As Europe and other destinations are hit by record-breaking heat and wildfires, travel insurance providers are urging clients to understand exactly what their policies cover when extreme summer weather disrupts their trips.
“The trigger for cover relating to weather is that the flight has to be cancelled or accommodation must be rendered uninhabitable. Disinclination to travel is not covered,” said Karen Botha, Head of Sales & Marketing at Santam Travel Insurance
What is covered
Climate disruptions are treated as insurable risks under many of Santam’s policies, but cover depends on timing, the type of event, and travellers’ specific plan.
Here’s what could be covered depending on the plan:
Flight cancellations: Non-refundable accommodation, transfers and tours if a flight is cancelled because of a declared weather event.
Delays and missed connections: If wildfires delay your departure or cause you to miss a connecting flight, travel insurance can pay for lodging and rebooking fees.
Medical emergencies: Treatment for heatstroke, dehydration, smoke inhalation, burns and injuries sustained during evacuations.
Alternative accommodation: If your hotel is damaged, inaccessible, or shut down by authorities, your insurance may pay for alternative lodging and associated travel costs including:
- Reimbursement of prepaid, unused accommodation costs
- Reasonable costs for alternative accommodation
- Additional transport expenses to reach the new accommodation
- Costs associated with rebooking pre-arranged travel activities linked to the affected stay
Lost or damaged personal belongings: Baggage damaged due to weather or due to evacuation may be eligible for reimbursement, depending on the policy.
Heatwaves
Anrieth Symon, Head of Travel at Bryte, says extreme heatwaves are covered if they lead to a medical emergency or transport disruption. They are not covered for general discomfort or voluntary cancellations without an official trigger.
“Heatwaves can also worsen underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes and even increase the risk of accidents or transmission of some infectious diseases. That’s why travellers need to choose a plan that includes cover for pre‑existing conditions if they need it,” said Symon.
According to Santam Travel Insurance, if emergency medical cover is included in the travel insurance policy, injuries caused by extreme heat are usually included.
Common covered scenarios include hospitalisation for heatstroke, dehydration, or sun poisoning, emergency transport or ambulance services, and follow-up care or prescriptions issued during the trip, provided the policy was active at the time of the incident.
Wildfires
Wildfires are treated as natural disasters under Bryte’s policy wording so that cover may extend to medical treatment, evacuation, curtailment, or transport delays.
“What isn’t covered are voluntary cancellations out of fear, government‑imposed restrictions, or damage to valuables beyond baggage limits,” said Symon.
Injuries caused by wildfire-related events, such as smoke inhalation, burns or minor injuries sustained during a wildfire evacuation are usually included in emergency medical cover, according to Santam.
Emergency transport or ambulance services to a safe location or medical facility, as well as follow-up treatment and prescriptions received during the trip, may also be covered.
Timing
The best time to purchase travel insurance is at the time of booking the trip.
According to Botha, the timing is important. “In most cases, the policy must have been purchased before the wildfire or weather event was publicly forecast, declared, or became a known risk. Cover is also subject to the policy type and whether it includes benefits for weather-related events or natural disasters,” said Botha.
Common exclusions
However, all policies have limits and clients need to be aware of what is excluded in their insurance.
Common exclusions in Santam’s travel insurance include:
- Purchasing the policy after a weather warning or declaration
- Cancelling because of a forecast, not actual disruption
- No proof to support claims (photos, news alerts, airline notices)
Symon said it was important that travellers familiarised themselves with their policies. “We aim to provide protection when extreme weather becomes an emergency, while being clear about the limits of cover, terms, conditions and exclusions. Travellers should always familiarise themselves with their policy to understand exactly what is and isn’t included.”
