Darjeeling Disaster Strands Tourists, Highlights Importance of Travel Insurance for Natural Calamities

Heavy rains have led to severe landslides and flooding in Darjeeling, the hill station in North Bengal. It left roads washed away, bridges collapsed, and homes damaged. While over 20 people lost their lives, hundreds of tourists were left stranded.

Rescue operations by local authorities are underway, but access to some areas remains cut off. Tourists have been asked to stay safe till evacuation. The disaster has thus caused massive disruptions and left tourists stranded. We have seen similar floods happen in other tourist destinations like Manali a month or so ago.

In times of distress during natural disasters like the Darjeeling floods, travel insurance can come in handy and provide financial protection and relief on multiple fronts. “In case your flight is cancelled or delayed due to a natural disaster, travel insurance can cover that. In case you are stranded remotely, travel insurance can cover the cost of accommodation or meals. And in case of medical emergencies, travel insurance can also cover hospitalisation and repatriation expenses,” says Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance, Policybazaar.

According to  Sarita Joshi, head of health and life insurance, Probus, travel insurance generally covers a range of financial losses that travellers may face during natural disasters. In a situation like the recent Darjeeling floods, a comprehensive travel insurance plan would typically cover trip cancellations or interruptions due to unavoidable circumstances such as road blockages, airport closures, or evacuation orders. “It can also reimburse non-refundable expenses like hotel bookings or flight tickets. If tourists are stranded, the policy may cover additional accommodation or transportation costs incurred due to the disaster. Some plans also provide emergency evacuation coverage to move travellers to a safer location or to the nearest medical facility if required,” adds Joshi.

So travel insurance will cover additional expenses incurred due to natural calamities, like increased return fares when a trip is disrupted due to floods, earthquakes, and so on. Emergency trip evacuations, if they come at a cost, will also be covered.

Travel insurance provides compensation for natural disasters, which are events unknown or unpredictable to mankind. These events can happen anytime, anywhere, and travel insurance provides coverage in case that unfortunately does happen. “But if a disaster has already struck, and you’re buying travel insurance post that, travel insurance may not cover it,” says Kapadia. So, you need to buy travel insurance in advance.

However, not all weather-related disruptions automatically qualify for compensation. “Coverage depends on the terms and conditions of the policy and the extent of the disruption. Most insurers require that the event be officially declared as a natural calamity or that the trip becomes unviable due to government or airline advisories. However, exclusions can apply, such as travelling against warnings, pre-existing weather conditions, or booking trips after the disaster was already known. Hence, travellers should always read the fine print to understand what’s considered a covered event before making a claim,” adds Joshi.

Also, it’s important to retain all proofs of cancellations or expenses incurred to file for claims.

“One should look for comprehensive policies that include coverage for natural disasters, trip interruptions, and medical evacuations, and most importantly, emergency assistance services. Opting for a plan with high medical cover and emergency evacuation benefits can make all the difference in times of distress. It may cost you a bit more of a premium, but it is always wise to opt for a comprehensive policy,” adds Joshi.

In fact, not just natural calamities but war or war-like situations may also disrupt your trip, so adequate protection is a must.