Torrential rain and thunderstorms struck Mumbai and several parts of Maharashtra on Monday, May 26, throwing daily life into chaos and affecting travel plans. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, warning of strong winds, lightning, and heavy showers across districts including Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Nashik.
As experts forecast an early monsoon this year, weather-related travel disruptions—such as flight delays, diversions, and cancellations—are becoming more likely. This has led many travelers to ask: what does travel insurance actually cover during such events?
Travel Insurance Can Cover Weather Disruptions—With Limits
Most domestic travel insurance policies in India do offer coverage for weather-related flight issues—but only under certain conditions.
“Delays or cancellations due to unexpected weather like heavy rain or flooding are usually covered,” explained Meet Kapadia, Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar. “But the delay must exceed a specific time—often 3 to 6 hours—for the policy to apply.”
Vivek Chaturvedi, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Direct Sales at Go Digit General Insurance, added a key point: the disruption must be sudden. “If the weather warning was issued well in advance, some policies might not cover the delay.”
Stranded? Your Hotel Costs Might Be Reimbursed
If your flight is delayed or rerouted and you need to stay overnight, your policy might help cover hotel expenses—if you have the right documentation.
“Many insurance plans reimburse under ‘Trip Interruption’ or ‘Additional Accommodation’ clauses,” said Kapadia. “You’ll need receipts and proof of the airline’s delay.”
Chaturvedi noted that airlines often help first. “If the delay is long, airlines may offer hotel stays. Travel insurance acts as backup if airline support falls short.”
Weather-Related Diversions and Emergency Landings Are Often Covered
Flights diverted due to bad weather or forced to land in another city may also be included under travel insurance.
“These situations usually fall under ‘Trip Curtailment’ or ‘Missed Connection’ coverage,” said Kapadia. “You’ll need official airline documentation to make a successful claim.”
Chaturvedi added that Go Digit’s “On The Move” policy clearly includes coverage for such weather-related incidents.
Faster Claims During Monsoon Season
Claim processing can take up to 15 working days, but insurers often speed things up during widespread weather emergencies.
“In monsoon situations, many of our partners offer faster claim approvals,” Kapadia said.
Buying Insurance Last-Minute? Be Cautious
Travel insurance can be bought even a few hours before your trip—but there’s a catch.
“If a weather alert is already in place before you purchase the policy, any delays or cancellations related to that alert may not be covered,” warned Kapadia. “To be fully protected, buy your insurance early.”
Chaturvedi agreed: “Last-minute policies are fine for truly unexpected problems. But if a delay is already known, it won’t be covered.”
Related topics:
