2023 Hurricane Season Predictions

‘Near-Normal’ Hurricane Season Predictions Still Heed Warnings for Upcoming Travel and Need for Travel Insurance

(Rockville, MD) July 18, 2023 – With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a ‘near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season’, vacationers heading to Atlantic seaboard and Caribbean destinations should be prepared for the disruptions that can financially impact their vacations. The US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) says it’s important to remind consumers that purchasing travel insurance at the time you book your arrangements can help protect your vacation against financial loss caused by severe weather.

“Consumers don’t have to avoid travel during hurricane season, but they do need to be prepared for the unexpected and the impacts a hurricane can have on their vacation,” said Susan Silfen, UStiA president. “While a disruptive weather event might be unforeseen at the time the consumer makes travel plans, travel insurance can make a major difference in the event a trip is delayed, cancelled, or interrupted by a hurricane.”

According to NOAA, 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) are forecasted for the 2023 hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30. Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).

In the event of a looming hurricane, UStiA recommends travelers keep the following in mind:
Read your policy before you travel. Understanding the coverage and services that are available to you is critical, including trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance benefits.

• Contact your travel suppliers—like your hotel and airline—before you cancel your trip. They may allow you to change your trip without penalty. Prior to filing your travel insurance claim, check with your travel suppliers to determine if any penalties or fees will be waived. If you’re able to change the dates of your trip, your travel insurance provider may also change the dates of your policy to coincide with your new dates of travel.
• Include all pertinent documentation if you need to file a claim. Provide your invoices and receipts, proof of payment (such as credit card statements), proof of any refunds already received, communication with travel suppliers, etc.—everything you have to substantiate your loss.
• Consider filing your claim online. Many travel insurance providers can become inundated with phone calls immediately before, during, and after a hurricane. Filing online can save you time and may expedite the processing of your claim.
• Be sure to take your travel insurance information with you on your trip. Make sure you pack your policy number and information on how to reach your provider for assistance and to activate coverage and services in case your trip is interrupted.

The UStiA reminds consumers who purchase travel insurance that the timing of filing a claim is also important. Travelers should delay cancelling a trip before the cancellation is covered. For example, cancellation before a hurricane warning is given, before a hurricane is named, or before the actual hurricane hits might not be covered. Make sure to read the terms of your specific policy or call your travel insurance provider for clarification.

About UStiA
UStiA is a nonprofit association of insurance carriers and allied businesses involved in the development, administration, and marketing of travel insurance and assistance services. UStiA promotes fairness, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in the travel insurance industry, with a mission to educate the public on travel insurance while maintaining high industry standards. For more information on UStiA and travel insurance, visit www.ustia.org.