11 Trip Cancellation Insurance Situations That Are Covered (and What to Document)

5. Natural disaster at destination (making stay unsafe)

If a natural disaster strikes your destination and makes staying there unsafe or impossible, many policies cover cancellation. This includes wildfires, earthquakes, floods, or volcanic eruptions that cause evacuations or major infrastructure damage. Insurers usually require evidence that the destination was affected before or during your travel and that staying would pose a health or safety risk. Helpful documentation includes government travel advisories, local emergency orders, evacuation notices, and reputable news coverage. Also gather booking confirmations showing impacted dates and supplier communications regarding closures or cancellations. If you had to leave early, keep receipts for emergency transport or lodging. These items build a clear timeline and help insurers confirm your claim falls under the policy’s disaster definitions.