Traveling During the Record-Breaking Hurricane Season? Here's What You Should Know

The 2024 hurricane season has already set records, with Category 5 Hurricane Beryl wreaking havoc across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Forecasts indicate that this hurricane season could be the most active in history. In light of this, Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, highlights the two most critical aspects of travel insurance coverage for hurricanes that travelers need to know.

1. Buy Travel Insurance Before the Storm is Named

Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events. Once a storm is officially named, it is no longer possible to purchase a policy that covers that storm. If you are planning a trip to hurricane-prone areas before November 1, it is crucial to buy a policy with a Hurricane & Weather benefit as soon as possible. This ensures that you are protected if a storm impacts your travel plans.

2. Save Money on Travel Insurance for Hurricanes

Navigating the unpredictability of storm paths can be challenging, but there are ways to manage your travel insurance costs effectively:

• Buy Early: Purchase your travel insurance early to ensure coverage before any storm is named.
• Choose Coverage Wisely: The cost of a travel insurance policy is largely determined by the insured trip cost. You can choose to insure all or part of your expenses.

Many accommodations offer refunds up to a certain point before your trip. To save on your policy, only insure the refundable amount initially. As your trip approaches and those expenses become non-refundable, you can update your policy to include them. If the storm no longer poses a threat, you may decide not to insure the additional costs.

For more detailed advice and answers to common questions about storm coverage, visit Squaremouth's Hurricane Travel Insurance Resource, which is regularly updated to assist travelers during the hurricane season.