Protecting Your Trip from Summer Travel Chaos

Flight delays. Heatwaves. Wildfires. Overbooked hotels.

Summer travel can be full of surprises—and not always the kind you want.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or abroad, disruptions can turn even the best-planned trip into a logistical headache. While travel insurance can’t prevent the unexpected, it may help travelers recover costs and access support when plans go sideways.

 

Here’s what to know this summer:

Weathering the Weather: Summer means storm season in many parts of the U.S. and beyond. From hurricanes in the South to wildfires out West, extreme weather can lead to canceled flights, road closures, and even evacuations.

Depending on your policy, travel insurance may offer reimbursement for trip delays, interruptions, or cancellations caused by covered weather events. Some policies also provide emergency assistance, helping travelers secure new accommodations or make alternative travel plans.

 

Delays, Missed Connections, and Lost Bags: This summer is already shaping up to be a busy one, with record-setting numbers of travelers passing through airports. That also means a higher risk of delays and lost luggage.

Travel insurance may help cover extra lodging or transportation costs if your trip is delayed due to a covered reason. Some plans may also offer baggage delay coverage, which can reimburse you for essentials while you wait for your bags to arrive.

Make sure to check your policy to understand how long a delay must last before coverage kicks in and what documentation is required.

 

Medical Emergencies in the Heat: Heat waves and extreme temperatures can increase the risk of medical emergencies, especially for older travelers or those with pre-existing conditions. Many health insurance plans offer limited or no coverage when traveling internationally, and even domestic travelers can run into challenges getting care in unfamiliar locations.

Travel insurance may include emergency medical coverage and evacuation assistance, helping travelers get the care they need quickly.

 

Planning Ahead Is Key: The best time to purchase travel insurance is usually right after booking your trip. This can increase the likelihood of qualifying for pre-existing condition waivers and provides the most comprehensive coverage window.

Before buying a policy, take time to compare coverage options, understand exclusions, and ask questions about what’s included. Travelers can also use the “free look” period offered by many policies to review coverage after purchase and make changes if needed.

 

Final Thought: Travel Smart This Summer

From unexpected storms to travel snafus, summer trips can bring surprises. While no policy can prevent disruptions, the right travel insurance may help travelers navigate delays, adjust plans, and access critical support along the way.

For more answers to common travel insurance questions, visit ustia.org/about-ustia/faq