trip insurance for hurricane season

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The Guide to Hurricane Travel Insurance

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Hurricane season comes around every year, but you don't have to let it ruin your travel plans. One of the ways to protect your trip — whether it’s a wedding in Miami or a weeklong cruise in the Caribbean — is to buy hurricane travel insurance. It lets you travel without worrying about whether you'll be covered in case a hurricane impacts your trip.

To make sure you’re prepared, here’s what you need to know about when hurricane season is, whether travel insurance covers hurricanes and what options are available to you to protect your reservations.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season is the time frame during which hurricanes are most likely to occur. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the hurricane season begins June 1 of each year and lasts through November 30.

While hurricanes are more likely to form during this six-month timeframe, it is possible for them to occur at other times of the year as well.

Hurricanes are storms that form over tropical or subtropical bodies of water, and therefore they typically impact the Caribbean, Central America and U.S. states along the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Seaboard.

Even if your destination isn't in one of these areas, your plans could be impacted if you're traveling through the area or if your plane is coming from one of the region’s airports.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

Will travel insurance cover bad weather?

The protections of travel insurance kick in when unexpected situations occur while traveling. Depending on which policy you've purchased, these benefits may include coverage for trip interruption or cancellation , trip delay , lost or stolen luggage , emergency medical treatment , rental car protection and more.

However, travel insurance generally doesn't cover refundable reservations or other bookings that you can cancel without penalty.

Additionally , when bad weather strikes , the details of your travel insurance policy matter. Let's focus specifically on how coverage is affected during hurricane season.

Does travel insurance cover hurricanes?

Travel insurance can cover hurricanes, but there are numerous details that determine whether your trip is covered. These factors include when you booked your trip, when the storm was named and whether your trip has already started.

Once a storm has been named

When a tropical storm is named — which happens when a rotating pattern and wind speeds of at least 39 mph are detected — many travelers in potentially affected areas may rush to buy coverage for their trip.

However, once a storm has a name, any newly purchased policy likely won't cover claims due to the storm. Typically, you need to purchase travel insurance at least 24 hours in advance of the storm being named in order for all of its benefits to apply.

Like any other insurance policy, travel insurance is meant to cover unexpected situations. Insurance companies don't sell policies to cover a "foreseeable event" — like a named tropical storm or hurricane — so it’s best to purchase a travel insurance policy soon after confirming your travel plans.

While booking your trip

When booking flights, hotels, cruises and other travel reservations, you may be offered the option to buy a travel insurance policy. Some websites or travel agents offer options for booking travel insurance at the same time as your trip purchase.

Buying travel insurance for hurricanes during the booking process should cover claims if a hurricane later impacts your trip — as long as you’re not purchasing your travel when a storm is already predicted.

Before you depart

Even if you don't buy travel insurance when booking your trip, you can buy it later on. Ideally, you'll buy your travel insurance policy within 14 days of making your first trip payment.

Buying within the first 14 days ensures that pre-existing medical conditions won't be exempt from coverage. If you don't have any pre-existing medical conditions (or aren't worried about that exemption), you can buy a travel insurance policy at any point prior to your departure.

During your trip

For travelers who've already started their journey, it is still possible to buy travel insurance. However, this option is typically limited to a small number of policies and may require waiting periods for certain types of coverage to kick in.

Other sorts of coverage, like trip cancellation, won’t be applicable because you’ve already started your trip.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover award flights?

Types of travel insurance

While the term travel insurance is used widely, there are multiple types of travel insurance to choose from. Here are a few types of travel insurance that you may come across when looking to buy a policy.

Single-trip

Single-trip travel insurance covers just one trip, as the name implies. These types of policies are good if you don't travel very often or if you’ve made a big financial commitment on a trip that you want covered.

Those who have travel protections through a credit card or who book reservations with penalty-free cancellation policies may not need to buy travel insurance for all of their trips. But, a single-trip policy could be a good idea if you want to protect a trip with substantial prepaid, non-refundable reservations. They're also useful when you want to customize the coverage for each trip.

Annual plan

Those who travel multiple times a year may be better off with an annual or multi-trip plan . These travel insurance plans protect all of your trips during the coverage period. They can be more cost-effective than buying multiple single-trip policies. Plus, you won't have to remember to buy a policy every time you book a trip.

The downside of annual plans is that they may not be available for all travelers. For example, some insurers don't offer annual plans for travelers age 70 and over. There are also typically limitations on the length of each trip in order to be covered.

Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance

Most travel insurance policies allow you to get reimbursed for a canceled trip only for covered reasons. If your reason falls outside of those guidelines, you won't receive compensation. One way to get around this is to add Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage to your policy.

With CFAR coverage, you have more flexibility in canceling your trip while still being eligible to submit a claim. For example, even if a hurricane isn’t headed directly for your destination, you may decide to cancel your beach vacation because of predicted storm-related rain.

Keep in mind that CFAR cancellation coverage amounts are typically limited to 50% to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses. In other words, you won't be fully reimbursed for your travel expenses even if you’re using CFAR coverage.

» Learn more: Best travel insurance that includes Cancel For Any Reason coverage

Best travel insurance for hurricane season

Travelers have a variety of travel insurance companies to choose from when buying hurricane insurance. Here are a few well-known companies that offer some of the best travel insurance policies for hurricane season.

Allianz Travel Insurance . Offers single- and multi-trip plans with 24/7 assistance.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . Offers specific hurricane protection for cruises and pays claims via your preferred channel in minutes.

Generali Global Assistance . Every policy includes a free-look refund period and 24-hour emergency assistance.

TravelGuard . Provides free concierge service to rebook missed flights and 24/7 emergency travel assistance services.

Do credit card travel protections cover hurricanes?

Numerous credit cards offer travel protections that may cover hurricanes. These benefits include trip cancellation, interruption and delay that may cover your flight, hotel, cruise and other reservations.

Rules for credit card coverage can vary substantially. Contact your credit card issuer or benefits administrator to ask how these benefits apply.

» Learn more: How free travelers insurance through credit cards works

Hurricane travel insurance recapped

While you can’t purchase a hurricane travel insurance policy per se, many travel insurance policies can protect travelers during hurricane season. These policies cover trip cancellation, interruption and other situations that can occur when an unexpected storm impacts your travel plans.

However, there are rules about when you must buy your policy for coverage to take effect. Whether you purchase your policy while booking your trip or a week before departure, as long as it's more than 24 hours before a storm is named, you should be covered if a hurricane rolls in.

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Hurricane Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know

• See hurricane risks by state for the 2023 season
• Traveling during hurricane season
• How hurricane travel insurance works

As summer swings into its second half, another season starts to make its presence felt: hurricane season. And with hurricane season comes the need for hurricane travel insurance.

Hurricane season is the time of the year, officially June through November, when Atlantic and Caribbean waters warm and conditions become right for the development of large, severe storms. These storms can be trip-wreckers for popular vacation destinations that are often in the path of hurricanes, including the Caribbean , Hawaii , Mexico , Florida, and the Carolinas.

How can you help protect your vacation from being ruined by a hurricane? One way is to get travel insurance before a storm is named .  Plans from Generali Global Assistance provide coverage for a variety of weather-related events .

Hurricane Season Impact on Travel

Because factors like the overall ocean temperature and weather patterns differ from year to year, hurricane seasons vary in their severity. But, even an average season can result in a handful of major hurricanes that could wreck a trip.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , there’s “a 70% probability for each of the following ranges of activity” during an average season:

• 9-15 named storms
• 4-8 hurricanes
• 2-4 major hurricanes

NOAA expects most of the storm activity to take place between August and October. If during that time you’re planning a trip to a hurricane zone – especially the Caribbean – seriously consider buying travel insurance for coverage against certain weather-related travel issues.

