For when nature intervenes.

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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 14 July 2021 12:00am UTC, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 14 July 2021 please see below.

Travel Insurance for natural catastrophes covers you for when Mother Nature decides it’s time to be heard. From Bali’s volcanic eruptions to Japan’s tsunamis and Caribbean cyclones, natural catastrophes are by nature unpredictable and can severely disrupt your travel plans.

You may consider purchasing our Explorer Plan, which offers a benefit to help you move to a safer area when a natural catastrophe strikes.

What am I covered for under Natural Catastrophe?

While the last thing we want to do is to talk about all the nasty weather that could come your way, it’s important for you to know what we define as a ‘natural catastrophe’ in our policy. The following are considered a natural catastrophe: Hurricane, tornado, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, storm, flood, landslide, avalanche, fire, high water or explosion.

Natural catastrophes not only cause physical harm, they also shut down airports, wipe out accommodation, and cancel trips.

While some natural catastrophes are completely unpredictable, a lot of them - think hurricanes, monsoons, and even volcanic eruptions (we're looking at you, Indonesia) often give off enough warning for you to prepare yourself so you're not caught off guard.

For those policies that do offer cover for natural catastrophes, you'll need to have bought a policy before the event is known and do everything you can to keep your expenses to a minimum.

It's a good idea to read through the Policy Wording before you purchase a plan. If you need help deciding how much coverage you need, you can read our article Standard vs. Explorer. It’s not the end of the world if you find that your policy isn’t the right match. You have the right to cancel your travel insurance within the cooling-off period. Log into your membership to do so. Also, check your policy to see how long your cooling-off period is.

What’s not covered by travel insurance in a natural catastrophe?

  • If you’re a storm chaser and put yourself in its path
  • If you don’t follow the advice of the authorities
  • If you haven’t paid for the Explorer Plan
  • If the event was occurring, or you were aware it could occur, when you purchased the insurance or booked your travel arrangements.
  • If you hang around to watch what happens

The policy isn’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

Travel Insurance Tip: If you’re traveling to a region that’s known for natural disasters, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.

Tsunami in Sumatra.

On the night 25/10/2010 I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
W.Hallet. Australia in Indonesia.
Claim Paid: $2942.68

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $10,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling overseas.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited, up to 12 months
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

We'll get you to hospital quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $500,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $3,500
  • Standard Plan: USD $2,500
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • 24 hour Emergency Assistance
  • Emergency Medical Transport
  • Repatriation & Travel Expenses
  • Pre-Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Resumption of Trip
  • Travel Delay
  • Missed connection (Explorer)
  • Hijacking (Explorer)
  • Baggage & Personal Items
  • Passport & Travel Documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Rental vehicle insurance excess (Explorer)
  • Personal accident (Explorer)
*This is a general summary for all residents except from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Brazil, China and Philippines. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Phone:+353 21 237 8008 or +353 21 237 8003 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)

Contact the team

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.