online travel insurance comparison site, InsureMyTrip.com. “Prior to that time, weather-related insurance for travelers was mostly limited to protection if your airline or cruise line ceased operating due to severe weather. The damage and destruction brought on by the 2005 storms was a call to action for change, to work harder to protect people better.”
Since then, several new benefits have resulted creating insurance products that serve the practical needs of travelers impacted by hurricanes.
Cancellation due to Hurricane Warning: if your destination is under a NOAA-issued hurricane warning some plans recognize this as a covered reason for canceling the trip.
Destination made Uninhabitable: limited to just a few plans prior to 2005, this benefit which allows trip cancellation if your hotel, resort, or vacation rental is devastated by a storm, is a standard for most companies today.
Primary Residence made Uninhabitable: the wrath of Katrina reminded us it’s not just about being able to get where you’re going but also whether or not you’re able to leave if your own home sustains destructive damage.
Cancel For Any Reason: an optional benefit that supports ‘traveler’s choice’ allows you to decide whether or not to cancel your trip.
InsureMyTrip Hurricane Information Center: Since 2006 InsureMyTrip has posted important information about hurricane coverage including how it works and when to buy it. Visit InsureMyTrip.com for up-to-date information and expert assistance.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
