Hurricane Matthew may put your planned trip in jeopardy. You'd think surely my trip insurance will cover it or it's just common sense I'll get my money back.
Check out what 2 Wants To Know found out about cancellation policies and travel insurance.
Your hotel can still charge you for a night when there is a storm coming through. The only time a hotel has to refund you is if the electricity is out at the hotel, or the rooms are uninhabitable. Refund depends on your hotel's regular cancellation policy.
How about that vacation home rental? Anytime you book a vacation rental you should be offered insurance to purchase in case of a mandatory evacuation. If you choose not to take the insurance the owner is not required to refund your money
Here's the 101 on 3rd party trip insurance. Cancellation policies reimburse you if you have to cancel your trip before you leave. Trip interruption policies apply if you cut your vacation short.
For both types, there are always exclusions -- like pre-existing conditions. If you have a history of high blood pressure and you have to cancel your trip as a result of an issue related to that-- you'll be denied.
And reimbursement -- cancellation only covers pre-paid nonrefundable trip costs. It doesn't mean you can rebook the trip at the same price.
Want everything covered no matter what? Then book through a travel agent!