Ever been stuck on an island because volcanic ash shut down airports? We have. A three-week surf trip turned into four when Mount Ruang sent plumes of ash over Indonesia, stranding thousands of travelers and leaving them to fend for themselves.
From frantically looking for lodging to figuring out flights that didn't exist yet (because the volcano was still erupting), the unexpected expenses added up quickly. Thankfully, we had travel insurance, but not every provider covers against natural disaster. Read the fine print.
What's in the fine print?
When travel insurance shopping, look for this clause (or something similar) to be covered in a situation like our's: If a natural disaster (or another covered reason) delays your trip by the specified number of hours, your travel insurance plan can reimburse you for your lost prepaid trip expenses and for your extra expenses for things like meals, hotel rooms, communication and transportation, up to the daily limit of your plan.
Some plans pay travelers a daily amount to cover expenses. It's instant, and they don't have to submit receipts; only proof of the covered delay is required.
Typically, travel insurance providers define a natural disaster as, "a flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, volcanic eruption, earthquake or avalanche that is due to natural causes." Some providers exclude certain events, classifying them as an "act of God" instead.
Why else is travel insurance good for surf trips?
Surfing accidents happen, and so do accidents on the way to the surf. When these happen in faraway foreign countries, you might need to get helicoptered out for treatment. The medical transportation and treatment would cost crazy amounts. Check if your personal healthcare coverage includes overseas travel. If not, you'll want additional coverage through a travel insurance plan.
Surfboards need protection, too. They might get pretty beat up during those long travels overseas. Worst yet, they might get stolen. Travel insurance can offer some consolation prize; a reimbursement check waiting in the mail when you get back home doesn't sound so bad.
Many ordinary travel insurance policies include surfing as an activity; however they might come with restrictions. If you'd prefer to play it safe, then check out one of the travel insurance providers dedicated specifically to surfers.
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