does travel insurance cover volcanic eruptions

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Travel Insurance and Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanic eruptions are natural disasters that may be covered events under Arch RoamRight travel protection plans. From minor disruptions to catastrophic events, volcanos can affect travelers around the world.

How does travel insurance work during a volcanic eruption?

There are several travel insurance benefits that may come into effect during a volcanic eruption. These include trip cancellation, trip interruption, missed connection, trip delay, political or security evacuation, or accidental death and dismemberment.

While this post can serve as a summary of products, the purchased policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage, and certain restrictions and exclusions may apply.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption due to a volcano

Trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits may be triggered in the event of a volcano if:

• Your or Your Traveling Companion’s primary place of residence or destination is made Uninhabitable and remains Uninhabitable during Your scheduled Trip, by fire, flood, or other Natural Disaster (such as a volcano) within 10 days of departure;
• You or Your Traveling Companion who are military, police or fire personnel being called into emergency service to provide aid or relief for a Natural Disaster (such as a volcanic eruption); or
• There is a mandatory evacuation ordered by local government authorities at Your Trip destination due to a Natural Disaster after the Effective Date of Your coverage. You must have 50% or less of Your Trip length remaining at the time the mandatory evacuation ends in order to cancel or interrupt Your Trip and for this benefit to be payable.

Even if your destination is not close to a volcano, such seismic activity can still affect travel plans. Many people in the travel industry can still remember the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, which significantly disrupted air travel across Europe, leaving millions of travelers stranded. Just recently in November, a KLM flight turned around due to volcanic activity in Mexico , and active volcanos in Bali have also caused flight cancellations this year.

Missed connection and trip delays as a result of volcanic activity

Missed connection covers you if you miss your trip departure because your arrival at your destination is delayed by a specified number of hours listed in your policy. Trip delay coverage provides reimbursement for additional expenses incurred during a travel delay by a specified number. These expenses may include additional hotel nights, meals and local transportation.

If a volcanic eruption is the cause of either a missed connection or a travel delay as outlined above, you may have coverage.

Security Evacuation due to natural disaster

Under Arch RoamRight’s Security and Political Evacuation coverage, you can have coverage for all reasonable evacuation expenses incurred for transportation to the nearest safe haven if you must leave your trip for a covered Political or Security event, including a natural disaster like a volcanic eruption. Following the evacuation, you can also have coverage for a one-way transportation ticket to your host or home country. It is important to note that there are a few countries that are excluded from coverage for this benefit due to ongoing security concerns. Read more about this benefit in our post, Security and Political Evacuation Travel Insurance: What is it, and what does it cover?

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

Tragically, natural disasters including volcanic eruptions can cause travelers to lose their lives or a limb.

Just last week, several tourist sadly lost their lives due to a volcanic eruption in New Zealand. At the time of the eruption, there were approximately 50 individual on the volcanic island and others severely injured, many of which were passengers on a cruise. If you have an Arch RoamRight policy and a tragedy happens, you can file an Accidental Dismemberment claim or your beneficiaries can file an Accidental Death claim under their travel insurance policy.

To purchase an Arch RoamRight travel insurance policy, visit www.roamright.com .

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.

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Travel insurance and natural disasters – what you need to know

Article contents.

Stacey Mitchell

16 June 2023 | Updated 20 October 2023 | 6 minute read

A natural disaster can significantly disrupt your travel plans, whether it’s through delays and cancellations or if you’re put in harm’s way yourself. 

Below, we explain what counts as a natural disaster, what’s covered by your policy and what’s not.

How travel insurers define a natural disaster

We refer to natural disasters as ‘catastrophes’ in our policy books . 

In insurance terms they’re classified as events that:

• were completely unexpected
• happened due to natural causes
• are unpreventable

Some of the events that fall under this category are:

• storms and lightning
• avalanches and landslides
• earthquakes
• volcanic activity (including ash cloud)
• floods, tidal waves and tsunamis 
• medical epidemics or pandemics 

Does travel insurance cover natural disasters?

It depends on the cover level you choose.  

Travel insurance with natural disaster cover compensates you for certain travel and accommodation costs if your holiday is disrupted by a natural disaster. 

Our lowest cover level (Admiral) doesn’t offer cover for catastrophes as standard, but Gold and Platinum cover includes cover for costs caused by delays or disruption because of a natural disaster.

Cancellation cover is only included if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to warn against all but essential travel to your destination before you leave.

Predicted natural disasters or ‘anticipated events’ aren’t covered. For example, a forecasted volcano eruption reported by weather officials before you leave for your trip, booked your holiday or travelled there. 

We also won’t cover you if the local or national authorities have said it’s safe to travel to or stay at your destination.

How do I know it’s safe to travel?

Look at the FCDO website for regular updates and warnings on where is safe to travel. You can subscribe to get email alerts about your chosen destination.

Our travel insurance policies won’t cover any trips where the FCDO has advised against travel.

Your airline should tell you if your flight is cancelled because of a natural disaster event.

What to do if your accommodation is uninhabitable

First and foremost, get yourself to safety and follow the advice from local or national authorities.

Next, contact and seek compensation from your accommodation provider directly. 

Your travel insurer will cover the costs if you’re forced to leave early, up to your policy limits, or the cost of alternative accommodation if you couldn’t reach your destination because of a natural disaster.

What to do if you’re stranded abroad

If your flight or other transport out of the area has been cancelled, speak to the providers directly to see what rearrangements or refunds they offer. 

Your airline must offer food and drink if there’s a delay before they can get you a replacement flight. This depends on how far you’re travelling:

As long as you’re travelling to or from a UK airport, they must provide accommodation if you’re delayed overnight.  

If your airline can’t fly you home and you can’t find one with another airline, there could be chartered flights organised by the UK government to help UK citizens get home safely. This is known as repatriation.

Check the FCDO website to find this information or contact the British Embassy in your location.

