Four important tips for travel insurance in winter

As hurricane season nears its end, travelers are bracing for a potentially dangerous winter, predicted by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, which expects heavier rainfall across more than half of the United States

The expected increase in leisure travel costs, which have risen to an average of $7,225, has led to an analysis from Squaremouth.com that now offers insights into managing travel insurance in the face of these challenges.

1. Get your insurance coverage early: To ensure eligibility, it is essential to purchase your travel insurance before a storm is given an official name. Travel insurance can provide financial protection and reimburse travel expenses if inclement weather requires cancellation.
2. Plan additional travel time: Travel insurance usually only covers certain circumstances, such as road closures or involvement in a traffic accident. Allowing extra time to get to the airport in winter can help you avoid unnecessary stress, as travel insurance is no substitute for missing a flight due to traffic delays.
3. Invest in winter sports insurance: For those who go on skiing or snowboarding adventures, it is advisable to choose a policy with sports and activity benefits. These plans cover snow-related injuries and protect against damage to winter sports equipment.
4. Compile a list of emergency contacts: A prudent traveler keeps a list of important contacts, including local emergency services and the 24-hour support service of their travel insurance provider. Having quick access to these numbers can be crucial during a winter emergency.

Interest in travel insurance is increasing with 21% of Squaremouth customers purchasing cold season policies for the first time. The proactive move comes after 24% reported previous disruptions due to winter weather and 31% predicted same or worse conditions more often than in previous years.

Despite a 5% increase in average travel costs since 2023, travelers are choosing to explore less over-the-top destinations like the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Aruba and Mexico. This financial shift reflects a trend with more than half of respondents planning to maintain or increase their travel spending this winter.