Travel Insurance Coverage for Earthquakes

Are you about to embark on a trip and wondering if your destination is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes? If so, travel insurance with the proper protection can be essential when planning trips to earthquake-prone areas.

We will try to answer questions like “can travel insurance cover earthquakes?” and “what types of expenses are covered under earthquake travel insurance?” We’ll also discuss what to look for, how to prepare and protect yourself against earthquakes while traveling, and what to do in an emergency.

Understanding Earthquake Risks During Travel

Earthquakes can cause terrible damage to people, properties, and infrastructure. According to the National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC), an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 earthquakes happen yearly. In 2021 alone, there were more than 2,206 destructive earthquakes worldwide.

Earthquakes are also hazardous for travelers since they occur without warning. They affect domestic and international travelers alike, as some of the most popular tourist destinations are particularly prone to them.

For example, Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world and is visited by millions of tourists annually. It experiences hundreds of moderate-to-strong earthquakes yearly that can cause considerable disruption for visitors. Similarly, other popular tourist destinations like Mexico, Italy, Greece, and India all experience regular earthquakes.

Given the dangers of earthquakes, it’s essential to consider earthquake coverage when purchasing travel insurance. Many basic policies do not cover earthquakes, so it is crucial to check your individual policy’s terms and conditions to make sure that you are adequately covered in the event of an earthquake while you’re away from home.

Key Elements of Travel Insurance Coverage for Earthquakes

Travel insurance policies with earthquake coverage usually cover trip cancellation, interruption, and delay due to earthquakes. Trip cancellation covers the cost of a prepaid, non-refundable trip if it has to be canceled due to an earthquake that occurs before or during your journey. Trip interruption covers additional expenses incurred if you must interrupt your trip due to an earthquake.

This could include extra accommodation costs, meals, transport, etc. Trip delay coverage reimburses reasonable additional expenses incurred due to a delayed departure caused by an earthquake or other natural disaster.

In addition, travel insurance policies with earthquake coverage typically provide emergency medical expense reimbursement for injuries resulting from an earthquake during your trip. This includes medical evacuation if you need urgent medical treatment in another country. 

It’s important to remember that travel insurance policies with earthquake coverage generally have certain restrictions and exclusions. For example, some policies exclude earthquakes related to volcanoes or tsunamis, while others may only cover medically necessary evacuation expenses. So it’s essential to read your policy details carefully before purchasing it.

Preparing for an Earthquake While Traveling

When traveling to earthquake-prone areas, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions. Ensure you stay informed about recent earthquakes in your destination by checking local news outlets or websites such as Earthquake Track or USGS Earthquake Hazard Program. It’s also a good idea to create an emergency plan with your travel companions, including contacting family members if needed and having access to emergency assistance through your travel insurance provider.

Before an earthquake, familiarize yourself with the safety procedures for different types of buildings (hotels, public transportation, etc.) and practice what to do if an earthquake occurs when you’re out and about. When indoors, find safe spots like door frames or sturdy furniture you can cover under if the ground shakes. When outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and trees and stay in an open area.

During an earthquake, it’s necessary to remain calm and protect your head and neck by crouching, staying low to the ground, and covering yourself with a cushion or other object. Avoid tall structures like bridges, overpasses, and power poles, which could collapse during earthquakes.

After an earthquake has passed, check for injuries among your travel companions and monitor local media outlets for further information about potential damage or safety alerts. It’s also essential to keep all receipts related to any additional expenses incurred due to the earthquake, as these could be reimbursed through your travel insurance policy.

Real-Life Examples of Earthquakes During Vacation

Every year, thousands of travelers experience earthquakes during their trips. Real-life examples include an earthquake in Turkey on Feb 6, 2023 that affected tourists visiting the popular Mediterranean destination. Many travelers had their vacations cut short and faced delays due to disruptions caused by the earthquake. Similarly, two earthquakes occurred off the coast of Majorca on Feb 23, 2023, which caused considerable disruption for British tourists, prompting safety warnings from authorities.

In both cases, travel insurance could have assisted travelers affected by the earthquakes. Travelers with comprehensive policies would likely have been eligible for trip cancellation and interruption coverage, emergency medical expense reimbursement, and evacuation services if necessary. Some policies may also protect against theft or damage caused by an earthquake during the trip.

Aegis Travel Insurance Coverage for Earthquakes

Earthquakes can cause considerable disruption to travelers, and if you’re traveling to earthquake-prone regions, it’s crucial to consider getting travel insurance that includes earthquake coverage.

Aegis offers comprehensive travel insurance policies with robust earthquake coverage, so you can rest assured that you will be protected during an unexpected natural disaster while on vacation. Visit our Go Ready Travel Plans by Aegis page to find the best plan for your trip.