Most insurers will extend your cover if you’re stuck abroad because of a natural disaster.  

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Is a volcanic eruption covered by travel insurance?

Last Updated: December 11, 2019 January 15, 2020

A volcanic eruption meets most travel insurance provider’s definition of a covered Natural Disaster.

Travel insurance policies with coverage for Natural Disasters can provide coverage if a volcanic eruption impacts your trip. This can include Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage, as well as Travel Delay coverage.

In order for cancellation or interruption coverage to be triggered, at least one of the following requirements must be met:

• Your common carrier is delayed for a specified amount of time due to the eruption
• Your destination is rendered uninhabitable
• There is a mandatory evacuation at a your destination

In order for Travel Delay coverage, the eruption must delay your departing flight by at least 3-12 hours, depending on the policy. The Travel Delay benefit provides a daily dollar amount that can be used for necessary expenses during the delay. This amount typically ranges from $150-$200.

This information is time sensitive and may vary by policy. If you have questions about a specific policy, please contact us directly at 800-240-0369. Our customer service representatives are available from 8am to 10pm ET daily and are delighted to help.

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Travel Insurance Doesn’t Always Cover Disruptions from Volcanic Eruptions

Mount Agung's eruption has caused travel chaos in Bali. Photo: Shutterstock.com

With Mount Agung simmering on the east end of Indonesia’s Bali paradise, travel agents booking clients to any destination with volcanic activity should refresh their knowledge of how a volcano impacts travel plans and the insurance they advise their clients to take.

This year, many destinations have witnessed more volcanic activity, including Sicily and Costa Rica .

In the case of Bali, the Denpasar airport was closed for two full days this week due to the ash and smoke that jeopardized the safety of aircraft flying in the region. As a result, more than 1,000 flights have been canceled and tens of thousands of tourists trying to head home were stranded, needing overnight accommodations and facing other expenses. Similarly, passengers heading to Bali for vacation had their trips shortened or canceled outright due to the lack of inbound air service.

On social media, many travelers from outside the U.S. stranded on the island were complaining that their travel insurance companies would not pay for any of their expenses because unbeknownst to them, the insurance companies had declared Mount Agung’s activity a “known event” in September, when the volcano first started rumbling.

Other insurance companies made the cutoff date this Saturday, when Mount Agung began erupting after a relatively quiet period. In a tweet to Travel Market Report, BHTP said that it would pay for claims for insurance coverage “purchased prior to 11.25.2017.”

“Volcanoes are one of the hardest things for travel insurance companies to deal with,” said Daniel Durazo, director, communications, USA, for Allianz Global Assistance. Allianz declared the volcano a known event on Nov. 27, and according to Durazo, his company has received “a handful” of calls from clients, and that “one or two claims” had been filed for reimbursement.

As Durazo explained, volcanoes can spew ash and smoke for “days, weeks or months. When does that cross the line to an imminent eruption” and trigger an insurance company to declare “a known event?” he said.

When Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano in southern Iceland, suddenly erupted in April 2010, hundreds of thousands of flights were canceled and millions of airline passengers were stranded for about eight days as smoke and ash blanketed Europe and the North Atlantic, making airline travel perilous.

“Most of the claims travelers made in 2010 were for travel delays, paying for additional food, transportation and lodging,” Durazo said.

Durazo recommends that travelers and travel agents call ahead to their insurer if they are traveling to a destination where there has been known volcanic activity, to understand if a “known event” has been declared. They also should determine what their policy covers, as different plans have different limits

For example, on Allianz’s most popular coverage, its “Classic” plan, the policy limit for travel delays is $800, with a daily limit of $200. The coverage pays for “additional accommodation/travel expenses and lost prepaid expenses due to a covered departure delay of six or more hours.” On its “Basic” plan, Allianz will only pay out a maximum of $300, with the daily limit being $150.

Another gray area is for travelers in the middle of their Bali vacation, but looking to leave because they fear for their safety. Currently, in Bali the government is only evacuating people in a zone about six miles from Mount Agung.

If a traveler vacationing in one of the popular resort communities 30-40 miles away from Mount Agung sought to be evacuated by their airline and make a claim to their insurance company, they very likely would not be reimbursed for any non-refundable elements of their shortened trip.

“Travel insurance doesn’t typically evacuate for non-medical reasons,” Durazo said.

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What to Do if You Experience a Natural Disaster Abroad

What is a natural disaster? Insurers often define a natural disaster as a damaging event caused by weather or geological forces. Natural disasters include tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires. Some insurers consider large storms, hurricanes, and typhoons, to be natural disasters: others call them bad or inclement weather.

Some natural disasters are famous for both their severity and their impact on travelers. In 2010, an Icelandic volcano eruption delayed hundreds of thousands of flights. In 2004, a deadly tsunami swept Southeast Asia, and the dead included many travelers. For these unexpected situations, travelers can help themselves with comprehensive travel insurance.

Are Natural Disasters Covered by Travel Insurance?

Yes, natural disasters are covered by good travel insurance policies . Here are examples of how travel insurance can help you in a natural disaster.

• You evacuate in a natural disaster: travel insurance covers your evacuation costs.
• A natural disaster leads to delays in your travel: trip insurance covers reasonable expenses for several days while you are delayed.
• You are injured in a natural disaster: travel health insurance covers your health care and repatriation.
• A natural disaster leads to cancellation of a trip you have planned and paid for: trip cancellation insurance covers a value or a percentage of your trip costs, often up to 100%.

All types of travel insurance have limits for natural disasters, including the right to refuse coverage if you do something high-risk or don’t listen to travel warnings. Check a travel insurance policy to learn more about its natural disaster definitions and coverage. Sometimes you can add an adventure sports rider to extend your coverage for riskier activities.

