Wildfires and Travel Insurance—Frequently Asked Questions for Guests

We are closely monitoring this year’s wildfire season. If you are in an affected area or concerned about exposure to wildfire smoke, we advise travelers listen to local authorities and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) safety guidelines.

Below are a few Frequently Asked Questions about wildfires and travel insurance for guests who have purchased travel insurance from one of our partner vacation rental management companies.

If you are traveling and need help, our emergency assistance team is available 24/7: 877-243-4135

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildfires & Travel Insurance

   
What if I can’t reach my destination because of the fires? Is coverage available?

Trip Cancellation coverage is available prior to departure and Trip Interruption and Travel Delay coverages are available while traveling if roads are closed, your flight is cancelled or delayed, or your destination becomes otherwise inaccessible because of the fires.

Please review your Description of Coverage/Policy for complete details.

   
I have a trip planned to an affected area. Can I cancel?

Trip Cancellation coverage is available if the fires have caused an interruption of essential services (such as gas, electric, or water) or a mandatory evacuation at your destination. Coverage may also be available if your destination becomes inaccessible because of the fires.

Please read your Description of Coverage/Policy confirmation documents for coverage details.

   
I live in an affected area. Do I have coverage to cancel my upcoming trip?

If your home is uninhabitable by local public safety guidelines because of the fires, Trip Cancellation coverage is available. Coverage may also be available if your destination becomes inaccessible because of the fires.

Please read your Description of Coverage/Policy confirmation documents for coverage details.

   
What if I’m exposed to wildfire smoke and get sick. Do I have coverage?

Trip Cancellation coverage is available prior to departure and Trip Interruption and Travel Delay coverages are available while traveling if you get sick from wildfire smoke and plan requirements for Sickness are met. Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption requirements include receiving in-person treatment from a physician who advises, in writing, that your Sickness prevents your travel.

Please read your Description of Coverage/Policy confirmation documents for coverage details.

   
I don’t want to travel right now because of the fires and poor air quality. Can I cancel?

Trip Cancellation coverage is only available if you have to cancel your trip because of a covered reason, such as Sickness. Coverage is not available for fear of travel or not wanting to travel.

Please read your Description of Coverage/Policy confirmation documents for coverage details.

   
How can travel insurance help me if I’m on my trip and a fire starts nearby?

Trip Interruption and Travel Delay coverages are available if you lose access to essential services at your destination because of a fire (such as gas, electric, or water), or if a mandatory evacuation is issued. Learn more

Please read your Description of Coverage/Policy confirmation documents for coverage details.

   
What if I’m evacuated on my trip because of a fire? What kind of coverage do I have?

Travel insurance provides coverage for your unused vacation nights and certain out-of-pocket expenses like overnight lodging, meals, and local transportation during a mandatory evacuation. If possible and safe to do so, we recommend seeking accommodations out of harm’s way during an evacuation, with the hopes that you can return to your rental when the evacuation ends.

Coverage is also available for additional transportation costs to return home early if you are evacuated during your trip. If you do decide to return home early, please note that you must have less than half (or less than the number of days specified in your plan details) to receive coverage for any unused nights after the evacuation order is lifted.

Please review your Description of Coverage/Policy for complete details.

   
I have a health condition and poor air quality could make it worse. Do I have coverage to cancel?

Coverage is not available for fear of travel or not wanting to travel. If poor air quality causes your condition to get worse and makes you sick, please note that some of our plans exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions unless specific requirements are met at the time of purchasing the plan. If those requirements are met, Trip Cancellation coverage due to Sickness is available if the worsening of your condition was unforeseen, and you have received in-person treatment from a physician who advises, in writing, that your Sickness prevents your travel.

Please read your Description of Coverage/Policy confirmation documents for coverage details.

 

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