🕒 Last updated on July 15, 2025
Climate change is no longer just a topic in science books. It’s now something travelers are experiencing firsthand. From powerful storms to heatwaves, extreme weather is changing how people travel—and how they protect themselves with insurance.
Climate Change Brings New Challenges for Travelers
In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, where millions of people travel each year for business and leisure, insurers are now seeing a noticeable rise in claims linked to climate-related disruptions. Travel delays, cancellations, and even sudden changes in weather are becoming more common. And with that, insurance companies are adjusting the way they cover and price travel risks.
One major issue is the growing number of natural disasters—like floods, wildfires, and typhoons—that are hitting countries more often and with more intensity. These events don’t just ruin holidays. They also lead to major costs for insurers. Travelers stuck at airports, or those forced to cancel their trips due to disaster warnings, are increasingly filing insurance claims.
Because of this trend, travel insurance providers are reviewing how they offer coverage. Some are using new technology to track climate trends. Others are rewriting their policies to better explain what is and isn’t covered. This is especially important as weather becomes harder to predict and more dangerous for people on the move.
Turbulence in the Skies Becomes a Bigger Threat
While storms and floods are one problem on the ground, another worrying trend is shaking things up in the air—literally. A type of invisible turbulence, called clear-air turbulence (CAT), is becoming more frequent. This kind of air bump happens high up in the sky, without any warning signs like clouds or storms. Pilots can’t see it coming, and even the radar on airplanes can’t detect it.
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Climate scientists say CAT is increasing because the temperature difference between warm and cold air masses is getting more extreme. This sharp contrast creates powerful air currents that can suddenly toss an aircraft around. For passengers, this can feel like a rollercoaster ride—with no warning.
This sudden shaking in the sky has already caused injuries on some flights and is a growing concern for both airlines and insurance providers. As CAT becomes more common, travel insurance claims related to in-flight injuries and disruptions are expected to rise even more.
To deal with this, insurers are turning to advanced data tools. By using satellite images, artificial intelligence, and climate models, they can better understand where and when turbulence might hit. This helps them set fair prices for insurance and prepare for future claims more accurately.
Insurance Companies Rethink Policies and Risk Models
Because climate change is making weather and flying conditions more unpredictable, insurance companies are changing how they work. They’re not just relying on old data anymore. Instead, they’re mixing in new technology and fresh science to better understand the changing world.
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Many insurers in the APAC region are now using real-time climate data and machine learning to improve how they decide who to cover and at what cost. This is important for keeping insurance affordable while still offering strong protection to travelers.
Another big change is happening in how policies are written. Insurers are now reviewing what they cover and what they exclude. This means some plans may no longer cover certain types of extreme weather, while others may add new benefits for things like trip changes caused by climate-related issues.
Insurance companies also want to make sure travelers know exactly what their plans include. Clear explanations and better communication are now seen as a must, especially in a world where a sunny day can quickly turn into a disaster.
By updating their underwriting models and improving risk assessments, insurers hope to balance business needs with customer protection. As more travelers face delays, turbulence, and extreme weather, the demand for strong, clear, and flexible travel insurance will continue to grow.