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Before You Travel, Get a Safety Contact and Pack Wisely

When you get caught in a natural disaster, the simple things you do “just in case” of travel emergencies also help you when you get caught in a natural disaster. Here’s how to prepare to travel safely.

Ask a friend or family member to be your safety contact back home. Usually, you send them messages when you arrive safely and when you depart or change places. If you are caught up in a natural disaster, they can be a crucial contact, letting others know if you need help.

Printouts are a good way to view and share your travel details. Printouts are secure because they don’t rely on your devices being charged or having Internet access. Bring printouts of your important travel information: tickets, reservations, and a travel schedule with phone numbers, emails, and addresses. It’s very helpful to leave copies of these for your safety contact.

Finally, even if you are going to an all-inclusive tropical resort, bring one practical outfit of clothing and comfortable walking shoes. This can be your travel outfit. This outfit will be what you want to wear in a natural disaster. It’s also useful to bring a travel medical kit.

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From the United States? Sign Up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is an easy way for U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This helps the Embassy, and your friends and family in the U.S., contact you if a natural disaster happens. When you sign up for STEP, you can use the Smart Traveler app to get updates right away

STEP can let you know about evacuation efforts or provide news and safety information in a natural disaster.

Warned About a Natural Disaster? Get Prepared

When traveling, you may learn that your area is at risk of a natural disaster. Locals prepare for these natural disasters, and you can, too. Here are easy ways to prepare and travel safely around these warnings.

Stay Informed and Connected

• Find a local source for news and weather. Often people check the news less, differently, or not at all while traveling.
• Sign up for apps connected with your airline or transport.
• Update social media with your status once a day and check in with your safety contact back home.
• Keep your phones, other devices, and travel batteries charged.

Pack and Prepare

Prepare a “go bag.” This is one bag with your most important items: passports, insurance records, tickets, medications, devices, snacks, and drinks. The idea is that this bag is easy to grab and take if you need to leave in a hurry. Every person on the trip can have their own go-bag.

Other ways to pack and prepare are:

• If you have a vehicle, keep it charged or fueled.
• If you have extra travel batteries for devices, keep them charged.
• Get print maps of your area as a backup.
• Get cash – when power goes out, many areas lose the ability to use bank cards.
• Buy portable snacks and drinks, enough so that if you need to skip two to four meals, you’ll be okay.

When to Cut a Trip Short

Reliable warnings around natural disasters are good reasons to cut a trip short or to change where you are traveling. When in doubt, just get out. Keep records of warnings to share with your travel insurer if necessary.

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In a Natural Disaster, Stay Calm and Connected

What if you are unlucky while traveling, and you are there when a natural disaster strikes? These tips will help you in any natural disaster while you travel.

First, stay calm and informed. Watch or listen to the news. And contact your embassy or consulate: their website and phone line may have advice. With STEP, you may get announcements on your phone or via email.

Contacting airlines is notoriously difficult during natural disasters. Your airline may send you messages about your flights via text messaging or the airline’s app. If you are traveling with a companion, family, or friends, designate one of you to try and contact your airline and give them everyone’s booking numbers.

Stay together with your travel companions. If you are separated, it can be hard to reunite or to get help around a missing companion.

A natural disaster may be dramatic, but it is not a time to sightsee. As a visitor during a natural disaster, you are a liability. If your lodging has hosts, ask them for advice. If they are evacuating, ask to follow them. Don’t try to get close to the disaster, either to take photos or to “try and help.” Most travelers can best help by keeping themselves and their companions safe and out of the way.

Sometimes, natural disasters take a while to pass, or you may be stuck somewhere because of them. Travel insurance can help you with coverage of costs. When you are waiting, do your best to stick to a routine, including regular meals. It may be tempting to overindulge in a few extra beers or cocktails: resist that temptation. If things get worse quickly, you need to act fast and sensibly.

How to Stay Safe Around Natural Disasters

Some natural disasters are unusual. Others are location-specific, like earthquakes in the Pacific Ring of Fire. You may not have experience with some natural disasters, but not others. These guidelines can help you stay safe when the extreme happens.

What To Do When a Storm Happens While Traveling

Find a protected indoor location to wait out the storm during a storm. If you are in an isolated location, or on a small island, get to a more central place or the nearby mainland. If you are told to leave a storm area, go earlier rather than later. Driving unfamiliar roads during a storm is highly stressful, and boat rides in choppy waters are both uncomfortable and dangerous.

Some storms may include tornadoes. Like the American Midwest, areas with tornadoes may have specific tornado shelters for you to use.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Storms?

Travel insurance can help cover travel problems caused by storms: delays, damage, extended stays, and injuries. To find out what is covered by your policy, search it for the terms storm , hurricane , typhoon, bad weather , or inclement weather .

It’s important to listen to storm warnings and follow official recommendations. If you act irresponsibly and ignore storm warnings, you may invalidate your insurance coverage.

What To Do When a Flood or Tsunami Happens While Traveling

You need to get to higher ground or to a high point inside a building during a flood or tsunami. Keep away from large bodies of water and flood locations. If you are in a beachside hotel and there is a tsunami warning, it’s time to evacuate – whatever time of day or night it is.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Floods or Tsunamis?

Because they are related to earthquakes, Tsunamis are usually covered as a natural disaster. Floods may or may not be covered, depending on the policy and whether they are caused by weather or by a geologic event.

What To Do When a Wildfire Happens While Traveling

During a wildfire, also known as a “forest fire” or “bushfire” in some countries, evacuate as instructed. Leave a building; leave an area; leave immediately and quickly.

You may see local people staying, not evacuating. They may be trying to save property or buildings or be part of a local emergency response. The best thing you can do to help them is to leave.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Forest Fires?

Insurance may cover forest fires as a natural disaster, especially if caused by lightning or another natural disaster. If in doubt, keep records of a local state of emergency or other travel crises caused by the forest fire.

