Essential information and tips if you are caught up in a natural disaster overseas
Navigating natural disasters when travelling can be daunting. There are many factors to consider; the safety of yourself and your loved ones, the possibility of an interrupted or cancelled trip, what you should do next, and whether your next steps will be covered by your travel insurance.
At nib, we're here to help make your travels smoother and safer. Our guide helps answer your questions should you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where Mother Nature interrupts your travel plans.
Our Comprehensive and Essentials plans both offer coverage for the following natural disasters:
If a public warning for severe weather or a natural disaster is issued, that is likely to impact your travel arrangements directly, we may cover any reasonable additional travel arrangements you make within 48 hours of the warning. This could include the cost of rearranging your travel plans or necessary additional accommodation and meals.
Note: a natural disaster does not include outbreak of disease, epidemic, pandemic, or any other event that is not specifically included in the above list. Always check your policy wording when buying nib travel insurance to ensure you are adequately covered.
We also offer cover for overseas medical expenses on our Comprehensive and Essentials plans if you’re injured due to severe weather or a natural disaster while travelling. Always make sure that you are safe and contact the 24-hour worldwide Emergency Assistance team.
Traveller tip: travel plans can change unexpectedly, especially when it comes to the forces of unruly Mother Nature. If you need to extend your travel insurance policy while overseas, you can contact us to discuss your options. Simply reach out to us to discuss your options.
Experiencing a natural disaster while travelling abroad can be incredibly stressful. Here are some key steps to take before and during your trip should you find yourself caught up in one:
Make time for pre-trip research: research your chosen destinations before your journey, so you can determine any potential risks and have a basic emergency plan in place.
Stay alert and informed: we recommend using resources such as the Smartraveller website, and monitoring nib travel alerts both before and while travelling, as this will keep you informed about unfolding events and any potential issues you may face.
Contact your local authorities: if a natural disaster occurs, follow instructions from local authorities and disaster relief organisations.
Reach out to us: keep us in the loop by contacting our 24hr Worldwide Emergency Assistance team. The nib Emergency Assistance eam can help you if you’re injured or are stuck overseas due to severe weather or a natural disaster.
Keep all your documents handy: keep any receipts and documents relating to your travel changes or additional expenses incurred due to the disaster. These will be important if you need to make a claim.
Practical tips if you’re caught in a natural disaster
As much as we would like to support our travellers in their journeys, some scenarios fall outside the scope of our policies. Here are circumstances where you wouldn't be covered:
As always, our priority at nib is to help you travel confidently, knowing exactly where you stand with your coverage. We recommend reading the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand your policy thoroughly.
The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.
At nib, we're here to answer any questions and clarify any doubts you might have. If you need more information or are unsure about what to do, our nib International Assistance team is just a call or click away.