In destinations around the world, hot days are getting hotter and they’re also becoming far more frequent.
In fact, according to The Center For Climate And Energy Solutions, Earth broke or tied its record for the hottest day on record four days running. At the same time, the planet is experiencing fewer colder days.
These changes have a variety of impacts and consequences the world over, including making it more challenging or even risky when traveling. In the most extreme cases, the risks have involved climate change-driven hurricanes and deadly wildfires.
But the changes unfolding globally also include popular attractions limiting their hours of operation or closing entirely on certain days, tourists being driven indoors for much of the day to avoid excessive temperatures, and the need to change destinations entirely if the weather is simply untenable.
The bottom line? The mere act of traveling has become exponentially more unpredictable. And with climate change expected to become more intense, that reality is not likely to change any time soon.
So what role does travel insurance play when it comes to extreme heat? Can it help offset some of the challenges and setbacks travelers will experience? Here’s a closer look.
Coverage for Medical Issues Tied to Extreme Heat
The good news is that travel insurance can compensate for some of the trip impacts that may be experienced amid global warming. Medical emergencies are the primary example of when a policy might come in handy.
“The Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation benefits of travel insurance can cover travelers who experience a heat-related medical issue during their trip,” Steven Benna, from the travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth, told TravelPulse.
Travelers who suffer heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or other climate-related medical emergencies for example, may be covered by their travel insurance policy.
Plans with the Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation benefits can reimburse travelers for medical costs, such as hospital bills and ambulance rides, if they need treatment for a heat-related issue.
