Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.

Travel Insurance for Natural Disasters

Cyclones. Earthquakes. Flash floods. When nature strikes, your trip can go off track fast. Travel Insurance Direct (TID) may help you get back on course — with cover for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and 24/7 emergency assistance support when disaster hits.

At a glance: Travel Insurance for natural disasters

  • TID travel insurance helps cover trip cancellations, delays, and emergencies caused by natural disasters.
  • Covered events may include cyclones, bushfires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
  • Exclusions apply for known events or cancellations due to forecasts or fear of travelling.
  • The Emergency assistance can help if you’re caught up in a natural disaster while travelling.

What am I covered for if a natural disaster derails my trip?

TID travel insurance may provide cover for unexpected events like cyclones, bushfires, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Depending on the plan you choose, travel insurance coverage may include benefits like trip cancellation due to natural disaster, additional accommodation costs, or emergency medical evacuation.

Tip: natural disasters can evolve quickly - stay informed with our travel alerts.

What else does TID travel insurance cover?

Depending on the TID travel insurance plan you choose, you may be covered up to policy limits for:

✔️ Trip cancellation or delays due to natural disaster (e.g. airport closure due to a cyclone).
✔️ Missed connections or disrupted tours caused by natural disasters.
✔️ Emergency travel and accomodation costs for specific insured events.
✔️ Overseas medical expenses if you are injured as a result of a natural disaster. 
✔️ Emergency assistance 24/7, including help finding new flights or local shelter.

Heads up: Cover depends on when you bought your policy. If the event was known, you might not be covered.

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Real situations where travel cover could help

  • Bali volcanic eruption flights grounded, travellers stuck. Cover may help with extra nights and new flights.
  • Vanuatu earthquake – Aussies evacuated after a 7.3 quake. The emergency team may cover the costs.
  • California wildfires – sudden closures. Cancellation cover may help you recover non-refundable bookings.

What isn’t covered?

There are some scenarios where you may not be covered. Our policies generally don’t cover:

  • Events that were known at the time you bought the policy.
  • Choosing to cancel a trip due to fear or a general weather forecast.
  • Ignoring government travel advice or local evacuation orders.
  • Costs you could recover from your airline or tour provider.
  • Changing your mind about travelling to a location after a natural disaster is reported but doesn’t directly impact your plans.

Please read all policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Financial Services Guide (FSG) to ensure you understand the cover available. If you have any queries regarding your cover or if you need assistance in a natural disaster situation, please contact us.

Travel tips for natural disaster-prone areas

Our travel insurance policies may cover for events arising from floods, bushfires, or severe weather - but being prepared is just as important.

  • Consider purchasing travel insurance early: purchased a policy before an event/natural disaster occurs, cover is more likely to apply.
  • Register with Smartraveller: get real-time updates on weather and political risks in your destination.
  • Keep copies of key travel documents: carry printed and digital copies of key documents like your passport, visas and travel insurance documents in case power or internet access is disrupted.
  • Have a Plan B: include flexible booking options and backup accommodation in your itinerary.

Feel like giving back to a place, community or project while travelling?

TID's partnership with The Footprints Network makes it easy for travellers to give back when they buy travel insurance. Join over 200,000 travellers who have made a microdonation when they bought travel insurance. Learn more at Travel for Change

Join over 200,00 travellers who have already donated to a unique project! To find out more check out our Travel for Change page.

FAQs when a natural disaster occurs while travelling

Does travel insurance cover natural disasters like cyclones or earthquakes?

TID travel insurance plans may cover specific events caused by flood, cyclone, tornado, hurricane, typhoon, wildfire, tsunami, earthquake, landslide, avalanche and volcanic eruption, if the event was unexpected and not known when you bought your policy.

What happens if my flight is cancelled due to a bushfire?

You may be able to claim for pre-paid travel expenses and additional accommodation or alternative transport. Make sure you keep receipts and get written confirmation from your airline.

What should I do if a natural disaster strikes while I’m overseas?

Contact the 24/7 emergency assistance team. They can help you find accommodation, arrange medical care or help with medical evacuation if required.

This is a brief summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the PDS/FSG.

Travel insurance plans for every type of holiday

We have several plans to choose from; each one offers a different level of cover. Check out our travel insurance plans below where you’ll find information about each one.

The Works

Our most popular plan, The Works offers cover for international trips. It includes cover for medical expenses overseas, cancellation costs, cover for luggage and personal effects and more.

The Basics

Sticking to a shoestring budget? Our budget plan is designed for travellers who want coverage for all the important things, like hospital bills and stolen luggage, without breaking the bank.

Annual

Are you a frequent flyer? If you travel often for business, or have a few holidays coming up, our Annual Multi Trip plan could be for you. Made for globetrotters, your trips can be up to 35 days in duration and there is no limit to the number of trip you can take during a 12 month period.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Consider the PDS and TMD before purchasing.

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