Also read: Find the Best Caribbean Islands for Every Month of the Year

Does travel insurance cover weather events like hurricanes?

Yes – but we have to be careful how we define “cover.”

If the lodging at your destination is destroyed by a hurricane and you have to cancel your trip, the answer is yes. If you’re at your destination, a hurricane strikes, and the government says you have to evacuate, you can be covered with a Generali plan .

If you’re injured in a hurricane while traveling, your medical expenses can be covered. If your injuries are severe enough that you have to be evacuated, that can also be covered, up to the coverage limits.

With Generali, you even have coverage if your own home is made uninhabitable by a hurricane and you have to cancel or interrupt your trip.

Not all travel insurance companies or plans cover storm-related cancellations and interruptions the same way, so read Plan Documents carefully before you buy – especially if you’re headed to the Caribbean during hurricane season.

See more coverage details

Does travel insurance cover hurricane-related delays?

That’s an interesting question, and like a lot of interesting questions that have to do with travel insurance, the answer is: “it depends.”

In the case of travel delay, it depends on:

• The plan you bought;
• Whether you’re delayed long enough; and
• What you did during the delay.

All Generali plans have some travel delay coverage ; however, they differ in the amount per day you can claim and the length of time you have to be delayed for the coverage to kick in.

Travel delay coverage reimburses you for expenses you incurred while you were delayed – food and lodging, mainly, not that Gucci bag you saw in the gift shop while killing time. It also doesn’t cover you if your flight was delayed an hour and all you did was sit in the airport lounge playing Candy Crush.

Okay, but what about getting caught up with your cruise or tour, if they’re out of the hurricane zone but there’s a Category 5 storm wreaking havoc with your travel plans?

That could fall under Trip Interruption or Missed Connection coverage , and Generali offers that as well – and we can help make the arrangements to get you caught up. So travel insurance has a lot of ways to deal with weather delays.

Also read: How Your Travel Delay Expenses Can be Reimbursed

When to buy trip insurance for a storm

If you buy travel insurance after a storm is named, your plan  will not  provide coverage for storm-related claims.   See our Storm Coverage Alerts for more information.

We suggest you buy a travel insurance plan when you make your first trip payment, like airfare or a cruise. That way you have a long coverage period in case you need to cancel your trip, and if you need to file a claim related to a storm, you will have bought the plan well before the storm was forecasted.

Generali travel insurance plans  can be purchased  up to 18 months before the trip departure date and up until the day prior to departure.

Read more about when you should buy travel insurance

Is hurricane travel insurance worth it?

There are many ways you can try to help protect your vacation from hurricanes – even a Caribbean vacation. You can stay on islands in the southern Caribbean, like Aruba and Curacao. You can avoid the Caribbean or hurricane zones entirely during hurricane season. You can follow the tips in our article on prepping for travel during hurricane season .

However, even if you do all those, travel insurance is a good idea if you’re taking a vacation during hurricane season. Like every other part of travel, weather is unpredictable. When it’s hurricane season, you just never know. So why put your vacation investment at risk?

See examples to help decide if travel insurance is worth it

Storm Travel Insurance FAQs

If you buy travel insurance after a storm is named, your plan will not provide coverage for storm-related claims. See our Storm Coverage Alerts for more information.

Generali travel insurance plans can be purchased up to 18 months before the trip departure date and up until the day prior to departure.

If you are evacuated during your trip due to adverse weather or a natural disaster, we encourage you to seek accommodations out of harm’s way—with the hope that you can return to your trip when the evacuation ends. Generali Global Assistance reimburses for certain out-of-pocket costs during the evacuation, such as hotel stays, meals and local transportation. The delay will have to be for the specified amount of time listed in your Plan Documents .

The plans include coverage for insured trip costs you can’t use when a mandatory evacuation is in effect as long as the loss for your trip occurs within the first 30* calendar days after the mandatory evacuation order is issued. You can qualify for reimbursement for the remaining portion of your trip if you have 50%* or less—or 4* days or less—of your reservation left when the evacuation order is lifted at your destination.

*Day and percentage requirements may vary by state. Review your Plan Documents for full details.

If your destination is evacuated due to adverse weather or a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, you can be reimbursed for your insured trip costs. The plans can only provide coverage for losses that occur for your trip within the first 30* calendar days after the initial mandatory evacuation order was issued. You qualify for a full cancellation if you have 50%* or less—or 4* days or less—of your trip remaining when the evacuation order is lifted, at your destination.

Plans include similar coverage if the accommodation at your destination is deemed uninhabitable.

You can also be covered if your flight is canceled or delayed because of adverse weather.

Travel Resources

* Image source: " Hurricane Isaac Near Landfall " by  NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team , used under  CC BY 2.0  / Cropped from original † If you buy travel insurance after a storm is named, your plan  will not  provide coverage for storm-related claims.  See Storm Coverage Alerts Map Data Source: Colorado State University's  Tropical Cyclone Impact Probabilities report

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How to Buy Hurricane Travel Insurance

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

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Booking a tropical Caribbean or seaside vacation during hurricane season is always something of a gamble. The statistical chances of a hurricane impacting your trip are rather slim, but certainly not zero. And while some years are quiet, with only a handful of named storms threatening tourism areas, overall the trend appears to be heading toward an increase in hurricane intensity .

Understandably, this might have you considering hurricane travel insurance for your next trip to a hurricane-vulnerable area. But there are a few things you should know before buying coverage.

You Have to Buy Well in Advance

As with all forms of insurance, hurricane travel insurance typically protects you against hurricanes that could happen. If you wait to buy coverage until a hurricane appears imminent, has formed, or has been named, insurance companies can claim the storm in question was a “foreseeable event,” which is ineligible for coverage. Every insurance policy is different—some stipulate that you must purchase coverage 24 hours prior to the storm being named, while some require you to purchase even sooner.

Bottom line: Don’t wait until the storm is barreling toward your destination. If you’re traveling to a potential strike area during peak hurricane season, buy insurance well in advance.

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance

A Flood of Fine Print

It’s no secret that insurance companies load their policies with fine print. Hurricane travel insurance is no different. Travel insurance providers have very particular parameters for what “counts” as a hurricane, at least in terms of covering customers. The threat of a hurricane usually isn’t enough to qualify—the hurricane has to directly impact your travel.

Insurance provider Travel Guard explains that if the hurricane “prevents your travel or directly affects your accommodations, you may be entitled to Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits.” However, making an independent choice to cancel in anticipation of inclement weather is not covered. For example, unforeseen storm damage to your accommodations prior to departure may be covered by your plan (“subject to the terms of the insurance policy”), but a choice to cancel your reservation in anticipation of potential damage would not qualify.

Cancellation vs. Interruption vs. Delay

Hurricane travel insurance plans (and most travel insurance plans) typically cover three primary scenarios, with different levels of coverage: Advance cancellation, trip interruption, and delay. Each is fairly self-explanatory, but cancellation covers the full cancelling of your trip prior to departure. Trip interruption covers your losses for the unused portions of a trip cut short by a hurricane, plus transportation expenses to get you home. Trip delay coverage takes care of meals, lodging, and other expenses incurred when a trip is delayed by weather.

The bar for cancellation coverage is fairly high. In most cases, your provider, such as an airline or tour company, must completely cease services for at least 24 hours as a result of the hurricane. This can include a resort shutting down due to damage from a hurricane prior to your trip. The point is, you can’t typically elect to cancel your trip due to a hurricane (except for those who purchased one specific type of insurance; more on that below). Your trip has to be cancelled by your providers for the insurance to take effect.

