Traveling During Hurricane Season: What NOT To Do

Hurricane season runs from June 1^st through November 30^th each year, and in 2024 there were a total of 11 hurricanes that impacted the Caribbean and U.S. Besides the untold loss of property and life that hurricanes cause to residents, this time of year can create major travel headaches as well. Whether you’re traveling south to a beach destination or catching a flight that might be impacted, it’s important to have a travel insurance policy in place. While it’s not always possible or desirable to avoid traveling during hurricane season, insurance is a must, and avoiding these pitfalls below will help keep your vacation stress-free and on track.

Mistake #1: Not buying travel insurance early enough. If there’s one tip we can emphasize, it’s purchasing travel insurance at the time of trip booking. You’ve invested hard-earned money on a vacation, so protect it from the unknowns! When you work with us, we match you with the policy that fits with your needs, which can include evacuation and medical insurance if you travel overseas. Don’t wait until a hurricane is named before attempting to buy a policy; at that point it’s too late. Insurance can also cover incidentals like lost bags, missed cruise connections, and extended hotel stays, expenses that you’d otherwise pay out of pocket in the event of a storm.

Mistake #2: Counting on your airline or credit card to cover you. Some travel credit cards include limited trip coverage, making some feel they don’t need a supplemental policy. The problem with this, though, is that coverage is usually far below what you’d actually need in a true emergency. Credit cards also won’t cover anything not purchased on that card, which can get tricky if you’re traveling with family or friends as a group. Additionally, while airlines might try to rebook you on another flight if a hurricane is imminent, don’t expect them to pay for your accommodations or other cancelled plans due to weather.

Mistake #3: Not getting enough coverage. Expenses add up fast during an unexpected event, from extended hotel stays, missing luggage, meals, and cancelled portions of your trip. Your policy should also include a minimum of $50,000 in health coverage and $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage. Understand that your U.S.-based policy may not work overseas, and this includes Medicare. Travel is an investment; protect it by correctly estimating how much coverage you need.

Mistake #4: Not knowing what your policy covers. When comparing policies, don’t assume that the more expensive one is a better fit for you. Instead, understand the specific terms of your policy. For example, most comprehensive plans include coverage for interruptions, cancellations, and delays. Terms vary, though, around what happens with mandatory evacuations or if there is a NOAA hurricane warning issued during your trip dates. A delay might also not entitle you to a full refund, but only for the part of the trip you missed. Each policy is different, and we are experienced in sorting out the pros and cons of each so you don’t have to.

Mistake #5: Overlooking hurricane season at home. Travel insurance can be useful even if you aren’t traveling to a tropical area. Perhaps you’re planning an Alaska cruise, but a hurricane impacts your local airport. Also keep in mind which airport you’re connecting through; during hurricane season, a connection through Houston, Miami, or Orlando might be riskier than Minneapolis or Denver. Even if you’re flying direct, there’s always a risk of a delayed or cancelled flight depending on where your plane is coming from. Insurance will buffer against these additional risks, regardless of what your ultimate destination is.

You can’t avoid all the unknowns when traveling, but hurricane season can certainly add extra headaches. Avoiding these pitfalls will make sure you have a backup plan in place, protecting your financial investment, so you can focus on enjoying your stress-free getaway.