There is nothing more relaxing than taking a break from your hectic work life and going on an international trip. However, your excitement and trip budget can go for a toss if an unfortunate event arises. Even though you are extremely cautious during your trip—careful with your food choices, avoiding adventurous activities and keeping your belongings safe—a trip disruption due to weather is beyond your control.
Let’s discuss how travel insurance shields you from weather-related disruptions.
Travel Insurance Coverage for Weather-related Disruption
Here are some weather-related scenarios where your international travel insurance can come in handy.
1. Delayed Flights
You are waiting at the airport with your luggage when you suddenly hear an announcement that your flight has been put on standby due to the sudden change in weather conditions. In this case, the insurer will reimburse you for expenses related to necessities, such as meals, refreshments, or even hotel stays, until your flight resumes.
However, remember that with most insurers, coverage is only available if the delay exceeds 12 hours from the scheduled departure time. To claim expenses during the delay, the insurer may ask you to furnish a written statement or official notification from the airport authorities or airline operator.
2. Missed Connections
Flights on longer routes typically have at least 1-2 layovers. A layover is a break between connecting flights during a journey. It usually occurs at an airport where passengers wait before boarding their next flight.
Suppose you are flying from India to the USA and have a layover in London. However, the flight that was supposed to reach London at 4 pm arrived around 1 am due to bad weather. This delay resulted in missed connections. In such a case, the insurer will make a lump sum payment, depending on the policy’s terms and conditions. It is important to note that missed connections caused by oversleeping or other personal reasons are not covered.
3. Trip Cancellation
Poor weather conditions can also result in a trip cancellation. For example, suppose you live in one of the coastal villages in Tamil Nadu and you need to catch a flight from Chennai. However, the day before you leave for Chennai to catch your flight, a tsunami hits your village, blocking all roads and railways. Since this is unavoidable, your insurer will compensate you for the hotel bookings, flight tickets and any other non-refundable expenses.
4. Extended Delays
Poor weather sometimes results in a prolonged stay. For example, if heavy snowfall leads to blocked roads and suspended flights, you may be forced to extend your trip. In such a scenario, the insurer will assist you by reimbursing your accommodation expenses and the cost of meals up to a certain extent.
The maximum cap on accommodation is limited to the per-night charge of the previously booked room and its type.
5. Coverage for Baggage Issues
If, due to bad weather, you are stuck in traffic and are able to catch your flight at the last moment, your luggage may be loaded onto the next flight to the same destination. In such a scenario, you don’t have to stress, as the insurer will cover the cost of necessities until you recover your belongings.
Other Weather-related Coverage Benefits
1. Medical Benefits
Imagine exploring a foreign country, and suddenly, it starts raining heavily, reducing visibility and making roads slippery. In such situations, the risk of sustaining an injury due to an accident is high, and the cost of treatment could significantly strain your finances.
This is where international travel insurance comes to your rescue. It not only covers your medical bills but also ensures that if you sustain an injury in a remote location with no nearby medical facility, the insurer will help evacuate you to the nearest hospital and cover the associated charges.
In the event of death, the insurer takes care of the charges associated with the repatriation of remains.
2. Coverage for Passport
What if it is raining heavily and the passport you carry in your pocket gets soaked and torn? Being in a foreign nation without a passport can land you in serious trouble. But worry not—travel insurance ensures you receive financial coverage for obtaining a duplicate passport. The insurer also assists with the process related to obtaining a passport.
Conclusion
Disruptions caused by weather events are an unavoidable part of the travel experience. While you cannot control the weather, you can certainly control how you prepare for it.
Whether it is covering the cost of delayed flights, missed connections, hotel stays, meals or even emergency evacuations, travel insurance can help ensure you are not left financially exposed. So, the next time you plan your holiday or business trip, consider the peace of mind that travel insurance can bring.
Also, you can opt for multi-trip travel insurance if you frequently travel abroad.