How to Prevent Flight Delays (and What to Do If They Happen Anyway)

The same goes for trip interruption and trip delay coverage. If you choose to leave because you’re worried about an actual hurricane heading roughly in your direction, your policy will likely not take effect. Your provider must postpone all services for a short period of time for coverage to apply.

Bottom line: You don’t get to decide when your insurance kicks in, so you need to understand exactly how your policy defines your coverage threshold.

Cancel for Any Reason

One way to avoid all these rules and stipulations is a policy that lets you cancel for any reason (CFAR). These policies are exactly what they sound like: They let you cancel for any reason, including if you’re worried about a hurricane that could affect your trip, but they cover only cancellation; interruption coverage remains separate. CFAR coverage is usually pricey, and comes as an optional add-on to regular insurance. It doesn’t always offer the same level of reimbursement, but it generally provides the most reassurance that you’ll get something if and when you’re worried about a hurricane.

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Where to Compare

There are dozens of sites that let you shop for hurricane travel insurance. The best place to start is a comparison site that lists options from multiple insurance providers, such as SquareMouth , InsureMyTrip , QuoteWright , or TravelInsurance.com . From there, make sure you evaluate your policy closely on the actual insurance provider’s site. NerdWallet also maintains a very comprehensive list of insurance providers and comparison sites if you’d like a longer list of options.

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What You Need to Know About Hurricanes and Travel Insurance

Angela Borden | Aug 4, 2023

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If you plan to travel anytime from June 1 through Nov. 30, you should be aware it is hurricane season. We highly recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance to cover your travels during this time.

Once again, meteorologists are predicting an active hurricane season this year, meaning there is potential for a higher-than-average number of storms. The peak months for hurricanes include August, September, and October.

Protecting Yourself During Hurricane Season

One of the best ways to protect yourself during hurricane season is to be prepared. Start by learning the important things you should know about hurricanes , including high-risk locations where you’re most likely to experience one and what to do if a hurricane threatens or interrupts your travel plans.

You can also be prepared by purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance includes benefits and coverage for reasons specifically related to weather events, including hurricanes, that can adversely affect travel.

If you have questions about how travel insurance can help you with weather emergencies, you’ve come to the right place.

There are two types of plans that include different benefits that can apply for weather emergencies such as a hurricane. These benefits can help protect you and your trip from the uncertainties of hurricane season. It is important to note that benefits and covered reasons vary by plan, so check your plan document or call us if you’re not certain about your coverage.

Trip Protection Plan Benefits

There are many reasons a hurricane could cause you to cancel, abruptly interrupt, or delay a trip, so it’s important to know the various ways travel insurance can offer protection if you choose to go on a trip during hurricane season.

For a plan such as Seven Corners Trip Protection , there are several benefits related to hurricanes. Here’s what you’ll find in the first section of this article:

Trip Cancellation coverage

Trip interruption coverage.

• Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage
• Optional Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage

Trip Delay coverage

Seven Corners Trip Protection has a specific hurricane-related trip cancellation trigger for coverage: Your Scheduled Trip Departure City or Scheduled Destination is under a hurricane warning or hurricane watch as issued by the NOAA Hurricane Center within 24 hours of Your Scheduled Departure Date. Cancellation of Your Trip must occur more than 14 days following Your Effective Date of coverage for Trip Cancellation.

If you must cancel your trip, benefits can be paid to reimburse you for your unused and nonrefundable prepaid trip payments. In addition, the Trip Protection Choice plan includes a Frequent Traveler Reward Benefit, which covers up to $500 for airline fees to re-bank frequent flyer miles due to a covered reason.

Seven Corners Trip Protection plans also have a specific hurricane-related trip interruption trigger for coverage: Your Scheduled Destination is under a hurricane warning or hurricane watch, as issued by the NOAA Hurricane Center, after Your Scheduled Departure Date.

If you must interrupt your trip, Trip Protection Choice benefits reimburse up to 150% of the insured trip cost, and Trip Protection Basic benefits reimburse up to 100% of the insured trip cost. The coverage is triggered when you interrupt your trip for a covered reason listed in the plan document.

This amount is paid to reimburse you for your unused and nonrefundable trip payments for your travel arrangements plus additional transportation costs for you to:

• Join your trip if you must depart after your scheduled departure date or travel via alternate travel arrangements; or
• Rejoin your trip from the point where you interrupted it to the next scheduled destination; or
• Transport you to your originally scheduled return destination

COVERED REASONS FOR CANCELLING OR INTERRUPTING A TRIP DUE TO WEATHER

There are three covered reasons in Seven Corners Trip Protection plans that provide coverage if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to weather. They include:

• Inclement weather, including a hurricane, causes a common carrier to end its services for at least 48 consecutive hours. A common carrier may include an airline or cruise line.
• Your primary residence or scheduled destination accommodations become uninhabitable and remain uninhabitable during your trip or are inaccessible by the mode of transportation shown on your itinerary within 30 days of your departure date due to a natural disaster. In the case of a hurricane, coverage will only apply if you purchased insurance prior to a tropical storm being upgraded to a hurricane.
• An evacuation mandate is issued by local authorities at the scheduled trip departure or scheduled destination due to a natural disaster, including a hurricane, which prevents traveling to/arriving at your scheduled trip departure city or scheduled destination. For Trip Cancellations, this applies only if you bought the plan during the Time Sensitive Period, meaning the plan must be purchased within 20 days of the date your initial payment or deposit for your trip is received and within 15 days of payment for subsequent travel arrangements you add to your trip.

Cancel for Any Reason coverage

If you would like the option to cancel your trip for any reason you wish, consider adding the optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit .*

CFAR will increase the price of your plan by approximately 40% and will reimburse you for up to 75% of your nonrefundable prepaid trip costs if you do the following (additional terms apply beyond those discussed below):

• Cancel your trip 2 days or more before your trip start date (scheduled departure date) and
• Buy a plan with CFAR coverage within 20 days of the date your initial trip deposit is received (the first day you make a payment for your trip) and
• You must also insure the cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of payment or deposit for them. An example of a subsequent travel arrangement could be adding an excursion to your cruise after you had previously paid for the cruise.

Interruption for Any Reason coverage

If you would like the option to interrupt your trip for any reason you wish, consider adding the optional Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) benefit*.

IFAR will increase the price of your plan by 10% or less and could provide reimbursement for up to 75% of nonrefundable unused trip costs should you decide to interrupt your trip and return home early due to concern about hurricanes, even if a hurricane warning or watch has not been issued by NOAA.

This benefit protects you for the following types of delay:

• Any delay of a common carrier, which includes delays due to a hurricane.
• A mandatory evacuation order at your scheduled departure city or scheduled destination or return destination is issued which prevents you from traveling to/arriving at your scheduled departure city or scheduled destination or return destination.

The trip delay benefit can pay for accommodations, meals, and local transportation expenses you incur if you’re delayed six hours** or more en route to or from your trip as well as during your trip.

There are other coverage triggers as well for this benefit, so check the plan document for more details. 

Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

This benefit can pay if you miss your cruise or tour departure because your arrival at your destination is delayed for three or more hours due to covered reasons. These covered reasons include some related to weather, such as any delay of a common carrier, including a delay caused by inclement weather.

This benefit can pay for:

• Additional transportation costs to join your cruise or tour.
• Accommodations, meals, and local transportation.

Are you interested in buying trip insurance? Get a quote! →

Travel Medical Benefits

Seven Corners Travel Medical plans offer natural disaster coverage when traveling internationally. For this type of plan, a natural disaster includes hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and more. See the plan document for the full definition of natural disaster.

