As the United States braces itself for the upcoming hurricane season, Australian travellers are being cautioned to take necessary precautions and consider purchasing travel insurance well in advance. The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is expected to bring about 12-17 named storms, including 1-4 major hurricanes.
In light of these predictions, World Nomads, a leading travel insurance provider, advises travellers to secure a comprehensive policy while booking their flights, hotels, and tour arrangements. It is crucial to note that travel insurance coverage becomes limited once a hurricane or natural disaster has been identified.
Christina Tunnah, General Manager of Marketing and Brands at World Nomads, emphasizes the importance of being prepared: “If a hurricane derails your travel plans, travel insurance coverage may offer protection for various events such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay. With hurricanes becoming stronger and more frequent, the risk of financial loss due to such events is on the rise.”
To ensure adequate coverage, World Nomads highlights the following scenarios:
- Cancellation or Trip Interruption: In the event of a complete cessation of travel services at your departure point due to a hurricane, you can file a claim for cancellation or trip interruption expenses.
- Uninhabitable Accommodation: If a hurricane renders your destination accommodation uninhabitable, you may be eligible for trip cancellation coverage.
- Trip Delay: If a hurricane or any other weather-related event causes a delay in your trip, you can file a claim for reimbursement of basic expenses incurred during the delay, such as transportation and accommodation costs.
It is essential for travellers to carefully review their Product Disclosure Statement, which outlines the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of their travel insurance coverage.
Moreover, World Nomads advises international visitors to the USA, especially those with connecting flights in the southern or eastern regions, to consider extreme weather conditions while travelling this summer.
To gain more information about natural disaster coverage and the specific offerings provided by World Nomads, Australian travellers can visit the help centre on their website.
As the hurricane season approaches, travellers must prioritize their safety and financial security. By obtaining travel insurance with adequate coverage, Australian visitors to the United States can minimize potential risks and enjoy a stress-free journey.
Written by: Don Power