The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the Hurricane and Typhoon Seasons in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that those in hurricane and typhoon prone regions begin preparations for the upcoming seasons now. This Travel Alert expires on December 1, 2017.
The NOAA predicts that the prone regions have a 45 percent chance of an "above-normal" season, with a 70 percent chance of 11-17 storms with winds 39 miles per hour or greater. Of these, five to nine will strengthen into a hurricane (74 mph or higher) and two to four will become major hurricanes, with winds 111 mph or higher.
With the summer travel season in full swing, the unpredictability of hurricanes means travel plans could potentially be threatened. Airports will close or limit flights due to flooding, extreme winds, and flooding. A greater number of flights will be delayed or filled causing travelers itineraries to not go as planned.
Travel Insured International, a leading travel protection provider offers a few tips to help travelers protect their upcoming 2017 travel plans.
Before Leaving
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, which allows travelers to receive relevant information regarded the area they will be traveling on the spot.
Purchase a plan no matter where you are traveling to.
A common mistake travelers make during hurricane season is assuming there will not be any issues because the planned destinations would most likely not be in the path of a hurricane. Storms can delay or cancel flights around the world, ultimately delaying the itinerary no matter the location.
Purchase a plan before the storm has a name.
Travel Insured suggests that travelers purchase a plan when the first payment towards the trip is made. Purchasing a plan too late or after the storm exists will not offer the coverage needed if a hurricane alters the set travel plans.
Purchase a plan with the Cancel for Any Reason* benefit.
If a traveler has any concern about the weather interfering with set travel plans, having the Cancel for Any Reason* benefit is the best way to get the coverage needed.
To learn more, visit www.travelinsured.com.
About Travel Insured:
Founded in 1994 by Peter Gehris, Travel Insured International is one of the leading travel insurance providers, offering the highest quality worldwide travel protection for over 20 years. Travel Insured maintains relationships with specialty travel providers and tour operators, as well as provides 24/7 customer assistance, every day of the year. In 2015, Travel Insured was acquired by Crum & Forster, whose parent company is Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. The financial strength and core values of the companies give Travel Insured the best position in the market to continue its commitment of helping travelers protect their travel plans to travel relaxed, travel secure, and travel insured.
*Plans may vary by state.
This page contains highlights of the plans. The plans contain insurance benefits underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company. C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best Company 2016. The plans also contains non-insurance Travel Assistance Services that are provided by an independent organization, and not by United States Fire Insurance Company or Travel Insured International. Coverages may vary and not all coverage is available in all jurisdictions.
Travel Insured International
855 Winding Brook Drive
Glastonbury, CT