The natural disaster benefits included we’ll discuss in this section include:

• Daily benefits for accommodations
• Trip interruption
• Evacuation and repatriation

Natural disaster daily benefit for accommodations

Our plans reimburse you a daily rate up to five days for replacement accommodations if you cannot stay at your planned, paid destination accommodations because of an evacuation due to a natural disaster. The reimbursement rate per day depends on which plan you select.

Trip interruption 

If you cannot continue your trip due to serious damage to your principal residence caused by a hurricane or other natural disaster, Seven Corners travel medical insurance plans will reimburse you for the cost of economy travel, less any credit from an unused return travel ticket home.

Natural disaster evacuation and repatriation 

If you require a natural disaster evacuation from a location outside of the United States, the plan can arrange and pay to evacuate you from a safe departure point to the nearest safe location. We can also arrange and pay for up to five days of accommodations if you are delayed at the safe location and arrange to pay for one-way airfare to return you to your home country following evacuation. 

Coverage amounts vary by plan. The trip interruption and natural disaster evacuation benefits must be arranged by Seven Corners Assist . 

Are you interested in buying a travel medical insurance plan? Get a quote! →

Timely Purchase 

It is important to read your plan document and buy your travel insurance before the natural disaster occurs.

Since hurricanes are erratic and hard to predict, it's important to prepare ahead of time, especially if you are traveling during hurricane season, especially in high-risk locations. 

What to Do If You Have Questions 

If you have questions about what type of plan to choose for your next trip, contact our licensed travel insurance agents today. 

Email [email protected] or call the numbers below. 

Toll free 1-800-335-0611 

Worldwide +1-317-575-2652

Collect +1-317-818-2809 

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* CFAR is not available in all states. When you complete the quick quote in our purchase process, it will be presented to you as an option if it is available. This Cancel for Any Reason Benefit does not cover Travel Arrangements not provided by the Travel Supplier or the failure of the Travel Supplier to provide the bargained-for Travel Arrangements due to cessation of operations for any reason. 

IFAR is not available in all states. When you complete the quick quote in our purchase process, it will be presented to you as an option if it is available. This benefit does not cover penalties associated with Travel Arrangements not provided by the Travel Supplier for this Trip and failure of the Travel Supplier to provide the agreed upon arrangements for Your Trip for any reason. 

**This time limit varies by state and plan. Review your plan document for details.   

The following disclaimer applies to Seven Corners Trip Protection plans only.

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"Generali wins out among the best travel insurance companies for its happy combination of below average fees for above average travel coverage."

“We have purchased insurance for our trips many times. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind! We had to use it in 2018 due to a mandatory evacuation due to Hurricane Florence.”

“We were thrilled when we found out everything was being covered.”

"I've used Generali before and a hurricane interrupted our trip and Generali made reimbursement quick and easy."

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Trusted by over 6 million travelers every year

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Travel insurance coverages are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231, for the operating name used in certain states, and other important information about the Travel Insurance & Assistance Services Plan, please see Important Disclosures .

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should i buy travel insurance for a hurricane.

If you buy travel insurance after a storm is named, your plan will not provide coverage for storm-related claims. See our Storm Coverage Alerts for more information.

We suggest you buy a travel insurance plan when you make your first trip payment, like airfare or a cruise. That way you have a long coverage period in case you need to cancel your trip, and if you need to file a claim related to a storm, you will have bought the plan well before the storm was forecasted.

Generali travel insurance plans can be purchased up to 18 months before the trip departure date and up until the day prior to departure.

What are the benefits of travel insurance beyond coverage for storms?

Generali Global Assistance offers a variety of coverages and benefits to help protect your whole trip, well beyond weather-related travel concerns. Our plans can help with a number of unexpected problems, including trip cancellations and interruptions ; travel delays ; lost, damaged and delayed baggage ; and unexpected sickness, injury and medical evacuation . Additionally, our 24-Hour Emergency Services , Concierge and ID Theft Resolution services are included with our plans. These services round out our travel protection plans to provide real-time assistance when you need it on your trip.

How Travel Insurance Can Help

All of our plans can cover you for certain events caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, tropical cyclones and typhoons that can wreck your vacation.

Problems happen with travel plans more often than you might think. One in six U.S. adults reported having to cancel, interrupt or delay their trip.¹ Travel insurance can help protect your vacation investment from certain unforeseen events that could upset your travel plans and cost you.

Find the Plan That Fits Your Trip Best

There’s no better way to understand how travel insurance and assistance can help protect you and your trip than reading real life examples from fellow travelers.

Terms and conditions apply. Read Plan Documents for full coverage details.

Map Data Source: Colorado State University's Tropical Cyclone Impact Probabilities report

Hurricane season is June through November, the time of year when storms can seriously wreck a trip to popular vacation destinations, including the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Florida, and the Carolinas.

How can you help protect your vacation from being ruined by a hurricane? One way is to get travel insurance  before a storm is named . Plans from Generali Global Assistance provide coverage for a variety of weather-related events.

• Hurricane & Weather
• Hurricane & Weather

What is Hurricane & Weather travel insurance?

Hurricane and Weather can reimburse a traveler in the event they must cancel or interrupt their trip due to inclement weather.

The Hurricane and Weather travel insurance benefit is included in most policies under Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption . To be eligible for coverage, travelers must purchase their policy before a storm is named.

To be covered, at least one of the following requirements must be met:

• A common carrier is delayed for a specified amount of time due to inclement weather
• A traveler’s destination or home is rendered uninhabitable
• A hurricane warning
• A mandatory evacuation at a traveler’s destination

When is inclement weather enough to cancel my policy?

Inclement weather can trigger a travel insurance policy’s cancellation coverage when it has a significant impact on a traveler’s trip.This can include tornadoes, windstorms, hurricanes, fog, snow storms or ice storms, among other natural disasters.

Typically, inclement weather must be severe enough to stop common carrier arrivals or departures for 24-48 for Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage. The destination could also be uninhabitable or have a mandatory evacuation order to receive coverage.

Weather that does not cause delays in travel or is just unpleasant would not fall under inclement weather under a traditional Cancellation policy.

Does travel insurance cover hurricane season?

Yes, travel insurance can provide coverage for travelers during hurricane season. However, the most important thing for travelers to note is that travel insurance only covers unforeseen events. This means they must buy their policy before a storm is named in order for coverage to apply.

Travelers can not get general coverage that can reimburse for cancellation because it is hurricane season. A storm must make the area uninhabitable or cause lengthy carrier delays for the coverage to be applicable.

What is covered if my home is hit by a hurricane?

While trip insurance does not cover damages to your home from a hurricane, it can provide reimbursement for prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses for you to care for your home if a hurricane or inclement weather hits your home before or during your vacation.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage typically include weather and hurricane benefits that can provide coverage for this type of event.

Does trip insurance for weather have restrictions?

The Hurricane and Weather benefit of travel insurance does have restrictions and exclusions.

• If the storm is named it is no longer an unforeseen event and it’s too late to purchase coverage
• A traveler’s flight must be delayed as much as 48 hours for coverage to apply
• Some policies require a traveler to miss out on at least 50% or 4 days to be considered reimbursable.

What if a storm hits my destination and I don’t want to go anymore?

Coverage is only available if a destination is uninhabitable. Just because beaches are closed doesn’t mean you can cancel and receive reimbursement as loss of enjoyment is not covered under a traditional cancellation policy.

In order to have coverage if you decide you don’t want to go you would need to buy a policy with the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade. Cancel For Any Reason could reimburse you 50-75% of the costs if you decide to cancel because you’re worried a storm could ruin your trip without directly hitting or damaging your destination.

Please be aware that coverage and eligibility requirements for this benefit differ by policy. The tables below show the providers that offer Hurricane & Weather coverage.

