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Travel Insurance With Natural Disaster Coverage & What You Should Do

Alevin Chan

Alevin Chan

Last updated 20 February, 2023

Travel insurance offers coverage against injury, loss and damage, and these benefits extend to natural disasters under select scenarios. Here’s what your travel policy can (and cannot) do should a natural disaster mar your holiday plans.

While the chances of encountering a natural disaster while on holiday is thankfully rare, it is nevertheless a very real risk. And because you are a visitor in a foreign country, you will be at the mercy of the emergency services available in your host country during a catastrophic event.

However, you can – and should – obtain a layer of protection conveniently and affordably with a travel insurance plan. And yes, most travel insurance plans cover natural disasters as well, making it even more compelling to get one for your holiday.

Let’s take a closer look at how travel insurance plans work in the event of a natural disaster.

Related to this topic: Revenge Travel 2022: Get Even With These 16 Smart Travel Tips

When a natural disaster happens before your trip

Travel insurance can help if a natural disaster occurs before your trip that creates disruptions to your travel plans.

One example would be a wildfire damaging the hotel you have booked for your Australian holiday, rendering it inhospitable. You can make a claim under trip disruption or curtailment benefits to offset your hotel booking.

Similarly, if a snowstorm forces airports in your destination to be shut down, forcing you to cancel your trip, you can claim against your travel policy for the cost of non-refundable plane tickets or accommodations.

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SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.

Travel Insurance Premium for Individual Cover Covid-19 Coverage Promotion

Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance
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from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean)

Yes

Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 48% off. T&Cs apply. Valid till 26 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply.

Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 30 Sep. T&Cs apply.

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023.  T&Cs apply.

Plus, new customers get additional S$30 off on top of the discount with voucher code FREETRAVEL. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023.

FWD Travel Insurance

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from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)

Yes

Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data (minimum premium $60). Valid till 3o Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance


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from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN)

Yes

Receive up to $50 Grab Vouchers and 35% discount plus an EXCLUSIVE Agoda promo code when you apply using the promo code SSVTL35. Valid till 30 September 2023.

Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.

Allianz Travel Insurance
AZ logo

 

from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean)

Yes

Get 35% discount and receive up to S$50 worth of Grab vouchers when you use the promo code G035. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply.

Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.

MSIG Travel Easy

 

from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN)

Yes

Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 31 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply

Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

Singlife Travel Insurance

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 from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN)  Yes

Score an Airalo eSIM with 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply.

Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.

Single Trip: Enjoy a 25% discount when you use the promo code TRAVEL25. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply.

Allied World  Travel Insurance

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 from S$45 (for one week in Asean) Yes

Single Trip: Enjoy a 30% discount when you apply now! Valid till 30 Sep 2023.

Annual Trip: Enjoy a 10% discount when you apply now! Valid till 30 Sep 2023.

Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply

AIG Travel Guard® Direct 

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from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean) Yes

Single Trip: Apply promo code SSTGD and receive up to $50 worth of Grab eVouchers! (minimum premium $100, fullfilment by AIG)  Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply.

Annual Trip: Get up to 6 Plaza Premium Lounge Access Passes with the promo code SSTGD when you apply NOW! Fulfillment by AIG. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply.

Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.

Great Eastern Travel Insurance

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 from S$52 (for one week in Asean) Yes

Single Trip: Get an 20% discount when you use the promo code TSP20S.

Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. 

Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.

When a natural disaster happens during your trip

Should a natural disaster take place in the middle of your trip, your travel insurance plan can offer some protection.

In this case, it is the personal accident and overseas medical benefits that will come into play. If you suffer smoke inhalation because the volcano in your villa’s backyard erupted and requires medical treatment, you will be able to claim your medical bill against your travel policy.

While being evacuated away from the volcano, you were forced to leave behind your laptop and other personal belongings. Travel insurance plans include benefits for lost baggage or belongings, which can be used to cover your losses.

Related to this topic: Money Confessions: Have You Ever Submitted a Travel Claim?

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data when you apply now (minimum premium of $60). Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data when you apply now (minimum premium of $60). Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

What travel insurance may not cover

Nuclear radiation

Travel insurance policies specifically exclude damage or injury caused by nuclear radiation, and may do so even if the exposure was a result of a natural disaster.

For instance, if an earthquake damages a nearby nuclear power plant, exposing you to nuclear contamination, your policy may not cover your claims.

War or riots

The personal accident benefits in your travel plan may not apply if your injury came about as a result of a war, riot or civil disorder.

However, there is usually some wiggle room, in the sense that if you are an innocent bystander that happened to get caught up in a clash between rioters and security forces, your insurance coverage is likely to remain intact.

Still, you should actively avoid going near any areas where such events are taking place, or try your best to seek shelter and stay out of the way.

Some other things to note

It bears repeating that just because your travel policy offers coverage against natural disasters and other catastrophes doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the (hurricane-force) wind.

As with all insurance policies, your claims may be voided if your injuries or losses came about because you were negligent or reckless – such as by, uh, standing behind a jet plane as it takes off.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data when you apply now (minimum premium of $60). Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data when you apply now (minimum premium of $60). Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

Adhere to the following to ensure your travel coverage remains intact.

Heed travel advisories

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes travel advisories in situations that would pose danger or hazards to travellers, such as this latest one, warning against travelling to Ukraine and Russia.

If a travel advisory has been issued for the country you are planning to visit, and you go ahead with your trip, your insurer has the right to void your coverage and reject all your claims.

Hence, you should always keep tabs on any such travel advisories, and if one has been issued, weigh carefully if you want to roll the dice with your insurer.

Purchase your travel insurance early

Remember when COVID-19 first started rampaging around the world, and airlines refused to issue refunds for tickets that could no longer be used?

While that was an unexpected event that caught many by surprise, it illustrates the importance of purchasing your travel insurance early.

Be aware that your insurer may not accept your claims if your policy was bought after the natural disaster was made known.

So, for example, say, a volcano erupted in Bali, forcing flights to be suspended. You purchase a travel plan after the eruption to claim for the cost of your air tickets. Nice try, but it won’t work – your insurer will simply void your claims.

You will only be able to make a claim if your travel plan had been bought before the event, so if your trip is confirmed, it’s better to get your travel plan earlier rather than later.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data when you apply now (minimum premium of $60). Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data when you apply now (minimum premium of $60). Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

Minimise your exposure to risks

A holiday is the perfect opportunity to cut loose and let your hair down, but you’ll still want to keep a lid on things.

If your insurer deems you as having failed to take reasonable steps to protect yourself and minimise risks, your claims will be voided.

So for example, if you get smacked by a flying door because you insisted on filming the hurricane up close, your insurer can – and likely will – deny your medical claims.

Same goes for injuries or losses suffered because you were too drunk or high to take reasonable steps to protect yourself or avoid harm, so don’t party too hard, kids.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data when you apply now (minimum premium of $60). Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off Annual Trip plans. Valid till 26 September 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Receive 1x Airalo eSim with 3GB data when you apply now (minimum premium of $60). Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. 

Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.

An ex-Financial Planner with a curiosity about what makes people tick, Alevin’s mission is to help readers understand the psychology of money. He’s also on an ongoing quest to optimise happiness and enjoyment in his life.

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