Especially in Australia, you likely will not be covered if you travel to an area with a known forest fire (bushfire) in progress. If you do this, you may invalidate your insurance coverage. But if there is a forest fire ongoing in your destination and mandatory evacuations are taking place, you usually have grounds to cancel your trip under trip cancellation coverage.

What To Do When an Earthquake Happens While Traveling

During an earthquake, either get outside or take shelter under a sturdy table. Wait for the shaking to stop before you move. If you are in a high-rise building, the building’s health and safety team may come and get you.

Most earthquakes are moderate. Moderate earthquakes still lead to power outages, fuel supply disruptions, and tsunami flooding. There may also be aftershocks or more earthquakes. Train lines may be shut down to check the tracks, and roads or bridges may be damaged or closed.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Earthquakes?

Travel insurance almost always covers earthquakes as a natural disaster. If the location you were traveling to has just had a severe earthquake, this is a reason to cancel a trip and receive trip cancellation reimbursement.

What To Do When a Volcano Erupts While Traveling

During a volcanic eruption, find a protected indoor location. If you are near or visiting the active volcano and it begins to rumble, get away immediately! Volcanic eruptions happen in an instant, and in unexpected locations.

Volcanic eruptions may come with earthquakes. Along with all the disruptions for earthquakes, flights and travel are canceled due to ash and fumes, sometimes for weeks.

Some tourists seek to visit active volcanoes. When this goes wrong, those tourists (or their survivors) are often unpleasantly surprised to learn they are not covered by travel or life insurance. That is because visiting an active volcano is a risky choice.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Volcanic Eruptions?

Most travel insurance covers volcanic eruptions (and hydrothermal events) as a natural disaster. As with forest fires and quakes, you’ll invalidate your coverage if you visit an area with active volcanic eruptions.

If you are warned about a possible natural disaster, and it doesn’t come to pass, then relax and enjoy your travels. Hopefully, all that happens is you end your trip with a bag of extra snacks!

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Does Travel Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

While travelers can purchase travel insurance plans up to the last minute before leaving on their trip, claims for losses due to natural disasters that are known events are never covered.

What’s a known event ?

• When a snow storm is forecasted, it’s a known event.
• When the hurricane is named, it’s a known event.
• When a volcano eruption starts, it’s a known event.

This is, as you might imagine, a feature of insurance – it only covers those things that haven’t happened but are likely to cause serious harm or financial losses IF they do happen. This is why we buy insurance to cover our homes, our cars, and … our trips. It’s also why we recommend that you buy your travel insurance early .

A natural disaster is typically defined by travel insurance plans as “a flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, volcanic eruption, blizzard, or avalanche that is due to natural causes.” But it’s important to note that not all of these disasters are included in every plan’s description of coverage. Some travel insurance plans specifically exclude events like volcanic eruptions and avalanches, for example, classifying them as ‘acts of God’ instead.

It’s important to note that a natural disaster is defined differently than bad weather – see how travel insurance covers bad weather .

Travel insurance coverage for natural disasters

Most travel insurance plans cover natural disasters with these coverage options:

• Trip cancellation and trip interruption – benefits will be paid if mandatory evacuation or official public evacuation orders are issued due to natural disaster, or a natural disaster renders your principal residence or destination residence uninhabitable. It also covers cancellation or interruption of your place of employment is rendered unsuitable for business and you’re required to work.
• Non-medical emergency evacuations (also called security evacuations) – if a formal recommendation is issued from local authorities, or the US State Department , for you to leave the country due to a natural disaster.
• Missed connections and trip delays – if you miss a cruise or tour or are delayed more than a defined number of hours as a result of a natural disaster, benefits will be paid to reimburse your unexpected trip expenses and additional transportation costs.
• AD&D and medical/dental care – if you are injured or killed while traveling as a result of a natural disaster, benefits will be paid to reimburse you, the medical facility who treated you, or your beneficiaries up to the travel insurance plan limits.
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation – if you are injured while traveling on a covered trip and require medical treatment that cannot be administered locally, your travel insurance provider will coordinate and pay for you to be evacuated to a medical facility where you can be treated. If you are killed while traveling as a result of a natural disaster, the travel insurance provider will coordinate and pay for your body to be returned home.

Limits on travel insurance cover for natural disasters

As with all insurance plans, travel insurance places limits on the coverage it will pay out for natural disasters. Specifically:

• Trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits are paid only if the traveler will lose at least 50% of their trip due to the mandatory evacuation orders.
• If your destination is adversely affected by the storm, it must be uninhabitable in order to make a claim – not simply that it wasn’t as you expected or the pool was damaged (in that case, it’s the travel supplier’s responsibility to make it up to you).
• Non-medical emergency evacuation coverage pays for all reasonable expenses incurred for your transportation to the nearest place of safety .
• All coverage includes maximum limits that place a cap on the amount the travel insurance company will pay – anything over that amount will come out of the traveler’s pocket.

It’s important to understand that every travel insurance plan varies according to the travel insurance provider’s definitions and reading the plan carefully is the only way you’ll know exactly what coverage you have for natural disasters.

DamianTysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

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Are You Covered in Case of Volcanic Eruption?

• April 22, 2012
• Travel Insurance Topics

I was wondering what your policy is regarding the active volcano on Iceland.  Would we be covered if the volcano becomes quite active before we are to leave and may lead to travel disruptions?  If we are not comfortable flying there, but Iceland Air is still flying, would we be able to file a claim?

If you are planning travel to locations such as Iceland, Mexico, Ecuador, or anywhere that volcanic activity has disrupted travel in the recent past, then travel insurance is certainly a good idea. However, it’s important to know the extent of your policy coverage and when you might not be covered.  There are four major issues that are all treated differently when it comes to travel insurance for volcanic activity:

• Delays or cancelation due to an eruption
•  Mandatory public evacuations
• Pre-existing travel problems due to an existing volcanic eruption
• Dealing with travel anxiety when your travel carrier is still traveling.