Looking for a policy with Hurricane & Weather coverage?

Enter your trip information on our custom quote form . Once you receive your results, select the Hurricane & Weather filter to find the best policy for your trip with the coverage that you need.

Hurricane & Weather by Provider

• Travel Delay
• Missed Connection
• Cancel For Any Reason
• Cancel for Covid-19 Sickness
• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Financial Default
• Employment Layoff
• Cancel For Medical Reasons
• Cancel For Work Reasons
• Interruption For Any Reason
• Medical Coverage for Covid-19
• Emergency Medical
• Pre-Existing Condition
• Co-Insurance
• Medical Deductible
• Home Country Coverage
• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Non-Medical Evacuation
• Extension Of Coverage
• Baggage Delay
• Baggage & Personal Items Loss
• 24 Hour AD&D
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• Common Carrier AD&D
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• Sports Equipment Delay
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Does trip insurance cover hurricanes? 7 Things to Know

The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1st to November 30th each year. It lasts for six whole months and is always in time for the summer travel rush. If you booked a trip during hurricane season, you might be wondering how you can get a refund on your expenses if you have to cancel. Does trip insurance cover hurricanes? 

Travel insurance can cover hurricane season, but you have to know what to look for before buying a plan. Here are 7 things to know when buying trip insurance during hurricane season.

Click here to download our free guide on TravelSafe's hurricane warning benefit.

1. EVERY TRAVEL INSURANCE PLAN IS DIFFERENT

While   travel insurance companies   essentially do the same thing, they still offer different products and services. One company may say they cover hurricanes, while another company may have a specific hurricane warning benefit. It sounds like we're parsing words here, but the language is important.

Here's why:

If a travel insurance plan has a hurricane warning benefit, that means they cover your trip in the event a hurricane is expected to land on a destination within your itinerary. Each plan will be specific, so it is important to understand exactly how this benefit works.

If a travel insurance plan only covers "hurricanes" with no designated benefit, then you are looking at different coverage. A hurricane must cause cancellation/interruption because your destination is inaccessible or uninhabitable.

This means your destination has to be inaccessible or uninhabitable the day of or before departure, even if there is a hurricane projected to land on your destination 24 hours after your arrival.

Policy language is important. Make sure you review exactly how your travel insurance plan covers hurricanes. 

2. IT'S TOO LATE OT BUY COVERAGE ONCE THE HURRICANE IS NAMED

Travel insurance covers   unforeseen   events. You can no longer buy a plan for a storm once it's been predicted or named by weather experts.

You should purchase travel insurance when you begin planning your trip, especially if your trip falls within hurricane season. Not only can you maximize your coverage (think   pre-existing conditions ), you can ensure you are covered for any hurricanes that may pop up. 

3. KNOW THE PLAN EXCLUSIONS

Every insurance plan has a list of exclusions. Exclusions are policy provisions that eliminate coverage for certain risks.  They narrow the scope of coverage provided and lower premiums by removing certain risks from coverage. For example, some costs are uninsurable because they are likely to affect a very large number of policyholders. One example is war. Covering wars would be too costly for those buying insurance and a company that experiences the loss. 

When it comes to trip insurance and hurricanes, understanding policy exclusions helps you know what you need to do to receive a refund should your trip be affected.

Here are examples of general exclusions that may impact your coverage (these are not from a specific policy or plan) :

• Buying coverage after the hurricane has been named.
• Claims are not payable if the trip or portion of the trip was within 30 days after the named hurricane makes the destination uninhabitable or inaccessible.
• If the storm happens within 14 days of your plan's effective date, claims under hurricane warning are not payable.

4.   THE HURRICANE REQUIRES MANDATORY EVACUATION

Hurricanes often require mandatory evacuation of the region they will most heavily impact. In September of 2017, more than 6.5 million Floridians were ordered to leave their homes in light of Hurricane Irma and 200 tourists were left stranded in the Caribbean after the devastating storm.  1

Tourists were required to evacuate, but means of evacuation were limited. Following the hurricane, cruise lines began pitching in to help evacuate those stranded. 2   There are proactive steps travelers can take to ensure they are not reliant on crowdsourced evacuation efforts.

Travel insurance plans with emergency assistance offer evacuation in these circumstances. Once evacuation is necessary for all tourists, you would call your emergency assistance provider and provide your location. The emergency assistance team begins arranging your evacuation as soon as it is confirmed.

The goal of this type of evacuation is not to get you straight home but to get you to safety. The assistance team can help you make the travel arrangements necessary to get you where you need to be, and your policy will most likely reimburse you for the interruption and additional travel expenses.  

5. CANCEL FOR ANY REASON  

If you are worried that your needs cannot be met by your travel insurance plan,   cancel for any reason   (CFAR) is always an option. This benefit covers you for things otherwise not covered by trip cancellation. It is a great way to broaden your coverage.

Just like hurricane coverage, each travel insurance plan is unique about its CFAR coverage. So make sure you review your policy before purchasing. Most plans require you to purchase around your first trip payment or deposit, so be sure to get your plan right away if you intend to have cancel for any reason.

To read more about how cancel for any reason works, read what we wrote about the popular industry benefit here .

6. HAVE YOUR PLAN INFORMATION ON YOU  

If you are required to evacuate your destination during your trip, you will need to know who to call. It is important to have your plan information available at the drop of a hat. We recommend you always carry digital and paper copies. You should also have someone back home store a backup copy.

Here is the information you need to carry:

• Your Enrollment ID or Confirmation Number (each company has a different name for this)
• Your Emergency Assistance Company’s contact information
• The phone number for your Claims Department

Keep this information available because you’ll need to reference it when filing a claim or making emergency arrangements.

7. WORKING WITH YOUR TRAVEL SUPPLIERS

You’ll want to know how your travel supplier typically handles hurricanes. Under what circumstances do cruise lines cancel their trip? Do they reroute travel in the event of a hurricane? If the latter answer is yes, then you will not be covered by most travel insurance plans for trip cancellation unless you have CFAR.

Know how your airline, cruise line, and tour operator typically handle logistics during a hurricane. Then call your prospective travel insurance company and ask which coverage is typically the best option under the specific circumstances.

The travel supplier is going to do everything they can to avoid cancellation, but they will not put travelers at risk. If your destination is only going to experience heavy rains and not a hurricane, your travel supplier will most likely not cancel or reroute the trip. Be sure you get the coverage that’s right for you if you don’t want a rainy vacation.

If you'd like to understand more about travel insurance, check out our Travel Insurance 101 for some of our most frequently asked questions.

Article Sources: 

1. Reports of evacuation both before, during and after the storm highlight how travelers were not successfully evacuated prior to Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For information on Florida's evacuations see Amy Held, "As Irma Shifts West, Powerful Winds Batter Florida Keys," NPR, accessed May 1, 2018,  https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/09/549704585/-the-storm-is-here-floridians-window-to-evacuate-shrinks-as-irma-bears-down . For information on evacuations relating to the Virgin Islands see Gene Sloan, "Cruise Lines Help Evacuate Irma-ravaged St. Thomas," USA Today, accessed May 1, 2018,  https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/09/09/cruise-lines-help-evacuate-irma-ravaged-st-thomas/649621001/ . 

2. Gene Sloan, "Cruise Lines Help Evacuate Irma-ravaged St. Thomas," USA Today, accessed May 1, 2018,  https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/09/09/cruise-lines-help-evacuate-irma-ravaged-st-thomas/649621001/ . 

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Best Cruise Insurance Companies of April 2024

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.

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best travel insurance coverage that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Companies

• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• AXA Assistance USA : Best for Affordability
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Best for Seniors
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance : Best for Expensive Trips
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best for Exotic Locations

Compare the Top Cruise Insurance Offers

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Cruise Insurance Reviews

Best cruise insurance overall: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a preexisting conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here. 

