Hurricane Season Smarts: Protect Your Trip
Each summer, thousands of travelers look forward to beach escapes, island cruises, and coastal retreats—unaware of the storm brewing just off the map. If you're traveling during hurricane season, understanding how hurricanes can impact your trip isn't just smart—it's essential.
The Risk Is Real: Hurricane Season Travel Disruptions
Atlantic Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) typically releasing the first named storms as early as late May or early June. Once a hurricane is named, any losses related to that storm are no longer considered “unforeseen”—meaning your trip insurance must be purchased before the storm is named in order for you to have coverage.
Waiting until a storm is forecasted is already too late.
Where Should Travelers Be Most Concerned During Hurricane Season?
Certain regions are especially prone to hurricane activity and deserve extra attention when planning your travels between June and November:
Caribbean Islands: Popular spots like the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are all within the prime hurricane belt.
Gulf Coast of the United States: States such as Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas are frequent targets for tropical storms and hurricanes.
Southeastern U.S. Coast: Areas along the Atlantic coastline—including the Carolinas and Georgia—also face high hurricane risks.
Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Cancun, Cozumel, and surrounding coastal areas are commonly affected during peak storm periods.
Central America: Countries like Belize, Honduras, and Nicaragua often experience tropical disturbances that can intensify into hurricanes.
If your plans include destinations within these areas, travel insurance becomes not just recommended—but crucial. Additionally, it's wise to monitor storm patterns closely and consider flexible booking options when possible.
How Far in Advance Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
To ensure coverage for a hurricane-related cancellation, interruption, or delay, purchase travel insurance the same day you put down your first trip deposit, or within 14 to 21 days depending on the plan. Some policies offer Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) options if purchased early, which provide even more flexibility.
For example, our TripWise and JourneySmart plans offer robust protection options when purchased in a timely manner—well before a storm is brewing.
A Look Back: Last Year’s Hurricane Impact
In 2024, Hurricane Beryl made headlines with powerful winds and widespread disruption throughout the Carribean. The Category 5 Hurricane formed unusually early in the summer and grounded flights, rerouted cruises, and many beach resorts were evacuated. Some travelers without insurance lost their entire trip investment, while others had to pay out of pocket for new accommodations or return flights.
Real-life ICI client examples:
A St. Vincent-bound family had to cancel their beach vacation due to mandatory evacuations. Their trip insurance refunded prepaid lodging and rebooked flights.
A mission group rerouted from the Caribbean avoided thousands in penalties thanks to their group plan with cancellation protection.
A honeymoon couple headed to Belize was left stranded in Atlanta during airport closures had meals, hotel nights, and transportation costs reimbursed by their policy.
Bottom Line: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Just like you wouldn’t wait until the waves hit the dock to board your boat, don’t wait until a storm is named to protect your investment. The best time to purchase travel insurance is right after you book your trip—especially if you're traveling between June and November.
As this previous article on Hurricane Helene reminded us, even storms that don’t make landfall can cause major disruptions. Be prepared, not panicked.