As I write this, what began as tropical storm Hurricane Dorian has become Hurricane Dorian heading directly heads toward Florida.  Cruise lines are modifying itineraries. Airlines are allowing changes to existing reservations, waiving penalties.  Planning travel during hurricane season is a bit different than other times of the year.  Still, while hurricane season travel brings a higher incident of storms affecting itineraries it also brings some of the best pricing of the year.  That’s good enough reason to revisit the topic of hurricane season travel.

• One of the most frequently asked about topics regarding hurricane season travel: travel insurance.  Do you need it? Where should you buy it? Your first stop is not the cruise line. Here is why:
  • Go With Someone You Know- We recommend first checking with your personal insurance agent, the person who might be handling your auto, home, health or life insurance.  That already-trusted source may have a plan for you or at least get pointed in the right direction.
  • Sure You Are Not Already Covered? Also, check with your credit card company.  You may already have some coverage with that organization if travel services are purchased using their card. Assume nothing here though.  Call the number on the back of your credit card and ask “If I use this card to buy travel, is any kind of travel protection provided by the card?”  If so, check the details to be sure coverage matches needs. Basically, there is no sense paying for something you already have.
  • Consider multiple sources, not just the cruise line- Commonly recommended: consider using a third-party source rather than buying through the cruise line. The bad reason for doing this is the thought of “if the cruise line were to go broke, your insurance would be voided”. That’s not likely at all.  I seriously doubt that any of the major cruise lines are going to go out of business any time soon. Also, most cruise lines are not self-insured but offer a plan that is administered by an insurance company. In fact, many cruise line plans can be a good choice when compared to other options.

  Also To Know About Travel Insurance

  • Don’t be fooled by your destination: Superstorm Sandy was a harsh reminder that it’s not just the Caribbean and Southeastern U.S. that can feel the devastating effects of a major hurricane. Although a major weather event may only affect one geographic area, flight cancellations and airport closures can easily have ripple effects that disrupt flight schedules and travel plans for thousands of travelers across the country, as well as U.S.-based flights to and arrivals from international destinations.
  • Safeguard your trip investment: If unforeseen severe weather disrupts your plans, a travel insurance solution with trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage may cover your losses. If a trip is canceled for a covered reason, travel insurance may refund the prepaid, forfeited, non-refundable trip costs up to the limit of coverage.
  • Purchase in advance: To avoid a last-minute scramble, travelers should purchase insurance at the same time they book their travel plans. Once a hurricane is named, it’s probably too late for your travel insurance’s trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage to cover losses due to the storm.

Recommended For All Travelers

Monitor the status of airports, accommodations and driving routes: Before taking off, travelers should research the destination they plan to visit, check the websites and social media sites of hotels or air carriers to monitor real-time updates and call to ask questions directly to a company representative if needed. Travelers should also sign up to receive flight status alerts on their mobile devices to stay aware of delays and cancellations.

Prepare for delays: If the airport from which flights are scheduled to depart is closed due to a hurricane or other weather event, travel insurance may cover the expenses incurred because of the delay. Additionally, reasonable accommodations and travel expenses may be covered until travel becomes possible.

No Direct Coverage- Most Travel Insurance does not cover hurricanes, directly.  Considered “natural disasters,”  like tornadoes, earthquakes, blizzards, and severe thunderstorms, not all travel insurance plans offer coverage for weather-related events.Travel Insurance does cover disruptions to our travel caused by hurricanes

Still, We Can’t Just Change Our Minds- Travelers may not decide “Oh, I’m a bit worried about Hurricane BuzzKill ruining my cruise so I would like to cancel and get all my money back.”  That never ever works.

…And We Do Have To Pay For It- Even with a full, valid claim it will get all money back minus the cost of the insurance…a fact that puzzles many insurance buyers.

 One sure way not to worry about hurricanes affecting travel?   Skip the Caribbean and go to Hawaii, Alaska or Europe.