Most insurers cover volcanic interruptions, flood and most natural disasters under the classification of bad weather. If your policy covers interruptions or cancellation due to bad weather, and your trip is forestalled by a volcanic eruption, your travel insurance would cover it.  Eleven of the policies on TripInsurance.com cover bad weather as a feature of the cancellation and travel delay coverage.

Some premium policies also cover mandatory evacuation.  Our US Fire Better plan (Gold) and Best plan (Platinum) provide coverage for “mandatory evacuation due to bad weather or natural disaster.”  If a government agency declares the area you are visiting a disaster area and orders an evacuation, you are covered for any financial loss, particularly the cost to return home.  There is a distinction here because most coverage is triggered by a travel delay due to “bad weather.”  What if the weather isn’t delaying traffic, but a government agency believes that a natural disaster will hit soon, and orders your vacation area to evacuate.  This policy enhancement gives you extra protection in the event that a government action affects your vacation.

We always tell our customers to buy travel insurance as soon as possible after they make their initial deposit for their trip, and preferable within fourteen days.  You can only insure unforeseen risks, or in other words, problems you don’t already know about.  If a volcano is already shutting down airports across Europe, and you go to buy travel insurance after you already know about the problem, you won’t be covered for that particular disaster.   When it comes to hurricanes, if you buy a policy after they have already named the hurricane, you won’t have coverage for that particular bad weather problem.  If you file a claim, the claims department will compare your purchase date against the date the hurricane was named, or the volcano erupted, to see if the coverage would apply.  Because no one can predict when these problems will come up, it is best to buy the travel insurance as quickly as possible to make sure new problems will be covered.

No insurer will cover a travelers’ anxiety. If there is a natural disaster that affects your destination or a stopover and the airlines are still flying, and there has been no order for public evacuation, you won’t be covered for bad weather or natural disasters if you choose not to travel.   For example, the volcanoes in Iceland are particularly active, and blanket the town you plan to visit with health threatening ash, but the airline is still travelling, and your hotel is still open.  In this case there is no covered reason for cancellation or travel delay.  More commonly, the Caribbean Island you a planning to visit is hit by a hurricane 6 weeks before your vacation, and is stripped of all vegetation.  By the time your trip starts, the airlines are flying, and the hotel and town is open, but the island looks like a bomb has hit it.   You want to cancel your vacation because you know it’s not going to be a lot of fun down there.  Normally you are not covered for this under bad weather.   You can get coverage for this kind of scenario if you elect to buy Cancel for Any Reason Coverage.  All of TripInsurance.com’s Best plans offer Cancel for Any Reason options that will typically cover 75 percent or more of the non-refundable costs of the trip. The usual provision is that you need to insure the entire non-refundable portion of the trip and buy your travel insurance within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

It is important to remember that you can only claim a financial loss.  If your vacation is a disaster, but you don’t suffer any financial loss, you can’t file a claim just because you had a miserable time.  Buying Cancel for Any Reason coverage will give you the option to not go on the vacation if you think you will have a miserable time.

It is important to compare travel insurance policies to make sure that you are covered for bad weather, and that they don’t exclude any specific natural disasters.   You can be covered if the unexpected occurs, such as a volcanic eruption if you buy your insurance from TripInsurance.com.

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Volcanic eruption coverage

A primer on volcanoes and insurance, in this article.

• ">What's covered
• ">What isn't covered

What to do after a volcano eruption

Active volcanoes in the u.s..

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A volcanic eruption is one of nature’s most destructive forces, and can result in damage or destruction to homes, businesses, transportation and agriculture.

What's covered

• Most home, renters and business insurance policies provide coverage for property loss caused by volcanic eruption when it is the result of a volcanic blast, airborne shockwaves, ash, dust or lava flow. Fire or explosion resulting from volcanic eruption also is covered.
• Homeowners and business owners’ policies also provide coverage for property damage, vandalism or theft due to looting if the occupants are displaced.
• There is typically a 72-hour waiting period before business interruption coverage kicks in.
• Damage to vehicles caused by lava flow is covered under your auto insurance policy if you have comprehensive  coverage, which is optional. Direct, sudden damage to engines from volcanic ash or dust is also covered under most policies.  

What isn't covered

• Most home, renters and business insurance policies do not cover damage from earthquake, land tremors, landslide, mudflow or other earth movement regardless of whether or not the quake is caused by or causes a volcanic eruption. Earthquake insurance is available from private insurers as an endorsement to a homeowners policy, and in California from the California Earthquake Authority , a privately funded, publicly managed organization.
• Damage to land, trees, shrubs, lawns, property in the open or open sheds (or the contents of those sheds) is typically not covered.
• The cost to remove ash from personal property is generally not covered unless the ash first causes direct physical loss to personal property. There is also no coverage to remove ash from the surrounding land. 
• there is direct physical damage resulting in suspended operations;
• there is physical damage to other property that prevents customers or employees from gaining access to the business;
• the government shuts down the area, preventing customers or employees from gaining access to the premises. 
• Damage that occurs to homes, businesses or vehicles over time due to volcanic dust is not covered under most policies.
• Volcanic Effusion (i.e. volcanic water and mud) is not covered under a typical homeowners, renters or business insurance policy. However it is covered by flood insurance, available through the National Flood Insurance Program .  
• Remove ash and dust from the roof of your home as soon as it is safe to do so. Ash is heavy and can cause damage to your roof or gutters if allowed to accumulate.
• Avoid prolonged driving in airborne or accumulated volcanic ash. Volcanic ash or dust can cause severe damage to your engine.
• If your vehicle is exposed to heavy volcanic ash, change your air filter and have the vehicle checked by a qualified auto mechanic as soon as possible.
• Remove ash from your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Prolonged exposure to volcanic ash and dust can chemically damage the paint and glass.
• Do not wipe or brush the ash or dust that accumulates on your vehicle or windows. Volcanic ash is very abrasive and can easily scratch your vehicle. Carefully wash the ash from your vehicle with a stream of water from a garden hose.  

