Cyclone Alfred highlights need for travel insurance

With Cyclone Alfred expected to make landfall in the coming days, travellers are being advised to reassess their travel plans and double check their travel insurance cover.

Residents across Queensland and northern NSW are expected to be impacted by dangerous weather conditions, including possible flooding and damaging winds of up to 120 kilometres per hour.

Both regions have been warned to expect increasingly hazardous conditions as the cyclone is set to make landfall by the end of the week.

Due to deteriorating weather conditions, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia have so far cancelled all flights in and out of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport on Wednesday.

Travellers to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are also being urged to monitor flight updates, as further cancellations may be imminent.

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

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

With Cyclone Alfred looming, travelers should stay updated on advisories and safety warnings.

Travellers impacted by cyclone should check their flight status and ensure that their contact details are current. Stay tuned to airline websites and social media pages for any sudden changes.

How can travel insurance help?

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 simply smart planning.

When is the best time to buy cover?

Travellers should always consider purchasing travel insurance sooner rather than later - the ideal time is when you make travel reservations.

While domestic cover isn't always prioritised, under these circumstances, travellers would be entitled to claim for any out-of-pocket costs. However, the caveat if that cover must have been purchased prior to this event being widely known in the media.

When is it too late to take out cover for Cyclone Alfred?

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 March 1.

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.

Often, insurers see a spike in policy sales once events such as these hit the media. Just remember, if you were to buy a policy because you expect to be affected by a major weather event, you may likely not be covered.

Cover-more published a cut-off date of March 4 for policy purchases while 1Cover, Fastcover, InsureandGo and Zoom Travel Insurance all set travel alerts for the cyclone on March 3.

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.

While these benefits will kick in once you're delayed for a specific period of time, it's a great asset when you find yourself stranded, tired and frustrated.

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

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 you simply change your mind and don't want to travel, your claim would likely be declined.

Is domestic travel insurance worth it? 

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

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