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses.

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience.

Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs.

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

Timing is everything. Purchasing your insurance soon after booking your cruise can often provide additional benefits and ensure you're covered for any early surprises. As you get closer to your trip your coverage options may get more expensive, and certain providers may not be able to offer you coverage.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like SquareMouth is a good place to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

How to Pick The Best Cruise Insurance for You

When buying travel insurance for a cruise, consider the additional risks that are specific to cruising. These include hurricanes and other weather-related concerns, strict cancellation terms, high pre-paid costs of a cruise, and the distance to emergency medical assistance.

To find the policy that's right for you, it's best to compare several different cruise insurance policies based on the pricing and coverage they provide. Remember too that all reputable insurance providers will offer a "free-look period." This allows you to return the policy you've purchased for any reason, within a specific time period, for a full refund.

The most important coverages to look for in cruise insurance are:

• Medical coverage — This coverage will pay for medical bills outside the US. But because treatment can be more expensive while onboard, make sure your policy offers sufficient coverage ($100,000+).
• Medical evacuation coverage — This coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if you become sick or injured during your journey. But an evacuation from sea will be more expensive than one from land. So you'll want to make sure your coverage has sufficiently high limits ($250,000+).
• Missed connection (missed port of call) coverage — This type of coverage will help you catch up to your itinerary if you miss your port of call for a covered reason, like a delayed flight on the way to the airport.
• Coverage for hurricane warnings — With this type of coverage, you don't actually need to be affected by the hurricane. You can cancel and be reimbursed for your trip if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning. If you're cruising anywhere during (or on the tail ends) of hurricane season, this can come in handy. Just note: You can't buy travel insurance to cover a weather event once a storm or hurricane has been named.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) — This is the most comprehensive coverage you can get, as it allows cancellations and reimbursement for pre-paid expenses for any reason. This can be a wise add-on for cruise coverage given the often higher prepaid expenses associated with cruising. See our guide to the best CFAR travel insurance options to learn more.
• Preexisting conditions — This coverage ensures that no known health conditions are excluded from coverage. Obtaining a preexisting condition waiver usually requires purchasing your travel insurance soon after booking your trip.
• Personal possessions insurance — Because of the events and fancy dinners cruise ships hold, you might take more valuable clothing or jewelry with you on a cruise. This type of coverage will insure your belongings against loss or theft while cruising.
• Baggage loss and delay — This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount for essentials if your bags are delayed or if your bags get lost en route.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim, and before you travel so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cruise Travel Insurance

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

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.

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9 Ways to Visit the Caribbean on a Budget

Have you ever wanted to indulge in the exotic white sand beaches, vibrant cultures, and crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean ?  The allure of the Caribbean is undeniable, but the idea of a budget might seem like a wet blanket on your tropical fantasies. Don't worry; here, you’ll learn some budget-friendly ways to visit the Caribbean on a budget. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Plan Your Travel During the Low Season

Flights and hotel rates are very expensive during the peak season, from November to April. Peak season is the time for Carnival celebrations. Tourism is especially high for islands like Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St. Kitts, and Puerto Rico.

Prices are cheaper during the low season in May/June. Most hotels offer group packages and other incentives during the low season. This helps to boost tourism and attract travelers.

Look for House Sitting or Pet Sitting Jobs

You can apply for house-sitting or pet-sitting jobs while you plan a trip, this is how you get free vacations . This works well for both the traveler and homeowner; the travelers can save on accommodation costs, while the homeowner saves money on pet kennelling fees. 

Homeowners also get peace of mind knowing that their house is safe while they are away, and the house sitters can immerse themselves in a community and get a deeper sense of the island. 

Indulge In Street Foods Rather Than Fancy Restaurants

Try indulging your taste buds in exotic street foods that line the streets' corners. You should embrace the local flavors and immerse yourself by opting for street vendors and market stalls over high-end restaurants. 

Not only will you get to try unique dishes bursting with Caribbean spices and culture, but you'll also save a significant amount of money.

Imagine savoring the flavors of Jamaica, where savory jerk chicken infused with spices tantalizes your taste buds. Then, picture yourself in Puerto Rico, indulging in crispy "alcapurrias'' generously stuffed with savory meats or succulent seafood. 

Meanwhile, in Trinidad and Tobago, a delightful vegetarian option awaits called doubles. These are curried chickpeas nestled between two soft, warm flatbreads. And how could anyone resist the temptation of trying the conch fritters in the Bahamas, a genuine taste of the ocean's bounty?

Avoid Hurricane Season

Avoid traveling to the Caribbean during the hurricane season. Hurricane season is usually from June to November each year. Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are safer choices during this time because these islands lie outside the hurricane belt.  

Travel Insurance is a great option to have when traveling during hurricane season. It covers claims for unexpected expenses should you become stranded.

Research And Plan Activities

 When traveling to the Caribbean, always research activities that interest you beforehand. 

 Try researching independent activities vendors. These residents offer services like touring, hiking, and boat rides cheaper than the hotels and resorts.

 You could also look at Airbnb experiences; here, you can easily see all types of adventures with locals, whether it be cooking, fishing, or heading out on a boat for the day. There are so many options, and you also get to see the reviews from other guests.

  Opt For Alternative Transport

 When exploring the island, transportation may be expensive. It’s best to use ride-sharing apps, bike rentals, or walking rather than spend money on car rentals. These options offer less hassle and are more enjoyable.

Most islands use taxi apps like Uber, Rideshare, and Ride Caribbean.

Volunteer Programs

This option is a little out of the box and is more intended for smaller groups or solo travelers. The International Volunteer HQ has several volunteer projects, which include:

• marine conservation
• animal/veterinary care 
• child/youth development 
• business/community development
• environmental sustainability
• special education/ childcare

  There are volunteer programs in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Belize. These volunteer programs are low-cost and hosted. You receive training, accommodations, and meals for 3-5 hours of volunteer work per day. This excludes weekends. You can tour the island in your spare time. You also get discounted flights and tours.

Opt for an Airbnb

Another great way to plan a vacation on a budget is by using Airbnb instead of picking a resort or hotel. Below are some of the pros and cons of using Airbnb.

• Cost-Effective: Airbnb accommodations are more budget-friendly than traditional resorts and hotels.
• Ideal for Groups: Airbnb properties can comfortably house families or larger groups, making them a cost-effective choice for travelers with companions.

  However, it's important to be aware of some potential drawbacks:

• Self-Service Properties: Some Airbnb rentals may require self-service, so be prepared for a more independent stay.
• Complex Policies and Fees: Airbnb's cancellation and booking policies can sometimes be intricate, so read and understand them thoroughly.
• Varying Standards: The actual living conditions of Airbnb properties may not always align with their descriptions or photos, so managing your expectations is crucial.

Exploring the Caribbean on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing the magic and beauty of this tropical paradise. With these wallet-friendly tips, you can embark on a memorable Caribbean adventure without breaking the bank. 

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Florida tops US for home insurance rates. What's ahead as 'explosive' hurricane season nears

Brace yourself.

Home insurance rates are expected, on average, to increase 6 percent in 2024 but could jump as high as 23 percent in states with severe weather, according to a home insurance projection report from Insurify .

That's making 30 percent of Americans nervous.

With Florida property owners already paying more than four times the national average for home insurance , there is good reason to be nervous.

Early forecasts for a hyperactive 2024 Atlantic hurricane season could bring even more rate increases in 2025, something no Florida residents wants to hear. AccuWeather is  predicting an "explosive" hurricane season  that has the  potential to break the all-time record  of 30 named storms in a season.

