Does Travel Insurance Cover Wildfires

• Wildfires can disrupt travel plans through flight cancellations, road closures, and evacuation orders, especially in high-risk destinations. 

• Coverage may not apply if the wildfire was a known event before purchase, so early planning and understanding your policy are essential. 

• Emergency medical coverage can apply if you fall ill or are injured due to wildfire smoke or burn-related conditions during your trip. 
   

Wildfires have increasingly affected travel across the US and beyond. In January 2025, wildfires in Southern California, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires, led to widespread evacuations and disrupted flights and roadways. Events like these highlight how natural disasters can impact even well-planned trips. This also raised a question: Does travel insurance cover wildfires? 

Travel insurance coverage may include trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption coverage, or travel delay benefits, depending on the travel insurance policy and when it was purchased. If the wildfire is a known event at the time of purchase, certain coverage may not apply. 

In this article, we will explore how travel insurance and associated assistance services can support travelers when wildfires threaten their plans.
 

How Wildfires Can Affect Travel Plans 

Wildfires can disrupt travel in many unexpected ways, especially in destinations prone to severe weather. These natural disasters may lead to flight cancellations, road closures, or evacuation orders, often with little time to react. When a wildfire threatens your destination, it can create significant challenges for your travel plans. 

Here are some common wildfire-related travel impacts: 

• Flight cancellations and travel delays due to smoke, visibility issues, or airport closures 

• Mandatory evacuation orders issued by local authorities that force changes to your travel itinerary 

• Road closures and disrupted access to accommodations or attractions 

• Altered travel arrangements from your tour operator or travel provider 

• Bad weather and extreme conditions that shorten your trip or prompt early departures 
   

Wildfire activity isn’t limited to one region. While areas like California are known for frequent wildfires, other destinations, including those outside the US, such as parts of Australia or the Western Cape, can also be affected during certain seasons. 

Because wildfire is considered a form of natural disaster, understanding how these events qualify as unforeseen events under your travel insurance coverage is important. Monitoring travel advisories, weather events, and local emergency updates before your trip can help you prepare for your journey even during unpredictable wildfire seasons. 
 

How Travel Insurance May Apply in Wildfire Situations 

Travel insurance can provide crucial support when wildfires disrupt your plans, but the coverage depends on your travel protection plan and situation. Here’s a closer look at the three main types of coverage relevant to wildfire events: 

Trip Cancellation 

Trip cancellation coverage may reimburse your non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel before departure due to wildfire-related reasons. This typically applies when local authorities issue a mandatory evacuation or travel ban in your destination, when your hotel or accommodation becomes uninhabitable because of wildfire damage or smoke, or when your tour operator cancels your booked arrangements due to wildfire activity. 

Trip Interruption 

If you’re already at your destination when wildfires strike, trip interruption coverage can help you recover costs related to cutting your trip short. This may include unexpected travel expenses to return home early due to wildfire threats or evacuation orders, additional lodging or transportation costs caused by altered travel plans, and lost prepaid trip components like tours or events you can no longer attend. 

Travel Delay 

Trip delay coverage may apply when wildfires cause flight delays, road closures, or other disruptions. It can help cover immediate expenses such as meals and lodging while waiting for your travel to resume, transportation costs if you must find alternate routes or stay overnight, and necessary phone calls or internet access to rearrange plans.
 

Emergency Medical Coverage in Wildfire-Affected Areas 

Travel medical insurance coverage usually covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and sometimes emergency dental care. This protection ensures you receive necessary treatment if you fall ill or get injured during your trip. 

Medical Emergencies During Wildfires 

Smoke inhalation, burns, or other wildfire-related injuries may require prompt medical attention. Emergency medical coverage in your travel insurance policy may help cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, or emergency dental care. 

Medical Evacuation 

When local medical resources are insufficient, travel insurance may include medical evacuation coverage. This benefit can help cover emergency transport to a safer location with better medical facilities, ensuring you receive the care you need without delay. 

Access to Medical Facilities 

Severe wildfire activity can overwhelm or close local hospitals. Before your trip, check which facilities remain accessible at your destination. Some travel insurance plans may reimburse travelers for treatment costs or transportation to alternate facilities.
 

