From severe flooding and storms to record-breaking heatwaves, climate-related disruptions are affecting flights, accommodation providers, and transport networks around the world with increasing frequency. As South Africans prepare for their long-awaited year-end holidays and continue to travel internationally for business, these extreme weather events are adding a new dimension of risk to some popular global travel destinations.

Against the backdrop of Tourism Month, which highlights the important role travel plays in connecting people, cultures and economies, Jason Veitch, Head of Travel, Accident and Health at Santam Travel Insurance, encourages South African travellers, whether travelling for business or leisure, to make risk planning part of their travel preparations. “With climate-related disruption becoming an increasingly prominent feature of the global travel environment, travellers should place as much emphasis on understanding their cover as they do on choosing their destination, accommodation and itinerary.”

This is according to Veitch, who says that despite this growing risk, many people still underestimate the importance of travel insurance, as well as the extent to which weather-related events can affect their travel plans. “There’s a common misconception that travel insurance only comes into play if someone experiences a medical emergency in a foreign country or loses their luggage, but an extreme weather event can create significant financial consequences before a trip even commences.”

He explains that a severe storm in a destination country, for example, may lead to flight cancellations or even airport closures and last-minute disruptions to accommodation bookings.

“These events are entirely beyond a travellers’ control, yet they can create a chain reaction of expenses and logistical challenges,” Veitch says.

“While some airlines may assist when a flight cannot operate, travellers can still find themselves facing additional accommodation costs, missed connections, transport expenses and the loss of prepaid bookings,” he adds.

Another common misconception that many travellers have is that they can wait until just before departure to arrange cover. “Travel insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen events,” explains Veitch. "Once a weather event has become known or is publicly forecast, obtaining cover for losses directly linked to that event may no longer be possible. That's why it is important to purchase travel insurance as soon as travel arrangements are confirmed.”

Veitch adds that the type of travel insurance product obtained also matters. “Policies can differ considerably in terms of benefits, limits, exclusions and the circumstances under which claims may be valid. Travellers should therefore take the time to understand exactly what is covered before purchasing a policy rather than making decisions based solely on price.”

When comparing travel insurance options, Veitch recommends paying close attention to:

• Cover for trip cancellation, disruption and travel delays.
• Emergency medical and related expenses while travelling internationally.
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits.
• 24-hour emergency assistance services.

“Price is important, but value is ultimately determined by the support and protection available when something goes wrong,” he says. “The right cover can make a significant difference when travellers are dealing with stressful situations far from home.”

He adds that simple steps such as purchasing cover early, reviewing policy wording before departure, and keeping insurance documentation easily accessible can also go a long way in helping to navigate unexpected disruptions with greater confidence.

“After all, we might not be able to control the weather, but we can certainly take steps to ensure that we are financially protected should the weather derail our plans,” Veitch concludes.