Is record 2024 hurricane season ahead? AccuWeather predicts 'explosive' 2024 hurricane season that could break record

"A 'hurricane season from hell' could pile crisis upon crisis," said Betsy Stella, vice president of carrier management and operations at Insurify, America’s highest-rated digital insurance agent and comparison platform.

"The financial solvency of all insurance companies will be tested. Perhaps especially newer providers who have stepped into the market recently. Citizens (Florida's insurer of last resort), too will be tested."

Here's a look at home insurance prices in Florida and the U.S. and what is projected to come.

National average for home insurance compared to Florida average rate

While home insurance rates increased 19.8% between 2021 and 2023, America's average rate of $2,377 was still far below the average rate of $10,996 paid by Florida homeowners.

U.S. average insurance: $2,377

Florida average insurance: $10,996

Florida home insurance rates highest in US, and expected to climb higher

By the numbers: here's what you should know about Florida homeowners insurance:

Florida homeowners pay the most for home insurance, with an average annual rate of $10,996 in 2023.

Insurify predicted costs will go up another 7% in 2024 to $11,759.

Six of the 10 most expensive cities in the U.S. for homeowners insurance are in Florida.

Sixty percent of homeowners don't carry separate flood insurance, and 13% erroneously believed their standard policy included it.

Top 10 US cities with most expensive homeowners insurance in 2024; top 6 are in Florida

Six of the 10 most expensive cities for homeowners insurance in the U.S. are along the coast in South Florida, and all have average annual rates above $11,000, Insurify said.

Hialeah, average premium, $17,606

Miami, average premium, $16,717

Fort Lauderdale, average premium, $15,484

Hollywood, average premium, $13,834

West Palm Beach, average premium, $13,123

Port St. Lucie, average premium, $11,897

Kenner, Louisiana, average premium, $10,204

New Orleans, average premium, $9,780

Ocean Springs, Mississippi, average premium, $9,428

Thibodaux, Louisiana, average premium, $7,763

Homeowners insurance: Top 10 states in the US

The states with the highest home insurance costs are prone to severe weather.

Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi are vulnerable to hurricanes, said Insurify. Texas, Colorado and Nebraska face a growing wildfire risk. Nebraska, Texas and Kansas are at high risk for tornadoes.

Texas, with an average homeowners rate of $4,456, faces all three weather threats but still has a rate that's less than half paid by Florida residents.

Florida: $10,996

Louisiana: $6,354

Oklahoma: $5,444

Texas: $4,456

Mississippi: $4,312

Colorado: $4,072

Nebraska: $3,962

Alabama: $3,939

Kansas: $3,437

Arkansas: $3,368

Vermont homeowners pay the least in the U.S.: $918.

How much are insurance rates expected to increase in 2024?

Insurify estimated insurance costs in the top 10 states could see the following rates by the end of 2024:

Florida: $10,996, projected $11,759

Louisiana: $6,354, projected $7,809

Oklahoma: $5,444, projected $5,711

Texas: $4,456, projected $4,437 (yes, a decrease)

Mississippi: $4,312, projected $4,482

Colorado: $4,072, projected $4,367

Nebraska: $3,962, projected $4,292

Alabama: $3,939, projected $4,281

Kansas: $3,437, projected $3,666

Arkansas: $3,368, projected $3,662

Florida's insurance crisis and reinsurance

More than a dozen home insurance companies have declared insolvency since 2019. Farmers Insurance stopped covering Florida and major insurers have not renewed policies for high-risk homes.

When insurers can't cover the cost of natural disasters, reinsurance steps in. Reinsurance essentially is insurance for insurers and is "a significant factor in the Florida home insurance crisis," Insurify said.

"Reinsurance coverage has become difficult to secure in Florida, and reinsurance rates have skyrocketed," Stella said.

Adding to the high insurance rates in the state are insurance fraud and legal system abuse.

Florida residents make 9% of all homeowners insurance claims in the U.S. but account for 79% of lawsuits over claims filed, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

The Florida Legislature has tried to tackle the insurance problems in the state, including Senate Bill 7052 to increase consumer protections and other proposals to tie home insurance balances to unpaid mortgages, allowing homeowners to buy insurance policies that match the unpaid mortgage principal rather than the home's replacement value.

What about Citizens Property Insurance Corp.? Isn't that the answer to Florida's insurance crisis?

State-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is the largest insurer in Florida. Data from S&P Global shows Citizens grew over  65% in a single year  as more and more Florida homeowners found themselves unable to buy policies elsewhere.

"Citizens used to be the insurance company of last resort," said Désirée Ávila.

"There are so few insurance companies that insure in Florida, and they have so many requirements, that when they do, it almost makes the cost of having them as your insurer insane."

Citizens Insurance: More homeowners are being dropped by Citizens insurance. Will it be you? What to know

In March 2024, Citizens announced it will begin shedding plans .

Created as an insurer of last resort, Citizens in recent years has outpaced every other provider in Florida when customers found themselves dropped from their insurance companies or completely priced out.

State legislators recently approved a bill expanding Citizens to homes valued at more than $700,000 but not all homeowners are eligible.

Citizens can drop policyholders who find comparable coverage from a private insurer as long as the new premium isn't more than 20% than renewing with Citizens.

Another proposal would have Citizens cover hurricane damages instead of private, for-profit insurers. Citizens president and CEO Tim Cerio warned taking on Florida's hurricane risk could make it challenging to acquire reinsurance.

"Legislators are supposed to protect the consumer, but where are they"? said Ávila. "I kind of feel like they're not doing anything, and it's just making it prohibitive to live here."

How can homeowners prepare for uncertain future?

Twenty-one percent of homeowners say they can't afford their current mortgage rate for long, and 9 percent say they can't afford it now. Rising insurance costs add to the burden, Insurify said.

So what can homeowners do?

Plan for potential damage by doing some research and taking steps to protect your home. Some insurers offer discounts for home upgrades.

Check flood and wildlife zone maps from FEMA and the National Weather Service.

Install impact windows or hurricane shutters.

Follow the IBHS-recommended fortified roof standard, which prevents damage from high winds, hurricanes, hail, severe thunderstorms and even tornadoes up to EF-2.

What is Florida Legislature, DeSantis doing about climbing insurance rates?

Florida lawmakers have stepped in repeatedly over the past years to attract more private carriers to the state known for its costly storms. Reforms were driven by arguments that costly litigation was driving up rates.

" No company i n the world has enough cash to cover Florida storms ," said Michael Mailliard, owner of MIC Insurance on Longboat Key. "So, these companies are buying reinsurance to fully reinsure their wind risk,"

In 2023 there was a $50 billion hole in the reinsurance market in Florida. This resulted in companies raising rates and searching for the least risky properties to insure.

During two special sessions in 2023,  the Republican-controlled Legislature steered $3 billion in taxpayer money into reinsurance accounts the industry could tap.

But Mailliard a $3 billion increase in reinsurance doesn't spread far when there's a $50 billion hole.

Lawmakers also have added new barriers preventing customers from suing their insurance companies when unsatisfied with claim outcomes.

Also in 2023, Republican leaders in the Legislature approved and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an insurer accountability bill that would increase fines for poor claims-handling by companies and add some consumer safeguards.

At the end of the 2024 legislative session, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast acknowledged some issues — like runaway property insurance costs — “are like steering a large ship” and will take time to yield results.Among the tax breaks approved by legislators was an i nsurance premium tax savings that would save homeowners about $60, up to $75 for those who also have flood coverage.

Industry officials said for most homeowners, the $60 savings are certain to be overtaken by the size of the premium hikes they face this year.

