Travel Insurance for Natural Disasters
Find out how earthquakes, volcanoes or tsunamis may be covered by travel insurance.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- What’s covered for natural disasters
- What’s not covered by travel insurance in the event of a natural disaster?
- Claims process made simple
- FAQ’s
Natural disasters not only cause physical harm, they also shut down airports, wipe out accommodation and cancel trips. While natural disasters are unpredictable, some give off enough warning so you're not caught off guard.
While you can’t control the weather, you can do your part to insure yourself against unexpected weather events. If you don’t want to risk it, you should consider travel insurance on your next trip just in case it gets cancelled, or you become stranded overseas and need to pay for additional accommodation and flights.
What’s covered
If you’re affected by a natural disaster, you may be able to make a claim for:
- Trip cancellation: You must do what you can to minimize your expense (which may mean cancelling your booking) and notify us as soon as possible within seven days.
- Trip interruption: You can make a claim for pre-paid, non-refundable travel arrangements that you haven’t been able to use, such as flights and other types of transportation, tours and hotels.
For World Nomads policies that do cover natural disasters in one way or another, you'll need to have bought a policy before the natural disaster event is known and do everything you can to minimize your expenses.
For example, if you’re a UK resident, you’ll be covered for reasonable additional accommodation (room only) and transport costs (Economy Class) you incur during your trip, if you’ve taken out the Explorer plan and you:
- Cannot use your booked accommodation during your trip due to a natural catastrophe.
- If you need to move to the nearest place of safety due to a natural catastrophe.
Always read the policy wording as you go through the purchase path, as there are terms and conditions, limits and exclusions on the cover. Cover will depend on your Country of Residence and which plan – Standard vs Explorer – you buy.
Travel insurance tip: If your destination is impacted by a natural catastrophe or severe weather then you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible 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’s not covered by travel insurance in the event of a natural disaster?
- 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 regarding cover for natural disaster check out our Help Center article - Am I covered for a natural disaster? Just pick your country of residence in the country picker at the top of the page to access the latest information.
Claims process made simple
In the event that you need to file a claim, we’ve created this easy to follow step-by-step guide. Be sure to gather the following documentation, as it pertains to your case:
- Proof of all non-refundable, prepaid deposits or payments.
- Complete unused transportation tickets and vouchers.
- Original receipts for any expenses incurred because of the natural disaster.
- Original receipts for any new tickets.
- Invoices and original receipts from travel service providers.
If you have any questions about how World Nomads travel insurance covers natural disasters, please contact us.
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
If you’re traveling 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.
Get a quote 24/7
World Nomads travel insurance is designed to help you come unstuck in sticky situations, like when you show up, but your bags don’t. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.
Tsunami in Sumatra.
One night, 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.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?
Contact the team
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about natural disasters and insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center.
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Will I be covered if my trip is delayed due to a natural disaster?
If your trip is delayed due to a natural disaster, you may be covered for travel delay benefits. However, this will depend on the plan you purchased and your Country of Residence. Always read your policy to find out what is the minimum number of hours required there is for a trip delay. If a natural disaster delays your trip by the specified number of hours, your travel insurance plan can reimburse you for your reasonable and necessary prepaid trip expenses such as meals, hotel rooms, communication and transportation, up to the benefit limit of your plan.
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What if I change my mind about traveling to destination due to a possible natural disaster?
Unfortunately, you will not be covered if you cancel your trip due to fear of travel or just changing your mind. The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.