Active volcanoes in the United States are found mainly in Hawaii, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest. For example, Mount St. Helens in Washington State erupted on May 18, 1980, causing an estimated $31 million in insured losses, according to Munich Re. The eruption killed 57 people and wrought dramatic changes to the landscape. Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Washington’s Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network maintain constant watch for signs of renewed activity at Mount St. Helens. Of all the active volcanoes in the U.S ., the USGS says it is the most likely to erupt again . Should such an eruption occur, projections show that ash from Mount St. Helens could ascend as high as 20,000 feet and drift as far away as California. Searing hot magma from such an eruption would melt ice and snow, possibly triggering flash floods and mudflows.

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Natural Catastrophe Cover

Travel insurance cover for disruption caused by hurricanes, fire, flood & volcanic eruptions.

Natural catastrophe cover from Total Travel Protection is an optional extra which can be added to any of our travel insurance policies.

It provides extra travel insurance cover for cancellation and unexpected additional expenses caused by a catastrophic natural event, which is unknown and unforeseen at the time you purchased your travel insurance or booked your holiday, whichever is the latter.

The following natural events are covered:

• volcanic eruption

Natural catastrophe cover is available to add to any of your Silver, Gold or Platinum policies and includes the following cover:

Cover for cancellation up to £1,500 per person

Provides cover for any part of your outward, onward, return journey or whole trip which is cancelled due to a natural catastrophe.

Additional expenses to enable you to return home up to £150 per day (£1,500 in total) per person

Provides cover for reasonable additional accommodation (room only) costs and transport expenses, up to the standard of your original booking, to enable you to return home if the public transport you are booked on is cancelled or delayed due to a natural catastrophe and an alternative is not provided within 24 hours, or in the case of connecting transport, not provided within a time frame that allows you to continue with your original itinerary

Please note: Cover does not apply if your holiday forms part of a tour operator's package. In this instance it is the responsibility of your tour operator to look after you and get you home.

Terms and conditions apply: The full terms and conditions of this cover are available to view when you are choosing which options to add to your policy. They will also be sent to you when you purchase cover.

Natural catastrophe cover can be added to our Gold and Platinum policies

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Iceland volcano: Will your travel insurance cover you?

Air passengers have been warned they could face a summer of delays as a result of the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano. The first wave of disruptions exposed all kinds of problems for consumers, so what can you expect if you are affected later this year?

What happens if my flight is cancelled?

It depends where you were flying to and from, and where the airline you were planning to use is based. Under European law, if you are planning to fly from within the EU or back to a country in the EU on an EU-based airline it is obliged to offer you a choice: you can either cancel your booking and get a refund or rebook on a new flight.

The refund should be made within seven days (although some passengers who had flights cancelled in December's bad weather were still waiting for their money several months later); rerouting should occur as soon as possible unless you agree to reschedule for a later date.

While you wait for your new flight you are entitled to meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation (if necessary), transport between airport and accommodation, and two free telephone calls. In April, Ryanair had to back down on plans to wriggle out of paying these costs.

What if I am flying from outside the UK on a non-EU airline?

If you are flying back to the UK from outside the EU on an airline based outside the EU – for example, you are flying from New York to Heathrow on American Airlines – the rules do not apply.

The Air Transport Users Council says many airlines will provide refreshments or overnight accommodation for passengers whose flights have been cancelled or are subject to a long delay, or transfer passengers to other flights, but very few will voluntarily pay compensation.

What if my flight is delayed rather than cancelled?

If your flight is delayed you could be entitled to meals and refreshments, and may be able to get a refund if the delay is more than five hours. If the delay goes beyond 12 hours your travel insurance should offer a payout. Saga's policy offers £35 on a 12-hour delay and a further £15 for each 12 hours thereafter, up to a maximum of £215. However, you must have checked in for the flight to be able to claim.

What if my flight is part of a package deal?

You should be given the same options. If the alternative flight offered by the airline will make a big difference to your holiday – for example, you are only going for three days and they are offering to fly you the day after your scheduled departure – you are entitled to cancel the whole deal and get a refund.

The advantage of booking a package holiday is that the whole deal is covered by regulations which mean that if you are unable to reach your hotel, that will be refunded at the same time as your flight.

Will I get compensation?

European law says if you are travelling within the EU or on a EU airline, you will be entitled to compensation if you are delayed except in "extraordinary circumstances". It seems pretty likely that airlines will be able to argue that delays resulting from the Icelandic volcano could not have been anticipated or prevented.

What if I booked a car and a hotel at the other end – will I lose out?

You won't get a payout from the airline if you have to cancel transport or accommodation at your destination, but you may not lose money. In the first instance you should contact the hotel or car hire company and see if you can change your plans or arrange a refund. If this does not yield results, contact your travel insurer.

Will my travel insurer pay up?

It depends on your insurer's small print. After the April disruption some insurers did agree to offer a payout – these included RBS and its associated brands Direct Line, Churchill, and NatWest; HSBC; and Biba.

Some insurers may still offer payments on policies bought before the initial problems began – for example, annual policies. However, most are now refusing to offer cover on policies bought since April's disruption.

Direct Travel Insurance is one insurer which says it will provide protection in some circumstances. A spokeswoman explains: "If the Spanish airports were closed today, you were planning to fly to Spain tomorrow and purchased a policy from us today then tried to claim because your flight had been cancelled, it is likely that your claim would be rejected.

"However, if you bought a policy today for your holiday in July and your travel plans were affected by volcanic ash, it is likely that the claim would be paid as you couldn't reasonably know now that your plans would be affected in July."

Will insurance cover extra spending while I am stuck abroad?

