Tropical Cyclone Alfred: What will travel insurance cover this week?

With Cyclone Alfred set to make landfall in coming days, insurers are advising travellers to reassess their plans and check their policy cover.

Residents across Queensland and northern NSW are expected to be impacted by dangerous weather conditions, including flooding and winds of up to 120 kilometres per hour. Both regions have been warned to expect increasingly hazardous conditions as the cyclone approaches.

While the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane Airports remain operational, travellers are being urged to monitor flight updates as weather deteriorates.

Airlines have expressed that they will directly reach out to any passengers affected. Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas have offered affected customers flight credits or the option to change their travel dates.

What should I do if the cyclone affects my travel plans?

“We advise travellers impacted by this weather event to check their flight status and ensure that their contact details are current,” Natalie Ball, managing director for Comparetravelinsurance.com.au managing director Natalie Ball said. 

“Stay tuned to airline websites and social media pages for any sudden changes.”

Ball added that travel insurance can help cover unrecoverable out-of-pocket costs.

“While airlines are offering flexibility to affected customers, a comprehensive policy covers prepaid expenses like accommodation. With current weather predictions intensifying, having a backup plan is a smart move.”

She also advised travellers consider purchasing travel insurance sooner rather than later.

“Domestic cover isn’t always prioritised, however under these circumstances, travellers would be entitled to claim for any out-of-pocket costs, provided they purchased a policy prior to this event being widely known in the media.”

When is it too late to take cover?

Severe weather warnings hit the media in the last week of February when Cyclone Alfred was fluctuating between a category 3 and category 4 storm, before weakening down to a category 2 on 1 March.  When it comes to making a claim, some insurers rely on specific media publication dates, whereas others publish purchase cut-off dates on their website.

Ball notes, “it’s not uncommon to see a spike in policy sales once an event like this hits the media. In essence, if you’re buying a policy because you expect you will be affected by a major weather event, you would likely not be covered”.Cover-more published a cut-off date of 4 March for policy purchases while 1Cover, Fastcover, InsureandGo and Zoom Travel Insurance all set travel alerts for the cyclone on March 3^rd.

What if my accommodation is affected?

Insured travellers who find that their accommodation is uninhabitable due to storms and bad weather would have provision to claim due to unforeseen damages.

Can I claim for delays caused by the cyclone?

A comprehensive policy would cover you for any additional expenses, such as meals and accommodation, if you are delayed for at least six hours.

“Often these benefits will kick in once you’re delayed for a specific time. Regardless, it’s a great asset when you find yourself stranded, tired and frustrated,” says Ball.

Additionally, some insurers can help you get to a pre-booked event in the event of a flight delay or cancellation. 

“If you’re on route to a prepaid event or special occasion some insurers will actually pay your additional travel expenses if your scheduled transport is delayed or cancelled.”

What if my holiday is unaffected but I want to cancel my trip?

Travel insurance does not cover you for change of mind so unless your travels are directly affected by bad weather you will not have eligibility to claim for cancellation.

“If Cyclone Alfred directly affects your trip, you’ll likely be covered,” says Ball. “But if you’re outside the impact zone and just don’t want to go, you may not have a successful claim.”

Is domestic travel insurance worth it?

While often overlooked Ball says that a growing number of travellers could stand to benefit from domestic cover.

“Many travelers skip insurance for interstate trips, but a domestic policy offers peace of mind for unexpected events. Significant weather disruptions can affect plans, so booking coverage early ensures cancellation benefits. With policies from $50*, it’s a small price for added security”.

*One domestic policy for 7 days in duration, aged 21.

Zoom domestic policy $41.60, 1Cover domestic policy $47.38, Insure and Go $61.92, Tick Travel Insurance $64.68, Fast Cover $63.89.

Policy benefits, limits and exclusions vary between policies.