Key travel blunders to steer clear of during hurricane season

Vacations ... aren't they just fantastic? There’s nothing quite like escaping to a stunning tropical island in the Caribbean, Florida, or the Gulf Coast in summer or fall. A getaway can be blissful — that is, until a seasonal tropical storm or hurricane disrupts your plans. Then, a holiday can turn into a major hassle or something even more serious.

With the 2024 hurricane season expected to be exceptionally active, it’s crucial to be ready for travel during this peak time. What’s one way to mitigate the impact of a tropical storm? Travel insurance.

"Travel insurance has become a vital component of travel planning for those heading to the Caribbean or Southeast coast during the Atlantic hurricane season [from June to November]," explains Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com.

However, even if you have purchased insurance or believe your credit card policy offers coverage, many issues can still arise.

Looking to sidestep a hurricane-related hassle? Keep reading for the key travel missteps to avoid during hurricane season.

Believing that hurricane season ends in early fall

"Many people fail to understand that hurricane season extends beyond the summer months," notes Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice.

In fact, hurricane season lasts until November 30, as Godlin points out. Therefore, it's essential to monitor the weather and your travel insurance right up until early December.

Failing to purchase travel insurance before a storm is named

If there’s one crucial tip for safeguarding your vacation investment during hurricane season, it’s this: Once a storm is named, it’s too late to secure travel insurance.

There’s a significant reason for this.

"Insurance is designed to cover the unforeseen," explains Jenna Hummer, public relations director at Squaremouth (a company that compares travel insurance from leading U.S. providers), "so once a tropical storm or hurricane is named — meaning it’s considered 'foreseen' — you can no longer obtain coverage for that event."

Delaying the purchase of travel insurance during hurricane season

It’s no surprise that every travel insurance expert I consulted shared the same recommendation for travelers during hurricane-prone periods: secure your coverage as soon as you book your trip.

If you're hearing news that a hurricane is about to strike your destination or could potentially affect your home airport, you’ve likely missed your chance to insure your trip.

Believing you can cancel your trip simply because a hurricane has impacted your destination 

"A prevalent myth is that if a hurricane strikes close to your travel destination, you can cancel your trip and still receive coverage," explains Hummer.

However, just because a hurricane has impacted your planned vacation spot before your arrival doesn’t automatically entitle you to cancel and receive a refund.

Hummer states that if your hotel becomes uninhabitable — meaning it’s closed or lacks electricity and water — then you would be covered. Conversely, if the area is damaged but your hotel remains open, "You’re responsible for paying for your vacation."

Unaware of what your travel insurance policy covers

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies typically include coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions, delays, as well as lost or delayed baggage.

"Trip cancellation and interruption coverage will reimburse you for any lost or unused prepaid, nonrefundable costs if a hurricane prevents you from reaching your destination," Sandberg explains. "Many plans also offer coverage if a mandatory evacuation is issued at your destination. Some plans may even provide protection if there’s a NOAA hurricane warning at your destination during your travel dates."

Trip delay coverage will compensate you for unexpected expenses such as meals, transport, internet access, and accommodation when your flight is delayed for an extended time.

"It's important to note that trip delays are usually not considered valid reasons for cancellation, and most policies won’t reimburse you if you decide to cancel due to a delay," Godlin points out. "However, your policy may reimburse you for any part of your trip that you missed. For the benefits to apply, some trip delay clauses require a minimum delay duration, typically between four to twelve hours. Additionally, some terms may only cover delays caused by specific events, like a hurricane that impacts your destination and necessitates an early departure."

Relying on credit card insurance policies to fully cover you

Hummer notes that this is a complex issue since many travelers possess credit cards with travel benefits, including trip delay insurance, leading them to believe they are protected in the event of a weather-related incident like a hurricane.

"The downside of credit card coverage is that it tends to be quite limited, often around $5,000 for medical expenses," she explains.

This amount is significantly lower than what you might require in a genuine emergency.

"Keep in mind that your credit card will only cover expenses charged to that card," Hummer warns. "If you didn’t pay for your entire trip with that card, or if others in your group used different payment methods, you may not have full coverage."

Failing to purchase a policy that offers 24-hour customer support

If you find a policy that’s cheaper but lacks 24/7 support, it’s best to pass on it.

"Ensure you select a policy that includes round-the-clock assistance," advises Hummer.

She also mentioned that if you’re faced with an airport closure due to a hurricane, "Contact your travel insurer first; they can cover your hotel and meals while you’re waiting for the airline."

Insufficient coverage is a concern

While you don’t need to spend a fortune on travel insurance during hurricane season, it’s crucial to have enough coverage to ensure your safe return and address any emergencies.

Hummer states that your insurance package should have a minimum of $50,000 for medical expenses and $100,000 for medical evacuation.

Overlooking the possibility that a hurricane can strike at home as well

Travel insurance can still be advantageous, even if you’re not heading to a tropical destination.

"Imagine you live in South Carolina but are about to go on an Alaskan cruise," Godlin explains. "As you prepare for your dream getaway, a hurricane hits the coast and devastates your home. What options do you have? If you have travel protection and your home becomes uninhabitable, that may qualify as a valid reason for trip cancellation."

While this scenario is certainly a worst-case situation, it serves as a reminder that hurricanes can impact both your home and your travel plans, depending on where you start and where you’re headed.

Overpaying for hurricane coverage

"Opt for the least expensive policy that still meets your coverage needs," advises Hummer.

She recommends using a comparison tool and emphasizes that "paying a higher price doesn’t necessarily equate to better coverage."

Hummer explains that various travel insurance providers use different formulas and consider numerous factors, such as age and destination — often leading to price discrepancies while coverage remains the same. Therefore, ensure you secure the necessary coverage and assistance mentioned earlier and select the most affordable option.