Again it depends when you bought your policy and on the small print. If your airline offers to pay for accommodation the travel insurer will not do so too. If it has not, you may be able to make a claim.

What if my policy runs out before I get back?

The Association of British Insurers says that if you bought a single-trip policy your insurer will extend cover until you get home, usually up to a period of a month.

What about all the charges I rack up when I withdraw cash?

In April, some banks put arrangements in place to help customers stranded abroad and agreed to refund any charges for ATM withdrawals and to consider requests for overdraft and credit card limit extensions. If you need to contact your bank to check its stance, the number should be on the back of your debit or credit card.

Should I make alternative travel arrangements?

If you have booked an air ticket or holiday it's too late to change your mind. Unless you have a flexible ticket, your airline is not obliged to refund you if you choose to change your travel plans, and your insurer will not compensate you for a ticket you buy which goes unused.

What can I do if I am stuck abroad and my car is in an airport car park?

In April several car park operators said they would not use the delays as an opportunity to sting drivers for more feesand would honour the original charges as long as passengers could show evidence of when they were originally due back. Hopefully they will do the same again in future.

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• Consumer rights
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Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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Antarctica is covered in volcanoes, could they erupt?

Antarctica's western ice sheet alone contains 138 volcanos.

Antarctica is perhaps best known for its endless expanse of ice and snow. But what many people don't realize is that hiding beneath its frosty facade are dozens of volcanoes .

In fact, under the continent's massive western ice sheet sits what is considered the largest volcanic region on Earth, with as many as 138 volcanoes. Of those volcanoes, 91 were first discovered as part of a 2017 study published in the journal Geological Society .

So, could any of Antarctica’s volcanoes erupt on the southernmost continent? For geologists, this question is both easy and hard, depending on the volcano.

While these volcanoes, which are surface expressions of heated material leaving Earth's interior, are considered young as far as volcanoes go, scientists were unable to "distinguish whether or not [they] are volcanically active," the study authors wrote.

Currently, there are only two volcanoes on the ice-covered continent that are classified as active: Deception Island, a horseshoe-shaped land mass north of mainland that's part of the South Shetland Islands; and Mount Erebus, the highest peak on the continent with a summit topping out at 12,448 feet (3,794 meters). It's considered the world's southernmost active volcano.

"Erebus, which looms over the McMurdo research base on Scott Island, has been continuously erupting since at least 1972," Conor Bacon , a postdoctoral research scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University in New York, told Live Science in an email.

Related: Where are most of the Earth's volcanoes?

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Since then, Mount Erebus has been known to "emit plumes of gas and steam" and even occasionally spew out rock "bombs," which collectively are known as strombolian eruptions, according to NASA Earth Observatory .

"One of its most interesting features is the persistent lava lake that occupies one of [its] summit craters, where molten material is present at the surface," Bacon said. "These are actually quite rare, as it requires some very specific conditions to be met to ensure the surface never freezes over."

Deception Island, on the other hand, is the caldera of an active volcano, which last erupted in 1970, according to the Deception Island Antarctic Specially Managed Area , which monitors the island for volcanic activity. (The island is currently classified as "green," with no eruption anticipated.) 

Despite there being only two active volcanoes on the continent, Antarctica is speckled with fumaroles, volcanic vents that release gases and vapors into the air. If conditions are right, accumulation from these vents can create deposits known as fumarolic ice towers that reach heights of 10 feet (3 m).

Although scientists are constantly monitoring Antarctica's volcanoes with instruments, it can prove challenging to predict when exactly one might erupt next. In other words, besides the two active volcanoes and the various fumaroles, it's hard to say if any of the continent’s other volcanoes might erupt. 

— Is the Yellowstone supervolcano really 'due' for an eruption?

— What was Earth's biggest explosion?

— Why are some glaciers blue?

Mount Erebus and Deception Island alone only "have a small number of permanent monitoring instruments," Bacon said. "These networks primarily consist of seismometers to detect seismic activity associated with volcanic unrest. From time to time, researchers will deploy more extensive networks of instruments to conduct specific studies, but this naturally comes with a huge number of logistical challenges when compared to the many, far more accessible, volcanoes elsewhere in the world."

Another challenge awaits scientists, he added. "In addition to logistical challenges, the permanent installations need to be rugged enough to survive the harsh conditions and long polar nights," Bacon said.

Jennifer Nalewicki is a Salt Lake City-based journalist whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics and more. She covers several science topics from planet Earth to paleontology and archaeology to health and culture. Prior to freelancing, Jennifer held an Editor role at Time Inc. Jennifer has a bachelor's degree in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.

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How can I get homeowners insurance after nonrenewal?

You still have rights — and options — if your insurance company drops you..

When your homeowners insurance policy reaches the end of its term, your carrier may decide not to renew. A nonrenewal notice can be concerning, especially if coverage is required as a condition of your mortgage . But there are still ways to get covered: You may be able to get your carrier to reconsider or find another insurance company that meets your needs.

Here's what you need to know if your insurance has been canceled or nonrenewed.

What we'll cover  

• The difference between nonrenewal and cancelation
• Common reasons for homeowners insurance terminations  
• What to do if your homeowners insurance is nonrenewed  
• How to get a new homeowners insurance policy after a nonrenewal
• Bottom line  

Find the best homeowners insurance

The difference between nonrenewal and cancellation.

A nonrenewal notice is sent shortly before the end of your policy's specified term. Your carrier may decide not to renew your policy for a variety of reasons, from deciding your property is poorly maintained to no longer offering coverage in your area.

Cancellation, however, happens while your policy is still active. Depending on the state and the provider, a carrier can cancel your policy for any reason if it's been in force for less than 60 days. After that, there are only a few approved reasons, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III) , including nonpayment, fraud or changes to the property that make it uninsurable.

