Travel Insurance for Natural Disasters
For when nature intervenes.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 18 May 2022, please check the Policy Document provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 18 May 2022 please see below.
Natural disasters not only cause physical harm, they also shut down airports, wipe out accommodation, and cancel trips.
While some natural disasters are completely unpredictable, a lot of them think hurricanes, monsoons, and even volcanic eruptions often give off enough warning for you to prepare yourself so you're not caught unaware.
We consider a natural disaster the following: flood, cyclone, tornado, hurricane, typhoon, wild fire, tsunami, earthquake, landslide, avalanche, volcanic eruption. ‘Natural disaster’ does not include outbreak of disease, epidemic, pandemic, or any other event that is not specifically included in this definition.
For those policies that do cover natural disaster in one way or another, you'll need to have bought a policy before the event is known and do everything you can to minimise your expenses.
If your destination is impacted by a natural catastrophe then you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team so we are advised of the situation. If you do not comply with this condition it may impact what we pay you for your claim.
What does travel insurance cover if there is a natural disaster?
Not all of our policies cover natural disaster in the same way, and some of them exclude it altogether. If you look through the following table, you'll be able to see how the policy works for your Country of Residence.
| Your country of residence | Cancellation | Trip Interruption | Trip Delay | Medical Expenses | Baggage | 24 hour emergency assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ||||||
| New Zealand | ||||||
| Brazil | ||||||
| Canada | ||||||
| United Kingdom | ||||||
| Ireland | ||||||
| USA | ||||||
| All other countries |
Important: It's a good idea to read through the Policy Document as you go through the purchase path as there are limits on the cover depending on which plan you buy.
What’s not covered by travel insurance in a natural disaster?
- If you’re a storm chaser and put yourself in its path.
- If you don’t follow the advice of the authorities.
- If you hang around to watch what happens.
- If you buy a policy after an event becomes known.
For more information check out our article on natural disasters and read your policy carefully before you buy.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
If you’re travelling to a region that’s known for natural disasters, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
Tsunami in Sumatra.
On the night 25/10/2010 I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
Claim Paid: $2942.68
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Overseas
Take the pain out of medical costs.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transport
We'll get you to hospital in a flash
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Overseas Medical Expenses
- Emergency dental treatment
- 24 hour assistance
- Emergency medical transport & repatriation
- Cancellation costs
- Trip interruption costs
- Compassionate emergency visit home
- Resumption of trip
- Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
- Baggage delay over 12 hours
- Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
- Personal liability
24/7 emergency assistance
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
From New Zealand & Overseas:
+61 2 8263 0470 or
+61 2 8292 1470
(reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)
Within Australia (Free call): 1800 611 210
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about natural disaster travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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Can I get I get a refund on my policy if I'm not longer traveling?
If the policy is outside of its cooling off/free look/refund period, then there are no refunds for the unused portion of your policy.
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Does my policy automatically extend if I'm unable to get home?
Most policies with automatically extend. However, not all do and the extension lengths vary. So check your policy so you know how you're covered.
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I can't travel on my policy. Can it be credited for future use?
Policies can't be credited for future use. If your policy is still within the cooling off/free look/refund period, and you're not using your policy in any way, you can cancel the policy and get a refund.
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If my transport has been cancelled, will you charter an aircraft to get us out of where we are?
No. None of the policies will cover expenses to charter an aircraft.
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.