Travel Assistance Services During Wildfires 

When wildfires impact your trip, support goes beyond just insurance coverage. Travel assistance services, part of many travel protection plans, can be a lifeline when things don’t go as planned. 

These services can help you rebook flights, find alternate lodging, or work with your tour operator or travel provider if your original plans fall through. That kind of help can make a big difference if roads close, flights are canceled, or you’re asked to leave an area due to a mandatory evacuation. 

And while staying informed is important, it becomes essential during fast-moving events like wildfires. That’s where AXA’s MyTrip Companion app comes in. Included with AXA’s travel protection plans, the app can provide you with real-time updates, alerts, and access to support, helping you adjust quickly if conditions change on the ground. 
 

When Travel Insurance Might Not Cover Wildfire Disruptions

Travel insurance is designed to help with unforeseen events, but not everything is covered. It’s essential to understand the limitations, especially when it comes to wildfires. 

Known Events Are Often Excluded 

If a wildfire is already burning or has been officially reported before you purchase your travel protection plan, it’s typically considered a “known event.” In this case, coverage for cancellations, delays, or interruptions related to that wildfire may not apply. 

This is why it’s important to buy your travel protection plan early, before wildfire threats are on the radar. You must visit the Department of State website to understand the latest travel norms for your destination and stay updated. 

Destinations Under Travel Advisories 

If you plan to travel to a destination already under a wildfire-related travel advisory, or if a mandatory evacuation is in effect at the time of booking or purchase, certain benefits may be limited. This applies to wildfire-prone regions like California, Greece, Australia, or the Western Cape during high-risk wildfire seasons. 

Policy Terms and Exclusions to Review Carefully 

Understanding the fine print of your travel insurance policy is essential when it comes to wildfire-related disruptions. Even if you’re affected by wildfire activity, coverage may not apply in every situation. 

For example, cancelling your trip due to concerns about bad weather or potential wildfire risks, without a covered reason, typically isn’t included under trip cancellation coverage. Similarly, changing your travel dates, deciding to return home early, or opting out of your trip due to discomfort may not be covered by travel insurance if your destination remains accessible and no evacuation order is in place.
 

How to Prepare for Travel During Wildfire Season 

Even with travel insurance and assistance services in place, preparation is still your line of defense when traveling during wildfire season. Knowing what to expect and what to do if conditions change can help you stay safe and protect your trip. 

Check Fire Warnings and Air Quality Reports 

Before your departure, monitor wildfire conditions through official sources like local fire agencies, weather services, and government travel advisories. Poor air quality can pose health risks, especially if you have respiratory conditions. 

Build Flexibility Into Your Travel Plans 

Wildfires can cause sudden road closures, airport shutdowns, or forced changes in your itinerary. Try to plan for backup accommodations and alternate travel routes. Flexibility with your travel dates can also help if you need to leave earlier or delay your return. 

Register Your Travel With Authorities 

Register your travel plans with the Department of State through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service lets US citizens receive important information about safety conditions in their destination and helps the nearest embassy or consulate contact you in case of an emergency, such as a wildfire, medical evacuation, or civil unrest. 

By enrolling in STEP, you can stay informed with timely travel advisories and alerts from local authorities. This extra step can be especially valuable during wildfire season, when situations may change rapidly and direct communication can support a safer response. 
 

FAQs 

1. What steps should I take to ensure I’m covered for wildfires? 

Purchase your travel protection plan early, before any wildfire is reported or forecasted for your destination. Review your travel insurance policy details, monitor travel advisories, and use travel assistance services to stay informed during wildfire season. 

2. Do I need to buy travel insurance before the wildfire starts? 

Travel insurance generally does not cover events that are already known or forecasted at the time of purchase. To be eligible for wildfire-related benefits, you must buy your travel protection plan before the wildfire is reported. 

3. Can travel assistance help me leave a wildfire zone? 

Travel assistance services can help coordinate alternate transportation or arrange emergency evacuation if you're in an area impacted by wildfire. These services are included in travel protection plans. 

4. What should I do if a wildfire starts while I’m already traveling? 

Contact your travel assistance provider immediately. They might help with rebooking, finding alternate lodging, or coordinating medical care or evacuation if necessary.