For Affected Customers of WorldTrips
If you have already experienced a loss covered by your policy, please login to Member Portal and complete the necessary claim forms.
If you need help locating a medical provider or you need travel assistance services offered under your plan, please call our customer service line at 1-800-605-2282.
If you are in the path of Tropical Storm Dorian but have not yet experienced any loss or injury, please heed the advice below and the instructions of the local authorities.
Tropical Storm Dorian Information
The National Hurricane Center indicates that Tropical Storm Dorian has gained some strength as forecasted, as the storm approaches Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Wednesday August 28.
As of 08:00 AM EST, the storm was approximately 60 miles southeast of St. Croix, moving at about 13 miles per hour (20 km/hr) with maximum winds at about 60 mph.
The storm is expected to pass over Puerto Rico and the U.S. British Virgin Islands, likely reaching the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night. The storm is expected to reach near-hurricane strength, with expected rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches. Isolated pockets of up to 10 inches can be expected. Flooding conditions, landslides, power outages, and structural damage may be possible in impacted areas.
- The White House has approved an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico, allowing federal assistance to help local response efforts stemming from Tropical Storm Dorian.
- Power will NOT be cut in Puerto Rico ahead of Dorian. The territory’s power utility CEO has publicly reaffirmed that main transmission lines are more resilient and predicts the system will withstand the storm.
Dorian is forecasted to move to the east of the Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas on Thursday, and to the east of the central and northwestern Bahamas on Friday and Saturday. High winds and increased rainfall are likely in these areas.
Dorian has the potential to make landfall in Florida as a Category 2 hurricane by Sunday or Monday. However, there is still uncertainty in the forecasts.
The following watches and warnings were in place as of 9:00am EST Wednesday August 28:
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
- Puerto Rico
- Vieques
- Culebra
- S. Virgin Islands
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
- Puerto Rico
- Vieques
- Culebra
- S. Virgin Islands
- British Virgin Islands
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
- Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to Samana
For Travelers in the Affected Areas:
- Heed all instructions, advice, and orders issued by local authorities.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
- Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
- Many communities have a text or email-based alert system for notifications in case of an emergency. Check to see if the area you are traveling in has this service.
- Know how to stay informed: whether through local contacts, the local news or an alert system.
- If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately, but be sure to tell someone, such as your program administrator, where you are going and when you have safely arrived.
- If not in an area being recommended for evacuation, plan to shelter in place and alert emergency contacts of where you will be.
- Ensure that communication devices are fully charged and restrict any calls, when possible, for emergency use only.
- Plan how to communicate if you lose power. During disasters, sending text messages is usually more reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
- Be advised that local services, including communications, medical, security and basic supplies may be disrupted and potentially difficult to access. Contingency protocols to employ following a major natural disaster should be executed.
- Local public and private transportation options may be overwhelmed or even completely unavailable. Work with local contacts to ensure adequate and secure transport options are available once movement from your location is feasible.
