Changes to complimentary credit card travel insurance could affect Australians relying on their card for cover, with travellers urged to check their policy.
Travel insurance and the Nepal landslides: what Australian travellers need to know
The devastating floods and landslides that struck Nepal in August have raised important questions for Australian travellers about travel insurance, cancellation and evacuation cover. Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is urging travellers to understand how natural disaster and known-event provisions could affect their cover.
A major glacial collapse on 26 August 2026 triggered devastating flooding and landslides across parts of Nepal, causing widespread damage and disrupting roads, transport and infrastructure.
For Australians planning to travel to Nepal, or already in the country, the disaster highlights the importance of understanding what travel insurance may cover when a natural disaster affects a trip.
Natalie Smith, spokesperson for Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, says natural disasters can trigger a range of travel insurance benefits, depending on the circumstances and individual policy.
“Natural disasters such as floods and landslides are generally events that travel insurance can respond to, but exactly what is covered depends on the policy and how the event affects your trip.
“If a traveller is stranded, unable to continue their journey or has their travel arrangements directly disrupted, they may be able to claim for eligible additional accommodation, transport, cancellation or other expenses. Travellers should always check the specific terms and conditions of their policy rather than assuming every cost will be covered.”
Already travelling in Nepal?
For travellers already in Nepal, the immediate priority should be following local authorities’ advice and staying away from areas affected by flooding, landslides and debris flows.
Smith says travellers whose plans have been directly affected should contact their insurer as soon as possible.
“If you’re already in Nepal and the disaster has directly affected your travel plans, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to help with arrangements for evacuation, alternative transport or additional accommodation.
“It’s important to contact your insurer before making significant changes or incurring additional costs where possible, as not every expense will necessarily be covered.”
The timing of your travel insurance matters
One of the most important considerations for travellers is when their policy was purchased.
Once a major event such as a natural disaster becomes known, policies generally won't provide cover for losses arising from that event if the policy was purchased afterwards.
“The biggest issue is timing. If you purchased your travel insurance before the Nepal disaster occurred or became a known event, you may be covered for eligible losses if the event subsequently disrupts your trip.
“However, you generally can’t purchase travel insurance after an event has occurred and expect it to cover losses arising from that event.”
Known-event provisions and cut-off dates can vary between insurers, so travellers should check their policy or contact their insurer if they are unsure when an event became excluded from cover.
Concerned about travelling? Cancellation isn't always covered
Smith says travellers should also distinguish between being unable to travel because of an insured event and simply deciding not to travel because they are concerned about the situation.
“If a natural disaster directly disrupts your destination or travel arrangements, you may have cover for eligible non-refundable costs, subject to your policy.
“But if your travel arrangements are operating normally and you simply decide you no longer want to travel because you’re concerned about the situation, that would generally be considered a change of mind rather than an insured event.”
What should travellers check?
For anyone travelling to Nepal, Compare Travel Insurance recommends checking:
- Natural disaster cover: Check what your policy provides if flooding, landslides or another natural disaster disrupts your trip.
- Known-event exclusions: Check whether the Nepal disaster was already a known event when you purchased your policy.
- Cancellation and travel disruption: Understand when you may be covered for cancelled arrangements, additional accommodation or alternative transport.
- Emergency evacuation: Check when evacuation or alternative transport costs may be covered and whether you need to contact your insurer before making arrangements.
- Medical cover: Make sure you understand what medical expenses are covered overseas and how emergency assistance operates.
- Altitude and activities: If you're trekking or hiking in Nepal, check altitude limits and whether your planned activities are covered. Some activities or higher-altitude trekking may require additional cover.
For travellers considering a future trip to Nepal, Smith says purchasing travel insurance early is important.
“For anyone planning future travel to Nepal, the best approach is to buy travel insurance when you book your trip, rather than waiting until closer to departure.
“Make sure you understand the policy’s natural disaster, cancellation and travel disruption provisions, as well as any altitude or activity restrictions that may apply to your trip.”
For travellers already in Nepal, safety should come first. Follow local authorities’ advice and contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team if your travel plans are affected or you need assistance.