A property insurance overhaul bill in 20222 was signed into law but it was  aimed more at keeping insurance companies from leaving  by  adding legal protections  and forcing policyholders in the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to take private insurance if they got an offer less than 20% higher when they went to renew.

The bill also added mandatory (and costly) flood insurance to all Citizens' policies whether they lived in a flood zone or not. It did provide for rebates for residents hit hard by recent storms, but did nothing to address rising costs.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida homeowners insurance. Higher rates ahead for state leading US

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2024 hurricane season: More storms expected as La Niña and warm waters combine

ORLANDO — Two months ahead of the June 1 start date of hurricane season , a leading forecast is predicting a "potentially explosive" season as abnormally warm sea-surface temperatures and La Niña gain dominion over the Atlantic basin.

AccuWeather , which released its seasonal forecast Wednesday morning, is predicting 20 to 24 named storms, with eight to 12 of those storms becoming hurricanes. Four to seven of those hurricanes are forecast to reach major hurricane strength of Category 3 or higher.

An average hurricane season has 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes. Three of those hurricanes typically become major hurricanes.

AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster Alex DaSilva said multiple factors, including weather patterns in Africa, could make 2024 a “very active" season.

Hurricane season: High chances La Niña will be here for peak season. That's not good news

“When you look back at historical sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic’s main development region, recent average water temperatures jump off the chart,” said AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jon Porter in a news release.

“This is a very concerning development, considering this part of the Atlantic Ocean is where more than 80% of the storms form which go on to become tropical storms or hurricanes.”

Early seasonal forecasts are especially challenging because of something called the “spring predictability barrier,” which can obscure how the Pacific Ocean, and overall atmosphere, are going to behave once spring and summer fully arrive.

Often treated with wariness by veteran meteorologists, several of those gathered in Orlando for the National Hurricane Conference this week were less hesitant than in years past to express concern about what is ahead.

The signals from La Niña, which has a 62% chance of developing June through August, and sea surface temperatures 3.6 to 7 degrees warmer than normal, are hard to ignore, they said.

El Niño has a reputation of creating strong wind shear that works to shred hurricanes, diminishing their threat. La Niña calms wind shear, creating a friendlier environment for storms to form.

Erik Salna, a meteorologist and associate director of Florida International University's Extreme Events Institute, pointed to the "tug of war" last year between the hurricane-quashing El Niño and abnormally warm waters.

The 2023 season ended with an above average 20-named storms, ranking it fourth for highest number of named storms on record.

"The sea surface temperatures won," Salna said about the active 2023 season. "Now, take away El Niño and there's no tug of war. Everything is pointing to an active season."

Kevin Guthrie, the executive director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, said the state is preparing for a storm season similar to 2004 when four hurricanes, including three major hurricanes, impacted Florida. That year Florida was harried by Category 4 Charley, Category 2 Frances, and the Cat 3s Ivan and Jeanne.

"Everyone is talking about this hurricane season, from the meteorologists to the National Hurricane Center, and saying this is going to be a very, very active season," Guthrie said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is scheduled to release its hurricane forecast in late May. Colorado State University is expected to release its forecast April 4.

AccuWeather's forecast considered the potential for a stronger African jet stream in making its forecast, which also included the prediction of a 10 to 15% chance of 30 or more named storms this season. That would at least tie the 30 named storms that shattered records in 2020.

Hurricane whisperer: El Niño battled warm ocean temperatures during the above average 2023 hurricane season

Early in the season, the African jet stream could put a lid on tropical activity by sending increased plumes of dry Saharan dust across the main runway for storm formation.

But it also could produce more robust tropical waves to roll off the coast, which are the embryos for tropical cyclone formation.

Still, Fox Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross said there are subtleties in the atmosphere this time of year that are hard to see as the seasons shift, giving any forecast before May a lower confidence level.

“The oceans are so much warmer now we don't have analogue years," Norcross said.

Forecasters often look at past years with similar climate and weather patterns, called analogue years, to make their predictions. The 2023 season was considered unprecedented in that forecasters had not seen record-warm waters and an El Niño during the same season.

"It's an evolving system so how well will the pattern recognition work," Norcross said.

A weak Bermuda-Azores high, which was also sitting farther east in the Atlantic, helped pull storms north around its western edge, sending them out to sea.

AccuWeather's forecast says warmer waters can offset the high south and east compared to its historical average. A weak high in this position, such as what was experienced in 2023, could steer hurricanes away from U.S. coastlines.

But a strong Bermuda-Azores high that stretches farther west could shoot storms into the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

AccuWeather also is calling for four to six named storms to make a U.S. landfall.

"The Texas coast, Florida Panhandle, South Florida and the Carolinas are at a higher-than-average risk of direct impacts this season," DaSilva said. "All residents and interests along the U.S. coast, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, should have a hurricane plan in place and always be fully prepared for a direct impact."

Kimberly Miller is a veteran journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to [email protected].   Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.

Experts Raise Concerns Early on an ‘Explosive’ Hurricane Season, Disney World Guests Instructed

in Walt Disney World

March is over, and April is here, meaning Walt Disney World Resort will soon enter the 2024 Hurricane season, and this year, experts are sounding the alarm on a potential “explosive” season.

Weather Analysts Sound the Alarm on a Potential ‘Explosive’ Hurricane Season, Disney World Guests Should Prepare

The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30, with its peak typically occurring between mid-August and late October. During August, September, and October, the region experiences the highest frequency of hurricane activity. Projections for the 2024 hurricane season anticipate heightened activity, with forecasts indicating a 30% increase compared to the 30-year average.

According to AccuWeather forecasters , the Atlantic is expected to witness between 20 and 25 named storms, including tropical cyclones with sustained winds of at least 39 mph, throughout the 2024 season. Furthermore, WeatherTiger’s landfall risk model suggests a 55% likelihood that tropical impacts in the continental United States during 2024 will fall within the upper third of all hurricane seasons since 1900.

Residents and authorities must adequately prepare for potential threats posed by tropical cyclones, encompassing various hazards.

Regarding tropical cyclones, Floridians can expect:

• Storm Surge: Defined as the abnormal rise of water along coastal areas due to strong winds.
• Heavy Rains: Tropical cyclones can unleash significant rainfall over inland regions, resulting in potential flooding.
• Tornadoes: Many landfalling tropical cyclones have been known to spawn tornadoes, adding to the array of threats associated with these weather systems.

As the Atlantic hurricane season unfolds , individuals and communities must remain vigilant, stay informed about weather updates, and adhere to safety protocols to mitigate risks and ensure preparedness for potential hazards.

Disney World guests can proactively prepare for the potential impacts of the Atlantic hurricane season by staying informed, planning, and taking necessary precautions.

With a Few Months to Go, WDW Guests Should Prepare Ahead of Time for the 2024 Hurricane Season

Keeping abreast of weather forecasts and updates from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center, local meteorological agencies, and official Disney communications is essential. Before traveling to Disney World, guests should consider purchasing travel insurance covering trip interruptions or cancellations due to severe weather and have a contingency plan for evacuation orders or park closures. Packing essential items like flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, non-perishable snacks, drinking water, medications, and personal hygiene products is crucial.

Moreover, guests should secure accommodations with emergency protocols and designated safe areas or shelters to handle inclement weather conditions. Familiarizing oneself with Disney World’s hurricane preparedness protocols and adhering to any instructions or advisories issued by park officials is imperative.

Guests should also remain flexible , understanding that weather-related disruptions such as ride closures, modified park hours, or event cancellations may occur. Establishing a communication plan with travel companions ensures everyone stays connected during emergencies. By taking these proactive measures, Disney World guests can better prepare themselves for the potential impacts of the Atlantic hurricane season, providing a safe and enjoyable experience during their visit.