Why your homeowner insurance was nonrenewed

There are several reasons why a provider may decide to issue a nonrenewal notice.

• You've made too many claims 
• Your insurance score has dropped 
• Liability hazards on your property have increased, like an aging roof or HVAC system 
• Non-covered features have been added, like a trampoline or swimming pool.
• You adopted a pet that's excluded from coverage
• Your insurer is no longer providing coverage in your area. 

In states prone to hurricanes and other severe weather , a number of insurance companies have limited or even ceased issuing home insurance: At least a dozen providers have stopped doing business in Florida since 2022, including State Farm.

State Farm and Allstate have stopped writing new home insurance policies In California, and other carriers have scaled back in regions plagued by wildfires.

What to do if you get a nonrenewal notice

Carriers must give customers advance notice of a decision not to renew, typically between 30 and 90 days, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). During this period, you can contest the decision or look around for coverage somewhere else.  

Most states require an insurer to explain why it's not renewing before it officially drops your policy, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). If you have addressed the issue or think they made a mistake, reach out to your carrier's consumer affairs division about reconsidering. You may need to present documentation or submit to a home inspection.

If that isn't successful, you can also contact your  state's insurance department .

Shop for another insurer

Not being renewed doesn't mean you can't get insurance from another carrier or that you'll have to pay higher premiums. Get quotes from several companies to find the best price and fit.  

Nationwide is one of the top insurers for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power's 2023 Property Claims Satisfaction Study, and it offers numerous discounts, including for bundling, being a first-time homebuyer and installing security, safety or smart-home devices.

Nationwide Homeowners Insurance

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Maximum coverage

Not disclosed

App available

Policy highlights.

Policy covers home and property damages caused by theft, fire and weather damage. It also covers personal liability, loss of use and unauthorized transactions on your credit card

Does not cover

Water damage, earthquakes, flood insurance, identity theft, high-value items, rebuilding home after loss (these can all be purchased as add-ons for extra coverage)

Terms apply.

If you prioritize ease of use, Lemonade has a simple online application and claims system. Homeowners can pay their premiums through either an escrow account or credit card and the company claims that 40% of claims are handled instantly. However, Lemonade is only available in 23 states and Washington, D.C.

Lemonade Homeowners Insurance

Starts at $25/month; can vary by state, age of the home and other factors

Policy covers your home and property for damages caused by  wildfires , extreme weather, crime, and vandalism. It also covers liability claims for damage you accidentally cause to others

Power, water, or heat going out, or bug infestation; some events may not be eligible for coverage, depending on the circumstances — see here for more information

How to get homeowners insurance after being dropped 

While your carrier will give you some warning that you're being dropped, you should start looking for new coverage right away. Otherwise, a mortgage provider may assign you force-placed insurance, a policy that protects your lender and can cost twice as much as a traditional policy, according to the CFPB . If you're facing a cancellation or nonrenewal, find out why. If it's something you can fix, like a roof that needs to be repaired, take the necessary steps to keep your current policy. 

If it's not something you can fix — for example, if you installed a swimming pool and your insurer doesn't cover them — look for companies that do.  

If coverage was not renewed because the insurer is no longer offering policies in your state, filter your search for carriers that are. You can look on insurance marketplace sites, get information from your state's insurance department or ask your neighbors what carrier they use.

If you've received several rejections on the voluntary market, there are also special programs available to insure risky properties.

Many states have Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plans, which allow high-risk homeowners to get coverage if they've been rejected by traditional carriers. Coverage with a FAIR plan is typically more expensive and may cover less, according to the III . Some plans also may require upgrades to electrical or heating systems.

To see if you are eligible for a FAIR plan, contact your state's insurance department .

HO-8 policy

Most standard homeowners insurance plans are HO-3 policies, which cover the home's physical structure, as well as your personal belongings, your liability in the event of an injury and additional living expenses if you have to relocate.

An HO-8 policy provides similar coverage but only reimburses you for the actual cash value of the damaged or destroyed property or possessions, not their replacement cost . It's intended for older homes (built more than 40 years ago) or ones with historical significance, where the cost of replacing the loss would be more than the house's fair market value

HO-8 policies only cover named perils, typically damage from:

• Fire, smoke and lightning
• Hail and windstorms
• Civil unrest
• Vehicles, including airplanes
• Theft or vandalism
• Volcanic eruptions

Other perils not listed, like water damage from a burst pipe, would not be covered.

Surplus lines policy  

Surplus line insurance is another option if your homeowners policy has been canceled or not renewed.

Many states allow insurance companies to issue policies within their borders even if they're not licensed in that state. To qualify for surplus line insurance, you must have been rejected by at least three to five carriers, according to the III . Because the risk is higher, policies usually have higher deductibles and more exclusions.

Check with your state's insurance department to see what options are available.

Can I dispute a nonrenewal notice?

You can dispute the nonrenewal with your insurance company directly or reach out to your state's department of insurance.

Does a notice of nonrenewal mean I'll pay more for insurance in the future?

Not necessarily. Each carrier has its own formula for determining costs and approvals and being nonrenewed by one doesn't mean you'll be rejected or have to pay more to another company.

How much notice is required if my insurance company is not renewing my policy?

Requirements vary by state, but typically an insurer is required to give you at least 30 to 60 days' notice before deciding not to renew. Check with your state's insurance department to see how much notice is required in your area.

Can getting a dog lead to nonrenewal of my homeowners insurance?

Getting a pet can change your status with an insurance company: Some breeds of dogs — including Doberman pinschers, pit bulls and Great Danes — are considered higher risk and could lead to nonrenewal. If you have to file a claim for a dog bite, you could also face nonrenewal or the dog being excluded from coverage.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Bottom line

If you've received a nonrenewal notice from your insurance company, you have the right to ask why and to appeal the decision. You can also shop around for another policy, whether that's on the voluntary market, a FAIR Plan or coverage from a surplus line provider.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

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