The Hurricane Season Has Started

Beginning on June 1 and ending on November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season is now in full swing.

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that this hurricane season will feature anywhere from five to nine hurricanes and anywhere from five to seventeen named tropical storms. As a result of this forecast, the next six months could prove to be expensive for tourists who do not adequately prepare themselves before travelling to potentially hazardous locations such as the southeastern United States, the Gulf Coast, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

Given the unpredictability of weather, it's smart to consult a reputable travel expert before purchasing a travel insurance coverage that would compensate you if a hurricane or tropical storm disrupts your vacation. An expert adviser may help a customer choose the best insurance for their needs. If you wait until a storm threatens your vacation before buying travel insurance, you won't be covered. Once that happens, it's considered a "foreseeable occurrence" and probably won't be compensated.

According to Daniel Durazo, head of external relations at Allianz Partners USA, travel coverage is vital to safeguard travel capital during hurricane season.

"Weather is unpredictable and what many travellers don’t know is that once a hurricane impacting one’s destination is identified and named, it’s too late to purchase travel insurance. It's always smart to purchase travel insurance right after you book your trip, so you know you can be protected", Durazo explained.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian last year, Allianz Partners processed 7,922 travel-related insurance requests totalling more than $8.6 million.

The adequate travel insurance includes providing reimbursement for non-refundable, pre-paid costs as well as the additional cost of flying back ahead of schedule, accommodation, food, or other necessities if your return trip is postponed, as well as emergency medical care and transportation. A knowledgeable adviser may help clarify complex policy language.

Trish Gastineau, owner of Simply Customized Travel, strongly suggests this important supplemental coverage to all of the customers when it comes to purchasing travel coverage. She also notes that, although policies vary, most travel insurance plans can reimburse you if your trip is interrupted by a natural disaster like a hurricane or tropical storm. A travel agent may act as an advocate and provide stress relief as you plan your trip.

However, if the traveller is attempting to buy coverage within 14 days of the trip's departure, they will not be eligible for insurance.

 

Source: travelpulse.com