Yes, hurricanes are classed as both Adverse Weather and natural disaster, and some cover applies automatically. The exact protection depends on what stage of your journey you’re at and whether you’ve added Travel Disruption Cover (TDC) to your policy - All cover is subject to your policy terms and conditions.
Covered as standard:
Delayed departure longer than 12 hours due to adverse weather (for both inbound and outbound flights).
If you are unable to reach your departure point (e.g. airport) due to adverse weather
Trip cancellation if:
You are already at the departure point (I.e. airport),
You were not aware of the hurricane at the time of buying your policy and booking your trip,
Your flight or public transport is cancelled or delayed,
No alternative is offered within 12 hours, and
You choose to abandon your trip.
The FCDO advising against travel 21 days prior to departure due to the hurricane
If you have experienced any of the above scenarios, your policy will automatically extend free of charge until you return home — provided you are returning on the next available flight.
Not covered as standard:
Cancellations made before you reach the airport unless you included the travel disruption upgrade at the time of purchase.
Choosing to continue the trip after a delay or cancellation unless you included the travel disruption upgrade at the time of purchase.
With TDC upgrade (Travel Disruption Cover):
Cover for additional expenses if you need to make alternative travel or accommodation arrangements to continue your trip following cancellation or delay of your public transport.
Cover if your flight is cancelled and no alternative is offered within 12 hours, even if you’re still at home.
Delayed and cancelled connecting flights.
If you have experienced any of the above scenarios and you you have purchased the travel disruption upgrade, your policy will automatically extend free of charge until you return home — provided you are returning on the next available flight.
Covered as standard:
Delayed departure due to adverse weather , your policy will automatically extend free of charge until you return home - provided you are returning on the next available flight.
Emergency Medical expenses and Repatriation cost
If you are unable to reach your departure point (e.g. airport) due to adverse weather, your policy will automatically extend free of charge until you return home — provided you are returning on the next available flight.
The FCDO advising against travel whilst abroad and advising you to evacuate or return home
With TDC:
Cover applies if your return flight is cancelled (not just delayed) , Your policy will automatically extend free of charge while you wait for your new return arrangements.
Not covered:
If your flight is cancelled and you don’t have TDC, you’ll need to pay for the policy extension yourself. Please access your customer zone to extend your policy or contact our call centre if your policy had already expired or if you require any further assistance.
Missed connections are covered as standard.
Delayed and cancelled connections are not covered without TDC.
Important – Airline, Ferry & Train Rights
Please note that we will not provide cover for circumstances known to you before your purchase or which could reasonably have been expected to lead to cancellation of the trip. All cover will be subject to all other terms and conditions of your policy. Should your flight be cancelled by the airline, they are legally responsible to either provide you an alternative flight or full refund. They are also liable to provide overnight accommodation until the alternative flight becomes available. Since the EU 261 regulation was passed in 2004, passengers have been protected against severe flight disruption. The legislation confirms that long delays, cancellations, missed connections and flight re-bookings cause great inconvenience to the passenger, and as such affected passengers should be compensated.
Please note that similar protection exists where your travel is via pre-booked ferry or train and the same process should be followed. All the cover we have outlined is subject to terms and conditions, please check your policy wording for further clarification.